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.

Saiffel, while strong and capable in battle to defend his assigned cave, prefers a different approach to guarding: he believes prevention is key.

First, he teaches the hatchlings (and many adult dragons too!) to be wary of strangers, and tell-tale signs of an intruder vs. a friend of the cave—things like friends approach directly, introduce themselves, and ask to speak to adults.

Then, he designs traps for those who try sneaking into the cave—netting falling from above when a thread is pulled, loose rocks that skitter noisily if anyone steps on it, etc. Unfortunately, the hatchlings all too often find the traps fun to spring on each other, so Saiffel becomes a stern disciplinarian in the end.

In spite of the hatchlings' mischief, he does keep the cave very safe.