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"A dark land of ancient plateaus and oceans of night... Night becomes day, and our ancient fathers aid us... We erase that which blights our face, but not that which lies within... The land that rests in twilight will be the place of our greatest triumph and also our greatest shame."

Shakuras was the homeworld of the Nerazim.

It was home to a warp gate[2] and a xel'naga temple.[3] The capital was Talematros.[4] The city was destroyed during the Brood War[5] but was rebuilt by 2503.[4]

In 2506, Shakuras was invaded by Amon's corrupted zerg and hybrid forces after the warp gate on Aiur was activated, following the failed Reclamation of Aiur. After evacuating as many Nerazim as possible, Matriarch Vorazun and Hierarch Artanis worked together to defend the xel'naga temple until it was overloaded, destroying the planet and a sizeable portion of Amon's forces.[6][7]

Planetology[]

Shakuras LotV Art1

Shakuras

Shakuras possessed at least two moons of different sizes, the larger of which has the outermost orbital path and the smaller one being much closer.[8] Its star system also featured a gas giant.[3]

Shakuras was a desert planet with ebony rock, fixed in a state of perpetual twilight, although there were no clear differences between night and day.[4] In contrast with Aiur (homeworld of the Khalai protoss), regions of Shakuras were completely devoid of vegetation.[9] It was also the homeworld of the kakaru. The skeletons of previously-existing lifeforms could be found scattered over the planet.[2]

History[]

Early History[]

Shakuras SC2 Cncpt3

Nerazim society develops on Shakuras

The xel'naga constructed a temple above a nexus of powerful cosmic energies. When the Dark Templar found it, they decided to remain there to study it.[3] Shakuras was a harsh desert, and the Dark Templar had to alter their own biology to adapt to the world.[10]

Despite their isolation, Shakuras was not entirely unknown to the Khalai, the prophet Tenarsis receiving visions of the world and the conflict that would blight it long before the reunification of the protoss kindreds.[11]

The Brood War[]

The Stand[]

"The destruction of our ancient home of Aiur still pains me. The blackening of our lands, the destruction of our cities and the defilement of our temples by the accursed Zerg leaves a void in my soul that can never again be filled. Now Shakuras is my new home, and I am finally beginning to understand why our exiled Dark Templar brethren settled here. I've spent many days just quietly gazing out at the strangely sad beauty of the water here. The waves hold the color of pure indigo and they mesmerize me and calm my soul. How could anyone leave this place after seeing such sights?"
Shakurus SC1 Art1

Shakuras

In 2500, the Khalai survivors from Aiur traveled to Shakuras through the warp gate.[12] The zerg took control of the gate and followed the protoss to Shakuras. The protoss were ambushed by hydralisks, but saved by dark templar.[2]

In the meanwhile two cerebrates took up station around the massive Xel'Naga temple. After welcoming the Khalai survivors to Shakuras, Matriarch Raszagal had them scour the temple grounds of the infestation. Once this was done, Sarah Kerrigan arrived and approached Raszagal, Judicator Aldaris and Dark Prelate Zeratul, asking to be escorted to their Citadel.[3]

Kerrigan offered to help find the Uraj and Khalis. She then departed with Artanis, Zeratul, the Executor and a protoss army to secure the crystals.[13]

In their absence, Aldaris and a legion of Khalai survivors began an open revolt against Raszagal. Upon the army's return, Raszagal ordered the Executor to terminate Aldaris and quell the uprising.[14] Artanis and Zeratul confronted Aldaris, but Kerrigan killed him before he could reveal that she had manipulated Raszagal. Zeratul banished Kerrigan from Shakuras for interfering in a protoss matter.[15]

Artanis carried the Uraj to the temple while Zeratul handled the Khalis. The zerg sent all their legions to destroy them, but the Executor prevented the zerg from destroying the temple while Artanis and Zeratul channeled the temple's energies. Once the channeling was complete, the protoss withdrew into the temple.[16] The resulting explosion obliterated the zerg on Shakuras[17] but left a wasteland of sand dunes and shattered ruins.[18]

Dark Vengeance[]

