Originating from a single species that thrived in ancient times, Xenowyrms have become an incredibly diverse breed whose appearances vary depending on their habitats. Each Xenowyrm subspecies is heavily reliant on the power of different types of mana, making them powerful magic users. Mageia, found exclusively in desert regions, are thought to be the wisest Xenowyrm subspecies. Due to their knowledge of the magi element, they are able to cast a variety of magics, including teleportation. Their beautiful yellow scutes are reflective and smooth like glass, making them very valuable to collectors.

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.

Norinay comes from a long line of librarians. She felt obligated to continue the family tradition, but didn't really want to work at the Tangle with her family. Libraries capable of accommodating serpentine xenowyrms were hard to find, but she finally found a job at the Crystalfire Assembly. Norinay's dream is to find a way for a desert-adapted mageia to live comfortably on Dragonhaven Island, because organizing their library would be a lifetime's work and a librarian's dream.