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{{Lookfor|Aiur [[Tal'darim (Aiur)|Tal'darim]], the Khalai survivors on Aiur|[[Taldarin]], the old dragoon from [[Resurrection IV]]}}
{{TransTopBar}}
 
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{{Quote|Before we became The Chosen, we were The Forged. And we can never be broken.|A Tal'darim [[mothership]] pilot.|StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void}}
{{Lookfor|[[Taldarin]]}}
 
 
{{FactionBox
 
{{FactionBox
|name=Tal'darim, "The Forged"
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|name=Tal'darim<br><small>"The Forged"</small>
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|bgcolor={{Darkred}}
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|fgcolor={{White}}
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|image=Tal'darim SC2-LotV Logo2.jpg
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|imgdesc=
 
|race1=Protoss
 
|race1=Protoss
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|type=Warlike protoss offshoot, formerly servants of [[Amon]]
|race2=
 
|race3=
 
|bgcolor=black
 
|fgcolor=white
 
|image=Tal'darimStandard SC2 Logo1.png
 
|imgsize=
 
|type=Protoss sect; some stranded on Aiur and other colonies
 
|founding=
 
 
|constitution=
 
|constitution=
|leader=[[Felanis]] ([[Aiur]] branch, between [[2500]]&ndash;[[2503]])<br>
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|leader=[[Ma'lash]] (?{{-}}[[2506]])<br>
[[Nyon]]&dagger;<br>
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[[Alarak]] (2506&ndash;)
[[Emil Narud]]&dagger; (Skygeirr station branch)
 
 
|headofstate=
 
|headofstate=
 
|headofgov=
 
|headofgov=
|commander=[[Executor]] [[Nyon]] (worldship branch)
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|commander=[[Alarak]]
|defacto=The [[Xava'tor]] ([[Aiur]] branch, between 2500&ndash;2503)
 
 
|executive=
 
|executive=
 
|legislative=
 
|legislative=
 
|judicial=
 
|judicial=
|affiliation={{FlagHybrid}} [[Amon]] (Skygeirr branch)
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|affiliation={{FlagHybrid}} [[Amon]] (?{{-}}2506)<br>
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{{FlagDaelaam}}[[Daelaam]] (2506{{-}}2508)
 
|strength=
 
|strength=
|capital=[[Aiur caverns|Caverns]] beneath [[Aiur]] (Between 2500&ndash;2503)<br>
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|capital=[[Slayn]] (?&ndash;2506)
''[[Worldship (Maw of the Void)|Sigma Quadrant Worldship]]'' (xel'naga [[worldship]])<br>[[Slayn]]
 
 
|language=[[Khalani]]
 
|language=[[Khalani]]
 
|currency=
 
|currency=
 
|holiday=
 
|holiday=
 
|formed=
 
|formed=
|established=Between [[2500]]&ndash;[[2503]] ([[Aiur]] branch)
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|established=Millions of years ago (origins)
|fragmented=[[2503]] ([[Aiur]] branch)
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|fragmented=
 
|reorganized=
 
|reorganized=
 
|dissolved=
 
|dissolved=
 
|restored=
 
|restored=
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|status=Active
|status=Unknown, believed to be scattered and weakened by multiple battles against Raynor's Raiders
 
|special=[[Scout]]<br>
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|religion=[[Xel'naga]]<br>
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[[Amon]] (formerly)
[[Stone guardian]]<br>
 
[[Rip-field generator]]<br>
 
[[Tal'darim Mothership]]
 
 
}}
 
}}
The '''Tal'darim''', sometimes referred to as '''protoss fanatics''',<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab">[[Blizzard Entertainment]]. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. ([[Activision Blizzard]]). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[Smash and Grab]] (in [[English]]). 2010-07-27.</ref> are a [[protoss]] sect separate from the [[Khala]] and are not part of the [[Protoss Protectorate|main protoss body]].<ref name="SC:G:Spectres">Kenyon, Nate. (September 27, 2011). ''[[StarCraft: Ghost: Spectres]]''. [[Simon & Schuster]] (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-1439-10938-0.</ref> Their name, which translates as "The Forged",<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2">Golden, Christie (November 27, 2007). ''[[StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga: Shadow Hunters|StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga #2: Shadow Hunters]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7126-8.</ref> was taken from a group of mythological servants to the [[xel'naga]].<ref name="SC:G:Spectres" /> Some worship [[Amon]], a dead xel'naga, as their god. [[Sarah Kerrigan]] claimed this made them even more dangerous.<ref name="SC2:HotS_HandDarknessDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Skygeirr Missions#Hand of Darkness|Hand of Darkness]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref><ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryIzsha">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Izsha]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>
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The '''Tal'darim''', otherwise referred to as '''"the Forged"'''<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2">Golden, Christie (November 27, 2007). ''[[StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga: Shadow Hunters|StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga #2: Shadow Hunters]]''. [[Simon & Schuster]] (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7126-8.</ref> or '''"the Chosen,"'''<ref name="BlizzardPress">2015-09-13, [http://blizzard.gamespress.com/StarCraft#?tab=documents Protoss Faction Lore]. ''Blizzard Press Center'', accessed on 2015-10-10.</ref> are a fanatical and war-like sect of [[protoss]] that were taken from [[Aiur]] as [[Amon]] and his followers abandoned the planet.<ref name="SC2-LotV_StoryRohana">[[Blizzard Entertainment]]. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. ([[Activision Blizzard]]). PC. [[Rohana]] (in English). 2015.</ref>
   
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They stand apart from both the [[Khalai]] and [[Nerazim]].<ref name="CommunityCorner">2014-12-01, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO2v7KDaZ3A BlizzCon 2014 LotV Lore Community Corner Discussion with James Waugh]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2015-04-03.</ref> They do not use the [[Khala]].<ref name="SC:G:Spectres">Kenyon, Nate. (September 27, 2011). ''[[StarCraft: Ghost: Spectres]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-1439-10938-0.</ref><ref name="SC:Ascension">Brooks, Robert. "{{Link|Ascension|short story}}" (Oct. 1, 2015). Blizzard Entertainment. [http://media.blizzard.com/sc2/lore/ascension/ascension.pdf StarCraft Lore: Ascension]. Accessed from [https://news.blizzard.com/en-gb/blizzard/23529006 Blizzard Short Stories Hub] on 2021-09-05.</ref>
Tal'darim inhabit many planets. They collected [[terrazine]], a mystical resource, on several worlds.<ref name="SC:G:Spectres" /><ref name="WoL_WelcomeJungle">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[Welcome to the Jungle]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref>
 
   
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==Overview==
Some remained on worlds such as [[Monlyth]] after they had been mostly abandoned centuries ago.<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab" /> In addition, some protoss who were stranded on Aiur after its evacuation call themselves Tal'darim.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" />
 
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An ancient faction once based out of [[Slayn]],<ref name="BlizzardPress"/> the Tal'darim are the most vicious and cut-throat of all the protoss factions.<ref name="ColossusSkin">2016-02-02, [https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/starcraft2/20020255/ New Unlockable Skin: Tal’darim Colossus]. ''news.blizzard.com'', accessed on 2021-09-05.</ref> They spent countless ages in the service of Amon, who took them from Aiur before the [[Aeon of Strife]]. They claim to be the "chosen" of the [[xel'naga]].<ref name="BlizzardPress"/>
   
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The title of "Tal'darim", which translates as "The Forged"<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2"/>, was taken from a group of mythological servants to the xel'naga.<ref name="SC:G:Spectres"/>
They are considered unfriendly to [[terrans]], even to those such as [[Jim Raynor]] who have befriended other branches of the protoss.<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab" />
 
   
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Tal'darim inhabit many planets, mainly for the purpose of collecting and spreading [[terrazine]].<ref name="SC:G:Spectres"/><ref name="WoL_WelcomeJungle">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Wings of Liberty]]'', [[Welcome to the Jungle]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> They used the terrazine to bring them close to the [[Void]], and by association [[Amon]].<ref name="SC2:LotV:StepsoftheRite">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Legacy of the Void]]'', [[Steps of the Rite]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>
==Overview==
 
   
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Some remained on worlds such as [[Monlyth]] after they had been mostly abandoned centuries ago.<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab"/>
===Drug Use===
 
At least some branches use [[terrazine]] (the "Breath of Creation") as a drug, which expands their senses, believing it brings them closer to the [[xel'naga]].<ref name="SC:G:Spectres" />
 
   
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===Culture===
Some branches of the Tal'darim abuse the drug [[Sundrop]], which cuts them off from the [[Khala]]. The Tal'darim of Aiur were deliberately introduced to this substance without completely informing them of its effects by the [[dark archon]] [[Ulrezaj]].<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" />
 
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{{Quote|The frail must die so the strong can thrive. Such is the way of Rak'shir...such is the way of the Tal'darim.|A Tal'darim [[blood hunter]]|StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void}}
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[[File:TaldarimExecutor SC2 Head1.jpg|thumb|Executor of the Tal'darim, [[Nyon]]]]
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The Tal'darim are the most ruthless of all the protoss kindreds.<ref name="BC2017">[https://us.shop.battle.net/en-us/product/starcraft-ii-bc-2017-war-chest-skin-bundles BlizzCon® 2017 War Chest Skin Bundles], ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed on 2018-08-12.</ref> They possess a culture that is distinct from their Khalai and Nerazim counterparts, as is their manner of thought.<ref name="CommunityCorner"/> Their morals and ethics are considered barbaric by their brethren, but their power in battle is undeniable.<ref name="ColossusSkin"/> Tal'darim warriors wield [[bane blade]]s, ancient red [[psionic blade]]s that draw power from the Void.<ref name="SC:Ascension"/>
   
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The Tal'darim have a brutal and war-like society, and all members adhere to a [[Chain of Ascension]]. This chain determines who is in command of the society, and is ruled by a [[Highlord]]. No Tal'darim may fight or kill another above his rank unless he first challenges them to [[Rak'Shir]], rite by ritual combat. Attacking a superior outside a Rak'Shir duel is punished through public execution.<ref name="SC:Ascension"/>
===Aiur Branch===
 
The Tal'darim of Aiur were a splinter group of the [[Shel'na Kryhas]] (the primary band of survivors), which they philosophically oppose, and moved into the [[Aiur caverns]] in order to separate themselves from the Shel'na Kryhas. They became addicted to the drug, [[Sundrop]], dispensed to them by their Benefactor, the [[Xava'tor]].
 
   
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Those deemed too weak to be of service to their Highlord are ruthlessly hunted down and executed by [[blood hunter]]s.<ref name="Collections"/> They do not take prisoners in battle.<ref name="BC2017"/>
The Tal'darim of Aiur were similar to the [[Dark Templar]] and the protoss from the [[Aeon of Strife]] in mentality and outlook. [[Sundrop]] altered their brain chemistry to be more like the Dark Templar. Despite this, these Tal'darim hated and distrusted the Dark Templar; they had no idea they were being converted into them. This alteration enabled them to learn new techniques, such as [[cloaking]]. [[Preserver]] [[Zamara]] was able to access their memories upon the deaths of some members (which she cannot do with Dark Templar).
 
   
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Hostile toward outsiders, the Tal’darim have little interaction with other protoss, and do not seem concerned with evangelizing their mission beyond their ranks.<ref name="BlizzardPress"/> However, closer examination of their war machines revealed them to be exact duplicates of Khalai designs, with little variation beyond construction materials. This has led to speculation among the Daelaam that tales of lost Khalai expeditions and missing patrols over the eons may have been the result of encounters with the Tal'darim pilfering their technology instead.<ref name="SC2-LotV StoryKarax">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Karax]] (In English). 2015.</ref><ref name="SC2:LotV_SlaynDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations before {{Link2|StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void campaign quotations/Tal'darim missions#|Steps of the Rite}} (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref> In this, there is some truth, as Tal'darim shipwrights excel in reverse-engineering Khalai technology for their own ends. While they often scoff at the Daelaam's choice of weaponry, many elements of the Tal'darim's arsenal originate from that of the Khalai/Daelaam, or in [[colossus|some cases]], simply stolen.<ref name="Collections">[[Blizzard Entertainment]]. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. Collections Tab: Skins. July 19, 2017</ref>
They served a Benefactor, whom they call the [[Xava'tor]]; however, only [[Felanis]] seemed to know more than a little about him, as the Xava'tor did not allow the other Tal'darim to directly interact with him.
 
