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.

Taboo is an orphan dragon who has led a nomadic life, shunned from many caves due to her breed's ability and named cruelly for her circumstance. She is welcomed by her new clan, even taken under the matriarch's wing, for the very reason she was chased from others. No one is exempt from a Cassare's deadening field. Her abilities are viewed by her new cavemate's as a method of keeping Serenity, a sinister presence in the cave, in check. While this grants Taboo a community to live in, it also means living in the cross hairs of very complicated and dangerous cave politics. Serenity and her viciously loyal companion Demona view her as a threat. Taboo has placed a damper on Serenity's agenda and her close relationship with Demona's foster, Goliath, has created a rift between the two Nocturne dragons.