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"I am Templar, and above all else, I have sworn to protect our Homeworld 'till the end."

The Templar Caste are an order of protoss warriors, in service to the Daelaam and the Protoss Empire before it.

Overview[]

"I am Templar! I am the sword of truth!"

- A zealot(src)

Under the Protoss Empire, the caste was comprised of the protoss holy warriors who followed the Khala's disciplines to achieve ever-escalating pinnacles of psionic power.[1] Their ranks comprise some of the most powerful individuals in the Koprulu sector.[2]

Templar were trained from youth to harness fear and to give their lives if necessary.[3] Members of the Templar Caste who are particularly skilled psychics are known as high templar.[1] Both high templar and any member of the Templar Caste are sometimes simply referred to as "Templar."[4]

The Templar Caste was led by an executor.[3] At various times there have been multiple executors.[5][6][7] During the Protoss Empire, the leading executors of the Templar Caste resided in the Citadel of the Executor in Antioch.[3]

During the Golden Age, Templar wore brilliant armor to convey their status and honor as warriors.[8] Up until the fall of the Conclave, female protoss were uncommon among the commanding ranks of the Templar Caste.[9]

The following section contains information from StarCraft beta that is ambiguously canonical.

The Templar Caste employs (or employed) a concept known as the "Warrior's Path." High templar are far along the 'path', but the final step is considered to have been reached when these high templar merge to form archons.[10]

History[]

Early History[]

Templar SC2-LotV-R Cine1

Templar warriors during the Discord

Before the advent of the Khala, each tribe had a definite proclivity or strength. The dictates of the Khala advised a three caste system, which each tribe fit easily into. The Templar tribes were those who had great physical prowess or agility, or tended towards strategy. In the early days of the Khala, they fought to protect the new protoss culture from those who disagreed with it. When the battles ended, the Templar defended their people from fearsome fauna and later from hostile alien beings while settling their colonies.[3] The Templar Caste were called to battle their own during the Discord, as rogue tribes rejected the Khala.[11] Even in times of peace, rare as they were, Templar would train constantly.[12] Before the Fall of Aiur, members of the Templar Caste would often make pilgrimages to various sacred sites on the planet.[13]

Conflict with the Zerg[]

In the early phases of the Great War, the Templar deployed the Koprulu Expeditionary Force to combat the zerg infestation on the terran worlds.[1] After the fighting on the terran worlds abated, the fleet's commander, Executor Tassadar, opted to follow the zerg to Char rather than return to Aiur,[14] taking only his command ship with him.[9]

Tokyopop GrphNv Art1

In battle with the zerg

The Templar were engaged during the zerg invasion of Aiur. Uninspiring leadership by the Conclave hampered their efforts. Further difficulties arose with the return of Tassadar and the short lived civil war which further divided the Templar's resources.[15] Ultimately the battle was lost and the Khalai were forced to abandon Aiur for Shakuras.[16]

During the Brood War many Templar rallied to Judicator Aldaris in an abortive uprising against Matriarch Raszagal.[17] In the years after the conflict, the Templar often called for a return to Aiur.[18] In 2502,[19] the Templar were quick to respond to resurgent zerg activity in the Koprulu Sector. They secured the xel'naga temple on Artika from the Terran Dominion and the zerg Swarm.[20]

A New War[]

The Templar operated as the fighting force of the Daelaam.[21] In 2506, Templar warriors were abducted by the Tal'darim and handed over to the Moebius Foundation to be used as test subjects in the creation of hybrids. These Templar were freed by Praetor Talis and Prelate Zeratul,[22] and subsequently took part in an assault on the Temple of Erris, a Tal'darim stronghold.[23] The Templar gave their lives so that Zeratul could warn Artanis of the looming Tal'darim invasion.[24]

ZealotKaldalis SC2-LotV Cine1

The Templar return to Aiur

In 2506, the Templar Caste took part in the Reclamation of Aiur. The zealot Kaldalis and cadre of Templar serving as the akhundelar of the invasion established a pylon, allowing ground forces to warp to the surface.[25] Templar warriors, alongside their Khalai Caste and Nerazim allies, pushed through the ranks of the zerg that held Aiur, but encountered hybrid as they attempted to clear the warp conduits on the planet.[26] Amon then corrupted the Khala, chaining all Templar warriors who were bound to it to his will. Zeratul gave his life to free Hierarch Artanis, who then set about to free what other Khalai protoss he could.[27] Artanis and the liberated Templar escaped the planet on board the arkship Spear of Adun.[28] The corrupted Templar then set out with the Golden Aramda under Executor Selendis to carry out Amon's will and purify the universe of life.[29]