   
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The Tal'darim have likewise pilfered Nerazim designs,<ref name="Q&A"/> for they have long envied the Nerazim's temporal mastery.<ref name="Collections"/>
The Xava'tor introduced them to [[Sundrop]] and taught them to trap [[zerg]] and bring them to him. They seemed to suffer fewer losses from the zerg. In return, the Xava'tor issued instructions, such as destroy [[preserver]]s (or bring them to him) and stay away from the [[Giant Crystal Chamber|giant khaydarin crystal chamber]] on pain of death.
 
   
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The Tal'darim do not utilize [[scientist]]s or engineers within their ranks{{-}}every Tal'darim is a warrior, and believe that it is one's strength in battle that defines an individual.<ref name="Q&A">2012-12-05, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwJ_e2d9AFI Community Lore Discussion BlizzCon 2015]. ''StarCraft Legacy'', accessed on 2015-12-28.</ref> Tal'darim utilize captured [[Khalai Caste]] engineers, and interrogate them for engineering secrets. In the development and application of technology, the Tal'darim typically invest resources in offensive rather than defensive technologies.<ref name="Collections"/>
The Tal'darim rarely interacted with the [[Shel'na Kryhas]], preferring to shutter their minds.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" />
 
   
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[[File:Executor SC2-LotV Head2.jpg|thumb|left|A Tal'darim executor]]
These Tal'darim are not actually members of the ancient faction, and are instead deluded cultists searching for meaning.<ref name="KindreganQA6">Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-11-26. [http://us.battle.net//sc2/en/blog/7922536 StarCraft II Creative Development Q&A - Part 6]. ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed 2012-11-26.</ref>
 
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Their hostility has also extended to [[terran]]s, such as the [[Terran Dominion]]<ref name="SC:Ascension"/>, and even [[Jim Raynor]] who had befriended other branches of the protoss.<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Wings of Liberty]]'', [[Smash and Grab]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref>
   
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Tal'darim care little for the environment around them, and even their resource gathering devastates worlds. Captured [[probe]]s have their environmental protection controls disabled, and [[assimilator]]s dig so deep into the world for vespene that they can often cause earthquakes.<ref name="Collections"/>< Some of their worlds, such as [[Slayn]], were once lush jungle planets, before the Tal'darim devastated them through [[terrazine]] exposure.<ref name="SC:Ascension"/>
===Worldship Branch===
 
Another branch of "fanatics" were found protecting [[alien artifact]]s on various worlds, such as [[Xil]]<ref name="WoL_TheDig">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[The Dig]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> and [[Typhon XI]].<ref name="WoL_Supernova">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[Supernova]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> Their leadership was based on a [[xel'naga]] [[worldship]].<ref name="WoL_MawVoid">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[Maw of the Void]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> Their system of worshiped was based around the xel'naga as being deities.<ref name="WoL_WelcomeJungle"/><ref name="WoL_TheDig"/>
 
   
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These Tal'darim believe in the concept of survival of the fittest and carry out sacrifices. In the day cycle of Slayn, these Tal'darim are expected to fend for themselves, while at night, all are equal in their god's gaze. Their society operates with the concept of the [[Chain of Ascension]]{{-}}obey those above you, while being superior to those below you. One may ascend the chain through [[Rak'Shir]] duels, or simply move up as openings in the chain are created. Those high up in the chain are referred to as [[ascendant]]s, while the top of the chain is the highlord, of which there have been many. It is their philosophy that as the weak are removed from the chain, the Tal'darim grow stronger.<ref name="SC:Ascension"/> Only younglings are exempted from the Chain.<ref name="Q&A"/>
The Worldship branch uses [[terrazine]], overseeing harvesting operations on [[Bel'Shir]].<ref name="WoL_WelcomeJungle" />
 
   
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The architecture of the Tal'darim bears some resemblance to that found within [[Daelaam]] society, but it utilizes "harsher" edges, and stands "tall and proud".<ref name="SC:Ascension"/> Most of these designs were stolen from the Daelaam, and redesigned in order to give a more intimidating and sombre appearance.<ref name="Collections"/>
===Amon Branch===
 
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{{AmbigCanon|Heroes of the Storm}}
{{Quote|They serve Amon willingly. They worship him."<br/>"They worship a dead god?"<br/>"Yes. And that makes them even more dangerous.|[[Izsha]] and [[Sarah Kerrigan]] discussing the Tal'darim that serve [[Amon]]|Phantoms of the Void}}
 
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The Tal'darim name their worlds to honor significant events.<ref name="HeroesoftheStorm">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'' (Blizzard Entertainment) (in English). 2015-06-02.</ref>
[[File:Statue SC2-LotV DevGame1.jpg|thumb|An example of Tal'darim architecture]]
 
The Amon-worshiping Tal'darim based their homeworld in [[Slayn]].<ref name="SC2:LotV_CampaignOverview">2014-11-08. [http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/starcraft-2/470809-lotv-campaign-panel-overview LotV: Campaign Panel Overview]. ''Team Liquid forum.'' Accessed 2014-11-12.</ref> They also defended Amon's temple at [[Skygeirr Platform]], working directly with Amon's servant, [[Emil Narud]]. They appear to worship Amon as a singular deity.<ref name="SC2:HotS_PhantomsVoid">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Phantoms of the Void]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>
 
   
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====Religion====
These Tal'darim believe in the concept of survival of the fittest and carry out sacrifice. Their architecture bears some resemblance to that found within [[Daelaam]] society, but it utilizes "harsher" edges.<ref name = "CampaignOverview"/>
 
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[[File:Tal'darim War Crest SC2 Decal1.JPEG|thumb|The Tal'darim war crest]]
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The Tal'darim worshiped [[Amon]], a fallen xel'naga, as their god<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryIzsha">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Izsha]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref><ref name="SC2:HotS_HandDarknessDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after {{Link2|StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Skygeirr Missions#|Hand of Darkness}} (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>, though they have given worship to the xel'naga as a group of deities as well.<ref name="WoL_MawVoid"/> [[Sarah Kerrigan]] claimed that their devotion made them even more dangerous.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryIzsha"/><ref name="SC2:HotS_HandDarknessDialogue"/> The Tal'darim followed Amon's creed, even carving his words into their bodies as demonstrations of their zeal. They believed that it was through Amon's will that the [[Breath of Creation]] was shared with them, and it was through his blessing that one could travel safely through the [[Void]]. That once Amon had undone the "corrupt" cycle of the xel'naga, they would be their own masters, and the [[Day of Ascension]] would come.<ref name="SC:Ascension"/> The Tal'darim sought to become hybrids, and stand by Amon's side. This changed after Alarak took over as highlord, and the Tal'darim sought revenge on Amon for deceiving them.<ref name="SC2:LotV:Rak'Shir">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Legacy of the Void]]'', {{Link|Rak'Shir|mission}} (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>
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At least some Khalai regarded the Tal'darim as heretics, believing them devoted servants of the xel'naga for years, until discovering their true allegiance to Amon.<ref name="SC2:LotV:WoO_DarkWhispers">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Whispers of Oblivion]]'', [[Dark Whispers]] (in English). 2015-07-15.</ref><ref name="Q&A"/>
   
 
==History==
 
==History==
  +
===Early History===
[[File:Tal'darim War Crest SC2 Decal1.JPEG|thumb|The Tal'darim war crest]]
 
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[[File:Slayn Heroes Art1.jpg|thumb|The Tal'darim establish their civilization]]
The Tal'darim claim to have protected their sacred artifacts since before the [[terran]]s achieved spaceflight.<ref name="WoL_WelcomeJungle" />
 
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The Tal'darim separated and went away with [[Amon]] eons ago, having been taken away with Amon and his xel'naga not long after they abandoned Aiur before the [[Aeon of Strife]]. As such, they gained a different methodology and culture from their protoss kin, and did not have the connection to the [[Khala]] that their [[Khalai]] brothers did.<ref name="SC2-LotV_StoryRohana"/>< They were taken to the [[sigma quadrant]], and Amon left them with an order "Defeat your masters, or rise beyond them". The Tald'arim interpreted this as through obedience, they would one day ascend alongside him.<ref name="SC:Ascension"/> This was in fact a lie, a means for Amon to keep the Tal'darim in his thrall.<ref name="AlarakSpotlight">2016-09-13, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hep-bsMW1rU Alarak Spotlight - Heroes of the Storm]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2016-09-14.</ref>
   
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The Tal'darim typically stayed away from [[Daelaam]] planets, and did so for a long time.<ref name="SC2:LotV:WoO_DarkWhispers"/> They nevertheless pilfered [[Khalai]] and [[Nerazim]] designs, converting them into their own war machines.<ref name="SC2-LotV StoryKarax"/><ref name="SC2:LotV_SlaynDialogue"/>
They had colonized and then abandoned planets such as [[Demon's Fair]] long ago. Demon's Fair bore two sources of [[terrazine]], and when one ran out, the Tal'darim left it.<ref name="SC:G:Spectres" />
 
   
Some remained on worlds such as [[Monlyth]] after they had been mostly abandoned centuries ago.<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab" />
+
The Tal'darim claim to have protected their sacred artifacts since before the [[terran]]s achieved spaceflight.<ref name="WoL_WelcomeJungle"/> They had colonized and then abandoned planets such as [[Demon's Fair]] long ago. Demon's Fair bore two sources of [[terrazine]], and when one ran out, the Tal'darim left it.<ref name="SC:G:Spectres"/> Some remained on worlds such as [[Monlyth]] after they had been mostly abandoned centuries ago.<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab"/>
   
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{{AmbigCanon|Heroes of the Storm}}
===Aiur History===
 
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In the early days of the Tal'darim, the first [[highlord]] was asked where would be their homeworld. He responded by pointing downward, and stating "wherever I tread". This edict remained unchanged within the Tal'darim.<ref name="HeroesoftheStorm"/>
Following the [[Fall of Aiur|devastation]] of [[Aiur]] by the [[zerg]],<ref name="SC:BW_Man">Underwood, Peter, [[Chris Metzen]] and [[Bill Roper]]. ''StarCraft: Brood War (Manual)''. Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.</ref> the protoss fled through the world's sole remaining [[Warp Gate (Xel'Naga)|warp gate]] to the Dark Templar sanctuary of [[Shakuras]].<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]].'' Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Escape from Aiur]] (in English). 1998.</ref> However, the zerg followed the protoss to Shakuras, necessitating the closure of the gate.<ref>'''[[Jim Raynor]]:''' "[[Executor (Episode IV)|Executor]], [[Raynor's Raiders|my crew]] and I will remain here on [[Aiur]] and shut the gate down on this side. It's the only way to make sure that the [[Zerg]] won't send more reinforcements to [[Shakuras]]." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[Dunes of Shakuras]] (in English). 1998.</ref>
 
   
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===Wings of Liberty===
The closure, which stranded a fairly large number of protoss, left many with a feeling of abandonment akin to when the [[xel'naga]] abandoned the protoss at the beginning of the [[Aeon of Strife]]. This "racial wound" resulted in many survivors mentally "regressing" to the state the protoss existed in during the Aeon of Strife.
 
