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.

Mountweazel is a painter and fountain designer. She is known for her documentation of cemeteries and rural mailboxes and her series of South Sierra Miwok drawings. She was born in a system of caves called Bangs, a location unknown to all but a few individuals. While on assignment for a periodical about combustibles, she was caught up in an explosion and died.

That's how the story goes, anyway. In reality, Mountweazel is a writer and researcher in a reference materials publishing group. She suggested placing fake entries in order to trap rival publishers who dare to copy the group's work. At first, some group members, particularly the humans, were doubtful of this ploy. After some deliberation, everyone agreed to try it, with Mountweazel writing the fictitious entries, among them an odd biography about herself in the third edition of their encyclopedia. Many years and editions later, the group has caught a few cheaters copying their books, so they're very pleased with her little idea.