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.

Myrvek, the leader of Ironoak Weyr, exemplifies the weyr's ideals of tradition and dignity.  Dragons must never be allowed to forget their proud past, she believes, and must behave at all times with the dignity and solemnity appropriate to such noble creatures.  Fun is largely a foreign concept to Myrvek—hatchlings play, certainly, and adult dragons may smile a little if the occasion calls for it, but levity in those old enough to know better is strictly frowned upon.  Myrvek gave up directly enforcing her standards on each individual dragon many years back, recognizing how inefficient this was, and now just insists that higher-ranking dragons lead by example.  Though less unpopular than one might suspect, Myrvek does have plenty of opponents who feel her standards are too strict, and some are prepared to be quite clever indeed about seeking to bring about change.