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.

Engwald's school has no classrooms, books, or other teachers—only one temperamental mageia xenowyrm. That, however, is more than enough. Only the best and the brightest even dare fight their way across the desert to the small oasis where she lives, knowing full well that they will most likely be turned away. The few Engwald accepts will be taught some portion of her vast knowledge, but only once they have proven that they have new knowledge of equal value to share with her in return. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to what she deems worth knowledge, as she will accept cutting-edge fire magic research one day, but the next will pass over the leading researcher in time magic to accept a mere storyteller.