Veiled by brilliant flames, an Astaarus Dragon is a marvel to behold. They are found only upon the peaks of the highest mountain ranges. They dedicate their time to stellar observation, absorbing light in the process and storing it in the form of shimmering crystals. The flames cloaking an Astaarus are significant: the heat warms their bearer in the frigid conditions of the mountains, and females use their more fervent flames to keep their young warm. The combustion of an Astaarus hatchling is a momentous occasion, celebrated as their entry into adulthood. During mating season, it is not uncommon to see male Astaari sweeping like stars across the sky in playful chase of their prospective 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.

Seginus is the troublemaker of the family, and that title isn't always stated fondly by others in District Victor. It's speculated that he developed some bad habits and unseemly behavior because he was raised in a large cavehold with some high achievers, and after peaceful childhood and adolescent years, he is finally rebelling. The astaarus named Aldebaran, who was governor for 17 years, published more essays and articles than there are stars on her wings, and developed a subclass of alkali-fire spells, is the pride of District Victor. Seginus is her second cousin once removed. They aren't actually one generation apart, but Seginus is called such because during a visit at the gubernatorial hall, he was "once removed" from the premises for hiding a fish in the rafters and spreading wax on the floors. He's pretty pleased with that title.