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.

Kaoru decided that since she lived near a dangerous town where Knights of low standards often drank, she would need a dragon to guard her younger hatchlings while she was away from her house. The opportunity quickly came as someone tossed a Guardian Dragon egg out of their cave without a second glance. Kaoru didn't have to scramble for it; nobody wanted a common Guardian, and so she walked up to it and picked it up. She examined it; it still looked healthy, though it had been tossed roughly, and so she took it home.

'Shield' was the result of her choice. As a hatchling, he was quiet and fairly obedient, guarding the others and listening to them communicate and play. However, his protective instincts took over as he matured, and now he's slightly stubborn about doing what he doesn't want to.

Shield likes Kaoru well enough but sees her as a 'pet'; someone to be protected, but not really listened to. He is quiet and sometimes obedient, but usually stubborn.