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.

Arbeisa's story was a sad beginning. When she hatched, she would never eat. This caused her to starve, and almost ended her. Luckily, Some of the nearest young dragons would help introduce her to food. When she matured, she became angry at those who would tease her. The ones who teased her were spoiled, wild dragons. She invited her clan to attack them so they would stop teasing her.