Attack direction?

It's been awhile since i encountered a dragon/stampede user, so i can't remember if they either always charge in the direction they're facing, or can they instantly snap to any character and charge in that direction?

They will charge in any direction, typically in the direction of the attacker that would trigger it. I think Windmill will almost always force trigger Dragon Charge. This may be because of the aggro change, or the nature of the ai in itself. I've seen it charge behind itself, rather than where it is facing.

The latter.

I was so pissed when I tried attacking the Dragon from the rear, it turned around and ran over me.