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[[File:Tal'darimStandard SC2 Logo1.png|thumb|Tal'darim standard of Nyon's forces]]
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{{Quote|You have prevailed for now. Word of this sacrilege will echo across the stars, [[Jim Raynor|James Raynor]]. The day of reckoning draws near.|Executor [[Nyon]]|The Dig}}
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During the [[Second Great War]] the Tal'darim Guardians based on a [[worldship]], led by Executor [[Nyon]], came into conflict with [[Raynor's Raiders]] on numerous occasions, mainly over pieces of the [[Keystone]].
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{{Clear}}
   
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====Battle of Bel'Shir====
The schism grew slowly. [[Felanis]], their leader, used to be a respected Protoss. He began acting strangely (according to [[Ladranix]]) and befriended the respected [[Alzadar]] (a former friend of Ladranix). Felanis and his followers began to withdraw from the [[Khala]]; they would communicate only for basic necessities. Finally the Shel'na Kryhas' unity broke; Felanis insulted Ladranix for clinging to the old traditions, then took his followers and departed.
 
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{{Covert Missions}}
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{{Main|Welcome to the Jungle}}
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[[File:WelcometotheJungle SC2-WoL Game1.jpg|thumb|225x225px|The Tal'darim on Bel'Shir]]
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Raynor's Raiders traveled to [[Bel'Shir]] seeking [[terrazine]]. Attempts to negotiate proved fruitless, and the Tal'darim Executor, [[Nyon]], ordered his troops to "execute" the Raiders. The Raiders made off with seven canisters of terrazine.<ref name="WoL_WelcomeJungle"/>
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{{Clear}}
   
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====Battles for the Artifacts====
The Tal'darim, as they came to be known, were called to [[Aiur caverns|vast unexplored caverns]] (the same xel'naga-created ones visited by [[Khas|Savassan]] and [[Temlaa]]) by their Benefactor, the [[Xava'tor]]. They emerged only at night to gain a little sustenance from starlight.
 
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The Keystone became a point of conflict during the [[Second Great War]]. It consisted of five pieces scattered across the [[Koprulu sector]]. Four pieces were in Tal'darim custody{{-}}one in a shrine on [[Monlyth]]<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab"/>, one was in a [[xel'naga temple]] on the dead world of [[Xil]]<ref name="WoL_TheDig">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Wings of Liberty]]'', [[The Dig]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref>, another one in a vault on the old world of [[Typhon XI]]<ref name="WoL_Supernova">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Wings of Liberty]]'', [[Supernova]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> and the last on a [[worldship]] in the [[Sigma Quadrant]].<ref name="WoL_MawVoid">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Wings of Liberty]]'', [[Maw of the Void]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> The Tal'darim viewed the components as holy relics and appointed themselves guardians against all thieves.<ref name="WoL_TheDig"/>
   
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Unfortunately for them, the device was desired by other races. Commander [[Jim Raynor]] and Crown Prince [[Valerian Mengsk]] wanted to use the Keystone to attack the [[zerg]] and eventually make [[Sarah Kerrigan]] human again.<ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryValerian">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Valerian Mengsk]] (in English). 2010.</ref>Meanwhile, the [[zerg]] made numerous attempts to collect the pieces of the Keystone as well.<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab"/><ref name="WoL_ZeroHour">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Wings of Liberty]]'', [[Zero Hour]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref><ref name="WoL_MoebiusFactor">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Wings of Liberty]]'', [[The Moebius Factor]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref>
The Tal'darim came to be addicted to the drug [[Sundrop]]. They saw it as a gift from the Xava'tor, which granted them ecstasy. They knew of its painful withdrawal symptoms, but they didn't consider them harmful.
 
   
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[[File:EngagingProtossFanatics.Jpg|thumb|Fighting against the Raiders on Monlyth]]
The Tal'darim were a small group at first, but it soon became apparent to the Shel'na Kryhas that they were losing fewer members to the zerg. A number of Shel'na Kryhas deserted, joining the Tal'darim.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" />
 
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A band of Tal'darim guarding an [[alien artifact]] on [[Monlyth]] came under the [[Smash and Grab|attack]] by both Raynor's Raiders and the [[Zerg Swarm]]. Both forces sought the artifact, and despite the Tal'darim forces' use of [[stone guardian]]s, Raynor's Raiders were successful in stealing it.<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab"/>
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{{Clear}}
   
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[[File:Xil SC2 Cncpt1.jpg|thumb|left|Defilers on Xil]]
====Terran Contact====
 
  +
The [[Moebius Foundation]] attempted to acquire an alien artifact from a [[xel'naga temple]] on [[Xil]]. However, their forces were all wiped out by the Tal'darim. Some of their structures survived, however. The Raiders were dispatched to the scene to make their own [[The Dig|attempt]] on the artifact. Nyon once again demanded the terrans leave, to no avail. Raynor's Raiders fought their way into the temple and stole the artifact. This prompted Nyon to threaten Raynor.<ref name="WoL_TheDig"/>
[[File:Ulrezaj SC2 Cncpt1.jpg|thumb|The Xava'tor]]
 
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{{Clear}}
In [[2503]],<ref name="HDTimeline">April 6, 2010. "Timeline". ''[[StarCraft II: Heaven's Devils]].'' Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). pp. 311 - 323. ISBN 978-1416-55084-6.</ref> the Tal'darim became aware of the presence of a [[preserver]], [[Zamara]], on [[Aiur]] when the [[terran]] [[Jake Ramsey]] (who carried Zamara's mind within his own brain due to unusual circumstances) landed on Aiur. The [[Xava'tor]] had instructed the Tal'darim to destroy preservers.
 
   
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[[File:Supernova SC2-WoL Story.jpg|thumb|The Tal'darim defending the artifact on Typhon XI]]
Ramsey's friend, [[Rosemary Dahl]], entered the xel'naga caverns in order to scout a path to its giant pure [[khaydarin crystal]]. The Tal'darim captured her and [[Alzadar]] tried to use her to lure Ramsey to them by exposing her to the addictive [[Sundrop]]. However, the attempt failed. From Dahl, the [[Shel'na Kryhas]] learned many of their secrets, and were able to arrange an ambush of Alzadar.
 
  +
The Tal'darim realized the Raiders would seek the remaining components, and were dug in when the terrans arrived on [[Typhon XI]]. The impending supernova did not deter the protoss from their self-assigned duty. However, the Raiders once more [[Supernova|absconded]] with the component, leaving the Tal'darim to be consumed by the fire sweeping across the planet's surface.<ref name="WoL_Supernova"/>
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{{Clear}}
   
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[[File:Worldship SC2-WoL Story1.jpg|thumb|left||The Tal'darim on the Xel'Naga worldship]]
Alzadar was captured and detoxified, then told the truth about the Xava'tor... he was a [[dark archon]], [[Ulrezaj]], trying to convert them into something like the very [[Dark Templar]] which disgusted the Tal'darim.
 
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The Raiders [[Maw of the Void|attacked]] the [[Worldship (Maw of the Void)|Sigma Quadrant Worldship]], a derelict xel'naga [[worldship]], and its Tal'darim occupiers for the final component. The Tal'darim also kept [[Dark Templar]] prisoners on the ship; the prisoners claimed to be the victims of treachery. As the terrans closed on the component's vault, Executor [[Nyon]] arrived in a {{Link|mothership|Maw of the Void}}.<ref name="WoL_MawVoid"/>
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{{Clear}}
   
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{{PlotBranchBrack|desc=[[Raynor's Raiders]] destroy the [[mothership (Maw of the Void)|Tal'darim Mothership]]}}
Alzadar agreed to enter the [[Khala]] again and work with the [[Shel'na Kryhas]]. He joined a party of Shel'na Kryhas, Ramsey and Dahl heading into the caverns. Zamara needed to acquire a piece of the extremely pure giant [[khaydarin crystal]] before escaping through the [[Warp Gate (Xel'Naga)|warp gate]]. The group stealthily entered the [[Giant Crystal Chamber|chamber]] and acquired a piece of the [[giant crystal]], avoiding the [[vat creatures|strange vats]] in the chamber. However, Alzadar opened [[Aiur caverns#First Chamber|another chamber's]] alcoves and discovered his former friends; Xava'kai, but they had been drained of their lives. Alzadar realized the depths of the Xava'tor's betrayal. This also set off an alarm.
 
  +
The Raiders destroyed the ship, causing the executor to exclaim that he would simply return to the [[xel'naga]].<ref name="WoL_MawVoid"/>
  +
{{PlotBranchBrack/end}}
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[[File:Ulnar SC2-WoL Story1.jpg|thumb|The worldship]]
   
  +
The terrans made off with the artifact.<ref name="WoL_MawVoid"/>
The Tal'darim attacked, but their numbers had been culled by the Xava'tor, and so didn't outnumber their opponents. (Many had been taken as Xava'kai.) Alzadar relayed his astounding information to them. Felanis didn't deny the accusations, instead claiming that Ulrezaj was a demigod who offered Felanis the power to save himself and the Tal'darim. Alzadar had influence among the Tal'darim, so he elected to remain behind and try to convince them to change their ways. Half of the [[Shel'na Kryhas]] "warriors" remained with him.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" />
 
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{{Clear}}
   
====The Group Splinters====
+
====Amon Reborn====
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Raynor used the Keystone to make Kerrigan human again on [[Char]].<ref name="WoL_AllIn">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Wings of Liberty]]'', [[All In]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> The Queen of Blades' essence was converted into Void energies which were subsequently stored in the artifact.<ref name="SC2-LotV StoryKarax"/><ref name="SC2:HotS_HandDarknessDialogue"/><ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryStukov">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Alexei Stukov]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>
Ramsey, Dahl and company used a secret passage to escape the caverns, only to be ambushed by the zerg, led by an intelligent [[infested terran]], [[Ethan Stewart]]. The ambush was ruined by [[Terran Dominion]] forces sent by [[Valerian Mengsk]] to rescue Ramsey. The group boarded a [[dropship]], but Dahl hijacked it and flew it towards the [[Warp Gate (Xel'Naga)|warp gate]]. Now that [[Zamara]] had her precious crystal, they had no reason to remain on Aiur. Upon reaching the warp gate, Zamara and Dahl tried to repair it when the zerg fell upon them again.
 
   
  +
Narud stole the artifact from Raynor<ref name="SC:Flashpoint">Golden, Christie (November 6, 2012). ''[[StarCraft II: Flashpoint]]''. Simon & Schuster (Gallery Books). ISBN 978-1451-65962-7.</ref> and traveled to [[Atrias]], a Tal'darim-guarded world, where he revived Amon using the Keystone's Void energy.<ref name="SC2:LotV:WoO_DarkWhispers"/> The reborn Amon used a [[void catalyst]] to communicate with the Tal'darim highlord, [[Ma'lash]].<ref name="SC2:LotV:WoO_EvilAwoken">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Whispers of Oblivion]]'', [[Evil Awoken]] (in English). 2015-07-15.</ref>
Alzadar and at least some Tal'darim arrived at the warp gate in time to assist Ramsey, Dahl and the Shel'na Kryhas in their battle against the zerg... and [[Ulrezaj]]! Most of the Tal'darim, saying they were ''not'' Xava'kai, seemed only interested in escaping. The Xava'tor had come to punish his wayward students and destroy Zamara.
 
   
  +
===Phantoms of the Void===
Ramsey, drawing upon memories of [[Adun]]'s final moments, showed the Tal'darim how to use their Dark Templar powers to defeat Ulrezaj. The Tal'darim would create "uncontrolled" psionic storms (a Dark Templar ability), while the Shel'na Kryhas would control and direct the storms. Many protoss from both factions died, but their life energies fed the powerful blue nimbus which fed off of Ulrezaj. Only a few protoss were able to escape through the warp gate (along with Ramsey and Dahl).<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" />
 
  +
Another group of Tal'darim was discovered to be inhabiting the lower levels of [[Skygeirr Station]], working for [[Emil Narud]]. These Tal'darim worshiped the fallen [[xel'naga]] [[Amon]].<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryIzsha"/><ref name="SC2:HotS_HandDarknessDialogue"/> They also defended Amon's temple at Skygeirr Station, working directly with Amon's servant, [[Emil Narud]], willingly allowing him to experiment on them for his goals.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]'' {{Link|Map Editor|SC2}}''. (Activision Blizzard) (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>
   
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They failed to defend the temple from [[Sarah Kerrigan]] and [[Alexei Stukov]], who went on to defeat Narud's [[hybrid]]s<ref name="SC2:HotS_PhantomsVoid">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Heart of the Swarm]]'', [[Phantoms of the Void]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> and kill Narud himself.<ref name="SC2:HotS_CineShiftPerspect">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Shifting Perspectives]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>
In the end, only members of the Tal'darim made it to Shakuras, and many died trying to defeat Ulrezaj. Alzadar died shortly after the battle from mortal wounds.
 
