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.

Niharia's weyr is in the northern reaches of the Steppecliffs, on the east side. Because of the mountain range, along with the Drowned Mountains to the north, the cliff into the Southsea to the south, and the dangerous Sunbeam Wood to the east, her cavern and the plain of Mistshire Valley (which is not really a valley)is isolated from the rest of the world.

Niharia runs a daycare for Mistshire Village, and is always willing to help out her community. She has watched the farming village, and the people have cared for her in return over the centuries. Niharia loves caring for children and watching as they fade into older walks of life and continuing the flows of mortal life but has never sought a mate.

Niharia's best friend can also be found in the area, a black with Peter Pan Syndrome named Dakari. They have known each other since they were wyrmlings, and the two know many secrets that elsewhere have been lost to wars and time.