Dorsal Dragons are so named because they have large fins along their backs that can be raised and lowered at will. They use these fins to regulate body temperature; they raise them to cool off when they become overheated. The bright colors on the fins double as a means of attracting mates.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

A human girl named Flight was given Azyro's egg by Frilldian, Azyro's mother, so that Flight could take care of Azyro the same way she took care of his parents. Growing up in a large cave near the Lake of Elgar, hidden within the mountains, Azyro was the "fun-loving" hatchling out of the three hatchlings Flight cared for. He spent much of his time thinking up schemes to increase what he called the "fun-level" of the cave. His brother, an Ultraviolet named Argemt, often accompanied him during his scheming, though only to keep an eye on him. Often Azyro's foolish schemes ended up in Flight scolding the brothers while their sister, a Waverunner named Aketro, giggled in the background. Throughout their childhood and into their adulthood, Azyro and Argemt argued constantly, but no one could say that the two didn't have a strong bond, despite their different personalities. Argemt now lives in the desert but Azyro looks forward to his brother's annual visits, despite what he tells others.