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.

Nicraly is one of Phoenix's dragons. She is named after a compound called Nicraly, which is put in steel to make it strong. She is as tough as steel, too, which is why no dragon in his right mind wants to mess with her. Her mate is Steelclaw, the only dragon who wasn't and still isn't afraid of her. Nicraly spends her days devoted to the guarding of Phoenex's eggs and hatchlings. She rarely closes her steely eyes, and she has fended off many intruders.