Dragons are creatures with nearly unlimited life spans. They can survive for long periods of time, and no one has found a dragon that has died of old age. Adolescence 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. Once they hit adolescence, hatchlings change quickly, maturing to their full forms in only 2 years.

Dragons don't communicate with each other verbally, but they will growl to scare off predators and frighten prey. Young dragons will emit an extremely high-pitched squeal when they are frightened. To communicate, they use telepathy with each other and to speak to other creatures.

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.

Dgaar Shadek, literally "Wise Magical Creature," was given his name upon becoming an adult, like all those in his brood. However, his silence during hatchling stage (that seemed to promise deep thoughts occurring within his small head at the time) was instead result of the fact he only learned to talk after growing up- as the cavekeeper learned to her cost.

But the harm was done, for the name of a dragon is irreversible and irrevocable.

The butt of many jokes, he grew up alongside his broodmates Shasta-Shkann and Solinia'ria. As the only male in the group, he was lonely. And, unlike the cavekeeper, his sisters immideately realized he was far from bright and teased him endlessly.

However (trained in part by his older sister, Kzaar Me'drek) Dgaar Shadek discovered he had considerable fighting skill.

So at last he was able to live up to the title of Guardian Dragon by using, not cunning, but strength to protect the younger hatchlings.

He remains in his cave of birth to this day.