In the Shifting of the Sands Universe, male and female Glatorian of each tribe existed on Spherus Magna, due to radiation emanating from the core of the sun. The radiation levels increased dramatically and the molecular composition of Bara Magna's sand was altered, rearranging its molecules to fill the entire desert with billions of cooperative silicon-based life forms, which attempted to seize the planet for itself. It began to attack the Glatorian and Agori, who were forced to take refuge in the coldest places of Spherus Magna, where the sand rarely reached. However, the radiation generated heat that caused the melting of colder areas.