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.

Renee Beginning is a Dorsal dragon who excels at teaching dragons weird skills. Long tired of how overlooked common dragons were, she wondered if acquiring new skills would attract attention. Each night she dreams that a mighty Red dragon might come and steal her heart. As of now, she is a comedian. Her many tricks attract attention from her clan and whenever someone is feeling down, they often look to her to tell a joke. When she is sick, she snaps at Pygmies, roars at Stone dragons, and fights with Purple dragons. When she's angry, she flies far away. Often it takes a few weeks for her to let go of grudges and come back. While she's gone, the mood of the entire cave drops, often resulting in other snappy and grumpy dragons. No one knows where she goes when she's angry. Although other dragons wish she could be found, many suspect she never goes to the same place twice. Occasionally other dragons find caves with claw marks covering them and suspect that's where Renee has gone before.