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.

Purple Dorsal Wing has huge wings on her back that look a dolphin's dorsal fin. Her glowing red eyes make her able to see when the night sky takes over the land. Purple Dorsal Wing is considered evil in her clan, for she only got herself into nothing but trouble when she was young. All the hatchlings are taught to stay away from her, as she could easily hurt or kill a hatchling.