staffbeings

Staffbeings are a fictional species introduced in the animated television series Star Trek: The Animated Series episode "The Infinite Vulcan". They are a silicon-based lifeform native to the planet Xal'kor. Physically, staffbeings resemble crystalline structures with a central core and radiating appendages. They are characterized by their slow, deliberate movements and their ability to communicate through telepathic means, often projecting images and concepts rather than spoken words.

Their society on Xal'kor is ancient and deeply intertwined with the planet's geology. Staffbeings are known for their profound understanding of mathematics and logic. They possess a unique biological process that allows them to absorb energy directly from their environment, often described as a form of geological photosynthesis. While generally peaceful, they can become formidable when threatened, capable of generating powerful energy fields. Their existence raises questions about the diversity of life in the Star Trek universe, particularly regarding non-carbon-based organisms and their potential for sentience and civilization.