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.

Summer in the land of Graystone Castle are usually very hot. This summer was no exception, which brought the young heirs of Graystone to play in the shade of the tall oak trees at the base of the waterfall, south of the castle. Behind the falls, the inquisitive youth found a large cave. They found within it a single beautiful blue egg that looked as if bore the mark of a shield. They brought it to their father the king, who in turn gave it to the dragon matron, Shalandar Gray. When the egg hatched, Shalandar was greatly relieved to see a lovely guardian hatchling. She named her Riona Gray and looked forward to the day that this little one would relieve her of the duties of watching over any new mischievous hatchlings that might arrive in Graystone, for that is what guardian dragons do best.