Cassare Dragons are known for their magic-deadening abilities. Though not a conscious ability, a large field surrounds the dragon through which magic is passively nullified. This field is strongest near the dragon itself, and falls off with distance. The absence of magic often makes other creatures avoid them, though some will have the opposite reaction and seek refuge instead. It has also caused them to be hunted, as though the field is severely weakened once dead, their bones and scales retain some of the effect. Possessing such an item is considered a necessity by those who expect to face hostile magic.

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.

Zyq was raised by an uncaring father, whose emotions had been destroyed by his relationship with her mother. Zifs hardly comprehended her erratic emotions, simply watching impassively as she would fell trees and smash rocks until she was too tired and her rage was spent. When she grew old enough to leave her father's much more potent antimagic, the destruction she inherited from her mother became much more potent. As well as weakening magic, objects are more fragile when Zyq is around.

Sometimes, Zyq wishes she could find her mother and ask why she did such a thing. Other times she fears meeting her, afraid of what might happen. Regardless, she has earned a name as a bringer of bad luck and travels often, hoping to avoid being hunted down for shattered vases and the snapping of frayed ropes that would have held had she not walked by. She is torn between wanting friends and protecting them from her ill fortune. Her unstable emotions make it difficult to feel comfortable befriending her.