   
  +
===Whispers of Oblivion===
The loyal Tal'darim defended Ulrezaj from [[Ethan Stewart]]'s [[zerg]] as Ulrezaj regained power, in part from draining Tal'darim. The zerg exterminated more of them as they swarmed after Ulrezaj, forcing Ulrezaj to escape in a [[xel'naga]] vessel. He was unable to return, having been trapped in a [[khaydarin crystal]] by [[Zamara]].<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga3">Golden, Christie (June 30, 2009). ''[[StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga: Twilight|StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga #3: Twilight]].'' Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7129-9.</ref>
 
  +
[[File:GhostsFog SC2-LotV Game1.jpg|thumb|The Tal'darim on Atrias]]
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Tal'darim led by Highlord [[Ma'lash]], based on [[Atrias]]<ref name="SC2:LotV:WoO_GhostsFog">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Whispers of Oblivion]]'', [[Ghosts in the Fog]] (in English). 2015-07-15.</ref>, raided [[Daelaam]] colonies for [[Templar Caste]] prisoners. The Tal'darim had stayed away from Daelaam colonies for a long time. The prisoners were delivered to a [[Moebius Foundation]] base and experimented upon to create [[hybrid]]s. Most of them did not survive. Hybrids controlled the local Moebius forces.
   
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These prisoners were tracked by [[Praetor]] [[Talis]] to the Moebius base. She was planning on rescuing these protoss when two simultaneous events occurred. Dark [[Prelate]] [[Zeratul]] arrived, seeking clues to the last piece of the [[prophecy (Ulaan)|prophecy]] he had been seeking, and Kerrigan arrived with a [[zerg]] force, intending to destroy anything to do with [[Amon]]. Talis' forces rescued the templar and discovered that they had been captured by the Tal'darim.<ref name="SC2:LotV:WoO_DarkWhispers"/>
===Wings of Liberty===
 
{{Quote|You have prevailed for now. Word of this sacrilege will echo across the stars, [[Jim Raynor|James Raynor]]. The day of reckoning draws near.|Executor [[Nyon]]|The Dig}}
 
[[File:TaldarimExecutor SC2 Head1.jpg|thumb|Executor of the Tal'darim, [[Nyon]]]]
 
During the [[Second Great War]] the Tal'darim Guardians based on a [[worldship]], led by Executor [[Nyon]], came into conflict with [[Raynor's Raiders]] on numerous occasions, mainly over pieces of a [[xel'naga device|powerful artifact]].
 
   
  +
Zeratul and Talis led their force to [[Atrias]], location of Amon's resurrection. Zeratul's forces engaged the Tal'darim outside a xel'naga temple.<ref name="SC2:LotV:WoO_GhostsFog"/>
====Battle of Bel'Shir====
 
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[[File:EvilAwakens SC2-LotV Game1.jpg|thumb|left|220x220px|The Tal'darim in action within the Temple of Erris]]
{{Covert Missions}}
 
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Later, he infiltrated the [[Temple of Erris]] in order to recover the prophecy, while the Tal'darim stationed inside came to blows with his forces. Inside, Ma'lash used a [[void catalyst]] located in the temple to communicate with Amon. The reborn Amon ordered the Tal'darim to war with the protoss. The Daelaam made their way to the device in order to sever this connection and forestall the Tal'darim mobilization. When Zeratul finally encountered the void catalyst, the spirit of [[Tassadar]] gave him a hint of the future. Ma'lash escaped, and the temple began to fall apart. Zeratul escaped, despite Amon trying to stop him, but the rest of the protoss forces were killed. Zeratul intended to bring the prophecy and warning to [[Artanis]].<ref name="SC2:LotV:WoO_EvilAwoken"/>
{{Main|Welcome to the Jungle}}
 
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{{Clear}}
Raynor's Raiders traveled to [[Bel'Shir]] seeking [[terrazine]]. Attempts to negotiate proved fruitless, and the Tal'darim Executor, [[Nyon]], ordered his troops to "execute" the Raiders. The Raiders made off with seven canisters of terrazine.<ref name="WoL_WelcomeJungle" />
 
   
====Battles for the Artifacts====
+
===Legacy of the Void===
A powerful [[xel'naga device]] became a point of conflict during the [[Second Great War]]. The device consisted of five pieces scattered across the [[Koprulu Sector]]. Four pieces were in Tal'darim custody&mdash;one in a shrine on [[Monlyth]],<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab" /> one was in a [[xel'naga temple]] on the dead world of [[Xil]],<ref name="WoL_TheDig" /> another one in a vault on the old world of [[Typhon XI]]<ref name="WoL_Supernova" /> and the last on a [[worldship]] in the [[Sigma Quadrant]].<ref name="WoL_MawVoid" /> The Tal'darim viewed the components as holy relics and appointed themselves guardians against all thieves.<ref name="WoL_TheDig" />
 
   
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====Amon's Crusade====
Unfortunately for them, the device was desired by other races. [[Jim Raynor]] and [[Valerian Mengsk]] wanted to use the device to attack the [[zerg]] and eventually de-infest [[Sarah Kerrigan]].<ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryValerian">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Valerian Mengsk]] (in English). 2010.</ref> Meanwhile, the [[zerg]] made numerous attempts to collect the pieces of the device as well.<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab" /><ref name="WoL_ZeroHour">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[Zero Hour]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref><ref name="WoL_MoebiusFactor">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[The Moebius Factor]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref>
 
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[[File:SpearofAdunTal'darim SC2-LotV Cine1.jpg|thumb|225x225px|The Tal'darim attacking Glacius]]
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At the command of Amon, Ma'lash gathered the Tal'darim and began to march for war. He sent First [[Ascendant]] [[Alarak]] and a contingent of the Death Fleet to the protoss world of [[Glacius]], where the [[Khalai]] were experimenting with reviving the {{Link|Purifier|race}} program. Daelaam protoss under Artanis arrived to retrieve the technology, but Alarak fired his {{Link|mothership|Legacy of the Void}} displacement beam in an attempt to destroy the facility. Artanis and his forces slipped through the displacement beam and the Tal'darim attackers who attempted to stop them, and retrieved the Purifier technology. Alarak contacted Artanis and told him he was not as weak as he thought and that they would meet again soon.<ref name="SC2:LotV:ForbiddenWeapon">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Legacy of the Void]]'', [[Forbidden Weapon]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>
   
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As the Daelaam moved on [[Ulnar]], Alarak and a contingent of [[Moebius Corps]] gave chase, trying to bar their entry into the structure. Artanis fought through their forces and activated the five [[celestial lock]]s sealing the temple. The Tal'darim continued to hound Artanis and Kerrigan in their descent into the temple, warping in forces and using their mothership's displacement beams to try and stop the Hierarch. The temple was a trap set by Amon however, who opened a portal to the [[Void]].
A band of Tal'darim guarding an [[alien artifact]] on [[Monlyth]] came under the [[Smash and Grab|attack]] by both Raynor's Raiders and the [[Zerg Swarm]]. Both forces sought the artifact, and despite the Tal'darim forces' use of [[stone guardian]]s, Raynor's Raiders were successful in stealing it.<ref name="WoL_SmashGrab" />
 
   
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Alarak, who had earlier discovered Amon's true goal of consuming all life including the Tal'darim, used this opportunity to turn against him. He boarded the ''[[Spear of Adun]]'' and confronted [[Matriarch]] [[Vorazun]], stating that Artanis was in danger and he desired to help him. After a brief confrontation Vorazun decided to trust Alarak, and the two saved Artanis by sealing the void portal.<ref name="SC2:LotV:HarbingerofOblivion">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Legacy of the Void]]'', [[Harbinger of Oblivion]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>
[[File:Xil SC2 Cncpt1.jpg|thumb|Defilers on Xil]]
 
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{{Clear}}
The [[Moebius Foundation]] attempted to acquire an alien artifact from a [[xel'naga temple]] on [[Xil]]. However, their forces were all wiped out by the Tal'darim. Some of their structures survived, however. The Raiders were dispatched to the scene to make their own [[The Dig|attempt]] on the artifact. Nyon once again demanded the terrans leave, to no avail. Raynor's Raiders fought their way into the temple and stole the artifact. This prompted Nyon to threaten Raynor.<ref name="WoL_TheDig" />
 
   
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====Alarak Ascendant====
The Tal'darim realized the Raiders would seek the remaining components, and were dug in when the terrans arrived on [[Typhon XI]]. The impending supernova did not deter the protoss from their self-assigned duty. However, the Raiders once more [[Supernova|absconded]] with the component, leaving the Tal'darim to be consumed by the fire sweeping across the planet's surface.<ref name="WoL_Supernova" />
 
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[[File:Slayn SC2-LotV Cncpt.jpg|thumb|left|[[Slayn]]]]
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Alarak and his followers agreed to help Artanis in his fight against Amon only if he would help Alarak defeat Ma'lash in Rak'Shir, thus gaining the title of Highlord of the Tal'darim. Artanis reluctantly agreed, and set out for [[Slayn]]. Alarak informed Artanis that he had to defeat [[Guardian of Ma'lash|four of Ma'lash's guardians]] to get to him. The Daelaam fought through the [[terrazine]] fog of the planet, and slew the guardians. Alarak revealed that wasn't at all part of Rak'shir, much to the ire of Artanis, but that it removed any allies of Ma'lash that would challenge him after he became Highlord.<ref name="SC2:LotV:StepsoftheRite"/>
   
[[File:Ulnar SC2-WoL Story1.jpg|thumb|The worldship]]
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[[File:Rak'shir Slayn SC2-LotV Cncpt.jpg|thumb|[[Alarak]] vs. [[Ma'lash]]]]
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Alarak met with Ma'lash, and challenged him. Artanis loaned his forces to support him psionically, battling Tal'darim and hybrids who in turn supported Ma'lash. Eventually Alarak was victorious, slaying Ma'lash and becoming new Highlord. He declared that the Tal'darim would fight Amon and destroy him for his betrayal.<ref name="SC2:LotV:Rak'Shir"/>
The Raiders [[Maw of the Void|attacked]] the [[Worldship (Maw of the Void)|Sigma Quadrant Worldship]], a derelict xel'naga [[worldship]], and its Tal'darim occupiers for the final component. The Tal'darim also kept [[Dark Templar]] prisoners on the ship; the prisoners claimed to be the victims of treachery. As the terrans closed on the component's vault, Executor [[Nyon]] arrived in a [[Tal'darim Mothership|mothership]].<ref name="WoL_MawVoid" />
 
{{PlotBranchBrack|desc=[[Raynor's Raiders]] destroy the [[Tal'darim Mothership]].}}
 
The Raiders destroyed the ship, causing the executor to exclaim that he would simply return to the [[xel'naga]].<ref name="WoL_MawVoid" />
 
{{PlotBranchBrack/end}}
 
   
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{{CoopCanon}}
The terrans made off with the artifact.<ref name="WoL_MawVoid" />
 
  +
After Alarak's ascension to Highlord, a splinter group of the Tal'darim loyal to Amon challenged [[Ascendant|First Ascendant]] [[Ji'nara]] to Rak'Shir. With the aid of allied commanders, Ji'nara was able to maintain her position on the [[Chain of Ascension]].<ref name="ChainofAsc">2016-03-17. [http://www.battle.net/forums/thread.aspx?fn=sc2-general&t=23162&p=1&#post23162 New Co-Op Mission: Chain of Ascension]. ''StarCraft II''. Accessed 2016-03-17.</ref>
  +
{{Clear}}
   
