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.

Firefin is one of Phoenix's dragons. He is a pretty good-natured dragon, although he keeps an unfeeling attitude for the most part. He often fights with Violetback, a purple dorsal dragon, and they probably would come to very costly blows if Phoenix didn't intervene. Once, when Firefin was a hatchling, he ignited the dorsal fin on his back by accident - this was where he got his name. He stays far away from fire now and is scared to death of it. He is also especially attracted to Crystalhiss, a pretty geode dragon, and he's always attempting to impress her. She doesn't have much interest in him, though, much to his disappointment.