Vampire Dragons are members of the undead. They sustain themselves by drinking the blood of others. It is said that they are only “alive” at night, and seem dead or asleep during the day, as they cannot endure sunlight for long periods of time. Vampire Dragons can only reproduce by changing the eggs of other dragons, puncturing the shell with their fangs and injecting venom that kills the baby inside.

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.

An adverse venom reaction leaving him especially susceptible to pain, Crucifixion pays a daily penance (or so he thinks) for his vampiric state. No one knows what vampire turned him, but whoever it was serves as a focus for Ruc's hatred. Unlike his on-and-off friend Cruelty, who delights in her strength and stigma, Ruc resents being expected to turn other eggs for a "collection" and rejects attempts by other clan members to befriend him. They aren't the most compassionate group around; however, the rarity of his condition drives the more, ah, inspired dragons to experiment on him. (Some of the cures hurt worse that the affliction itself!) His life thus centers around two things—mistrust of others and disgust at himself. Given the lifespan of dragons, it'll be a long, long penance he suffers through.