Editing Terran

{{TransTopBar}}
{{Quote|The universe never gave us a chance, but we're still alive and kicking. We got tossed to the far end of the galaxy, dropped smack dab between two ugly alien armies, and we're not all dead yet? Tell me that don't say something about us. We're too dumb to die. A smart species would've given up ages ago.|[[Redell Quinton]]|The Art of StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm}}
[[File:JimRaynor SC2 Cncpt3.jpg|thumb|A terran]]
The '''terrans''' (or '''humans''') are a young species with [[psionic powers|psionic]] potential. The terrans of the [[Koprulu sector]] descend from the survivors of a disastrous 23rd century colonization mission from [[Earth]] by [[Doran Routhe]].<ref name="SC1Man">Underwood, Peter, [[Bill Roper]], [[Chris Metzen]] and Jeffrey Vaughn. ''StarCraft (Manual)''. Irvine, Calif.: [[Blizzard Entertainment]], 1998.</ref> Compared to the [[protoss]] and [[zerg]], the terrans are highly factionalized and endure frequent wars amongst themselves in addition to the more recent conflicts with their alien neighbors. Nevertheless, terrans stand as one of the three dominant species of [[Milky Way|the galaxy]].<ref name="SC:BG_Man">(2007). ''StarCraft: The Board Game (manual)''. Fantasy Flight Games.</ref>

==Namesake==
<!-- Please reference all definitions of the word terran due to controversy! -->
{{Quote|We humans are about the most ornery cusses in the galaxy.|[[Michael Liberty]]|StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade}}
[[File:Marine SC-FL1 Art1.jpg|thumb|A terran marine]]
The term "terran" generally refers to the humans descending from the survivors of the [[Long Sleep]] and consequently to the human inhabitants of the Koprulu Sector.<ref name="SC:Upr">Neilson, Micky (December 18, 2000). ''[[StarCraft: Uprising]]''. [[Simon & Schuster]] (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0743-41898-0 (eBook).</ref> The term may be used synonymously with "human"<ref name="SC:_Inauguration">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: [[StarCraft Episode I#The Inauguration|The Inauguration]]. (in [[English]]). 1998.</ref><ref name="SC:LibCru">Grubb, Jeff (February 27, 2001). ''[[StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0671-04148-9.</ref><ref>'''[[Edmund Duke]]:''' "[[Tassadar|You]] are in violation of our air-space and have endangered human lives in your reckless attack against the [[Zerg]]." ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[Choosing Sides]] (in English). 1998.</ref> and terrans of the sector may extend its meaning to encompass those not descending from the Long Sleep.<ref>'''[[Samir Duran]]:''' "[[Sarah Kerrigan|My Queen]], we have located a small Terran facility towards the rear of the [[UED Slave Broods|Renegades]]' landing zone." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[Fury of the Swarm]] (in English). 1998.</ref>

Humans of the [[Earth]]-based [[United Earth Directorate]] refer to themselves as "humans," "mankind," or "humanity,"<ref>'''[[Gerard DuGalle]]:''' "Serve the Directorate. Serve Humanity." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[First Strike (Episode V)|First Strike]] (in English). 1998.</ref><ref>"The [[Second Overmind|Overmind]] will undergo extensive research to ensure the continued safety of the [[United Earth Directorate]] and of all mankind." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: [[StarCraft Episode V#UED Victory Report|UED Victory Report]] (in English). 1998.</ref> although they are sometimes referred to as "terrans" by [[Blizzard Entertainment]].<ref name="SSF2">Blizzard Entertainment staff. 2008-04-16. [http://starcraft2.com/features/storysofar2.xml The Story so Far... Part 2: The Brood War]. ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed 2008-04-16.</ref>

==History==
<!-- Remember to keep this section succinct. Detailed history should be reserved for its host article -->
{{Main|Terran history}}
The terrans [[Long Sleep|arrived]] in the [[Koprulu sector]] via [[supercarrier]]s in [[2259]],<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> landing on three separate planets &ndash; [[Tarsonis]], [[Moria]] and [[Umoja]]. They were cut off from [[Earth]].<ref name="SC1Man" /> The terran colonists had access to stores of fertilized eggs and frozen embryos, and even extensive cloning, using technologies found on the supercarriers. The terran population expanded rapidly for at least three generations, and for the first five or six generations there was pressure to have many children. Eventually the supercarrier technology broke down.<ref name="QAKindregan1">Blizzard Entertainment. 2012-10-08. [http://us.battle.net//sc2/en/blog/7493439 StarCraft II Creative Development Q&A - Part 1]. ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed 2012-10-08.</ref>

