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.

Dradione is the eldest Guardian of the Qays clan and is therefore the leader of the Qays Guard, the defense of the clan's territory. She might be the leader, but she closely relies on Drafeinde to help her patrol the large area of the clan's territory and respond to any disturbances.

The Guard is made up of Guardians who defend the territory from intruders and stones--both adults and hatchlings--who stand sentry, pretending to be part of the landscape, and alert the Guardians to any danger so they can respond to it. The Guard also works with the hunting parties to locate prey and let them know where to go to more efficiently make the kills necessary to feed the clan.