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.

Selmbrina works closely alongside her mate Banecurran, another guardian, in protecting the hunting parties as they go out to find food. Due to several hunting accidents involving strange dragon-killing creatures and the occasional foolish human dragonslayer (in addition to stone Zahth's undying pride for his position as cave protector) the two Guardians protect the Mayfly Cave dragons when they go outside the cave. But, the two have many differences. Banecurran is full of hubris and even jealousy, feeling as though the dragons owe him something more than his daily meals, but Selmbrina is calmer and quite modest, constantly telling Bane that it's only their duty to protect, as other dragons have duties like hunting and healing and magic.