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.

Zalequinn is far and away the most powerful dragon in the Marble Cup Cavern. Quiet, broody, and terrifyingly focused, he controls his own sub-clan of guardians. He is determined to be the only male adult guardian, and of those hatchlings that gender male, only 2 have slipped through the cracks. One is his son, and even Zale is not so callous as to kill his own child.

None in his clan can stand in his way once he sets his mind to destroying them. However, true to his nature, he generally stands up for the underdog, protecting the weak and the good and the innocent. But woe betide anyone who he believes to be none of these things. He is not known for his mercy.