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.

King's Wit is the equivalent of a jester in Alethkar's kingdom, though instead of making corny puns or juggling, his job is to mock as many other dragons as he can. He goes about his work with a sadistic glee, targeting whatever hapless creatures he can find, be they dragon, human or animal. The Cassare is extraordinarily intelligent and often seems to know things he shouldn't, especially about his favorite target, Lighteyed. The magi has tried countless times to dispose of Wit, though nothing has even come close to succeeding. Some dragons are convinced the Cassare is immortal.

When he isn't taunting others or angering Lighteyed, Wit leaves the court on what he refers to as "walks." No one knows where he goes, and every attempt to track him has ended in failure. When confronted about his mysterious absences, he always finds a way to dance around the subject.