===Heart of theSwarm===
+
====Against Their God====
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{{Quote|Vengeance for the betrayed.|An Ascendant|StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void}}
Another group of Tal'darim was discovered to be inhabiting the lower levels of [[Skygeirr Station]], working for [[Emil Narud]]. These Tal'darim worshiped the fallen [[xel'naga]] [[Amon]].<ref name="SC2:HotS_HandDarknessDialogue" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryIzsha" />
 
  +
[[File:CarrierMothershipZealot SC2-LotV Cine1.jpg|thumb|225x225px|Tal'darim ships within the Daelaam fleet]]
   
They failed to defend the temple from [[Sarah Kerrigan]] and [[Alexei Stukov]], who went on to defeat Narud's [[hybrid]]s<ref name="SC2:HotS_PhantomsVoid" /> and kill Narud himself.<ref name="SC2:HotS_CineShiftPerspect">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Shifting Perspectives]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>
+
The Tal'darim fought alongside the Daelaam in the last days of the [[End War]], lending the [[Death Fleet]] to fight Amon's forces. Alarak himself served as an advisor to Artanis aboard the Spear of Adun. When the time came to reclaim Aiur from Amon, Alarak and Vorazun paired up to destroy one of the core [[khaydarin crystals]] powering the [[psionic matrix]]. When a sealed door barred their way, Alarak channeled enough power to destroy both the door and the crystal. Tal'darim [[vanguard]]s fought alongside Artanis in destroying the final khaydarian crystal.<ref name="SC2:LotV:Templar'sReturn">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Legacy of the Void]]'', [[Templar's Return]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>
   
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When Amon revealed his host body, the Tal'darim helped the Daelaam destroy the [[void shard]]s defending him while he transferred his essence into the new host. When the shards were shattered, the combined protoss fleet unleashed an orbital bombardment on the host body, annihilating it.<ref name="SC2:LotV:TheHost">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Legacy of the Void]]'', [[The Host]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>
===Legacy of the Void===
 
{{LotV}}
 
The [[Daelaam]] battled the Amon-worshiping Tal'darim on their homeworld of Slayn.<ref name = "CampaignOverview">2014-11-07, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsvHY7YaxUg StarCraft II Legacy of the Void Campaign Overview]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2014-11-13</ref>
 
   
  +
Amon was still in control of the Khala-bound protoss however, and the [[Golden Armada]] arrived to destroy the Keystone, an artifact that could pull Amon out of the Khala. The Tal'darim aided in the final defense of the Keystone, giving it the time it needed to purge the protoss of Amon.<ref name="SC2:LotV:Salvation">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Legacy of the Void]]'', [[Salvation]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>
{{Stub}}
 
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{{Clear}}
   
==Known Members==
+
===Amon's Fall===
:''See also: [[:Category: Tal'darim characters|Tal'darim characters]]''
+
[[File:Tal'darim SC2-LotV Art1.jpg|thumb|left|The Tal'darim depart Aiur]]
  +
Though Amon was defeated on Aiur, he was not killed, merely thrown back into the Void. [[2508|Two years after his banishment]], at the behest of Kerrigan, Artanis lead the ''Spear of Adun'' into the [[Void]] itself to put an end to him once and for all. Tal'darim forces were among the Daelaam who fought alongside Artanis against Amon's minions.<ref name="SC2:LotV:IntotheVoid">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''{{Link|Into the Void|campaign}}'', {{Link|Into the Void|mission}} (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref> Eventually, Kerrigan ascended into a xel'naga, and after a long battle, slew Amon. The Tal'darim's revenge was complete.<ref name="SC2:LotV:Amon'sFall">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''{{Link|Into the Void|campaign}}'', [[Amon's Fall]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>
*[[Executor]] [[Nyon]]
 
   
  +
After the defeat of Amon, Artanis offered the Tal'darim a place among the unified protoss. Alarak declined, but gave any of his warriors who opposed his decision a single chance to join the Templar.<ref name="SC2_Ending"/> Several Tal'darim did, and served among the Daelaam.<ref name="SC:NatureBeastComplete">Brian Alexander, Akex Acks (w), Carlos Rodríguez (i) and Sandra Molina (c). (April 2, 2022). ''[[StarCraft II: Nature of the Beast - The Complete Collection]]''. Blizzard Entertainment. ISBN 978-1950366866 </ref> He then departed with his fleets to find a new homeworld for his people.<ref name="SC2_Ending">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Ending. (in English). 2015.</ref>, embarking on a path of conquest.<ref name="AlarakSpotlight"/>
===Aiur Branch===
 
  +
{{Clear}}
*[[Xava'tor]] (secret founder of the Aiur branch)
 
*[[Felanis]] (acknowledged leader)
 
*[[Alzadar]] (influential former [[Templar Caste|Templar]], renounced the Xava'tor)<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" />
 
*[[Korlendir]] (former member)<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga3" />
 
*[[Vartanil]] (made it to [[Shakuras]], former member)<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga3" />
 
   
  +
===Sacred Land===
====Deceased Xava'kai Membership====
 
  +
[[File:TaldarinBase SacredLand Comic1.jpg|thumb|The Tal'darim return to Bel'Shir]]
{{Main|Xava'kai}}
 
  +
After Amon's defeat<ref>2019-11-07, [https://www.reddit.com/r/starcraft/comments/dsnb9q/followup_on_the_14_page_blizzcon_lore_packet_the/ Followup on the 14 page BlizzCon lore packet: The (very few) questions that got answered]. ''Reddit'', accessed on 2019-11-20.</ref>, the Tal'darim had an uneasy ceasefire with the Terran Dominion. However, [[Ascendant|Fourth Ascendant]] [[Malain]] took a force to reclaim the [[terrazine]] on [[Bel'Shir]], forcefully mining the planet. In response, terrazine crazed stranded scientist [[Egon Stetmann]] began construction of his [[Mecha Swarm]] to oppose them. The Terran Dominion sent a force to retrieve Stetmann, but the Tal'darim shot down their [[medivac]] and engaged their [[viking]]s. Malain's assistant worried this would violate Alarak's decree, but Malain assured them that they would be done soon, and [[purify]] Bel'Shir after they were done to cover their tracks.<ref name="SC:ThisSacredLand_2">Robert Brooks (w), Carlos Rodríguez (i) and Andrew Dalhouse (c). (September 12, 2019). ''[[StarCraft II: This Sacred Land: Part 2]]''. Blizzard Entertainment. [https://bnetcmsus-a.akamaihd.net/cms/gallery/0NMJ0N4ZO6SJ1567709961449.pdf StarCraft II: This Sacred Land: Part 2]. Accessed 2021-09-05.</ref> However, Malain was killed by a [[Unidentified ghost (This Sacred Land)|ghost]] leading the Mecha Swarm, and the tide of mechanical zerg destroyed the Tal'darim's operations.<ref name="SC:ThisSacredLand_3">Robert Brooks (w), Carlos Rodríguez (i) and Andrew Dalhouse (c). (October 10, 2019). ''[[StarCraft II: This Sacred Land: Part 3]]''. Blizzard Entertainment. [https://bnetcmsus-a.akamaihd.net/cms/gallery/IR632P7S1O0K1570126351804.pdf StarCraft II: This Sacred Land: Part 3]. Accessed 2021-09-05.</ref>
*[[Rukashal]]
 
  +
{{Clear}}
*[[Tervoris]]
 
*[[Azramith]]
 
   
  +
===Waking the Beast===
Their drained corpses were found in the [[Aiur caverns#First Chamber|caverns]].<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" />
 
  +
{{Quote|What do you want?"<br>"The same as you...to annihilate the Defenders of Man. They destroyed a remote Tal'darim outpost, and then scurried away before the death fleet could retaliate. Such brazen disrespect demands retribution. I will exterminate them like the pests they are.|[[Nova Terra]] and [[Alarak]]|The Highlord's Bargain}}
  +
[[Defenders of Man Insurgency|Years after]] the [[End War]], a remote Tal'darim outpost was attacked by the [[terran]] separatist group the [[Defenders of Man]]. The group retreated before the [[Death Fleet]] could arrive and attack them. Highlord Alarak dispatched First Ascendant Ji'nara with the Death Fleet to hunt down and destroy the Defenders of Man for their transgressions.<ref name="SC2:NCO_Loyalty">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: {{Link2|Night Terrors#|The Highlord's Bargain}} (in English). 2016-08-02.</ref>
   
  +
[[File:VoidRayMothership SC2-NCO Cine1.jpg|thumb|The Death Fleet arrives at Tyrador IX]]
==Worlds==
 
  +
The Death Fleet arrived on the world of [[Tyrador IX]], and used their [[void ray]]s to assault the [[feral zerg]] lured there by the Defenders of Man from orbit. Ji'nara then deployed a [[Mothership (Trouble in Paradise)|Tal'darim mothership]], defended by four [[shield projector]]s to the surface, and intended to use it to destroy the Defenders of Man on the planet. The Tal'darim also deployed a special powerful [[fleet beacon]] to [[Shell Isle]] near the battlefield. However, as the Defenders of Man were defending a large number of [[Terran Dominion]] civilians, the agent [[Nova Terra]] and her [[Covert Ops Crew]] moved in to ensure that they were evacuated. Nova destroyed the shield projectors, weakening the mothership. Enraged, Ji'nara sent the mothership after the Covert Ops Crew, but without its shield projectors it was vulnerable to terran weaponry and destroyed. The Tal'darim were forced to pull back from the planet.<ref name="NCO_TroubleParadise">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Nova Covert Ops]]'', [[Trouble in Paradise]] (in English). 2016-08-02.</ref>
*[[Aiur]] (formerly)
 
  +
{{Clear}}
*[[Bel'Shir]]
 
