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.

Unlike most members of the Mac Shoogle clan, Sabhail doesn't live in the clan's cave in the Scottish Highlands. Instead she lives in a tiny farm down in a valley which belongs to a human called Mirhana. At night the great dragon sleeps in one of the barns next to Mirhana's cottage, along with the cattle and chickens. By day, she looks after the human and her livestock, keeping them safe from robbers or hungry Black dragons raiding the countryside. For some reason she prefers to stay with the young woman rather than seeking the companionship of her own kind, helping Mirhana to raise the dragon-eggs and hatchlings she collects on her travels or gets through trades. Sabhail has to hunt for herself, as no other dragon brings her food and Mirhana's croft can't sustain a dragon her size. During harsh winters however, when she's been unable to find food she will fly up to her family's home and join the meals there, the few occasions her clan gets to welcome her back.