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.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons 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. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

Though Thaman has all the normal protective instincts of a Guardian Dragon, he discovered early that he really didn't care to be around hatchlings all that much. Additionally, under Januset's care and with the placement of the brooding grounds in the weyr there really wasn't any need for another guardian over the eggs and hatchlings. Therefore, instead of guarding the brooding ground, Thaman has turned his protective abilities and magics to acting a a bodyguard to dragons who travel beyond the confines of the weyr's territory. Most of the time this is Barb, but he also accompanies Argentorus on his diplomatic missions.