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.

Ilmarin the Shield has a graceful name but a rough nature. She is wry, playful and rambunctious, delighting in play-fighting with her fellows. In keeping with her kind, however, she never seeks true fights, but rather stands guard over young ones of her clan or those less able to defend themselves, such as the mints. In times of peace she sometimes joins forces with Tsukii, Kuluvi and Mahanaxar, three other members of her clan, in spreading mischief.