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.

Sgiath is fiercely defensive over his beautiful wife and offspring. He will storm out of his cave in a menacing way towards anything and anyone he believes to be a threat to his family. At the end of his muscular tail is a shield big enough to cover the entrance of the cave, blocking it completely for malicious visitors. It is this tail-shield that has earned him his name, Sgiath, or Shield. He uses it not only for protection from real threats but for imaginary ones as well—his mate Sgiamh is terrified of mice, and will hide behind Sgiath whenever she (things she) sees one. Sgiath doesn't mind though, he likes the way she curls up to him and regards him as her hero.