The Protoss are one of the main races in the StarCraft franchise, alongside the Zerg and Terrans.
They are a species in the Koprulu Sector originating from the world of Aiur. They were originally divided into two factions, the Khalai and Nerazim, but were later unified into the Daelaam. There also exists a third faction of Protoss known as the Tal'darim, whose culture evolved separately from the other two and who worship Amon as the true god.
The Protoss were originally uplifted by the Xel'Naga, who bestowed unto them "purity of form". They are the main enemies of Zerg, who possess "purity of essence" in contrast. Because of this, the Protoss are the only race that cannot be assimilated by the Zerg and thus Zerg-Protoss Hybrids cannot be naturally conceived.
History[]
Origin[]
The Protoss originally inhabited Aiur, where they were found by a group of Xel'Naga led by Amon. The Xel'Naga genetically augmented and uplifted the Protoss, believing them to be capable of the "purity of form" they need to extend their life cycle. The Protoss soon came to worship the Xel'Naga as gods, but eventually began to grow wary of their creators and rebelled against them. Deeming their creations a failure, the Xel'Naga left Aiur, taking with them a small group of Protoss which later became the Tal'darim.
Aeon of Strife[]
Following the departure of the Xel'Naga, a civil war broke out on Aiur between the different Protoss tribes, who blamed each other for being abandoned by their gods. This period of conflict came to an end when the philosopher Khas developed a belief system known as the Khala, wherein the Protoss would use their telepathic powers to join minds and gain empathy and understanding for one another. The Protoss who chose to embrace this system became known as the Khalai. The other Protoss who rejected the Khalai and sought to keep their individuality were banished from Aiur and settled the planet Shakuras, becoming known as the Nerazim.
Great War[]
The Protoss later became aware of the hive-minded Zerg Swarm, another species which had been augmented in the past by the Xel'Naga and the threat their assimilation of planets posed. In response, the Khalai Protoss Empire began a campaign of "purification" against the Swarm, glassing entire planet surfaces to eradicate the Zerg from them. During the conflict, a group of Protoss under the command of Executor Tassadar joined with the Dark Templars led by Zeratul in an alliance to destroy the Zerg. However, upon hearing of this, the Conclave, the governing body of the Protoss Empire, declared Tassadar a traitor and attempted to have him arrested, leading to a brief civil war within the Protoss. Eventually however, the Conclave realized Tassadar was right and the Khalai and Nerazim joined together to combat the Zerg.
Around this time however, the Zerg invaded Aiur. The conflict would ultimately come to an end when the Zerg Overmind was destroyed.