  +
  +
[[File:NovaReigelAlarak SC2-NCO Cine1.jpg|thumb|left|A bargain is struck]]
  +
After the conflict, Highlord Alarak boarded Nova's command ship, the ''[[Griffin]]''. Nova raised her rifle to fight him, but was stopped by [[Reigel]], who said he came as a guest. Alarak explained the transgressions the Defenders of Man committed against the Tal'darim, and said that he came for vengeance. When he realized that Nova was once one of the Defenders but had been subjected to a [[memory wipe]], he made a bargain with her; he would show her where she could find [[terrazine]], which would undo the mind wipe, if she lead him to the Defenders of Man. Nova agreed, and Alarak guided her to the planet of [[Jarban Minor]].
  +
{{Clear}}
  +
  +
[[File:AlarakNova SC2-NCO Game1.jpg|thumb|Alarak meets with Nova on Jarban Minor]]
  +
As Nova and her squad arrived on the world, Alarak allowed Ji'nara and a cadre of his warriors to deploy to the surface to challenge Nova. Reigel suspected that Alarak was attempting to cull his weakest warriors against her. The Tal'darim attempted to destroy the [[Umojan]] extraction devices being used to extract terrazine from the native [[Jarban glider]]s, but Nova's crew warded away both them and the [[infested]] Umojan researchers on the planet and mined enough terrazine. With his part of the bargain fulfilled, Alarak appeared to Nova stating that provided the terrazine didn't destroy her, she would be able to restore her memories. Nova asked how she would contact Alarak once she knew where the Defenders of Man were, and he simply stated that he would know when the time comes. With that, the two factions went their separate ways.<ref name="NCO NightTerrors">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Nova Covert Ops]]'', [[Night Terrors]] (in English). 2016-08-02.</ref>
  +
{{Clear}}
  +
  +
[[File:DarkSkies NCO Game1.PNG|thumb|left|220x220px|The Tal'darim assaulting Vardona]]
  +
Later in the conflict, Nova discovered that General [[Carolina Davis]] was the leader of the Defenders of Man, and [[Vardona]] was their base of operations. As [[Emperor]] [[Valerian Mengsk]] revealed this publicly, the Tal'darim struck the world with great ferocity. In a fell swoop, they began assaulting the city the Defenders operated out of, killing soldiers and civilians alike from the Dominion and the Defenders. Alarak psionically contacted Nova saying their bargain was fulfilled, and that the Defenders would die as they agreed. Nova refused to accept Alarak's slaughter of civilians, and the Dominion prepared their defense.<ref name="SC2:NCO_Emperor's_Justice">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: {{Link2|Dark Skies#|The Emperor's Justice}} (in English). 2016-11-22.</ref>
  +
  +
The Tal'darim clashed against a line of forces from the Dominion, Defenders of Man and Nova's [[Covert Ops Crew]]. During the course of the battle, Admiral [[Matt Horner]] deployed ''[[Gorgon]]''-class [[battlecruiser]]s from the [[Dominion Fleet]], strafing the Tal'darim attack paths. First Ascendant Ji'nara personally lead Tal'darim motherships to break the Dominion line, but to no avail. After suffering immense casualties, the Tal'darim were forced to retreat from Vardona.<ref name="NCO_DarkSkies">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Nova Covert Ops]]'', [[Dark Skies]] (in English). 2016-11-22.</ref>
  +
  +
After the battle, Alarak contacted Nova, saying her betrayal was noted, and that she had made a powerful enemy. She said he had as well, and that he should never again return, before cutting communications.<ref name="SC2:NCO_BrokenAlliances">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: {{Link2|End Game#|Broken Alliances}} (in English). 2016-11-22.</ref>
  +
  +
===The Menace of the Stars===
  +
[[File:FallofSpearpoint Survivors Comic1.JPG|thumb|The Tal'darim destroy [[Spearpoint Base]]]]
  +
Sometime after the [[End War]], the Tal'darim were hailed by a [[the Prisoner|renegade Nerazim]] and led to the [[Umojan Protectorate]] world of {{Link|Aeneas|planet}}. The Death Fleet swept over the base in a [[Fall of Spearpoint Base|fierce battle]], annihilating the defenders and purifying the base. However, over the course of the battle, a terran ship carrying a powerful protoss energy core rammed into a [[Tal'darim mothership]], destroying them both in a cataclysmic explosion.<ref name="SCSur:Issue4">Houser, Jody (w), Guzmán,Gabriel (p, i). "[[StarCraft: Survivors: Issue 4]]" ''[[StarCraft: Survivors]]'' '''4''' (24) (October 23rd, 2019) Dark Horse Comics.</ref>
  +
{{Clear}}
  +
  +
==Known Members==
  +
''See also: [[:Category: Tal'darim characters|List of Tal'darim characters]]''
  +
{{Quote|You're Tal'darim? What happened? [[Templar Caste|Blue and gold]] not edgy enough for ya?|[[Tychus Findlay]]|Heroes of the Storm}}
  +
[[File:Alarak SC2-LotV Portrait.jpg|thumb|[[Highlord]] Alarak]]
  +
*Highlord [[Alarak]]
  +
*Highlord [[Ma'lash]]{{dagger}}
  +
*First Ascendant [[Ji'nara]]
  +
*First Ascendant [[Nuroka]]{{dagger}}
  +
*Second Ascendant [[Guraj]]{{dagger}}
  +
*Third Ascendant [[Zenish]]{{dagger}}
  +
*Fourth Ascendant [[Malain]]{{dagger}}
  +
*[[Emil Narud]] (affiliated){{dagger}}
  +
*[[Executor]] [[Nyon]]{{dagger}}
  +
*[[Amon's Champion]]{{Dagger}}
  +
  +
==Known Worlds==
  +
*[[Atrias]]
  +
*[[Bel'Shir]] (formerly)
 
*[[Demon's Fair]] (formerly)
 
*[[Demon's Fair]] (formerly)
*[[Ketill]] (formerly)
+
*[[Ketill IV]] (formerly)
 
*[[Monlyth]] (formerly)
 
*[[Monlyth]] (formerly)
*[[Slayn]]
+
*[[Slayn]] (former homeworld)
 
*[[Typhon XI]] (formerly)
 
*[[Typhon XI]] (formerly)
 
*[[Xil]]
 
*[[Xil]]
  +
  +
==Units==
  +
*[[Ascendant]]
  +
*[[Blood hunter]]
  +
*{{Link|Destroyer|protoss}}
  +
*[[Havoc]]
  +
*[[Slayer]]
  +
*[[Supplicant]]
  +
*[[Tal'darim mothership]]
  +
*[[Tal'darim drill]]
  +
*[[Vanguard]]
  +
*[[War prism]]
  +
*[[Wrathwalker]]
   
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
  +
[[File:Taldarim Dark Units SC2 Rend.jpg|thumb|right|Tal'darim units in ''Heart of the Swarm'']]
*[[Korlendir]] was a member of the [[Aiur]] branch of the Tal'darim. He left the group and traveled to [[Shakuras]] with [[Rosemary Dahl]], where he was detoxified of [[Sundrop]]. However, he felt lost and ill at ease. At the [[xel'naga temple of Shakuras]] he met [[Taarim]] of the [[guardians of the xel'naga temple of Shakuras]] and was introduced to Sundrop again, suggesting a tie between the groups.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga3" />
 
  +
*In ''Wings of Liberty'', the Tal'darim used the same color scheme and unit models as normal protoss. In ''Heart of the Swarm'', they used the same visuals as the protoss corrupted by [[Maar]]. In ''Legacy of the Void'', Tal'darim units have a black and red color scheme and unique models. This stems from development constraints, as in ''Heart of the Swarm'', the Tal'darim were simply "darker protoss" with a slightly different color scheme. The new scheme in ''Legacy of the Void'' came from more time being allowed to flesh out the Tal'darim, and [[Samwise Didier]], who did the concept for Alarak. The new Tal'darim aesthetic stemmed from Alarak's.<ref name="DillingInterview">2016-11-12, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAF_dbjczic BlizzCon 2016: StarCraft Interview with Allen Dilling]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2016-11-16.</ref>
  +
  +
[[File:Forged SC2 Rend1.jpg|thumb|The Tal'darim skin set]]
  +
*A full Tal'darim [[skin]] set, named the "Forged" was initially made available as a reward for protoss BlizzCon 2017 [[War Chest]].<ref name="WarChest">2017-07-15. [https://warchest.starcraft2.com/en-us/ War Chests Page]. ''Battle.net''. Accessed 2017-07-15.</ref> Tal'darim building skins were introduced in the Katowice 2019 War Chest.<ref>2018-11-06, [http://starcraft.blizzpro.com/2018/11/02/blizzcon-opening-ceremonies-2018-with-new-co-op-commander-zeratul/ NEW STARCRAFT 2 CO-OP COMMANDER ZERATUL, WAR CHEST 4 ANNOUNCED, BLIZZCON 2018]. ''Blizzpro'', accessed on 2018-11-13.</ref>
  +
  +
*A group named the {{Link|Tal'darim|Aiur}} first appeared in ''[[The Dark Templar Saga]]'' prior to the Tal'darim's first onscreen appearance in ''[[Wings of Liberty]]''. According to an interview with [[Chris Metzen]], the ''Wings of Liberty'' Tal'darim may still be influenced by Ulrezaj, and to some degree it was the same group that appeared in ''{{Link2|StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga: |Shadow Hunters}}''.<ref>Chris Metzen, Medievaldragon. 2009-08-17. [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/starcraft_ii_single_player_hands_on_chris-metzen-interview/ Starcraft II Single Player Hands On: Chris Metzen Interview]. ''Blizzplanet''. Accessed 2010-09-09.</ref> [[Valerie Watrous]] later confirmed that the Aiur and Slayn branches of the Tal'darim were unconnected.<ref name="Q&A"/>
  +
  +
[[File:Forged SC2 Rend2.jpg|thumb|The Tal'darim building skin set]]
  +
*The Tal'darim symbol from ''Wings of Liberty'' is available in multiplayer as a reward for winning 1000 team games as protoss.<ref name="SCIIRetail">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard) (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> A decal named the Tal'darim Warcrest is available as a reward for players who purchase the digital deluxe or collectors edition of ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''.<ref>[http://sea.battle.net/sc2/en/buy-now/collectors-edition Heart of the Swarm Collector's Edition], ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed on 2012-12-03.</ref>
   
  +
*The Tal'darim symbol from ''Legacy of the Void'' is available as a spray, banner and warbanner in ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]''.<ref name="HeroesoftheStorm"/>
*The Aiur branch of the Tal'darim appeared to despise the Dark Templar.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga3" /> The worldship branch does not appear to possess similar qualms, employing Dark Templar technology such as [[stalker]]s and [[void ray]]s, thought this may simply be the result of game mechanics.<ref name="WoL_WelcomeJungle" /> In [[Maw of the Void]], their prisoners were exclusively Dark Templar.<ref name="WoL_MawVoid" />
 
   
  +
*In the 2013{{-}}2018 period, the Tal'darim were the most popular protoss faction on the wiki (in terms of the no. of page views).<ref>2018-03-30, [http://fandom.wikia.com/articles/starcraft-anniversary-sarah-kerrigan 'Starcraft' 20th Anniversary: What Fans Are Most Interested In]. ''Wikia'', accessed on 2018-04-01.</ref>
*The Tal'darim first appeared in ''[[The Dark Templar Saga]]'' with their onscreen appearance being within the ''[[Wings of Liberty]]'' campaign where they serve as a protoss antagonistic faction to Raynor's Raiders. According to an interview with [[Chris Metzen]], these Tal'darim may still be influenced by Ulrezaj. To some degree it’s the same group, but the group might be larger than what was seen in ''[[StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga: Shadow Hunters|Shadow Hunters]]''.<ref>Chris Metzen, Medievaldragon. 2009-08-17. [http://www.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/starcraft_ii_single_player_hands_on_chris-metzen-interview/ Starcraft II Single Player Hands On: Chris Metzen Interview]. ''Blizzplanet''. Accessed 2010-09-09.</ref>
 
   
  +
{{Clear}}
*The Tal'darim's color scheme changes from light blue to black between ''Wings of Liberty''<ref name="WoL_TheDig"/> and ''[[Heart of the Swarm]]''.<ref name="SC2:HotS_PhantomsVoid"/>
 
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
{{ref|scroll=x|col=2}}
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{{Ref|scroll=x|col=2}}
 
{{Protoss Tribes}}
 
{{Protoss Tribes}}
 
{{Wings of Liberty}}
 
{{Wings of Liberty}}
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{{Heart of the Swarm}}
[[Category: Protoss organizations]]
 
  +
{{Legacy of the Void}}
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{{Nova Covert Ops}}
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{{Amon}}
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{{Tal'darimConcepts}}
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[[es:Tal'darim]]
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[[Category:Tal'darim|*]]
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[[Category:Protoss kindreds]]
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[[Category:Amon's Forces]]

Latest revision as of 23:57, 26 September 2023

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"Before we became The Chosen, we were The Forged. And we can never be broken."

- A Tal'darim mothership pilot.(src)

The Tal'darim, otherwise referred to as "the Forged"[1] or "the Chosen,"[2] are a fanatical and war-like sect of protoss that were taken from Aiur as Amon and his followers abandoned the planet.[3]

They stand apart from both the Khalai and Nerazim.[4] They do not use the Khala.[5][6]

Overview[]

An ancient faction once based out of Slayn,[2] the Tal'darim are the most vicious and cut-throat of all the protoss factions.[7] They spent countless ages in the service of Amon, who took them from Aiur before the Aeon of Strife. They claim to be the "chosen" of the xel'naga.[2]

The title of "Tal'darim", which translates as "The Forged"[1], was taken from a group of mythological servants to the xel'naga.[5]

Tal'darim inhabit many planets, mainly for the purpose of collecting and spreading terrazine.[5][8] They used the terrazine to bring them close to the Void, and by association Amon.[9]

Some remained on worlds such as Monlyth after they had been mostly abandoned centuries ago.[10]

Culture[]

"The frail must die so the strong can thrive. Such is the way of Rak'shir...such is the way of the Tal'darim."

