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.

Most of the time, all dragons in the cave agree that Sysiphus hasn't got a self-preservation instinct. He's a brave dragon that has taken upon himself to protect the younger of the clan, and even the whole clan itself when he can, never complaining and always trying to help everyone with everything. He doesn't like fighting, and never starts a fight himself; however, he'll take on bigger and stronger opponents to help his fellow dragons, winning most of the time.

His biggest flaw is that he blames himself of everything, even when it clearly wasn't his fault, and, by constantly trying to help everyone, he never takes proper care of himself. He'd even gladly have a broken wing if that meant a hatchling would be spared of a minor injury, and say it isn't that much. And then apologize when a white dragon, probably Anngelus, forces him to be treated.