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.

Ling acts as the last bastion of defense for Damian's Crater Clan and part of the personal guard for Wu, the Teimarr Warlord. He is intensely loyal to his clanmates, and while he is not convinced of Wu's benevolence, he would rather die than defect to the traitorous Island Clan that abandoned them. At night, he tends to new eggs and hatchlings. The inside face of his shield-like tail has small bumps dotting its surface, which produce an eerie ringing sound when rubbed against a hard surface. This can be used as a warning signal above ground, or as a form of sonar within the tunnels leading to the undersea Mana Cave.