- A Tal'darim blood hunter(src)

TaldarimExecutor SC2 Head1

Executor of the Tal'darim, Nyon

The Tal'darim are the most ruthless of all the protoss kindreds.[11] They possess a culture that is distinct from their Khalai and Nerazim counterparts, as is their manner of thought.[4] Their morals and ethics are considered barbaric by their brethren, but their power in battle is undeniable.[7] Tal'darim warriors wield bane blades, ancient red psionic blades that draw power from the Void.[6]

The Tal'darim have a brutal and war-like society, and all members adhere to a Chain of Ascension. This chain determines who is in command of the society, and is ruled by a Highlord. No Tal'darim may fight or kill another above his rank unless he first challenges them to Rak'Shir, rite by ritual combat. Attacking a superior outside a Rak'Shir duel is punished through public execution.[6]

Those deemed too weak to be of service to their Highlord are ruthlessly hunted down and executed by blood hunters.[12] They do not take prisoners in battle.[11]

Hostile toward outsiders, the Tal’darim have little interaction with other protoss, and do not seem concerned with evangelizing their mission beyond their ranks.[2] However, closer examination of their war machines revealed them to be exact duplicates of Khalai designs, with little variation beyond construction materials. This has led to speculation among the Daelaam that tales of lost Khalai expeditions and missing patrols over the eons may have been the result of encounters with the Tal'darim pilfering their technology instead.[13][14] In this, there is some truth, as Tal'darim shipwrights excel in reverse-engineering Khalai technology for their own ends. While they often scoff at the Daelaam's choice of weaponry, many elements of the Tal'darim's arsenal originate from that of the Khalai/Daelaam, or in some cases, simply stolen.[12]

The Tal'darim have likewise pilfered Nerazim designs,[15] for they have long envied the Nerazim's temporal mastery.[12]

The Tal'darim do not utilize scientists or engineers within their ranks—every Tal'darim is a warrior, and believe that it is one's strength in battle that defines an individual.[15] Tal'darim utilize captured Khalai Caste engineers, and interrogate them for engineering secrets. In the development and application of technology, the Tal'darim typically invest resources in offensive rather than defensive technologies.[12]

Executor SC2-LotV Head2

A Tal'darim executor

Their hostility has also extended to terrans, such as the Terran Dominion[6], and even Jim Raynor who had befriended other branches of the protoss.[10]

Tal'darim care little for the environment around them, and even their resource gathering devastates worlds. Captured probes have their environmental protection controls disabled, and assimilators dig so deep into the world for vespene that they can often cause earthquakes.[12]< Some of their worlds, such as Slayn, were once lush jungle planets, before the Tal'darim devastated them through terrazine exposure.[6]

These Tal'darim believe in the concept of survival of the fittest and carry out sacrifices. In the day cycle of Slayn, these Tal'darim are expected to fend for themselves, while at night, all are equal in their god's gaze. Their society operates with the concept of the Chain of Ascension—obey those above you, while being superior to those below you. One may ascend the chain through Rak'Shir duels, or simply move up as openings in the chain are created. Those high up in the chain are referred to as ascendants, while the top of the chain is the highlord, of which there have been many. It is their philosophy that as the weak are removed from the chain, the Tal'darim grow stronger.[6] Only younglings are exempted from the Chain.[15]

The architecture of the Tal'darim bears some resemblance to that found within Daelaam society, but it utilizes "harsher" edges, and stands "tall and proud".[6] Most of these designs were stolen from the Daelaam, and redesigned in order to give a more intimidating and sombre appearance.[12]

The following section contains information from Heroes of the Storm that is ambiguously canonical.

The Tal'darim name their worlds to honor significant events.[16]

Religion[]

Tal'darim War Crest SC2 Decal1

The Tal'darim war crest

The Tal'darim worshiped Amon, a fallen xel'naga, as their god[17][18], though they have given worship to the xel'naga as a group of deities as well.[19] Sarah Kerrigan claimed that their devotion made them even more dangerous.[17][18] The Tal'darim followed Amon's creed, even carving his words into their bodies as demonstrations of their zeal. They believed that it was through Amon's will that the Breath of Creation was shared with them, and it was through his blessing that one could travel safely through the Void. That once Amon had undone the "corrupt" cycle of the xel'naga, they would be their own masters, and the Day of Ascension would come.[6] The Tal'darim sought to become hybrids, and stand by Amon's side. This changed after Alarak took over as highlord, and the Tal'darim sought revenge on Amon for deceiving them.[20]

At least some Khalai regarded the Tal'darim as heretics, believing them devoted servants of the xel'naga for years, until discovering their true allegiance to Amon.[21][15]

History[]

Early History[]

Slayn Heroes Art1

The Tal'darim establish their civilization

The Tal'darim separated and went away with Amon eons ago, having been taken away with Amon and his xel'naga not long after they abandoned Aiur before the Aeon of Strife. As such, they gained a different methodology and culture from their protoss kin, and did not have the connection to the Khala that their Khalai brothers did.[3]< They were taken to the sigma quadrant, and Amon left them with an order "Defeat your masters, or rise beyond them". The Tald'arim interpreted this as through obedience, they would one day ascend alongside him.[6] This was in fact a lie, a means for Amon to keep the Tal'darim in his thrall.[22]

The Tal'darim typically stayed away from Daelaam planets, and did so for a long time.[21] They nevertheless pilfered Khalai and Nerazim designs, converting them into their own war machines.[13][14]

The Tal'darim claim to have protected their sacred artifacts since before the terrans achieved spaceflight.[8] They had colonized and then abandoned planets such as Demon's Fair long ago. Demon's Fair bore two sources of terrazine, and when one ran out, the Tal'darim left it.[5] Some remained on worlds such as Monlyth after they had been mostly abandoned centuries ago.[10]


The following section contains information from Heroes of the Storm that is ambiguously canonical.

In the early days of the Tal'darim, the first highlord was asked where would be their homeworld. He responded by pointing downward, and stating "wherever I tread". This edict remained unchanged within the Tal'darim.[16]

Wings of Liberty[]

Tal'darimStandard SC2 Logo1

Tal'darim standard of Nyon's forces

"You have prevailed for now. Word of this sacrilege will echo across the stars, James Raynor. The day of reckoning draws near."

- Executor Nyon(src)

During the Second Great War the Tal'darim Guardians based on a worldship, led by Executor Nyon, came into conflict with Raynor's Raiders on numerous occasions, mainly over pieces of the Keystone.

Battle of Bel'Shir[]

GabrielToshMissons SC2 Icon1
This article or section contains information from the optional Covert Missions in StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty.
Main article: Welcome to the Jungle
WelcometotheJungle SC2-WoL Game1

The Tal'darim on Bel'Shir

Raynor's Raiders traveled to Bel'Shir seeking terrazine. Attempts to negotiate proved fruitless, and the Tal'darim Executor, Nyon, ordered his troops to "execute" the Raiders. The Raiders made off with seven canisters of terrazine.[8]

Battles for the Artifacts[]

The Keystone became a point of conflict during the Second Great War. It consisted of five pieces scattered across the Koprulu sector. Four pieces were in Tal'darim custody—one in a shrine on Monlyth[10], one was in a xel'naga temple on the dead world of Xil[23], another one in a vault on the old world of Typhon XI[24] and the last on a worldship in the Sigma Quadrant.[19] The Tal'darim viewed the components as holy relics and appointed themselves guardians against all thieves.[23]

Unfortunately for them, the device was desired by other races. Commander Jim Raynor and Crown Prince Valerian Mengsk wanted to use the Keystone to attack the zerg and eventually make Sarah Kerrigan human again.[25]Meanwhile, the zerg made numerous attempts to collect the pieces of the Keystone as well.[10][26][27]

EngagingProtossFanatics

Fighting against the Raiders on Monlyth

A band of Tal'darim guarding an alien artifact on Monlyth came under the attack by both Raynor's Raiders and the Zerg Swarm. Both forces sought the artifact, and despite the Tal'darim forces' use of stone guardians, Raynor's Raiders were successful in stealing it.[10]

Xil SC2 Cncpt1

Defilers on Xil

The Moebius Foundation attempted to acquire an alien artifact from a xel'naga temple on Xil. However, their forces were all wiped out by the Tal'darim. Some of their structures survived, however. The Raiders were dispatched to the scene to make their own attempt on the artifact. Nyon once again demanded the terrans leave, to no avail. Raynor's Raiders fought their way into the temple and stole the artifact. This prompted Nyon to threaten Raynor.[23]

Supernova SC2-WoL Story

The Tal'darim defending the artifact on Typhon XI

The Tal'darim realized the Raiders would seek the remaining components, and were dug in when the terrans arrived on Typhon XI. The impending supernova did not deter the protoss from their self-assigned duty. However, the Raiders once more absconded with the component, leaving the Tal'darim to be consumed by the fire sweeping across the planet's surface.[24]

Worldship SC2-WoL Story1

The Tal'darim on the Xel'Naga worldship

The Raiders attacked the Sigma Quadrant Worldship, a derelict xel'naga worldship, and its Tal'darim occupiers for the final component. The Tal'darim also kept Dark Templar prisoners on the ship; the prisoners claimed to be the victims of treachery. As the terrans closed on the component's vault, Executor Nyon arrived in a mothership.[19]

Plot branch : Raynor's Raiders destroy the Tal'darim Mothership

The Raiders destroyed the ship, causing the executor to exclaim that he would simply return to the xel'naga.[19]

Plot branch ends here
Ulnar SC2-WoL Story1

The worldship

The terrans made off with the artifact.[19]

Amon Reborn[]

Raynor used the Keystone to make Kerrigan human again on Char.[28] The Queen of Blades' essence was converted into Void energies which were subsequently stored in the artifact.[13][18][29]

Narud stole the artifact from Raynor[30] and traveled to Atrias, a Tal'darim-guarded world, where he revived Amon using the Keystone's Void energy.[21] The reborn Amon used a void catalyst to communicate with the Tal'darim highlord, Ma'lash.[31]

Phantoms of the Void[]

Another group of Tal'darim was discovered to be inhabiting the lower levels of Skygeirr Station, working for Emil Narud. These Tal'darim worshiped the fallen xel'naga Amon.[17][18] They also defended Amon's temple at Skygeirr Station, working directly with Amon's servant, Emil Narud, willingly allowing him to experiment on them for his goals.[32]

They failed to defend the temple from Sarah Kerrigan and Alexei Stukov, who went on to defeat Narud's hybrids[33] and kill Narud himself.[34]

Whispers of Oblivion[]

GhostsFog SC2-LotV Game1

The Tal'darim on Atrias

Tal'darim led by Highlord Ma'lash, based on Atrias[35], raided Daelaam colonies for Templar Caste prisoners. The Tal'darim had stayed away from Daelaam colonies for a long time. The prisoners were delivered to a Moebius Foundation base and experimented upon to create hybrids. Most of them did not survive. Hybrids controlled the local Moebius forces.

These prisoners were tracked by Praetor Talis to the Moebius base. She was planning on rescuing these protoss when two simultaneous events occurred. Dark Prelate Zeratul arrived, seeking clues to the last piece of the prophecy he had been seeking, and Kerrigan arrived with a zerg force, intending to destroy anything to do with Amon. Talis' forces rescued the templar and discovered that they had been captured by the Tal'darim.[21]

Zeratul and Talis led their force to Atrias, location of Amon's resurrection. Zeratul's forces engaged the Tal'darim outside a xel'naga temple.[35]

EvilAwakens SC2-LotV Game1

The Tal'darim in action within the Temple of Erris

Later, he infiltrated the Temple of Erris in order to recover the prophecy, while the Tal'darim stationed inside came to blows with his forces. Inside, Ma'lash used a void catalyst located in the temple to communicate with Amon. The reborn Amon ordered the Tal'darim to war with the protoss. The Daelaam made their way to the device in order to sever this connection and forestall the Tal'darim mobilization. When Zeratul finally encountered the void catalyst, the spirit of Tassadar gave him a hint of the future. Ma'lash escaped, and the temple began to fall apart. Zeratul escaped, despite Amon trying to stop him, but the rest of the protoss forces were killed. Zeratul intended to bring the prophecy and warning to Artanis.[31]

Legacy of the Void[]

Amon's Crusade[]

SpearofAdunTal'darim SC2-LotV Cine1

The Tal'darim attacking Glacius

At the command of Amon, Ma'lash gathered the Tal'darim and began to march for war. He sent First Ascendant Alarak and a contingent of the Death Fleet to the protoss world of Glacius, where the Khalai were experimenting with reviving the Purifier program. Daelaam protoss under Artanis arrived to retrieve the technology, but Alarak fired his mothership displacement beam in an attempt to destroy the facility. Artanis and his forces slipped through the displacement beam and the Tal'darim attackers who attempted to stop them, and retrieved the Purifier technology. Alarak contacted Artanis and told him he was not as weak as he thought and that they would meet again soon.[36]

As the Daelaam moved on Ulnar, Alarak and a contingent of Moebius Corps gave chase, trying to bar their entry into the structure. Artanis fought through their forces and activated the five celestial locks sealing the temple. The Tal'darim continued to hound Artanis and Kerrigan in their descent into the temple, warping in forces and using their mothership's displacement beams to try and stop the Hierarch. The temple was a trap set by Amon however, who opened a portal to the Void.

