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.

Shield Vanguard is a member of the Vanguard dragon family, a small but proud clan of dragons living near the Volcano area,avoiding human contact. The clan used to be much larger and their influence greater, but have since diminished. Shield and her sister, Ax, are two of the last Vanguards. They still remain on their family's territory, as they have nowhere else really to go.

Shield is rather shy and soft-spoken for a Guardian Dragon, though no less protective. She hates seeing other dragons (or anything really) get hurt, so she always goes out of her way to defend others. She has dreams of having hatchlings, wanting nothing more than to have something of her very own to protect, aside from her sister (who really defends her instead). However, her shy nature prevents her from flying off and finding a mate.