Shakuras SC1 CineFuryXelNaga1

Shakuras' sunrise

A Dark Templar terrorist known as Ulrezaj tried to drive the Protoss of Aiur away from Shakuras. His plot involved using false khaydarin crystals to genetically enhance zerg to run amok on the planet, as these zerg were immune to the effects of the xel'naga temple, causing the Dark Templar to hide in their secret places and leave the other protoss to fend for themselves.[19] Fortunately Zeratul and Artanis were able to launch an expedition aimed at destroying the false crystals. A Dark Archon Hero and other protoss warriors infiltrated Schezar's Char base, destroying the crystals.[20]

Ulrezaj had hatched another plot, however. Working with terran mercenary commander Alan Schezar, they created an EMP Generator capable of weakening protoss psionic energy, granting an enormous combat advantage. However, Zeratul's forces were able to defeat Ulrezaj and save their planet.[21]

The Drawing of the Web[]

When Kerrigan returned to Shakuras, the pylon clusters generated an electromagnetic field that prevented her fliers from maneuvering. These clusters were infiltrated by Samir Duran, who caused a surge within them, resulting in an explosion which destroyed Talematros. During the confusion, Kerrigan's minions kidnapped Raszagal.[5]

Interbellum[]

Shakuras SCR Game1

The fleet returning to Shakuras

After retreating from Char Aleph, Artanis and the survivors of his fleet returned to Shakuras to rebuild their civilization.[22] For the next four years, the Khalai attempted to reunify their society with the Dark Templar. Interacting with them and the temple led to many new developments as the protoss prepared themselves for continuing the war with the zerg.[18]

Shakuras SC2 Cncpt2

A protoss settlement on Shakuras

In 2503,[23][24][25] protoss survivors from Aiur, accompanied by a terran named Rosemary Dahl, arrived on Shakuras. They had fled combat with the dark archon Ulrezaj, and wanted to recover a preserver, Zamara and her "host," Jake Ramsey. The Tal'darim had been subjected to a drug, Sundrop, which had cut them off from the Khala, but they eventually broke their addictions and reintegrated into protoss society.[4]

Legacy of the Void[]

Invasion of Shakuras[]

"Shakuras has fallen! The warp gate linking this world to Aiur has been reopened. Countless hybrid and zerg pour from the other side! They've obliterated our cities. Decimated our Shadow Guard. We are trying to evacuate the remaining population, but I am uncertain whether we can hold long enough to get them safely away."
ZerglingHydralisk SC2-LotV Cncpt1

The zerg on Shakuras

During the End War, Shakuras was overrun by zerg and hybrid forces that poured onto the world via its warp gate, coming from Aiur. The Shadow Guard was decimated and its cities obliterated.[26] Most of the survivors gathered within Talematros.[27][28] By the time the Spear of Adun arrived, only southwest quadrant of Talematros remained in Nerazim hands, and even then, control was tenuous. Ground forces under Artanis cleared out the launch bays, allowing the remaining Nerazim transports to be evacuated.[1]

ArtanisVorazunShakuras SC2-LotV Cine1

Shakuras overrun by Amon's forces

Amons' forces overran Talematros. As the zerg neared the Shrines of Lizul, Matriarch Vorazun reluctantly decided to destroy Shakuras rather than let it be a den for Amon's forces. Artanis protested at first, but was swayed by Vorazun's argument that their true home had always been Aiur. In the end, he made a bold plan to bleed Amon by destroying Shakuras only after luring as many of his hybrid and zerg onto Shakuras as possible.[29]

Destruction[]

"Shakuras is gone. It has become one with the eternal night. But the traditions we forged there will remain with us forever."

- Vorazun on the destruction of Shakuras(src)

Shakuras SC2 CineAlone1

Shakuras is destroyed

In order to destroy the planet, the protoss overloaded the temple's phase prism, forcing a spike of energy into the planet's core and lured as many of the zerg and hybrids onto the planet as possible. The protoss once again defended the temple from the zerg until its overload could be activated. More than one billion of Amon's corrupted zerg forces were killed in this process, along with many of his hybrid.[6][7]

Locations[]

Shakuras SC2 Cncpt1

A Nerazim settlement on Shakuras

Landforms[]

Settlements[]

Structures[]

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The xel'naga temple

Notes[]

StarCraft Ghost Logo2
This article or section contains information about StarCraft: Ghost, which has been declared non-canon. Elements may be taken as 'flavor lore' however.
The content may be significantly out of date. Please do not add speculation to this article, and remember to cite a published source for details.

