StarCraft Commentary - 3 - Protoss Campaign: The Fall

Comment: The Protoss campaign is the climax of the entire game’s story to this point – the zerg have begun a full invasion of Aiur, to destroy the heart of the Protoss civilization and bring them into their fold. From there they will be unchallenged in their potential domination of the galaxy.

Though slow to build up to the finale (There are practically three missions based on finding and rescuing Zeratul alone, though he proves crucially important), the Protoss levels are very fun and interesting, especially after the more tedious zerg campaign.

The history of the Protoss is significantly detailed in the StarCraft manual. They are the first creation of the Xel’Naga (Protos in Greek means 'first' – thanks starcraft.wikia.com!) but the creators were disappointed when the Protoss became more focussed on their individual selves rather than the race.

At the risk of hyperbole, the issue of the self and individualism against the community and the ‘greater good’ is the difference between the Protoss and zerg. Creatures are often more intelligent if they have their own consciousness (e.g. humans), as opposed to drones (e.g. ants) since they can think for themselves and adapt to new conditions rather than following specific instructions. As Neo in The Matrix realised, the problem is choice; that individuals can make decisions that differ to others, ones that may be to their personal benefit rather than the group or race.

We see the civil strife of the Terrans, even in the face of alien invasion, while the zerg are united by the absolute will of the Overmind (With its eventual death followed by the rise of Kerrigan). This leaves us with the Protoss who have gone through a whole age of civil war, eventually becoming united through the re-discovery of their psychic link and the following of the Khalai religion created by Khas, which results in them sharing their minds together. It was eventually enforced by the Conclave to prevent the species lapsing back into anarchy, yet some Protoss rejected this, fearing they would lose their self-identity. They were eventually banished and became known as the Dark Templar.

It’s easy to compare the Protoss history to that of humanity and in particular any major religion, each of which generally sees itself as knowing the ‘real’ truth of reality, the one that should unite every one together to bring about peace and order, but as history shows things are never that simple. We see this throughout the Protoss campaign, with Tassadar acting as a prophet-like figure who, despite going against religious authority, wants to re-unite his people and save them destruction. This is a common objective in Blizzard games - see the Alliance in WarCraft 2 and the alliance of humans, orcs and night elves at the end of WarCraft 3.

So if the Terran campaign had references and nods to the American Civil War, the Protoss campaign has a few references to Christianity – and I’d like to stress ‘few’ there. I believe some of it is simply part of good story telling techniques, rather than a direct analogy to the founding of the religion. This isn’t some vague Christian allegory like The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Paul Verhoeven has several moments of symbolism in Robocop relating to Jesus, including a crucifix pose on Murphy’s death, his resurrection and even him appearing to walk on water (See Flesh + Steel: The Making of Robocop). My point is that symbolism and analogies aren’t necessarily absolute, much like how the Terran campaign wasn’t a direct recreation of the historic events referenced in it. We have influences, not metaphor.

Per usual, I digress. As we’ll see, Tassadar is the key character who seeks to unite his people, clashes with the established religious authority and sacrifices everything, including, in the end, his life, to save the Protoss from oblivion.


PROLOGUE :

The Zerg Overmind has succeeded in invading
the Protoss Homeworld of Aiur and has
embedded itself into the crust of the planet.

Now, as the agents of the sinister Overmind
spread chaos and destruction across the
face of Aiur, the stalwart Protoss defenders
prepare themselves for the coming onslaught.

Comment: Another prologue that quickly sets the scene, without overwhelming the player with information or back story. While the Terran campaign presumed the player needed information, at this point in the story the player already knows the plot.

Also, the name of “Aiur” is likely a simple modification of the word ‘air’.


P-01. "FIRST STRIKE"

Citadel of the new Protoss Executor
Two days after the Zerg invasion


Mission Briefing

Objectives :
- Meet Fenix at Antioch
- Destroy the Zerg base
- Fenix must survive

Aldaris :

En Taro Adun, Executor. I am
Judicator Aldaris, and I have been
sent by the Conclave to serve and
counsel you. The former Executor,
Tassadar, was commanded to halt
the Zerg progress in the Terran
sector by burning the infested
human worlds.

Unfortunately, he disregarded his
orders and attempted to destroy
the Zerg while sparing the Terrans
from the flame. Clearly, Tassadar
has failed us. You must not.

The Conclave has dictated that our
first priority is to strengthen our
defences. You must reinforce our
outpost in Antioch and make certain
that the province does not fall to
the Zerg. Your old comrade,
Praetor Fenix, will meet you there
and assist you in this endeavour.

Comment: Much like the first speeches by the Terran adjutant and zerg Overmind, this quickly sets the scene of the campaign and the character who is speaking. It’s also interesting to note that each campaign has only one initial character, either to avoid ‘overwhelming’ the player or because other characters haven’t been introduced.

Paul Eiding - gamers will recognise his voice as the narrator and Pepin the Healer in Diablo 1, as Colonel Campbell in the Metal Gear Solid series, as well as many other characters - magnificently conveys the supreme arrogance of Aldaris without going into a highly spoken cliché, fantasy Elf style voice that seems to be common for technologically advanced alien races.

