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.

The Braid, a collective of dragons dedicated to making the world a better and safer place, got its name from its three interwoven goals of prevention, preservation, and restoration. The pragmatic dragons of the Preservation Strand help pick up the pieces and prevent further loss after disaster strikes, but recognize that not all that was lost can be recovered. Emgren is adept at stopping complete disasters—keeping a crumbling dwelling from collapsing the rest of the way until everyone is out, for example, or stopping a nest of eggs from being swept off a cliff—but not so good at restoring what was lost. She's usually first on the scene after a disaster strikes, paving the way for the Restoration Strand.