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.

Jennette is a loner, but she also enjoys getting her back fins scratched. This presents a problem: she dislikes the company of others, but she cannot reach behind herself very well. One day, her problem was solved for her—she wandered out of her jungle territory in a desipis-induced haze and came upon a rubbish pile not too far from a human settlement. After sleeping and recovering for a half-day, Jennette looked around a little and found what would soon become her best friend: a long, wooden back scratcher. On one hand, Jennette's new living space is the dump because she has no idea how to get home, but on the other hand, she doesn't need anybody anymore because she has a back scratcher.