The arrogance is shown in two parts here: “Tassadar has failed us” – not merely for deserting the Conclave, but directly disobeying orders, ones that the Conclave specifically knew involved burning Terran worlds. Aldaris also states that the player ‘must not fail’ – it’s not a sympathetic plea (“You must defend Aiur or our race shall perish!”), it’s very blunt and almost a Darth Vader style threat. As well, the Conclave hasn’t “ordered” the defence of Antioch but has “dictated” it. This could be seen as subtle foreshadowing.

Speaking of Antioch... it’s a city in Turkey, now known as Antakya. A certain ‘source’ tells us that:
“In ancient times the city was known as Antioch and has historical significance for Christianity, being the place where the followers of Jesus Christ were called Christians for the very first time. The city and its massive walls also played an important role during the Crusades.”

Derive from that what you will. Anyone who has played Medieval 2: Total War will recall that Antioch is at the most North East point of the Mediterranean, on the edge of the ‘holy lands’.

“En Taro Adun” is a common Protoss greeting, with Adun referring to an ancient and legendary Protoss. Throughout the Protoss campaign, sayings can substitute the name for “God” to compare them to our own sayings such as “Adun be with you”, “Adun be with you” and “Make peace with Adun.”. Meanwhile, I thought Adun was a derivation of Adam (The first male according to Genesis), which googling around suggests it could refer to:
- A molecular dynamics simulation application
- An alternative name for the ancient city of Dion, Palestine
- Another word for Dúnedain in J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium.

I doubt the first is relevant but the second (Given Antioch’s use at least!) is possible, as is the last due to the influences of Tolkien on WarCraft.

Fenix’s title of ‘Praetor’ was a high military rank in ancient Rome. I’m not sure if this is simply Blizzard using old terms here to make the Protoss similar-yet-different in their culture, or perhaps there’s the fact that the Roman Empire and Christianity are very much related. I believe there are just several similarities and not much more – even then, I presume Praetor was a term of the old empire, not Constantinople’s.

(In-game)

*** Bring unit to Antioch base ***

FENIX

Ah, Executor! En Taro Adun! It is good to
see you once more upon the field of battle.

Comment: Fenix is useful in the story for several reasons – he represents the best of the common type of Protoss warrior, so whereas we have Aldaris and Tassadar (Leaders) then he’s almost the middle ground. He’s the Protoss equivalent of Jim Raynor and Daggoth – capable allies who help out and virtually sympathise with the player, rather than barking out orders like most other characters in RTS games.

FENIX

Alas, all of our Probes were lost in the
last Zerg attack, and we had no
resources with which to replace them.

NOTE

Robotic Probes - which are use to warp
in buildings and gather resources - can
be built at a Nexus.

*** Build 1 Probe ***

FENIX

I had intended to construct Photon
Cannons here for defence, but
without Probes, we could not do so.

NOTE

Protoss buildings can only be placed
within the blue area of influence of a
Pylon.

*** Warping in a building ***

NOTE

After it has started a building's
warp rift, a Probe can be given
new commands. The building will
finish warping in on its own.

*** Destroying the Zerg base ***

FENIX

You know, Executor, although we two
have marched across hundreds of worlds
together, I never imagined that we would
be fighting on Aiur. The Zerg are indeed
worthy foes.

Comment: This is the cementing of Fenix’s character as a warrior and also his relationship with the player; that they’ve fought together for a long time. Like Raynor, he’s lifting their spirits in the face of the onslaught and their difficulties.

P-02. "INTO THE FLAMES"

Citadel of the Executor
The following night

Mission Briefing

Objectives:
- Distract the Zerg while
Fenix gets into position
- Kill the Zerg Cerebrate
- Fenix must survive

Aldaris :

En Taro Adun, Executor. Your
defence of Antioch has restored my
faith in the Templar caste. I admit
that Tassadar's desertion had
shaken my faith.

Comment: His faith in the templar caste, but certainly nothing else! Still, Aldaris gives a little praise to the player which helps his character to be more likeable, rather than a constantly negative authority figure. It’s almost like Edmund Duke.

Also, I didn’t mention it in the previous campaigns but the word Templar originally refers to the Knights Templar, a religious order of Christian warriors that wielded considerable influence in medieval times. They grew in prominence around the time of the Crusades as they protected pilgrims and gained land, even establishing the basis of our modern banking system. However, they were eventually accused of heresy and disbanded, with many of them burned at the stake.

It’s certainly another medieval word that is used in the campaign though I’ve always purposed that it’s a suitable word for Protoss warriors that also combines religious imagery.

(The Revolution adventure game Broken Sword explores the myths surrounding the Templar, as has much other media)

Tassadar :

Indeed, Aldaris? I would hope that
the Judicator would put more faith
in their Templar brethren.

Comment: It’s not revealed how Tassadar has appeared – he’s actually on a space station over Char, so he’s not in person with Aldaris, Fenix and the Executor. Presumably it’s some sort of long-range psionic connection.

Aldaris :

Tassadar! Where have you been?

Tassadar :

Be silent, Judicator. There is no
time to waste, and I have much to
tell you. 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. Apparently, the call
was answered by others as well.
For upon Char, I encountered those
who were once our brethren - the
Dark Templar.