On board the ship, the ancient Templar warriors and dragoons onboard were brought out of cryosleep after thousands of years, and had their nerve cords cut to prevent Amon's corruption.[30] Templar warriors served alongside Artanis during the evacuation and destruction of Shakuras,[31] the defense of Korhal,[32] and the reclamation of new Purifier technology from Glacius.[33] They also helped unseal Ulnar,[34] and after Artanis was trapped by Amon, they aided in his rescue.[35]

Templar's End[]

"Today, it is clear that the age of caste has come to its end. Today, we must all become Templar!"

- Artanis(src)

The following section contains timeline information which isn't necessarily in chronological order.

Artanis's freed Templar took part in the operation to free the ancient Purifiers locked in stasis near Endion,[36] and in the push to instate Alarak as Highlord of the Tal'darim, ending their alliance with Amon.[37] Both of these operations were successful, and the Purifiers and Tal'darim stood united with the Daelaam. Meanwhile, the corrupted Templar began engaging with the Terran Dominion, and began to break through their weakened fleets.[29]

When Matriarch Vorazun's dark templar tracked Amon's hybrid breeding operations and the headquarters of Moebius Corps to an asteroid field named Revanscar, Artanis sent forces to investigate. However, Moebius Corps battlecruisers trapped the Spear of Adun, forcing Artanis's best Templar to stay behind to defend the arkship while a Khalai Caste member, Phasesmith Karax coordinated an assault on the facility. Karax's attack was successful in destroying the base and crippling Amon's army, and the boarders on the Spear of Adun were repelled. The act of Karax proved to Artanis that the age of the caste system was over, and that through deeds all should be able to become Templar. Thus, the Templar Caste was abolished that day.[38]

Templar's Purpose[]

"Though there are battles still to be fought, we have not been called to combat for some time now. We are not Khalai caste, to lay stones or work forges. We followed our executors into battle for honor and glory."

- Maitana(src)

Zealot SC2-LotV Art5

A Templar in Golden Age-styled armor

Despite Artanis's declaration, protoss warriors continue to be referred to as Templar.[39] After years of suffering the dark consequences of the End War, the protoss' triumphant past burns even brighter in their memory, and the Templar proudly revived their ancient raiment.[8] This led to a revival of the artistic styles of the Golden Age of Expansion, and a celebration of the past of the protoss among many templar, starting with the high templar of the Shelak Tribe and spreading through many Templar. However, this celebration of the ancient Protoss Empire has caught the ire of some Nerazim; Templar traditionalists were willing to adopt Nerazim technology, simply changing the aesthetics.[40]

As the protoss adjusted to peacetime, many Templar were forced to deal with the realization they no longer had a battle to fight. Many prepared for battles yet to come, but found themselves isolated and without purpose, lacking the Khala for any sort of guidance or assurance.[41]

Known Templar Tribes[]

Notable Members[]

"Some Templar identify as a shield. Stelwart and unbreakable, defenders of truth. Others see themselves as a weapon. Powerful and precise. I say, why not be both?"

- An adept(src)

HighTemplar SC-FL3 Art1

A high templar

Main article: List of Templar

Notes[]

