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.

Red from Purple lives in a system of caves, treehouses, and wood-and-brick houses where denizens have nearly perfected all processes related to basic resource gathering, so food and other always-needed items are plentiful. As a child, she was regarded with curiosity for her red coloration, a bright shade that nobody in the System had seen before. She developed an interest in coloring agents, from makeup to clothing dye, and after many years of travel and study, she was able to turn the interest into a job. Red from Purple values safety: if any substance is found to be harmful in medium-to-large doses, she and her assistants vet any buyers, observing their history and disposition, and reject those who don't pass her stringent requirements. Although she has knowledge of a great many substances, how different items interact with each other (or don't), and color theory, some dragons are surprised that she doesn't paint as a hobby. She prefers rappelling and watching ball games.