Comment: Tassasdar is of course referring to the events in the zerg campaign, where Kerrigan’s rebirth was sensed by Arcturus, Raynor, Zeratul and Tassadar. He doesn’t mention her by name, either because time is short or because the player already knows of her from the zerg campaign.

He also knows that others answered the call, meaning more than just Zeratul, so either he was referring to other Dark Templar or he knew (perhaps via Raynor) of the humans who heard it.

Aldaris :

Consorting with the Fallen Ones is
heresy!

Comment: Aldaris instantly jumps in here. This is likely to inform or remind the player that the Dark Templar are seen as evil outcasts by the Conclave, but it’s easy to imagine a racist acting this way on simply hearing the name of those they despise. Aldaris doesn’t ask a question or attempt to find out more information; he instead makes a direct statement, a knee-jerk reaction that could simply be the quoting of his religion.

The word ‘heresy’ seems to be used in many sources of media these days but I’m not sure everyone is aware of its actual meaning - one definition of the word is “an opinion or doctrine contrary to church dogma” It’s what the Catholic church would call any dissenting views to their interpretation of Christianity.

Tassadar :

Enough! Hear me, Executor, for I
have learned much from the Dark
Templar Prelate, Zeratul.

The Overmind controls its minions
through agents called Cerebrates.
Strike down the Cerebrates, and
the Swarms will surely fall.

Comment: Of course, Zeratul learned of this first hand when he personally slew Zasz. That did have the awful ramification of the Overmind learning the location of Aiur ... perhaps Zeratul is immensely guilty, or it’s simply the fact that Zeratul is a powerful Protoss stealthy assassin and so was the only person able to make the kill, so he didn’t realise it was his powers that lead to the permanent death of the cerebrate.

Also: Prelate? “A high-ranking member of the clergy who either is an ordinary or ranks in precedence with ordinaries.”

Fenix :

Executor, Tassadar may be right. If
you can keep the Zerg occupied,
my force may be able to penetrate
their perimeter and slay the
abomination.

Comment: Fenix points out that there is a tactical possibility here.

Aldaris :

I pray we can trust you, Tassadar.
Already I can sense the taint of the
Fallen Ones' influence on your mind.
You must return to Aiur at once!

Tassadar :

My concern is for the safety of
Aiur, not the judgements of the
Conclave. I will return when the
time is right.

Comment: It’s important that Tassadar has a good explanation here otherwise the player would think less of him which wouldn’t help his purpose as the key character in the campaign. There’s always the chance that they dislike him for his trickery in the zerg levels after all. Tassadar is clearly determined to do the right thing, regardless of religious-based viewpoints.

(In-game)

*** Beginning of the mission ***

15:00 minutes until Fenix is in position.

TIP

Build a Shield Battery to
recharge your units' shields.

*** Fenix reinforcements have arrived ***

FENIX

Executor we are in position. I await your orders.

TIP

You must build Scarabs for your Reavers
before you can attack with them.

*** Kill the Zerg Cerebrate ***

FENIX

I will remain behind and observe the effects
of our attack. Return to the Citadel. I shall
notify you when the Broods becomes erratic.

Comment: They’re expecting the zerg broods to lapse into anarchy. There is a slight sense of tension here, as though the player knows that cerebrates can be reincarnated, they likely won’t know that the use of Khalai energies will not make the death permanent.


P-03. "HIGHER GROUND"

Citadel of the Executor
Two hours later

Mission Briefing

Objectives :
- Destroy the Zerg colonies

Fenix :

Executor, I bring news most dire.
The Cerebrate that we thought we
had killed has arisen again. The
creature's battered form was
reincarnated, despite the
considerable damage we inflicted
upon it. Even now, the Cerebrate
drives its Brood in preparation for
their next offensive.

Comment: Perhaps the reason the Overmind embedded itself in Aiur is so that the cerebrates can easily be reincarnated.

Aldaris :

It is as I feared. It was folly to
believe Tassadar could be trusted.
The Conclave will not soon forget
his wanton betrayal. Nevertheless,
we must stand resolute. For
attacking defenceless Cerebrates is
not the way of true Protoss
warriors! We shall overcome the
entire Swarm with the might and
the fury that is our heritage!

Executor, we shall lead our main
strike force to the province of
Scion which has fallen to the Zerg.
It's time the Zerg felt the wrath of
the Sons of Aiur! Praetor Fenix will
remain here with a small
detachment and guard Antioch from
any further assaults.

Comment: With the little the player knows of Tassadar, it’s easy to agree with Aldaris – after all, their whole effort in the last level appears to have been in vain. Likewise, while Aldaris’ call to strike directly at the zerg seems logical, it’s another knee-jerk reaction. He seems very zealous when he mentions the heritage of the Protoss being enough to defeat the zerg Swarm. Is war always a case of a stronger culture overcoming another? I don’t think so - it’s all down to the troops that fight.

As for the word ‘scion’ ... well, take your pick:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scion

The term “Sons of Aiur” is used later in the campaign by Aldaris, I have no idea why it’s capitalised, as it’s not an actual group or anything as far as I’m aware.