Prior to the [[Great War]], the terrans were primarily divided into three factions in the [[Koprulu sector]], each based on one of the original settled planets &ndash; the [[Terran Confederacy]], [[Kel-Morian Combine]] and [[Umojan Protectorate]]. The Confederacy was the strongest faction.<ref name="SC1Man" />

[[File:TerranSplash.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Terrans of the Confederacy]]
During the Great War, the [[Terran Confederacy]], experimenting with [[psi emitter]] technology, bore the brunt of attacks by the [[zerg]] (infested planets were frequently [[purification|purified]] by the [[protoss]]) while facing the [[Sons of Korhal]]. The Sons of Korhal eventually destroyed the Confederacy by using stolen psi emitters to lure the zerg to [[Tarsonis]];<ref>'''Duke:''' "This is Duke. The Emitters are secured and on-line."<br />'''Sarah Kerrigan:''' "Who authorized the use of [[Psi Emitter]]s?"<br />'''[[Arcturus Mengsk]]:''' "I did, Lieutenant."<br />'''Kerrigan:''' "What? The [[Terran Confederacy|Confederates]] on [[Antiga Prime|Antiga]] were bad enough, but now you're going to use the Zerg against an entire planet? This is insane."<br />'''[[Jim Raynor]]:''' "She's right, man. Think this through."<br />'''Mengsk:''' "I have thought it through, believe me. You all have your orders. Carry them out." ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[The Big Push]] (in English). 1998.</ref> the rebels created the [[Terran Dominion]], based on [[Korhal]], to replace the Confederacy.

Unknown to the terrans of the Koprulu sector, the humans of [[Earth]] were aware of their existence. However, no interference came from Earth until the discovery of the alien invaders, sparking panic. The new Earth government, the [[United Earth Directorate]], dispatched an [[UED Expeditionary Fleet|Expeditionary Fleet]] to take control of the sector and defeat the aliens.<ref name="SC:BW_Man">Underwood, Peter, Chris Metzen and Bill Roper. ''StarCraft: Brood War (Manual)''. Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.</ref> After approximately six months of stability, the Dominion [[Brood War (conflict)|came under attack]] by the UED.<ref name="SC:IMengsk">McNeill, Graham (December 30, 2008). ''[[StarCraft: I, Mengsk]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 1416-55083-6.</ref> Ultimately the sector escaped UED control, but it left the Dominion weak and with the zerg as the sector's dominant power.<ref name="SC:BW_CineEpi">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: [[StarCraft Episode VI#Epilogue|Epilogue]] (in English). 1998.</ref><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 0-7434-7126-1.</ref>

By the [[Second Great War]], the Dominion was the strongest terran force in the Koprulu Sector, vying with the [[Kel-Morian Combine]] and the [[Umojan Protectorate]] for influence.<ref name="LoreVid">Metzen, Chris; [[Andy Chambers|Chambers, Andy]]; StarCraft Legacy staff. 2007-08-31. [http://www.sclegacy.com/content/editorials-8/blizzcon-2007-starcraft-lore-panel-editorial-44/ BlizzCon 2007 StarCraft Lore Panel Editorial]. ''StarCraft Legacy.'' Accessed 2007-12-02.</ref> On the eve of war, [[Raynor's Raiders]] resumed its anti-Dominion campaign after a period of relative inactivity.<ref name="WoL_LibDay">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. ([[Activision Blizzard]]). PC. Mission: ''[[Wings of Liberty]]'', [[Liberation Day]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> The terran polities were engulfed at the start of the Second Great War by a massive [[zerg]] invasion. [[Sarah Kerrigan]]'s objective was the recovery of the [[Keystone]], and the invasion was a way of searching for it.<ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryUNNZergSlow">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. UNN newscast after "Supernova." (in English). 2010.</ref> Billions of terrans were killed.<ref name="SC2_CineEscapeMarSara">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Zero Hour#Escape from Mar Sara|Escape from Mar Sara]]. (in English). 2010.</ref> Ultimately, the terrans survived the conflict, but at great damage to the Dominion, and the loss of Emperor Mengsk.<ref name="SC2:HotS_CineAscension">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Ascension]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>

