Perhaps among the most venerated of dragon breeds is the Zyumorph, a breed whose selfless heroism and strong moral compass are nearly unparalleled by other dragons. Zyumorphs have an innate urge to fend off wrongdoing, and as such, are often sought after in times of peril. Although they are independently quite capable fighters, it is said that their true might is not unlocked until all six Zyumorphs are brought together in times of great duress.

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.

So far outside the boundaries of Galsreim that the Goldenmage Assembly is as much a myth to them as they would be to the school's researchers, the Seven Guardians do their part to make Valkemare a little safer. Nightmare's Promise is proof that good doesn't always mean nice. Her former mountain home was no place for the wicked, and not just because of the frequent avalanches. Though she now mainly limits herself to using shadow magic to sneak up on self-impressed petitioners, potential threats, and the merely unwary, she, not Heart of the Unconquered Flame, is the one chosen to deal with especially dangerous enemies. She's known as Witchlight for a reason, as she uses shadow magic to play with her opponent's perceptions more often than she uses brute force to stop them. Nightmare's Promise does have a soft spot for younglings, especially orphans or those who have been failed by their weyr, which may explain why she was the first of the seven to adopt a child.