Sunstone Dragons are named after the orb on their tails, which resembles the gem of the same name. Their social structure resembles a lion pride, with one dominant male and several females banded together with their young. They prefer arid climates where they can blend in and dig for minerals and gemstones that they not only collect, but eat. The more gems they consume, the larger their tail stone grows. They are an aggressive breed; it is not uncommon to see two males battling for mates and territory.

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.

Urieben was an egg born of a wild Sunstone pride leader, left behind in a skirmish with another tribe. He wasn't discovered until a pregnant Magi mother found him alone in the desert. She brought him to the desert egg grounds; she also left her own egg a few days later, sacrificing so the Sunstone hatchling wouldn't be alone. A novice dragon keeper took both eggs home, finding the Magi egg slightly after taking Urieben. He hatched a few days later and waited for his Magi dragon companion; when she came out, she was named Noiavagi.

Urieben is not an intellectual, but he is fiercely loyal to the ones he loves. He will defend his friends to his dying breath. He does get into frequent wrestling matches, but it is never serious; although Urieben is a Sunstone dragon, his aggressiveness is tempered by Noiavagi's dislike of violence. He and Noiavagi have been inseparable since hatching. It is said that Noiavagi is the brains, and he is the brawn; together, they make the "terrible duo."