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.

Violetback is one of Phoenix's dragons. She is a very nasty and sarcastic dragon who finds much enjoyment in pointing out colorful jibes at anyone and everyone. She never misses a chance to bruise feelings, and rarely reveals emotions of pain, sorrow, fear, or anything that would give an enemy something to pick on. Violetback is always bickering with Night-Talon, a black dragon with insult-skills that are just as imaginative but never quite strike home. The two of them have a long lasting rivalry with each other, but neither can seem to get the upper hand over the other.