The Barkuu Part I

A mysterious cloud in space envelopes the planet. Upon dissipation, everyone emerges from their shelters to find civilization wrecked and the world cleansed. Like the industrious spider, humankind rebuilds; until further events reduce their numbers across the globe. With society in tatters, and all advantages stripped from them, how will humanity fare?
The Barkuu, an ancient and calculating species have come to assume species control. Intent on reducing humanity's numbers, subjugating them, and forcing the remainder to the wilds of the planet; they've designed bodies for Earth and have come to make it the latest in a network of worlds.