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.

Staunch Defender is the main guard of his master's cave.  He is very versatile and flexible, able to simultaneously protect hatchlings with one wing, eggs with the other, and even an adult dragon or two with the large shield on his tail.  Being the second dragon of his master, and therefore the one with the most fighting experience (for Gaius, his predecessor by age, took up cave maintenance), Staunch Defender is the one teaching hatchlings and newly matured adult dragons how to defend themselves in a fight.

Staunch Defender's skills with his tail are second to none; he is capable of cleaving enemies, human or dragon, clean in two with his shield if it is necessary for the protection of the dragons he has sworn to protect.