Meanwhile, there’s foreshadowing for Fenix’s eventual fate. It’s almost obvious, though it’s also an explanation for why he doesn’t accompany the player on their mission.

Fenix :

Adun be with you, Executor. Bring
swift death to the enemies of Aiur.

(In-game)

*** Destroying the Zerg base ***

FENIX

Executor! Antioch is under attack by
overwhelming Zerg forces!

ALDARIS

Praetor, you must hold your position for as
long as possible. Fight on, brave Fenix. And
know that the gods watch over you.
En Taro Adun!

Comment: Fenix has been shown to be a mighty warrior, so the player knows he’s not exaggerating the threat, while Aldaris seems to be again zealous that his fate is certain but that he must try all the same.

INTERLUDE:

The Zerg Hive cluster near the Scion
province was destroyed, but the Protoss
forces paid a high price for their victory.

Praetor Fenix, hero and Steward of the
Templar, was killed during the assault. The
Conclave, convinced that its stratagems are
winning the war against the Zerg, have let
down their guard and turn their attention
to personal matters. The Judicator Aldaris
was ordered to find and arrest the wayward
Tassadar and bring him home to stand trial
for his crimes of treason.

Now, with only a small fleet for protection,
Aldaris and the Executor have travelled to
the ash world of Char, hoping that Tassadar
is still somewhere to be found.

Comment: As we’ll see, this description is blunt about the actions of the Conclave (For the equivalent of a narrator, it’s not exactly neutral), that Aldaris, presumably a high-ranking Judicator, should go to find Tassadar as if the situation on Aiur is under control. I can imagine players feeling slightly frustrated at this after hearing that Fenix died as they have no chance to avenge him.


P-04. "THE HUNT FOR TASSADAR"

Protoss Command Ship Gantrithor
Holding orbit over the planet Char

Mission Briefing

Objectives :
- Find Tassadar
- Bring Tassadar to the beacon

Judicator Aldaris :

Executor, I know that you were
reluctant to leave Aiur in this dark
hour, and that you still grieve for
the lost of your comrade, Fenix. But
remember that he lived and died as
a Templar. He has reached the
Khala's end. There is no greater
glory than that.

We Judicator are called to look
beyond such matters; to ensure the
safety and future of our people. It
is not the Zerg, but the rogue
Tassadar, who represents the
greatest threat to us now.

If he is allowed to spread the Dark
Templar's tainted influence to Aiur,
all will be lost. We will find him and
bring him to judgement.

Tassadar claimed that this world
was abandoned by the Zerg just
prior to the invasion of Aiur. Yet, I
still sense a lingering darkness here.
Be prepared for anything, Executor.
If there are still Zerg on this
world, then they must surely know
of our arrival.

Comment: The following is a fairly long speech of sorts by Aldaris, though then again he is the only Protoss character present at the moment.

Perhaps I’m looking too much into it, but on further thought this does surmise much of Aldaris’ character.

Firstly he sympathises with the player about the loss of Fenix. He isn’t emotionally cold about the loss of a Protoss hero and tells them that he died gloriously. Then he states that the Judicators don’t let immediate personal matters distract them and that they look at the big picture, the long term ... so far so admirable!

“It is not the Zerg, but the rogue Tassadar, who represents the greatest threat to us now.” – it’s not millions, or even billions, of horrific monstrosities invading the home world that threaten the Protoss, it’s the former Executor, whom we’ve seen battle Kerrigan and give a single failed suggestion in the past, that must be eliminated.

Why?

“If he is allowed to spread the Dark Templar's tainted influence to Aiur, all will be lost.” – this is exactly what the interlude text suggested, that the Conclave is more concerned that perceived religious upheaval is more threatening than the clear annihilation of their home world and species!

True, the return of the Dark Templar could – but not necessarily – lead to the return of the Protoss to their disunited state during the Aeon of Strife, as that’s what the Dark Templar believe in, but, as it seems arrogant varieties of religion do, it’s still a presumption. Even then, would that really be worse than extinction?

This is, arguably, just like the cliché reaction of the Catholic church during the Middle Ages, where any radically different ideology or differing interpretation of Christianity was seen as a major threat, that the ‘status quo’ must be maintained.

The player themselves, however, may not know much, if anything, about the Dark Templar, so they likely take Aldaris’ word for it.

(In-game)

*** Bring unit to Tassadar location ***

TASSADAR

Aldaris? Executor? How is it that you've
come here? I was about to abandon all
hope of rescue!

Comment: Naturally, Tassadar presumes the player and Aldaris have come to rescue him. This also explains why he has been unable to return, as he’s been trapped.

ALDARIS

I have come to arrest you and bring you
home to Aiur to stand trial.

Comment: Aldaris is blunt here, in contrast to the thoughtful speech he gave to the player. Or maybe there’s simply no need for anything elaborate, script-wise.

TASSADAR

Arrest me? Aiur burns at the touch of the
Zerg, and you travel all this way to arrest
me?

Comment: I wonder how he knows the zerg invaded Aiur? Passed on from Zeratul perhaps? Or maybe it was probably hard to miss the vast majority of the Swarm warping to Aiur from Char.

RAYNOR

Don't let it get to you, man. This happened
to me once...