Alarak, who had earlier discovered Amon's true goal of consuming all life including the Tal'darim, used this opportunity to turn against him. He boarded the Spear of Adun and confronted Matriarch Vorazun, stating that Artanis was in danger and he desired to help him. After a brief confrontation Vorazun decided to trust Alarak, and the two saved Artanis by sealing the void portal.[37]

Alarak Ascendant[]

Slayn SC2-LotV Cncpt

Slayn

Alarak and his followers agreed to help Artanis in his fight against Amon only if he would help Alarak defeat Ma'lash in Rak'Shir, thus gaining the title of Highlord of the Tal'darim. Artanis reluctantly agreed, and set out for Slayn. Alarak informed Artanis that he had to defeat four of Ma'lash's guardians to get to him. The Daelaam fought through the terrazine fog of the planet, and slew the guardians. Alarak revealed that wasn't at all part of Rak'shir, much to the ire of Artanis, but that it removed any allies of Ma'lash that would challenge him after he became Highlord.[9]

Rak'shir Slayn SC2-LotV Cncpt

Alarak vs. Ma'lash

Alarak met with Ma'lash, and challenged him. Artanis loaned his forces to support him psionically, battling Tal'darim and hybrids who in turn supported Ma'lash. Eventually Alarak was victorious, slaying Ma'lash and becoming new Highlord. He declared that the Tal'darim would fight Amon and destroy him for his betrayal.[20]


AlliedCommanders SC2-LotV Art1
This article or section contains information derived from Co-op Missions, and should not be considered part of the official StarCraft storyline.

After Alarak's ascension to Highlord, a splinter group of the Tal'darim loyal to Amon challenged First Ascendant Ji'nara to Rak'Shir. With the aid of allied commanders, Ji'nara was able to maintain her position on the Chain of Ascension.[38]

Against Their God[]

"Vengeance for the betrayed."

- An Ascendant(src)

CarrierMothershipZealot SC2-LotV Cine1

Tal'darim ships within the Daelaam fleet

The Tal'darim fought alongside the Daelaam in the last days of the End War, lending the Death Fleet to fight Amon's forces. Alarak himself served as an advisor to Artanis aboard the Spear of Adun. When the time came to reclaim Aiur from Amon, Alarak and Vorazun paired up to destroy one of the core khaydarin crystals powering the psionic matrix. When a sealed door barred their way, Alarak channeled enough power to destroy both the door and the crystal. Tal'darim vanguards fought alongside Artanis in destroying the final khaydarian crystal.[39]

When Amon revealed his host body, the Tal'darim helped the Daelaam destroy the void shards defending him while he transferred his essence into the new host. When the shards were shattered, the combined protoss fleet unleashed an orbital bombardment on the host body, annihilating it.[40]

Amon was still in control of the Khala-bound protoss however, and the Golden Armada arrived to destroy the Keystone, an artifact that could pull Amon out of the Khala. The Tal'darim aided in the final defense of the Keystone, giving it the time it needed to purge the protoss of Amon.[41]

Amon's Fall[]

Tal'darim SC2-LotV Art1

The Tal'darim depart Aiur

Though Amon was defeated on Aiur, he was not killed, merely thrown back into the Void. Two years after his banishment, at the behest of Kerrigan, Artanis lead the Spear of Adun into the Void itself to put an end to him once and for all. Tal'darim forces were among the Daelaam who fought alongside Artanis against Amon's minions.[42] Eventually, Kerrigan ascended into a xel'naga, and after a long battle, slew Amon. The Tal'darim's revenge was complete.[43]

After the defeat of Amon, Artanis offered the Tal'darim a place among the unified protoss. Alarak declined, but gave any of his warriors who opposed his decision a single chance to join the Templar.[44] Several Tal'darim did, and served among the Daelaam.[45] He then departed with his fleets to find a new homeworld for his people.[44], embarking on a path of conquest.[22]

Sacred Land[]

TaldarinBase SacredLand Comic1

The Tal'darim return to Bel'Shir

After Amon's defeat[46], the Tal'darim had an uneasy ceasefire with the Terran Dominion. However, Fourth Ascendant Malain took a force to reclaim the terrazine on Bel'Shir, forcefully mining the planet. In response, terrazine crazed stranded scientist Egon Stetmann began construction of his Mecha Swarm to oppose them. The Terran Dominion sent a force to retrieve Stetmann, but the Tal'darim shot down their medivac and engaged their vikings. Malain's assistant worried this would violate Alarak's decree, but Malain assured them that they would be done soon, and purify Bel'Shir after they were done to cover their tracks.[47] However, Malain was killed by a ghost leading the Mecha Swarm, and the tide of mechanical zerg destroyed the Tal'darim's operations.[48]

Waking the Beast[]

"What do you want?"
"The same as you...to annihilate the Defenders of Man. They destroyed a remote Tal'darim outpost, and then scurried away before the death fleet could retaliate. Such brazen disrespect demands retribution. I will exterminate them like the pests they are."

Years after the End War, a remote Tal'darim outpost was attacked by the terran separatist group the Defenders of Man. The group retreated before the Death Fleet could arrive and attack them. Highlord Alarak dispatched First Ascendant Ji'nara with the Death Fleet to hunt down and destroy the Defenders of Man for their transgressions.[49]

VoidRayMothership SC2-NCO Cine1

The Death Fleet arrives at Tyrador IX

The Death Fleet arrived on the world of Tyrador IX, and used their void rays to assault the feral zerg lured there by the Defenders of Man from orbit. Ji'nara then deployed a Tal'darim mothership, defended by four shield projectors to the surface, and intended to use it to destroy the Defenders of Man on the planet. The Tal'darim also deployed a special powerful fleet beacon to Shell Isle near the battlefield. However, as the Defenders of Man were defending a large number of Terran Dominion civilians, the agent Nova Terra and her Covert Ops Crew moved in to ensure that they were evacuated. Nova destroyed the shield projectors, weakening the mothership. Enraged, Ji'nara sent the mothership after the Covert Ops Crew, but without its shield projectors it was vulnerable to terran weaponry and destroyed. The Tal'darim were forced to pull back from the planet.[50]

NovaReigelAlarak SC2-NCO Cine1

A bargain is struck

After the conflict, Highlord Alarak boarded Nova's command ship, the Griffin. Nova raised her rifle to fight him, but was stopped by Reigel, who said he came as a guest. Alarak explained the transgressions the Defenders of Man committed against the Tal'darim, and said that he came for vengeance. When he realized that Nova was once one of the Defenders but had been subjected to a memory wipe, he made a bargain with her; he would show her where she could find terrazine, which would undo the mind wipe, if she lead him to the Defenders of Man. Nova agreed, and Alarak guided her to the planet of Jarban Minor.

AlarakNova SC2-NCO Game1

Alarak meets with Nova on Jarban Minor

As Nova and her squad arrived on the world, Alarak allowed Ji'nara and a cadre of his warriors to deploy to the surface to challenge Nova. Reigel suspected that Alarak was attempting to cull his weakest warriors against her. The Tal'darim attempted to destroy the Umojan extraction devices being used to extract terrazine from the native Jarban gliders, but Nova's crew warded away both them and the infested Umojan researchers on the planet and mined enough terrazine. With his part of the bargain fulfilled, Alarak appeared to Nova stating that provided the terrazine didn't destroy her, she would be able to restore her memories. Nova asked how she would contact Alarak once she knew where the Defenders of Man were, and he simply stated that he would know when the time comes. With that, the two factions went their separate ways.[51]

DarkSkies NCO Game1

The Tal'darim assaulting Vardona

Later in the conflict, Nova discovered that General Carolina Davis was the leader of the Defenders of Man, and Vardona was their base of operations. As Emperor Valerian Mengsk revealed this publicly, the Tal'darim struck the world with great ferocity. In a fell swoop, they began assaulting the city the Defenders operated out of, killing soldiers and civilians alike from the Dominion and the Defenders. Alarak psionically contacted Nova saying their bargain was fulfilled, and that the Defenders would die as they agreed. Nova refused to accept Alarak's slaughter of civilians, and the Dominion prepared their defense.[52]

The Tal'darim clashed against a line of forces from the Dominion, Defenders of Man and Nova's Covert Ops Crew. During the course of the battle, Admiral Matt Horner deployed Gorgon-class battlecruisers from the Dominion Fleet, strafing the Tal'darim attack paths. First Ascendant Ji'nara personally lead Tal'darim motherships to break the Dominion line, but to no avail. After suffering immense casualties, the Tal'darim were forced to retreat from Vardona.[53]

After the battle, Alarak contacted Nova, saying her betrayal was noted, and that she had made a powerful enemy. She said he had as well, and that he should never again return, before cutting communications.[54]

The Menace of the Stars[]

FallofSpearpoint Survivors Comic1

The Tal'darim destroy Spearpoint Base

Sometime after the End War, the Tal'darim were hailed by a renegade Nerazim and led to the Umojan Protectorate world of Aeneas. The Death Fleet swept over the base in a fierce battle, annihilating the defenders and purifying the base. However, over the course of the battle, a terran ship carrying a powerful protoss energy core rammed into a Tal'darim mothership, destroying them both in a cataclysmic explosion.[55]

Known Members[]

See also: List of Tal'darim characters

"You're Tal'darim? What happened? Blue and gold not edgy enough for ya?"
Alarak SC2-LotV Portrait

Highlord Alarak

Known Worlds[]

Units[]

Notes[]

Taldarim Dark Units SC2 Rend

Tal'darim units in Heart of the Swarm

  • In Wings of Liberty, the Tal'darim used the same color scheme and unit models as normal protoss. In Heart of the Swarm, they used the same visuals as the protoss corrupted by Maar. In Legacy of the Void, Tal'darim units have a black and red color scheme and unique models. This stems from development constraints, as in Heart of the Swarm, the Tal'darim were simply "darker protoss" with a slightly different color scheme. The new scheme in Legacy of the Void came from more time being allowed to flesh out the Tal'darim, and Samwise Didier, who did the concept for Alarak. The new Tal'darim aesthetic stemmed from Alarak's.[56]
Forged SC2 Rend1

The Tal'darim skin set

  • A full Tal'darim skin set, named the "Forged" was initially made available as a reward for protoss BlizzCon 2017 War Chest.[57] Tal'darim building skins were introduced in the Katowice 2019 War Chest.[58]
Forged SC2 Rend2

The Tal'darim building skin set

  • The Tal'darim symbol from Wings of Liberty is available in multiplayer as a reward for winning 1000 team games as protoss.[60] A decal named the Tal'darim Warcrest is available as a reward for players who purchase the digital deluxe or collectors edition of StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm.[61]
  • The Tal'darim symbol from Legacy of the Void is available as a spray, banner and warbanner in Heroes of the Storm.[16]
  • In the 2013—2018 period, the Tal'darim were the most popular protoss faction on the wiki (in terms of the no. of page views).[62]

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