In Chanelcrest, humans are treated as lesser beings than reavers — they lack the strength, wealth, and abilities that grant social standing. Most survive by entering servitude. The most common form of entertainment is arena combat, with human fighters called Harlequins controlled by reaver Ringmasters. Lilith Hall is a training facility where girls are raised from birth with no names and no purpose other than to become a Harlequin for whichever Ringmaster eventually claims them.