Comment: I used to think this was just Raynor commenting on idiot authority figures, but he’s actually referring to when Duke arrested Raynor and his forces for destroying that command centre on Mar Sara! This is a neat surprise to the player, it confirms that the vulture unit present is actually Raynor.

ALDARIS

Who is this human, Tassadar?

RAYNOR

The name's Jim Raynor, pal. And I won't be
talked down to by anybody. Not even a
Protoss.

Comment: As you might expect, Raynor, having lost everything and gone through the events of ‘Rebel Yell’, has no trust in any commanding figures whatsoever and lets them know it straight off the bat.

ALDARIS

Amusing... Tassadar, your taste in
companions grows ever more inexplicable.
Executor, prepare to take Tassadar into
custody.

Comment: Aldaris hasn’t even explained anything to Tassadar, he hasn’t even mentioned what the charges are.

TASSADAR

Executor, wait. I do not know what they
have told you about me, but what I've
done, I've done for Aiur. Help me find
Zeratul and his Dark Templar. They alone
can defeat the Overmind's Cerebrates. Once
we've won I'll gladly submit myself to the
judgement of the Conclave.

Comment: This is a neat summary of Tassadar – everything he’s doing is to save Aiur, nothing else. There’s no other agenda or motivation for his actions. Even when, or if, the zerg are defeated then he’ll allow himself to be judged by the Conclave. He clearly doesn’t care about the aftermath, only that there should be one for the Protoss at all.

ALDARIS

Unthinkable! You presume that we would
side with the Dark Ones as you have? You
have gone quite mad, Tassadar.

Comment: It’s unthinkable to Aldaris since it’s so against the Khalai religion, not that it would be a decent strategic possibility.

TASSADAR

You shall speak of them with respect,
Aldaris. Executor, there is much that I can
explain to you, if only you'll help me find
Zeratul.

NEW MISSION OBJECTIVES:
- Bring Tassadar and Raynor to the Beacon

HIGH TEMPLAR

We've been surrounded!

*** Bring Tassadar and Raynor to the beacon ***

TASSADAR

You have my thanks, Executor. Now let's
find Zeratul and speed our way home.





P-05. "CHOOSING SIDES"

Protoss Command Ship Gantrithor
Low orbit over the planet Char
One hour later

Comment: This level title was always misleading as the player can’t actually choose to side with Aldaris or Tassadar. Perhaps it was an old possibility in the design - branching campaigns have always been sought after in RTS games but extensive versions are simply too complicated and they end up being single decisions made at key moments.

Mission Briefing

Objectives :
- Bring Tassadar and two Zealots
to the installation entrance

Aldaris:

Executor, by following Tassadar and
attempting to rescue the Dark
Templar, you have openly defied the
will of the Conclave. Abandon this
mad scheme now, and the Conclave
may show you mercy.

Comment: Aldaris offers the player a final chance. They didn’t really refute Aldaris, it could be argued that they were simply getting Tassadar and his forces away from the zerg before any further action could be taken. Even if that’s the case, Aldaris states that the Conclave would disapprove of even that.

Tassadar :

Don't let him control you, Executor.
The Judicator have long since
steered the actions of the Templar
to their own ends. It's time we
acted of our own accord.

Comment: This is another of those statements that seems to escalate the drama almost for the sake of it, as it does seem provocative of Tassadar to tell the player that they’re being controlled. Still, Tassadar has been set up in the story to question the authority of the Conclave so maybe it’s just inevitable.

Aldaris :

Ah, Tassadar, have you fallen so far?
To think that you were our
brightest hope; our most beloved
son. Now you are everything that
we are not. You are lost to us. Not
only have you damned yourself, but
you have damned those who have
followed you.

Tassadar :

Such is the price for our race's
salvation, Judicator! I have been
here with the Dark Templar, these
last few months. While I helped
them in their fight against the
Zerg, I learned many of their
secrets from their Prelate, Zeratul.

Apparently, the energies which
empower the Dark Templar also
course through the Overmind and
its Cerebrates.

Aldaris :

The same Cerebrate which you told
us to destroy. Your advice was
useless, for the creature was
reincarnated before our eyes!

Tassadar :

Unfortunately, yes. Your attack on
the Cerebrate failed because the
energies that you wield are useless
when used directly against the
Overmind and its Cerebrates.

Only the Dark Templar's power can
truly harm the Zerg. That is why
we must rescue Zeratul and return
him to Aiur!

Aldaris :

You were warned, Executor. The
Conclave will not be pleased.

Comment: I can’t think of much to add here that isn’t obvious – Tassadar explains several things and what must be done. Never mind a decent argument that the player is acting illogically or immorally, Aldaris states that the Conclave won’t be happy, he’s trying to make the player feel guilty - as if the Conclave is a god or some other sort of parent-like entity!

(In-game)

*** On destroying a Terran building. ***

DUKE

Protoss Commander, this is General
Edmund Duke of the Terran Dominion
Armada. You are in violation of our
air-space and have endangered human
lives in your reckless attack against the
Zerg. I order you to withdraw your ships
immediately. If you fail to comply, I will not
hesitate to open fire upon your vessels.