The Dominion was reformed under Emperor [[Valerian Mengsk]] under a new and fairer rule,<ref name="SC:FManual">Barba, Rick. ''[[StarCraft Field Manual]]'' (hardcover). Insight Editions, November 17, 2015.</ref>  but this rule was tested with the advent of the [[End War]] and the return of [[Amon]], which ended in terrans pushing back Amon's forces and defeating him in the [[Void]].<ref name="SC2:LotV:Amon'sFall">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Amon's Fall]]. (in English). November 10, 2015</ref> Since then the terrans of the sector have existed under an uneasy peace, one that has been put to the test by internal strife<ref name="NCO_EndGame">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Nova Covert Ops]]'', [[End Game]] (in English). 2016-11-22.</ref> and external tensions, but still maintained.<ref name="SC:Evolution">Zahn, Timothy (November 8, 2016). ''[[StarCraft: Evolution]]''. Del Rey Books. ISBN 0425284735.</ref>

==Physiology==
{{Quote|Four fingers, only one thumb. How very strange...|[[Zamara]] commenting on terran physiology.|StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga: Firstborn}}
[[File:Heaven's Devils SC2 Art3.jpg|thumb|A group of terrans]]
The average terran is 1.8m tall.<ref>Back of the original ''StarCraft'' box, 1998.</ref> Maximum human life expectancy is at most 150 years, without any mental degradation,<ref name="SC:G:Nova">DeCandido, Keith R. A. (November 28, 2006). ''[[StarCraft: Ghost: Nova]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0743-47134-3.</ref> though few terrans live over a century<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> and terrans over the age of 80 are still considered old.<ref name="SC:G:Nova" />

Blonde hair and blue eyes still occur naturally in terrans<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga1">Golden, Christie (May 22, 2007). ''[[StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga: Firstborn|StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga #1: Firstborn]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7125-1.</ref> though these traits (and others) can be altered by gene therapy and/or augmentic surgery. This can lead to a certain uniformity of appearance for those wealthy enough to afford such treatments.<ref name="SC:IMengsk">McNeill, Graham (December 30, 2008). ''[[StarCraft: I, Mengsk]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-1-4165-5083-9.</ref> [[Abathur]] considers the terrans to be a doomed species due to their lack of genetic diversity and the proliferation of recessive traits in their gene pool.<ref name="SC2:HotS_PlanetfallDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Final Missions#Planetfall|Planetfall]]. (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref><ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryAbathur">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Abathur]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>

[[File:NovaReigelAlarak SC2-NCO Cine1.jpg|thumb|left|Terrans (left) compared to a protoss (right) in size]]
Physically, terrans are inferior to species such as the [[zerg]] and [[protoss]]. However, terrans are known for their tenacity and ability to adapt to harsh circumstances. In addition, terrans are only a few steps away from developing into a formidable [[psionic power]].<ref name="SC1Man" />

Terrans are a suspicious species by nature, and their inner thoughts rarely correspond to how they present themselves to others.<ref name="SC:G:Spectres">Kenyon, Nate. (September 27, 2011). ''[[StarCraft: Ghost: Spectres]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-1439-10938-0.</ref> Parts of the human brain give predisposition to ritual behavior.<ref name="SC:GreatOne">Irvine, Alex. "“[[Great One]]”." (April 11, 2013). Blizzard Entertainment. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/lore/short-stories/great-one/1 StarCraft Lore: Great One] Accessed 2013-04-11.</ref> Terran brains are adept at seeing patterns, even if they aren't there.<ref name="SC:Evolution">Zahn, Timothy (November 8, 2016). ''[[StarCraft: Evolution]]''. Del Rey Books. ISBN 0425284735.</ref>

Advancements in terran medical technology has removed many issues terrans faced during their development. Cybernetic implants and advanced surgeries have allowed for quicker recovery from injuries that would be permanent or fatal hundreds of years prior.<ref name="SC:IMengsk">McNeill, Graham (December 30, 2008). ''[[StarCraft: I, Mengsk]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-1-4165-5083-9.</ref> Terrans often make use of medical nanomachines in order to heal injuries, both on the battlefield<ref name="SC:Broken">Dayton, Cameron. "[[Broken Wide]]." (March 5, 2010). Blizzard Entertainment. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/lore/short-stories/broken-wide/1 Broken Wide] Accessed 2010-03-05.</ref> and in civilian infirmaries.<ref name="SC:CollDam">Burns, Matt. "[[Collateral Damage]]." (May 13, 2010). Blizzard Entertainment. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/lore/short-stories/odin/1 Collateral Damage] Accessed 2010-05-16.</ref> [[Retinor]] has eliminated the need for corrective eyewear, though some still wear glasses.<ref name="SC:G:Nova">DeCandido, Keith R. A. (November 28, 2006). ''[[StarCraft: Ghost: Nova]].'' Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0743-47134-3.</ref> Cosmetic surgery is widespread and common among many wealthy terrans. However, issues such as cancer still plagued humanity, some cancers being still inoperable.<ref name="SC:IMengsk" />
{{AmbigCanon|Heroes of the Storm}}
Some genetic distinction exists between the terrans of the Koprulu sector and their Earth-born counterparts, due to the former's genetically aberrant ancestry.<ref name="HeroesoftheStorm">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'' (Blizzard Entertainment) (in English). June 2, 2015</ref>

