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.

Named for the Norse shield, Svalinn's whole life has been about protecting. She is known far and wide for the fact that all the eggs she has guarded have hatched. It's an impressive record considering Svalinn loves to guard the most high profile eggs. It's not out of the ordinary for her to have to fight off rival dragons from the nest she protects, but she loves it that way. Even though her whole being and species is about guarding, Svalinn loves to fight. She has learned to use her tail as both a shield and weapon. She loves to imagine herself a fierce and proud warrior, a Guardian dragon with a Black dragon's soul. Pretending it is her most tedious duty, Svalinn grudgingly turns the eggs over more carefully than their own mother. She loves to fight, but also loves the eggs. Surprisingly when the days just seem to waft by, Svalinn thinks back to all the eggs she has protected, rather than all her fights and battles.