Golden Armada

"The invasion fleet stands ready. We await only your command, Hierarch."

- Selendis to Artanis^(src)

Golden Armada
Political
Type	Protoss fleet
Race(s)	Protoss
Commander-in-Chief	Hierarch Artanis
Affiliation	Daelaam Great Fleet Amon (possessed,2506)
Societal
Capital/Base	Shakuras (?–2506)
Official Language	Khalani

The Golden Armada was a protoss fleet based on Shakuras. It was the greatest fleet of protoss vessels ever constructed. Its members were predominantly Khalai.

History

The Armada was created by order of Hierarch Artanis with the explicit intention of using it to retake Aiur, as it was the only shared interest between the Khalai and Nerazim. At some point the armada's existence was discovered by Radio Liberty.

Taurus IV

The Golden Armada approaches Taures IV

During or prior to the Second Great War, the Golden Armada took part in an operation on Taurus IV, where the zerg had established a foothold. The armada bombarded the hive cluster from orbit, destroying the zerg's fortifications on the world and warping away the protoss forces on the surface.

Heart of the Swarm

A group of protoss went on an expedition to the ice moon, Kaldir. There they met and engaged a zerg brood led by broodmother Nafash. At some point, Nafash was killed and her brood became dormant. Later, Kerrigan went to Kaldir to reclaim the lost brood and engaged the Protoss Expedition. Their Expedition Leader attempted to contact the Golden Armada, but failed.

Legacy of the Void

"The Swarm brought ruin to our world. Our proud people became refugees. And yet, they could not shatter our unity. For we are bound by the Khala. The sacred union of our every thought and emotion. Today we retake our homeworld. And with it, our legacy."

- Hierarch Artanis^(src)

The Armada arrives at Aiur

After Kerrigan took the Swarm away from the Koprulu sector in order to confront Amon, the Protoss Protectorate was presented with its opportunity to retake Aiur. That the terrans could no longer pose an issue due to the carnage of the Second Great War was another boon. Artanis took the fleet under his command in an effort to retake the lost protoss homeworld. After a period of preparation, the Armada launched an invasion of Aiur, in order to deal with the zerg that remained on it. At least one beachhead was established on the planet's surface, where ground forces held off the zerg long enough for a pylon to be deployed, allowing zealots to warp in en masse, engaging the zerg on more equitable terms.

Corruption

"The Golden Armada -- a shining symbol of arrogance. Let your pride be your downfall."

- Amon^(src)

As the invasion progressed, the Armada deployed a massive army outside Kherrisan and fought its way in, reactivating its warp conduits despite resistance from zerg and hybrid forces. The warp network was successfully reclaimed. However, the invasion went awry as Amon revealed his presence, corrupting the Khala and forcing Artanis to lead his remaining forces in retreat in the Spear of Adun. The Golden Armada was corrupted to his will, forced to do Amon's bidding, including to attack the Terran Dominion. The Dominion desperately defended themselves, but gradually began to lose planet after planet. While Artanis' forces were focused on Ulnar, Amon unleashed the Golden Armada's full might to eradicate all life from planets across the Koprulu sector. Dominion forces attempted to fight back against it, but despite their efforts, multiple systems fell. Vorazun sent out her scouts to track the moments of the fleet, and by the time the Daelaam were ready to return to Aiur, the Golden Armada had already devastated the sector.

Recall To Aiur

The Armada was later called back to Aiur in response to Artanis attempting to use the xel'naga Keystone to purge Amon from the Khala. However, Artanis and his allies were able to destroy the psi-matrix that would've enabled them to instantly warp back to the planet, forcing the Armada to come the long way. When they arrived, the Golden Armada aided Amon's zerg in besieging Artanis' base, but the Hierarch's forces, consisting of freed Khalai, Nerazim forces, Purifiers, and the Tal'darim Death Fleet, were able to hold them long enough for the Keystone to charge and contain Amon's influence, enabling the corrupted Khalai to sever the nerve cords and thus permanently freed themselves of his control.

Known Members

The Armada orbiting Aiur

• Hierarch Artanis (commander)
• Executor Selendis
• Phasesmith Karax
• Kaldalis
• Probius