==Culture==
{{Quote|We can become better than what we are, sir. I know this. [[Khala|I've tasted it]].|[[Devon Starke]]|StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga: Twilight}}
[[File:Terran SCR Head1.png|thumb|A terran]]
Terrans are an ingenious and industrious species.<ref name="HeroesoftheStorm" /> It can be said that for terrans, honor is less important than getting results.<ref name="WhichRace">2017-12-08, [https://starcraft.com/en-us/articles/20961942 Which Race Should I Play?]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2017-08-12</ref> However, terrans have also demonstrated a "great need to hold on" to those around them; an inability to let go of those close to them. [[Vorazun]] speculated that this behavior was a holdover from humanity's ancient past.<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>

Before the founding of the [[United Powers League]], terrans possessed a diversity of beliefs; beliefs that were subsequently repressed.<ref name="SC1Man" /> This remained true with the [[Terran Confederacy]],<ref name="SC:SpDark">Hickman, Tracy (May 21, 2002). ''[[StarCraft: Speed of Darkness]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0671-04150-2.</ref> which had limited tolerance for "other faiths".<ref name="SC:LibCru" /> However, a few planets in the [[Koprulu Sector]], notably the [[Fringe Worlds]], have resurrected old Earth religions,<ref name="SC:Upr" /> Christianity among them,<ref name="SC:SpDark" /> in addition to creating cults,<ref name="SC:Upr" /> the [[Church of Besainted Pelagius]] being one example.<ref name="SC:FrntLn_V2_GS">Gillen, Kieron (w), Hector Sevilla (art). "[[StarCraft: Frontline: A Ghost Story|A Ghost Story]]." In ''[[StarCraft: Frontline: Volume 2]]'' (paperback binding), pp. 122-169. [[Tokyopop]], January 1, 2009. ISBN 1427-80831-7.</ref> For more agnostic societies, some terrans still believe in the existence of a monotheistic deity, though others are distinctively skeptical.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga1" />

For terrans, it is considered polite to knock before entering. This behavior is strange to the protoss, as unlike terrans, they easily sense each other, and do not have to announce their presence in such a manner.<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>

Country and rock are music genres that still exist in the Koprulu sector.<ref name="20Retrospective" />

Despite fragments of Earth's history being absent from terran records,<ref name="SC:LibCru" /><ref name="SC:G:Nova" /> some ancient mythologies are still remembered. These include tales of various afterlives and their dark alternatives, including Hell, Tartarus and Sheol.<ref name="SC:G:Nova" /> "Warrior women" are remembered from at least one mythology<ref name="SC:IMengsk" /> and elements of [[Greek]] mythology have been retained also.<ref name="SC:DevilsDue">Golden, Christie (April 12, 2011). ''[[StarCraft II: Devils' Due]]''. Simon & Schuster (Gallery Books). ISBN 978-1416-55085-3.</ref>

[[File:IPistol SC2 Art1.jpg|thumb|left|Terran consumerism]]
At least in the Koprulu sector, terran cuisine is highly varied.<ref>2011-07-02, [Poll: Good Eats]. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2011-07-02</ref> Many terrans pursue consumerism.<ref>2010-09-16, [http://sea.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/73271 Product Placement: Koprulu Sector]. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2010-09-16</ref> Both protoss and zerg individuals have noted that terrans are a species driven by greed.<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M3">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]].'' Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Kel-Morian Combine (mission)|The Kel-Morian Combine]] (in English). 1998.</ref><ref name="SC:ShadowWars_2">Watrous, Valerie (w), Manual, Garcia (i) and Sandra Molina (c). (July 19th, 2017). ''[[StarCraft II: Shadow Wars: Part 2]].'' Blizzard Entertainment. [https://comic.starcraft2.com/en-us/shadow-wars-part-2 StarCraft II: Shadow Wars: Part 2] Accessed 2017-07-19.</ref>