  • The Templar were a Catholic military order founded in the 12th century.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Underwood, Peter, Bill Roper, Chris Metzen and Jeffrey Vaughn. StarCraft (Manual). Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.
  2. 2015-04-10, A Time for Templars: Protoss (blurb, link text). Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2015-04-10
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Golden, Christie (November 27, 2007). StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga #2: Shadow Hunters. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7126-8.
  4. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Mission: Homeland (in English). 1998.
  5. Mesta, Gabriel (July 1, 2001). StarCraft: Shadow of the Xel'Naga. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 0-671-04149-5.
  6. StarCraft: Retribution. WizardWorks Software. Protoss campaign: “The Legacy of Kharadun”, mission 1: “The gateway to Taledon” (in English). 1998.
  7. StarCraft: Insurrection. Aztech New Media. Protoss campaign, mission 1: “Satellite Platform” (in English). 1998.
  8. 8.0 8.1 War Chest: BlizzCon® 2018, Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed on 2018-08-13
  9. 9.0 9.1 Golden, Christie (June 30, 2009). StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga #3: Twilight. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7129-9.
  10. 1998, Consul Report: Templar Census. Droppages.com, accessed on 2020-03-17
  11. 2015-9-25, StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void - Reclamation. Battle.net, accessed on 2015-9-25
  12. 1998-06-12, Jacob's Ladder. StarCraft Compendium Map Archives. Accessed on 2009-07-12
  13. 1999-01-15. Eldritch Lake. StarCraft Compendium Map Archives. Accessed 2007-06-30
  14. Tassadar: "As you know, the Zerg vanished after the fall of the Terran world of Tarsonis, and though the Conclave bid me return home, I was compelled to remain. A powerful psionic call drew my attention to a remote, barren world named Char." StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Level/area: Into the Flames (in English). 1998.
  15. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft. Vivendi Games. Mission: The Trial of Tassadar (in English). 1998.
  16. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Mission: Escape from Aiur (in English). 1998.
  17. Raszagal: "Congratulations, Executor. Your success has brought us the promise of hope against the Zerg. However, we face a new threat within our own ranks. In your absence, Judicator Aldaris and an entire legion of Khalai survivors from Aiur have begun an open revolt against us."
    Zeratul: "By the gods, this is ill news indeed! Why would Aldaris betray us so?"
    Raszagal: "He and his ilk believe that it was wrong to have abandoned Aiur and consorted with our people. Their prejudices have driven them to perpetuate the Conclave's sins against us! Even now, Aldaris and his loyalist templar forces are preparing to attack our Citadel."
    Artanis: "I can scarcely believe this. As if the Zerg were not enough! Matriarch, are you certain of this?"
    Raszagal: "All too certain, young templar. Executor, as Matriarch of the Dark Templar and custodian of this world, I hereby order you to terminate Judicator Aldaris, and quell this untimely uprising without delay! There will be no dissent among us while the Zerg are poised to strike!" StarCraft: Brood War. Vivendi Games. Level/area: The Insurgent (in English). 1998.
  18. 2007-06-28. Zealot. Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed 2007-07-01.
  19. April 6, 2010. "Timeline". StarCraft II: Heaven's Devils. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). pp. 311 - 323. ISBN 978-1416-55084-6.
  20. Elder, Josh and Ramanda Kamarga. "Why We Fight." In StarCraft: Frontline: Volume 1, pp. 6–47. Tokyopop, August 1, 2008. ISBN 1427-80721-3.
  21. Watrous, Valerie. "Colossus." (Apr. 07, 2011). Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft Lore: Colossus Accessed 2011-04-11.
  22. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void: Whispers of Oblivion. Vivendi Games. Mission: Dark Whispers. (in English). July 15, 2015
  23. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void: Whispers of Oblivion. Vivendi Games. Mission: Ghosts in the Fog. (in English). July 15, 2015
  24. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void: Whispers of Oblivion. Vivendi Games. Mission: Evil Awoken. (in English). July 15, 2015
  25. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). YouTube. Cinematic: StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void opening (in English). 2015-09-13.
  26. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. Vivendi Games. Mission: For Aiur!. (in English). November 10, 2015
  27. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. Vivendi Games. Mission: The Growing Shadow. (in English). November 10, 2015
  28. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: The Spear of Adun. (in English). November 10, 2015
  29. 29.0 29.1 Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Vorazun (in English). 2015.
  30. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: Arkship. (in English). 2015.
  31. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Amon's Reach. (in English). November 10, 2015
  32. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Sky Shield. (in English). November 10, 2015
  33. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Forbidden Weapon. (in English). November 10, 2015
  34. Blizzard Entertainment.StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Temple of Unification. (in English). November 10, 2015
  35. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Harbinger of Oblivion. (in English). November 10, 2015
  36. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Unsealing the Past. (in English). November 10, 2015
  37. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Steps of the Rite. (in English). November 10, 2015
  38. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Templar's Charge. (in English). November 10, 2015
  39. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: Templar's Return. (in English). November 10, 2015
  40. Blizzard Entertainment. StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void. Collections Tab: Skins. July 19, 2017
  41. Acks, Alex. "One People, One Purpose." (July 28, 2020). Blizzard Entertainment. One People, One Purpose Accessed 2020-07-28.
  42. StarCraft Alpha. Accessed on 2010-11-13
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