Caligene Dragons have long been considered omens of death—reinforced by the skeletal markings on their bodies. They exert a malignant force on the world around them, causing other living things to slowly waste away in their presence. Caligenes favor the seasons of summer and autumn, disappearing entirely from the forests they inhabit during winter and spring. These malevolent dragons are physically weak, though this is countered by their natural stealthiness and alarming speed—enabling them to close in on large targets quickly and silently to create ambushes from which prey cannot escape.

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.

Crucified Archivist works at the Juliett Third Depository, where she puts things in order and keeps the environment suitable for long-term storage of paper goods. Her real name is complicated and contains a curse, so the scruffy owner of the facility said to her that if she doesn't mind, she will receive an easier-to-remember nickname. The boss thought the most appropriate descriptor was "crucified", so she became Crucified Archivist. To her confusion, her workmates say that "crucified" is perfect for her. They can't explain why. Whenever Crucified Archivist introduces herself to new visitors as such, they also say that the name, the Crucified part, suits her well. They can't explain why.