One belief, or rather hope that has remained more-or-less constant for humanity is a fascination with the existence of other sapient life &ndash; a hope that remained unfulfilled until contact was made with the protoss and zerg.<ref name="SC:IMengsk" /> The leaders of the [[United Powers League]] were of a different mindset than their Koprulu counterparts, demonstrating a purely militaristic and xenophobic approach to the discovery of alien species.<ref name="SC:BW_Man" />

[[File:Terran SC-Survivors Comic1.jpg|thumb|Various terrans]]
If one takes an outsider's view on humanity, (e.g. a protoss's), then humanity possesses a wide, puzzling spectrum of morality.<ref name="SC:FrntLn_V4_Reaper">Gerrold, David (w), Ruben de Vela (p). "[[StarCraft: Frontline: Fear the Reaper|Fear the Reaper]]." In ''[[StarCraft: Frontline: Volume 4]]'' (paperback binding), pp. 28-71. Tokyopop, October 1, 2009. ISBN 978-1427-81698-6.</ref> When compared to the elder species, terrans are far more obsessed with the notion of private thought<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" /><ref name="SC:DkTempSaga3" /><ref name="SC:GA_V2">Gerrold, David (w), Fernando Heinz Furukawa (p, i). ''[[StarCraft: Ghost Academy: Volume 2]]'' (paperback binding). Tokyopop, August 10, 2010. ISBN 978-1427-81613-9.</ref> and personal freedom<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" /> and are "not meant for" the unity the [[Khala]] brings.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga1" /> Having experienced it however, a [[Devon Starke|terran ghost]] theorized humans could become a better people were they able to share the psionic link.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga3" /> Terrans have displayed disregard for the natural world in a manner anathema to the protoss.<ref name="SC1Man" />

==Factions==
:''Main article: [[:Category:Terran Organizations|Terran organizations]]''
{{Quote|We could not unite under one banner or even form a coalition. In fact, every time there was a chance for that, one faction or another did something to enhance the advancement of their own political agenda over the other factions. Often at the expense of the rest of humanity.|[[Michael Liberty]]|StarCraft: Liberty's Crusade}}
[[File:RaynorsRaiders SC2 Art1.jpg|thumb|A poster of [[Raynor's Raiders]]&mdash;one of many terran rebel groups]]
The terrans are a heavily-factionalized species, with many different governments and even more groups trying to overthrow said governments. The three dominant factions in the [[Koprulu sector]] are the [[Kel-Morian Combine]], [[Terran Dominion]] and the [[Umojan Protectorate]], the Dominion having taken the place of the now defunct [[Terran Confederacy]]. [[Earth]] and its colonies are controlled by the [[United Earth Directorate]], though this is not absolute.<ref name="SC:WoL_Man">''StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty: Quickstart Guide''. Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 2010.</ref> It has been speculated that if ever humanity united under a single banner, it could become an unstoppable force.<ref name="HeroesoftheStorm" />

Many rebel groups sparr(ed) with colonial powers,<ref name="SC1Man" /> which have had varying degrees of success in achieving their goals.<ref name="SC:G:Nova" /> Hardly a week goes by without there being some military or policing action being reported in the [[Koprulu Sector]].<ref>Blizzard Maps of the Month. (1999-11-24). [http://classic.battle.net/scc/OS/1199.shtml?rhtml=y Outbreak]. ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Retrieved 2010-05-24.</ref> Military cohesiveness within units however, makes terrans a force to be reckoned with.<ref>[http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/race/terran/ Race: Terran], [[Blizzard Entertainment]]. Accessed on 2010-12-05</ref>
{{Clear}}

However, it is not unheard of for Terran factions to be allied with the other two races in the sector.  Factions such as [[Raynor's Raiders]] are allied with the [[Protoss]].

