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.

Atakoraka, better known as Atacora, is a skilled illusionist, having earned the praise of the neighboring Winter Golden Wyvern Clan. She can even change her perceived temperature so her flames don't interfere with the picture she creates. She had always been interested in her neighbors' abilities to make convincing magical images, and she spent years practicing spells and tricks by herself. Atacora would be more feared for her illusions if she had taken any time to learn to act. Master of Disguise, Disaster of an Actor, the other astaari call her. Her performances are always loud and emotive, and she botched her only infiltration job by not changing her voice and by talking about things her impersonation target wouldn't have known. When Atacora met her granddad again one autumn, she was able to show off what she knew about disguises. He was enthralled and impressed with this apparent shapeshifting skill but also deeply disappointed that she didn't bother to learn any vocal mimicry.