Skarj

The Skarj are a type of hyperspace entity defined by a loose cloud of material assimilated into the being's presence, appearing as a thick cloud of fog or smoke of varying opacity. Skarj are noticeably distinct from jemons in that they do not require the life force of others to survive and are consistently capable of sophont-level or higher cognition. Skarj interact with their surroundings and communicate with others telepathically, directly forcing their will onto reality to achieve a desired interaction. Skarj are similar to, but certainly distinct from the elusive Nuaa'qu. 

Skarj are created from the conversion of another sentient life form into a Skarj, destroying the convertee's previous body in the process and taking a significant toll on the proselytizing Skarj. The wear a Skarj experiences upon converting another individual is so great that such things are usually only done by the most powerful of Skarj, referred to as "hyperskarj" by their subjects. Hyperskarj are often regarded as gods or deities in certain cultures or folklore, and are still colloquially known by such grandiose terminology as "rogue gods" or "chaos lords" today.

Most Skarj are associated with the Pneumatic League or have been Skarjified by League members. They primarily reside in drifting habitats in hyperspace, where a reinforced "shell" protects the site from jemon attacks and the general hostile conditions of hyperspace. Thousands or millions of sophonts are taken to these colonies to be converted to Skarj, after which they typically live and work in the colony as they acclimate to their new form. 

Although technically incorporeal and therefore invulnerable to conventional munitions, Skarj are highly vulnerable to extremely high concentrations of radiation. This includes the radiation from phaser beams, which disrupt the presence of a Skarj and may greatly weaken or entirely remove the entity from existence. Skarj can tolerate hyperspace and cosmic radiation due to the relatively low concentration, but are unable to travel within extremely radiant objects such as stars. Skarj are capable of maintaining symbiotic relations with jemons, allowing the jemon to feed off the Skarj's unlimited life force without harm. In return, the jemon is inclined to do the Skarj's bidding to maintain easy sustenance. This practice is common among members of the Pneumatic League.