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.

Haratar is a playful creature who loves nothing better than a good romp in the long grass with his friends or a high-speed chase through the clouds. An incurable optimist, he sees the good side of every situation, as well as every dragon. He finds things to compliment, no matter how unsociable or unloved the other might be, and this invariably wins him friends. He also takes his relationships very seriously, though this is not apparent at first glance. Friendship and love are for life, as far as he's concerned and he would quite happily suffer great pain in order to help or protect those he cares about. Though very different from his kinswoman Nathura, they have a close bond forged on mutual respect and the strength of their common mission.