==Technology==
:''Main articles: [[:Category: Terran Technology|Terran technology listing]], [[StarCraft universe#Terran Technology|Terran Technology descriptions]]''
[[File:Adjutant SC2 Head2.jpg|thumb|An [[adjutant]]&mdash;an example of terran [[artificial intelligence]]]]
On the galactic scale, terrans are perhaps a "middle of the road" species and something of a paradox technologically. Of the galaxy's sapient species, terrans are significantly inferior to the likes of the protoss<ref name="SC1Man" /><ref name="SC:LibCru" /> yet (seemingly) more advanced than other sapients.<ref name="SC:FrntLn_V3_TA">Zapotek, Ren (w), Noel Rodriguez (p, i). "[[StarCraft: Frontline: Twilight Archon|Twilight Archon]]." In ''[[StarCraft: Frontline: Volume 3]]'' (paperback binding), pp. 132-177. Tokyopop, July 14, 2009. ISBN 978-1427-80832-5.</ref><ref name="SC:Moth">Kindregan, Brian T. "[[Mothership (short story)|Mothership]]." (January 15, 2010). Blizzard Entertainment. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/lore/short-stories/mothership/1 Mothership] Accessed 2010-01-15.</ref><ref name="DifferentFS">''[[StarCraft]].'' Vivendi Games. Mission: First Strike (variant) (in English). 1998. [http://limitedgaming.com/files/125/p1%29First%20Strike.scm First Strike]. ''Limited Gaming''. Accessed 2008-01-18.</ref> From an outsider's point of view, humanity has paradoxically improved its technology despite being in an apparently constant state of conflict.<ref name="SC1Man" /> From an insider's point of view, such development has been possible not ''in spite'' of conflict, but ''because'' of it.<ref name="SC:LibCru" />

Terrans have a vast assortment of weapons and vehicles at their disposal,<ref>2014-10-10, [http://web.archive.org/web/20141017091519/http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/ New Terran Tech Schematics (Homepage Blurb)]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2014-10-18</ref> and they're always trying to create more powerful weapons.<ref>2017-07-25, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDQqrhUpUtQ Rock the Cabinet 2017 – Winners Announced]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2017-08-05</ref> Fare gauges, terrain mappers, and targeting systems are standard for terran fightercraft.<ref name="VikingScience">2014-11-09, [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/unit/viking#science Viking Science]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2014-09-13</ref> Their armies possess both adaptability and resilience.<ref name="WhichRace" /> Terran technology includes FTL transmission and sensor technology.<ref name="SC:Upr" /> Terrans have yet to crack [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_computing quantum computing].<ref name="SC:FManual">Barba, Rick. ''[[StarCraft Field Manual]]'' (hardcover). Insight Editions, November 17, 2015.</ref> The maintenance of supply lines is vital in terran warfare.<ref name="Collections" />

Terrans greatly developed their engineering abilities after the Brood War.<ref name="Collections" />

==Gameplay==
{{Quote|Terrans are the scrappy improvisers of [[StarCraft]], relying on cobbled-together technology and a resilient spirit to spread Southern Hospitality around a cold and unfeeling universe. Rambunctious outcasts from a [[United Powers League|dignified civilization]], they roam the fringes of the [[Milky Way|galaxy]] armed with over-the-top weaponry: flamethrowers, rocket launchers, and whatever other explosive devices they can get their mitts on.|Terran gameplay blurb|url=https://starcraft.com/en-us/articles/20852861}}

===StarCraft===
* [[:Category:StarCraft terran gameplay|Gameplay]]
* [[:Category:StarCraft terran strategy|Strategy]]
* [[:Category:StarCraft Terran units|Units]]
* [[:Category:StarCraft Terran buildings|Buildings]]

===StarCraft: Ghost===
* [[:Category: StarCraft: Ghost Terran units|Units]]

===StarCraft II===
* [[:Category:StarCraft II terran gameplay|Gameplay]]
* [[:Category:StarCraft II terran strategy|Strategy]]
* [[:Category:StarCraft II Terran units|Units]]
* [[:Category:StarCraft II Terran buildings|Buildings]]

==Notes==
{{Quote|How are the terrans metal, you ask? Well, to start with, they are loud (just like good metal should be). They're crude and violent. They curse and drink and smoke and do all sorts of things considered bad for you by most societies. They call themselves things like [[marauder]], [[viking]], [[ghost]], and [[hellion]], all of which either already are or would be awesome heavy-metal band names. The terrans of the [[StarCraft universe]] aren't your typical "space men." They aren't heroes or inquisitive galaxy-faring explorers. The terrans are not trying to start a meaningful dialog with alien life-forms in the hope of creating a bold new tomorrow for mankind. Nope, not our boys.|[[Samwise Didier]]|The Art of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty}}
[[File:New Gettysburg SC1 Cncpt1.jpg|thumb|Heavy metal, terran style]]
*For [[Samwise Didier]], "heavy friggin' metal" is the first thing that comes to mind when he thinks of the terrans ([[nuclear missile|nukes]] are a close second).<ref name="SC2:Art:WoL">Toyama, Kevin. ''[[The Art of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]'' (hardcover). Insight Editions, July 27, 2010.</ref>
**In truth, country and rock were the main musical inspirations for the terran OST in the original game.<ref name="20Retrospective">2018-12-02, [https://au.ign.com/articles/2018/12/03/20-years-of-starcraft-an-ign-retrospective 20 YEARS OF STARCRAFT: AN IGN RETROSPECTIVE]. ''IGN'', accessed on 2018-12-03</ref>

