Protoss:
Origins The protoss were developed on Aiur, a world created by a primitive and powerful psionic race called the xel'naga. The word "Protos" in Greek means 'first'. They were given this name because the protoss were xel'naga's first pseudo-successful race. The protoss suggested a purity of form - seen by their mind-connection - that was unmatched by all the xel'naga's previous creations. As the protoss evolved, a purity of form was reached that spurred the xel'naga to return to Aiur and live amongst their so-called perfect creations.
The xel'naga were highly respected and revered by the protoss, who sought wisdom from them. However, with knowledge came new discoveries about their makers, and the protoss eventually divided in philosophies, triggering the unity of their minds to break. This dissolution of the protoss philosophy caused much conflict among the protoss factions and eventually battles were waged that spiralled into a catostrophic period called the Aeon of Strife. Forced to flee Aiur, the xel'naga considered the pure race an utter failure. Later the xel'naga would go on to design a new species called the zerg.
Khala Religion Created with accelerated forms of technology and powerful psionic capabilities, the protoss were at one time the strongest among all cosmic races. Now, the protoss population puts a large emphasis on their religion and abides by a rigid form of practice called the Khala (or "Path of Ascension"). This religion, practiced for more than one thousand years, had evolved out of the discovery made by a scholar named Savassan (the "Khas" or "He Who Brings Order") and his apprentice, Temlaa. During the Aeon of Strife, Savassan discovered that he could use Khaydarin crystals to restore the broken psychic link among the protoss race. This understanding lies at the core of the Khala religion. Adherents were divided into a caste system while those who despised the Khala were expelled from Aiur. These outcasts were given the name Dark Templar (or "Nerazim). Consequently, a longstanding mistrust exists between the two protoss factions.
Abilities The protoss have always reinforced their small armies with a mix of android battle units. They can easily adjust to austere temperatures and environments. Protoss fighters are unmatched in their military prowess, greatly magnified by the synthesis of their robotic machines and intimidating psionic power. Nevertheless, they frequently exercise an exceptional versatility and staggering quickness unrivaled amongst any other species known to the xel'naga. This allows them to avoid debilitating skirmishes with enemies. A core of the protoss's military success lies in their starships, which are easily capable of crushing enemy opposition.
Although the protoss fight with unwavering capabilities, their bodies are mortal in nature and thus can suffer lethal blows. When they die, a protoss will dissolve into the ether and emit a bright flash of light. Generally, protoss armor is outfitted with an intricate teleport device which, if triggered, will send the protoss to a safe place for him to recover. Furthermore, the protoss have psionic powers that allow them to protect their bodies, reload their weapons, and combine materials. Advanced protoss can even create shields of armor for themselves without the need of additional technology.
