Guardian Dragons have large shields on the end of their tails. Although the shields appear to be heavy, they are light, yet nearly unbreakable. Guardian Dragons use their tail-shields, as well as their wings, to deflect attacks and protect others. Often, they will guard the eggs and hatchlings of a nest while others are away. They are generally peaceful, and will not retaliate unless necessary. They have no need to forage or hunt, as they are fed by those they protect.

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.

Havrikal is one of a trio of guardian dragons who have forgone the traditional role of guarding just one weyr in order to become traveling bodyguards to any dragon who needs aid.  She's the most unpredictable of the three, as likely to throw a situation into chaos as to resolve it smoothly, and has created many headaches for leader Daiar.  That being said, her talent for mayhem has gotten the trio out of many a tight situation, so the others are careful not to grumble too much or too loudly.