TASSADAR

General Duke, I am Tassadar, and you are
well known to me. Whatever leniency I
extended to you and your comrades before,
may have been in error. If you persist in
halting our course, we will burn your
pathetic fleet down to the last man.

DUKE

I'm going to have to assume that was a
hostile response...

Comment: Again, it could just be for drama’s sake but Tassadar is in no mood for negotiations or threats.

Tassadar’s quote that Duke is “well known to me” is quite interesting – he could be referring to the cancelled Protoss intervention in the Terran campaign in the ‘secret levels’ (Where the Protoss allied with the Terrans to fight zerg) but I think it’s likely that Raynor has mentioned Duke to Tassadar instead. So even though Tassadar spared human worlds previously, he is clear that he will not show mercy to a person like Duke whom he dislikes.


P-06. "INTO THE DARKNESS"

Protoss Command Ship Gantrithor
Low orbit over the planet Char



Mission Briefing

Objectives :
- Rescue Zeratul
- Tassadar must survive

Tassadar :

Executor, I sense that Zeratul and
his brethren are close by. But I
have been unable to make contact
with them. I fear they may be in
grave danger. We must scour this
area immediately and find the Dark
Templar, lest they be overcome by
the Zerg.

(In-game)

*** Rescue Terran Marine (near entrance and later on) ***

TERRAN MARINE

Mind if we tag along?

*** Bring unit to a certain area ***

TERRAN MARINE

Did you hear that?

*** Rescue Terran Marine near the cranes (with many burrowed Zerg) ***

TERRAN MARINE

We gotta move!

*** Bring unit to a certain area ***

TERRAN MARINE

What was that?

*** Bring unit to Security Door computer ***

Security Doors unlocked.

*** Bring unit to cell door but still locked ***

This door is locked.

*** Bring unit to Cell Door computer ***

Opening cell doors.

*** Bring unit to Zeratul location ***

TASSADAR

Greetings, Dark One. I have come to bring you home.

ZERATUL

Greetings to you mighty Tassadar. I knew that you would
not forsake us. For in the time that you have spent with us,
you have learned to value our ways and our methods. You
have learned to channel our dark power as well as that of
your masters; thus you alone have found completeness
beyond the scope of the Khala. But I fear that the Conclave,
in its pride, could never bring itself to welcome outcasts such as
we.

TASSADAR

Outcasts though you may be, it is your vision and courage that may
yet save our Homeworld from the Swarm. I beg of you, Zeratul,
return with us to Aiur. Though they are petty, and have, in ignorance
cursed your kind for generations... help me save our people.

ZERATUL

Since our banishment long ago, we have never failed in our
responsibility to Aiur. Though it shall cause us great pain to see our
homeland once more, we shall return with you, Tassadar. We will
do what we can.

Comment: This is the first time that Zeratul speaks at considerable length and we learn more about him and the Dark Templar.

Much like how Tassadar has committed his actions to Aiur, so does Zeratul – we know that both of them are intent on both serving and saving it, regardless of the Conclave’s beliefs. Zeratul mentions that Tassadar has learnt to use both the energies of the Dark Templar and the Khala, that he is more powerful and wise in doing so, like someone opening their mind and broadening their perspective to new ideas.



P-07. "HOMELAND"

Protoss Command Ship Gantrithor
Holding Orbit over the planet Aiur



Mission Briefing

Objectives :
- Destroy the heart of the Conclave
- Fenix, Zeratul and Tassadar must
survive

Fenix :

Greetings Executor! And greetings
to you, Tassadar. I am overjoyed to
see you both return home in this
dark hour. The Zerg have redoubled
their efforts, and it seems-

Tassadar :

Fenix? It can't be! The Executor told
me of how you fell before the Zerg.
How is it that you live and breathe?

Fenix :

Ha hah... Well, after my unfortunate
defeat, my ruined body was
recovered by our brethren. I now
reside within the cold, robotic shell
of a Dragoon.

Comment: Is this some sort of holy resurrection?! Probably not, it seems more like an explanation of how dragoon’s function (Which in turn seems like a copy of Space Marine Dreadnaughts in Warhammer 40,000). Fenix proves to still be a fighter, with a sense of humour and enduring valour.

Tassadar :

Old friend-would that this never
came to pass...

Fenix :

Nonsense! There is no shame in
defeat so long as the spirit is
unconquered, and I am still able to
serve Aiur to a degree. But enough
of this.

Comment: That’s a good summary of Fenix’s character and an awesome quote in its own right.

There is much you both need to
know. You have been branded as
traitors by Aldaris and the
Conclave. Even now they seek to
arrest you and execute the Dark
Templar, Zeratul.

Tassadar :

I never believed that they would go
so far. In the face of total
annihilation they still cling to their
failing traditions!

Comment: We’ve seen this pointed out to us many times in the campaign. Tassadar also believe the Conclave’s use of the Khalai is failing, I’m not sure whether he means in general for their culture or in the war against the zerg. The former is more likely.

Fenix :

Yes, and that makes them all the
more dangerous. They hunt you
even now, Tassadar. And though I
damn myself by doing so, I shall
stand by you till the end.

