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.

As the second eldest inhabitant of Redrock Sanctuary, Rhysa is well known and respected by all the dragons of the area. Though not an official ruler by any means, she takes it upon herself to look after and protect the others. Even the dragons who insist on being stubbornly solitary are watched over from a distance, for both their own safety and the safety of their neighbors.

Despite her age, Rhysa is still a fierce, battle-hardened warrior. Her hide bears the scars and scratches from countless hard-fought fights in defense of her kin, and she spars on a daily basis with several of her peers in order to keep her skills and reflexes sharp. She is not one to travel, preferring to remain at home where she can keep up with her guard duties and spend time with those she cares about.