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.

Skullcap Revenga is a close companion to his fellow Alpha Male, Amanita. Although not as skilled, he envies the other Caligene's knowledge and abilities. In an effort to try to gain both for himself, Skullcap has set himself up as Amanita's

apprentice, assistant, and gofer. Although both are of equal rank among the other Caligenes, when they are alone together they are master and student. Other than Rotspore, Skullcap is the Revenga who most often leaves Breedery territory, as Amanita sends him to retrieve this or that obscure plant or substance. Lean and rangy from all his travel, Skullcap has learned a lot of patience on these missions, developing discipline from long days away from home in pursuit of a goal. At home with his tribe, he tends to watch and listen, collecting information for future use. No one wants him to overhear their secrets. He doesn't forget anything, nor does he hesitate to use what he knows to his advantage.