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.

Emesis was raised alongside his older sister Enema, and since they're close in age, they did nearly everything together. As adults, they're not so similar and live far from each other and their parents, but Emesis still welcomes Enema for a visit in his Triumph Hills home. When she does, about thrice a year, they stay in his cave, sharing news and drinking tuber soup. He doesn't get many visits from magically capable beings, and he's glad his sister is totally comfortable in his presence. Emesis is embarrassed by his name, which was chosen because it sounded attractive, and his mother, father, and uncle didn't know better. Since Enema kept hers without changing or favoring an alias, he feels inclined to follow suit.