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.

Aldric is the head of the Korathier clan, a band of Guardian dragons that have pledged to defend innocent lives. Though not all Korathiers are descended from Aldric and his mate, it was he who gathered the founding members of the clan together, taking the name of a legendary Guardian to unite them. As time passed, the clan grew, and many more dragons joined their ranks. Mothers began to leave eggs with the clan, trusting that their offspring would be well protected and brought up in the ways of the Guardians. The clan has an honor code similar to that of the human knights, and dragons are taught from birth to keep it. Aldric has had a part in raising many hatchlings, not just his own. He considers himself responsible for every dragon under his leadership, and he is seen by many of them as a father figure.