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.

Taken in when left out in the cold by her dragon mother, Kristau grew up with her egg-brothers Andulvar, Airenar and Andemonar and her egg-sister Shentau. Anhoffter and Brydiau (parents to her egg-brother Andemonar) and Achubiaeth and Chwithau (parents to her egg-brother Andulvar) occupy the positions of uncles and aunts. Although she has no memory of any other clan matriarch but Zyrieen, she maintains the fiercely protective nature of her race, and will never allow her family to come to harm when she can protect them. She specialises in defense, and leads the defenders under the umbrella military leadership of Achubiaeth and Anhoffter. She is mated to Arunar, who shares her passion for defending the clan.