*A general consensus exists in regards to terran weaponry, at least in ''[[StarCraft II]]''. Generally, terran weapons are ballistic, with directed energy weapons (e.g. lasers) being reserved for high technology units (such as [[battlecruiser]]s).<ref>2010, [http://phillgonzo.deviantart.com/gallery/11039907?offset=72#/d332q49 Starcraft 2: Terran Thor]. ''Deviantart'', accessed on 2011-07-20</ref>

*In the 2013&ndash;2018 period, the terran article was the least visited playable race page on the wiki, coming in at less than half of the views the zerg article received (the next highest 'race page' in terms of visitor numbers). Lawrence Yee, who ran the numbers, noted that this could be due to the time between the release of ''[[Wings of Liberty]]'' (2010) and 2013, along with the examined data only going back five years. He further noted that terran characters, with the exception of [[Sarah Kerrigan]], were far less popular (in terms of article views) than their non-human counterparts.<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>

===Development===
{{Quote|We used a low-down, dirty vibe&mdash;a little bit of a mafia vibe, a redneck vibe, a mad scientist vibe&mdash;and that was our version of the space [[marine]]. Where you're used to seeing all these polished Galactic Federations, we did the opposite: the street gangs, the prisoners.|[[Samwise Didier]], on the development of the terrans during ''[[StarCraft]]''|url=https://starcraft.com/en-us/articles/20719767}}
*The idea of humans being in ''[[StarCraft]]'' was present from the outset,<ref name="RemasteredThenNow" /> and were the first race developed for the game.<ref name="20Retrospective">2018-12-02, [https://au.ign.com/articles/2018/12/03/20-years-of-starcraft-an-ign-retrospective 20 YEARS OF STARCRAFT: AN IGN RETROSPECTIVE]. ''IGN'', accessed on 2018-12-03</ref> However, the developers didn't want to do the "Galactic Good Guys" trope, instead going with "Surly Space Cowboys That Were Prisoners,"<ref name="RemasteredThenNow">2017-11-05, [http://starcraft.blizzpro.com/2017/11/04/blizzcon-2017-starcraft-remastered-then-and-now/ BLIZZCON 2017 STARCRAFT REMASTERED: THEN AND NOW]. ''Blizzpro'', accessed on 2017-11-19</ref> otherwise referred to as being "akin to the outlaws of the Old West, except in power armor and rocking gauss rifles."<ref name="TAOBE">Carpenter, Nick (w), Didier, Samwise (w), Metzen, Chris (w), ''[[The Art of Blizzard Entertainment]]'' (hardcover). Insight Editions, February 12, 2013. ISBN 1608-87027-8.</ref> 

*The terran "race kit" began with general guidelines to help differentiate them from other popular sci-fi franchies at the time.<ref name="ForgingWorlds">Neilson, Mickey. ''[[Forging Worlds: Stories Behind the Art of Blizzard Entertainment]]'' (hardcover). Blizzard Entertainment, January, 2022.</ref> For instance, they were designed to be antithetical to the (generally) peaceful races of the ''Star Trek'' universe.<ref>2008-04-24, [https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/zehn-jahre-starcraft-die-blizzard-designer-im-interview,1944717,seite3.html Ten years of Starcraft - an interview with the Blizzard designers]. ''GameStar'', accessed on 2020-03-17</ref>

*It was intended that the terrans be different from their human counterparts in the ''[[Diablo]]'' and ''[[Warcraft]]'' universes. They ended up being, in the words of [[Samwise Didier]], "cannon fodder, stuck in the middle of nowhere, and fighting against each other."<ref name="SC2:CinematicStarCraft">Brooks, Robert. ''[[The Cinematic Art of StarCraft]]'' (hardcover). Blizzard Entertainment, October 18, 2018.</ref>

[[File:Hydralisk SC2 Art1.jpg|thumb|Rednecks in space]]
*During early development of the game (and carried on to various extents), terrans were "rednecks" (in space). The idea behind this came from [[Blizzard]]'s cinematic team while the game's story was still being developed.<ref name="Retrospective">[http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/about/b20/videos.html Blizzard Retrospective], Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed on 2011-07-20</ref> The idea of the terrans was to bring a "Wild West" atmosphere to space,<ref name="RockRoll" /> and they were likewise described as "space cowboys" by [[Glenn Stafford]].<ref name="RemasteredSound">2017-05-12, [https://starcraft.com/en-us/articles/20722027 The Sounds of Koprulu]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accesed on 2017-05-13</ref> [[Chris Metzen]] played a key role in the "space cowboy" element, as during development, he did a picture of a cowboy. The developers thus ran with the idea of ''StarCraft'' as a space Western. Instead of riding horses, the terrans would ride [[vulture]] bikes.<ref name="ForgingWorlds"/>

