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.

Xenotangle Weyr, known informally as the Tangle, is the creation of two enthusiastic mageias, one reluctant staterae, and one grumpy and long-suffering umbra. At the Tangle, xenowyrms of all types can find a community dedicated to preserving and passing on knowledge.

Wywan, nearly the sole survivor of his birth weyr, sought the Tangle's advice on ways to keep his new weyr safe. Despite being an amiable dragon with just the sort of question the Tangle was designed to answer, Wywan spent years as the resident headache. There was just no good way to bring an aquatic dragon into a weyr that was primarily mageias without someone getting hurt. Aioan, the weyr's resident artificer and honorary wyrm, had to invent a whole new method of long-distance scrying so that Wywan could consult with the Tangle's librarians and browse the library's eclectic collection without having to leave his ocean home.