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 a different type of mana, making them powerful magic users. Thalassas are a unique variety of Xenowyrm in that they are the only subspecies known to dwell in marine environments. Their porous skin and slender build are perfectly suited for the aquatic terrain, but they can only survive for short periods of time on land. Powerful users of water magic, they can create large waves and alter currents with a simple thought.

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.

Murzarba is the latest in her family to guard Dragonhaven Island. Thanks to an error in navigation early on, the islands her family guards aren't even within a week's swim of Dragonhaven Island, but Murzarba has never minded that her job consists of nothing more strenuous than mitigating bad storms. Given the family stories, she suspects her job would otherwise have been to keep the rest of the world safe from the island, instead of the other way around.