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.

Aylward Almanzo was discovered as an abandoned cracked egg in a pile of abandoned dragon eggs. Now fully grown, Aylward keeps a careful eye on all the hatchlings and eggs of the clan, regardless of their type or nature, and is fond of telling them stories. He is calm, tolerant of all but the craziest of dragon antics, and holds himself with a certain quiet majesty. The unusual sheen of his shield-tail is the only trait which hints at his silver dragon sire.