*While the zerg and protoss are more esoteric, the terrans represent "the familiar" to the player.<ref name="EvolutionComplete">2018-04-03, [https://starcraft2.com/en-us/news/21509420 EVOLUTION COMPLETE: REIMAGINING CLASSIC STARCRAFT UNITS FOR STARCRAFT II]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2018-03-07</ref>

*In the original conception of ''StarCraft'' (which took place in the 28th century), the terrans had a different backstory. Over more than six centuries they had dominated the stars, but by the time the game took place, they controlled just a fragment of their once great civilization, and were disunited.<ref>2007-06-24, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4G566MKLEE Starcraft Teaser (1995)]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2013-02-06</ref>

*From a development standpoint, the terran aesthetic is that of being clunky, welded together, rusty,<ref name="FoundFuture">2016-11-05. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKy6XkStRBo BlizzCon 2016: Foundations for the Future]. ''Youtube.'' Accessed 2016-11-05.</ref> bulky, hard-edged, etc. The root of this aesthetic lies firmly in the modern military-and-industrial look.<ref name="SC2:Art:WoL" /> Per the "race kit" guidelines, the developers didn't want the terrans to be "super clean or fancy," nor did they want the terrans to use hard sci-fi tech.<ref name="ForgingWorlds"/> 

*Along with the zerg and protoss, the terran aesthetic was decided early on in the development of ''StarCraft'', that their structures would be square and clunky, and that the terrans themselves would be "rough and dirty."<ref name="RockRoll">2017-04-27, [https://starcraft.com/en-us/articles/20719767 Rock and Roll Days of StarCraft: a Development Retrospective]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2017-04-29</ref> Shape language theory was used for the design of terran structures, along with the protoss and zerg. In the case of the terrans, their structures are based around squares/rectangles. Key examples of this are the [[barracks]] and [[factory]].<ref name="ForgingWorlds"/>

*For ''StarCraft II'', several of the new terran units were given sleeker, more advanced designs when compared to their forebears. This was done to showcase the technological process terrans had made between ''StarCraft'' and its sequel.<ref name="SC2:Art:WoL" />

====Inspirations====
*[[Bob Fitch]] has cited the [https://avp.fandom.com/wiki/United_States_Colonial_Marine_Corps USCMC] from ''Aliens'' as the primary source of inspiration for the terrans.<ref name = "FitchTwitter">2021-07-21, [https://twitter.com/BlizzardFitch/status/1417838916632076289 Bob Fitch]. ''Twitter'', accessed on 2021-12-28</ref> The space cowboy theme was later added to/altered/influenced by ''[[w:c:Firefly|Firefly]]'' for ''[[StarCraft II]]''.<ref>2009-04-04, [http://sclegacy.com/feature/33-bc-08/337-starcraft-ii-lore-panel StarCraft II Lore Panel]. ''StarCraft Legacy'', accessed on 2011-07-20</ref>

*The terrans are the direct inspiration for the [https://stormgategame.fandom.com/wiki/Vanguard Vanguard] faction in ''Stormgate''.<ref name = “StormgateMix”>2022-06-09, [https://www.wired.com/story/frost-giant-studios-stormgate-starcraft-diablo/ Frost Giant Studios’ Debut Mixes Starcraft With Diablo]. ''Wired'', accessed on 2022-07-06</ref> It has been suggested (if not necessarily by the developers themselves) that the Vanguard faction is representative of the ''StarCraft'' IP as a whole within the game.<ref name = "PerfectMix">2023-06-12, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyvAUznX1Zg&t= The Perfect Mix of Warcraft & Starcraft? Stormgate Developers Deep Dive]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2023-06-14</ref>

*It has been noted that the [https://aaaaaa.fandom.com/wiki/Protectorate Protectorate] faction of ''ZeroSpace'' appears to have been inspired by the terrans.<ref name = "NewZero">2023-08-19, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mytGcUezgI NEW RTS: ZeroSpace - Campaign & Multiplayer Gameplay]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2023-12-31</ref>

==References==
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[[Category:Terrans]]