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.

Hundreds of years ago, a quaint little church was built in a quiet little town. Upon the church's completion, a young dragon was sacrificed and buried beneath its altar. The reason for this is unknown; perhaps the people thought it would bring them fortune or guidance. Perhaps it was meant to protect them. In the end, the intention didn't matter, for their fate had already been sealed. It came for them that night.

Later, a young traveler stumbled upon the village. The buildings looked the same, humble and wooden, but the people themselves seemed to have vanished. The only sign of them he could find was a hastily scribbled note sitting on a table:

THE KIRK GRIM WATCHES

The frightened traveler left it where it was. Upon going back outside, he made another odd observation; the plants around the church had withered and died. The traveler, curious, approached the ramshackle building and peered through the cracked glass windows. Four baleful red eyes peered back.

He never had time to scream.