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.

Fionna is a very reserved dragon with a very noble personality. Very maternal, she often shelters hatchlings and smaller dragons in the shade of her fin, which has resulted in a very mothering relationship with the pygmy Capriccio and little Bryony. She loves to offer advise and when it comes to males she can be rather coy, using her fin to fan and hide her face much like a geisha.