Tassadar :

En Taro Adun, noble Fenix. Executor,
it seems that if our world is to live,
we must protect the Dark Templar
from our own brethren. Although it
pains me greatly, not even the
Conclave shall stand in our way.

Comment: There isn’t a “Hellyeah let’s whip all their butts whooooooo!” statement from the main hero; he shows sincere regret that he must fight his own people. This also adds to the ending of the level where Tassadar gives up as he can’t stand seeing Protoss kill one another.

(In-game)

*** Beginning of the mission ***

ALDARIS

Executor, you and the traitor Tassadar are
to cease your resistance and surrender
yourselves to the judgement of the Conclave.
We will take the outlaw, Zeratul, into
custody and deal with him as is written by
the Khala's law.

Comment: Zeratul hasn’t even done anything to Aiur or the Khalai Protoss – he’s being arrested purely for being a Dark Templar. What’s more, he will be dealt with based on the Khala’s law, not appropriate action given the circumstances. This is simply black and white thinking but by now it’s not surprising.

TASSADAR

Flee back to your masters, Aldaris, and
huddle with them in darkness! For your
actions shall set us all unto the Zerg!

*** Destroying most of the Conclave base ***

TASSADAR

Executor! Aldaris! This madness must stop!
The sight of my brethren slaughtering one
another is more than I can stand. Though I
fear you would doom us all, Aldaris, I
surrender myself to the Conclave. En Taro
Adun, Executor. Don't give up the fight!

Comment: Tassadar can’t stand it anymore, he feels guilty that his actions have caused needless death. He’s prepared to sacrifice himself, but wants the player to presumably continue to strike at the zerg and use the Dark Templar to kill the Cerebrates and the Overmind.

ALDARIS

Tassadar of the Templar, by your actions you have severed
yourself from the mercy of your brethren. You refused to destroy the
Terran worlds as was commanded. You have questioned time and
time again, the sacred will of the Conclave. And you have
abandoned your Homeworld in its darkest hour. Most grievous of all
is that you have allied yourself with the blasphemous Dark Ones
and learned to utilize their profane powers in tandem with our own!
What say you, oh fallen Templar?

Comment: Aldaris lists all of the charges against Tassadar, yet we know that all of them were defensible given the circumstances.

In short, the humans shouldn’t have been sacrificed to halt the zerg, the Conclave are so blind that they must have their heads up their asses, Tassadar was trapped on Char during the invasion and the Dark Templar’s energies are the only means to destroy the zerg leaders in an attempt to stop the destruction of Aiur.

Yet the Conclave believes Tassadar is a fallen heretic who must pay the price for doing so. Their laws are more important than their senses.

TASSADAR

Aldaris, I submit myself to the Conclave's judgement. But know this,
given the same choices again, I would surely have made them. I
have sacrificed my rank and standing, and I have even broken
our own most ancient traditions. But never think that I would, for
one moment, regret my actions. For I am Templar, and above all
else, I have sworn to protect our Homeworld 'till the end.

Comment: If it hasn’t already been made clear to the player, this certainly shows two things about Tassadar: how radical he has become and how deep his desire to protect Aiur goes. He has done everything to save Aiur and sacrificed everything related to him in the culture of the Protoss to do so.


INTERLUDE:

Tassadar was taken into Judicator custody
and sentenced to stand trial for his crimes
against the Conclave. Fenix, Raynor and
Tassadar's followers escaped from the
Conclave's agents, as the Dark Templar
slipped away in the chaos.


P-08. "THE TRIAL OF TASSADAR"

Protoss Command Ship Gantrithor
Holding Orbit over the planet Aiur

Mission Briefing

Objectives :
- Destroy the Stasis Cell
- Fenix and Raynor must
survive

Fenix :

En Taro Adun, Executor. All seems
lost now, but still we must fight on.
We must find Tassadar and secure
his release from the Judicator
before they can execute him for
treason. Without him, I fear there
is no way to defeat the Zerg and
their Overmind.

Zeratul and his Dark Templar have
vanished, leaving us to fend for
ourselves. I wonder if Tassadar was
mistaken to have put his trust in
them. We are receiving a
transmission from Captain Raynor's
command ship.

Comment: Clearly there was a design decision here for the Dark Templar to disappear, rather than rally around the player’s forces. It suits the Dark Templar as they and Zeratul have has more of a friendship with Tassadar than the player, Fenix or even Raynor. It makes the player question whether Zeratul is a good and admirable character, with his return in the ending scene of the next level adding to the drama and providing a straight answer.

Raynor :

This is Raynor. I'd like to help if I
can. Tassadar laid it on the line for
me and my crew on Char. I'd like to
repay the debt. Besides, I'm a long
way from home, surrounded by
hostile aliens. I've got to do
something.

Fenix :

Than you shall, bold human. You shall.

Comment: This is the start of Raynor and Fenix’s friendship, with the Praetor impressed by the human’s warrior-like attitude.

(In-game)

*** Beginning of the mission ***

TIP

Carriers can not attack without Interceptors.
To build additional Interceptors select the
Carrier and click "Build Interceptor".

*** Reach the Stasis Cell perimeter ***

FENIX

Executor, we have found Tassadar's Stasis Cell. We will attempt to
free him now.

