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.

Ax 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. Ax and her sister, Shield, are two of the last Vanguards. They still remain on their family's territory, as they have nowhere else really to go.

Ax is the more bold sibling and is significantly stronger than Shield. While she does retain her Guardian Dragon instincts to protect, she also tends to be rambunctious and enjoys thrilling fights. She'll often spar with her sister, but, if she ever sees her in real danger, she leaps to her side in an instant.