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.

Z'iya's parents, whoever they were, abandoned him as an egg near the outskirts of Shadowcharm territory, where he was found by Kagetsuya and brought to the clan caves. Grateful to his adoptive clan for taking him in, he is absolutely loyal to them and will defend them and their land to his last breath. When he is not attending to his guardian duties, he is often found studying the various texts Kagetsuya brings from time to time. A dragon of few words, many find him quite unapproachable. Among those who claim otherwise are the self-proclaimed twins Amintera and Mikala, who have claimed him as their older brother, the clan hatchlings, and L'fiel, his lifemate.