Shakuras was planned to appear in StarCraft: Ghost, specifically the idea of an underground area in which Dark Templar resided. The idea never got off the ground however.[31]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Legacy of the Void, Amon's Reach (in English). 2015-11-10.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Dunes of Shakuras (in English). 1998.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Legacy of the Xel'Naga (in English). 1998.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Golden, Christie (June 30, 2009). StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga #3: Twilight. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7129-9.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Drawing of the Web (in English). 1998.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Legacy of the Void, Last Stand (in English). 2015-11-10.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Alone. (in English). 2015.
  8. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II. (Activision Blizzard) (in English). 2010. Map: Shakuras Plateau.
  9. 1999-11-19, Rock Garden. StarCraft Compendium Map Archives. Accessed on 2007-11-11
  10. Dark Archon. StarCraft Compendium Protoss Units.
  11. 1999-04-23, Mirage. StarCraft Compendium Map Archives. Accessed on 2007-11-08
  12. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Escape from Aiur (in English). 1998.
  13. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: The Quest for Uraj (in English). 1998.
  14. Raszagal: "Congratulations, Executor. Your success has brought us the promise of hope against the Zerg. However, we face a new threat within our own ranks. In your absence, Judicator Aldaris and an entire legion of Khalai survivors from Aiur have begun an open revolt against us."
    Zeratul: "By the gods, this is ill news indeed! Why would Aldaris betray us so?"
    Raszagal: "He and his ilk believe that it was wrong to have abandoned Aiur and consorted with our people. Their prejudices have driven them to perpetuate the Conclave's sins against us! Even now, Aldaris and his loyalist templar forces are preparing to attack our Citadel."
    Artanis: "I can scarcely believe this. As if the Zerg were not enough! Matriarch, are you certain of this?"
    Raszagal: "All too certain, young templar. Executor, as Matriarch of the Dark Templar and custodian of this world, I hereby order you to terminate Judicator Aldaris, and quell this untimely uprising without delay! There will be no dissent among us while the Zerg are poised to strike!" StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Level/area: The Insurgent (in English). 1998.
  15. Aldaris: "You can no longer afford to be so naive, Artanis. While you were securing the crystals, I discovered that your Matriarch has been harboring a dark secret! She has been manipulated by de-"
    Sarah Kerrigan: "We have no time for this!"
    Zeratul: "Kerrigan... What have you done?"
    Kerrigan: "I just cleaned up your mess, Protoss. Don't be so squeamish."
    Zeratul: "Wretched creature! This was a Protoss matter; you had no right to interfere! Begone from this world! You are no longer welcome among us!"
    Kerrigan: "Fine. I've done what I came here to do. I've insured the destruction of the renegade Cerebrates, and I used you to do it. Have fun, mighty Protoss... We'll be seeing each other again, real soon..." StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Level/area: The Insurgent (in English). 1998.
  16. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Countdown (in English). 1998.
  17. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: Fury of the Xel'Naga (in English). 1998.
  18. 18.0 18.1 StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty: Quickstart Guide. Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 2010.
  19. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Enslavers: Dark Vengeance bonus campaign, episode V: "Dark Vengeance" (in English). 1999-06-25. StarCraft Map Archives
  20. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Enslavers: Dark Vengeance bonus campaign, episode IVA: "Desperate Measures" (in English). 1999-05-28. StarCraft Map Archives
  21. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Enslavers: Dark Vengeance bonus campaign, episode V: "Showdown" (in English). 1999-06-25. StarCraft Map Archives
  22. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: Epilogue (in English). 1998.
  23. April 6, 2010. "Timeline." StarCraft II: Heaven's Devils. Simon & Schuster (Gallery Books). pp. 311 - 323. ISBN 978-1416-55084-6.
  24. April 12, 2011. "Timeline." StarCraft II: Devils' Due. Simon & Schuster (Gallery Books). pp. 248-262. ISBN 978-1416-55085-3.
  25. September 27, 2011. "Timeline." StarCraft: Ghost: Spectres. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). pp. 393-416. ISBN 978-1439-10938-0.
  26. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cutscene prior to Amon's Reach (in English). 2015-11-10.
  27. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Karax (in English). 2015.
  28. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations before: Amon's Reach (in English). 2015-11-10.
  29. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cutscene prior to Last Stand (in English). 2015-11-10.
  30. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Heart of the Swarm, Shoot the Messenger (in English). 2013-03-12.
  31. CG Portfolio. Johnny Estil. Accessed on 2009-06-27
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