Grave Dragons are not named for their connections to death or burial, but for the grave expression on their faces. This strange expression is used as a defense mechanism that causes fits of panic and terror in potential predators. Since they only eat ash and charcoal, they do not hunt. Grave Dragons are powerful fire-breathers and have been known to burn down forests and villages alike to make meals. It is believed that the markings on each Grave Dragon’s wings are the faces of those who have lost their lives in fires started by that dragon.

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.

Necrologist compiles and posts obituary notices and lists at settlements in and around Sierra Valley. The rules for postings depend on locality and notability of individuals. The Sierra Sequent, the agency that hired him, likes his ability to remember things and write quickly. His higher-ups keep close tabs on him and regard the indiscriminately destructive behavior of grave dragons with distaste. Necrologist assures everyone that he doesn't ignite things! ... very often. He eats from ovens and other places with controlled fires, but very rarely, he can't help himself and will set alight something bigger. Whenever people die in a fire of his making, the necrology is written in brown ink and says they died of natural causes. The inevitable complaints to the Sequent accuse Necrologist of lying about "natural causes", saying things like, "You incinerated this building while they were in it!", to which he responds, "So, naturally, they died". Then he is disciplined for committing arson.