*** Destroy the Stasis Cell ***

ALDARIS

I expected you to attempt to retrieve your
hero. You will learn that the will of the
Conclave is absolute. Make peace with
Adun.

Comment: Your hero! He’s no longer the favoured son of the Conclave, but he is liked by some. The second part of Aldaris’ statement is that the Conclave is absolutely right, there is no room for negotiation, and those that disagree with it will die.

ZERATUL

Stay thy hand, Judicator. The stewards of
Tassadar shall not fall while the Dark
Templar live. Call off your guards and stand
aside, and you may yet live to see another
moonrise.

ALDARIS

I will not be addressed so by one so devoid
of the Khala's light. You and your vile
brethren shall die with these traitors.

ZERATUL

Are you truly so blinded by your vaunted
religion, that you can't see the fall ahead of
you? Your Conclave believes that they are
winning this war, but all they've succeeded
in doing is helping the Overmind to win.

Comment: There is so much that can be said by Zeratul’s first line, but in the context of the Protoss Conclave, it’s him pointing out that the ridiculous extremes they have chosen to follow is atrocious. They don’t even understand that they’re losing the war - their perception is that blind to the truth.

“Pride comes before the fall”, as the saying goes...

ALDARIS

What could you possibly know about our
designs, blasphemer?

Comment: This is probably the first time Aldaris actually questions something involving Zeratul. For someone he fanatically abhors and believes is evil, I hope he’s prepared for the answer...

ZERATUL

You speak of knowledge, Judicator? You
speak of experience? I have journeyed
through the darkness between the most
distant stars. I have beheld the births of
negative-suns and borne witness to the
entropy of entire realities...
Unto my experience, Aldaris, all that you've
built here on Aiur is but a fleeting dream. A
dream from which your precious Conclave
shall awaken, finding themselves drowned
in a greater nightmare.

Comment: Let me be clear about this before I launch into a tirade: the speech is short and certainly not comparable to Henry’s Saint Crispen’s speech or Hamlet musing on suicide (Or any other of Shakesepare’s epics), but it’s one of the most memorable and interesting in StarCraft. It reminds me of Roy Batty’s own at the end of Blade Runner where he speaks of his remarkable memories and how they’ll be lost in time.

This is the moment that Zeratul, who up until now has generally been a reserved character, really stands up and shows his strength and wisdom. He’s telling Aldaris that he has experienced an enormous amount in his life, that the Conclave’s efforts on Aiur are nothing in the grand scale of time (Protoss can live for a full millennium so they surely consider it further than humans) and that they will ‘wake up’ and discover themselves falling at the very edge of annihilation. They will emerge from their utter delusional pride and realise that their existence is at an end – they simply can’t see that truth.

It’s a mental slap to the face.

ALDARIS

We shall see...

Comment: Like Tassadar’s jab at Kerrigan for being her own worst enemy (Which is used by her against Fenix in Brood War), this line is later used by Zeratul in the expansion. It’s equivalent to “Perhaps”, a simple way of stating that nothing is certain.

In retrospect of Aldaris’ line, it almost seems like the script for the scene wasn’t finished, or more likely that Aldaris is simply stunned - without stuttering or being shocked in an overly dramatic way – since he is totally overwhelmed and surprised, he only manages a more hostile version of ‘touché’ if you will.


P-09. "SHADOW HUNTERS"

Protoss Command Ship Gantrithor
Low orbit over the planet Aiur



Mission Briefing

Objectives :
- Use Zeratul to destroy the
Zerg Cerebrates
- Zeratul and Fenix must survive

Tassadar :

En Taro Adun Executor! My
gratitude to you, for having secured
my release, knows no bounds. By all
the gods, we may win yet! The time
has come to let loose the fury of
the Dark Templar. Zeratul, perhaps
the time has come to tell our
friends of the foe we face.

Comment: A rewarding ‘thank you’ from Tassadar, making the last level worthwhile.

Zeratul :

Indeed. When I slew the Cerebrate
on Char, I touched briefly with the
essence of the Overmind. In that
instant, my mind was filled with its
thoughts, and I tell you now our
worst fears have come true.

The Zerg were indeed created by
the ancient Xel'Naga, the same
beings that empowered us in our
infancy. But the Overmind grew
beyond their constraints and has at
last come to finish the experiments
they began so long ago.

Tassadar :

So you see my friends, we fight not
only to save Aiur, but all creation! If
we fall to the Zerg then the
Overmind will run rampant
throughout the stars, consuming all
sentience - all life. It is up to us to
put and end to this madness, once
and for all.

Fenix :

Our forces shall engage the primary
Zerg Hive clusters in an attempt to
weaken their defences. Once their
numbers have thinned out, Zeratul
and his companions can infiltrate the
clusters and assassinate the
Cerebrates. Adun willing, the
Cerebrates' deaths will distract the
Overmind long enough for us to
assault it directly.

Comment: Considering that there were three missions in the Protoss campaign about rescuing Zeratul, as well as various dialog elsewhere and the events of the zerg campaign (i.e. Zeratul killing Zasz), it’s good to see that he’s finally being used. We’ve rescued him, brought him to Aiur and overcome the mad laws of the Conclave, so now we’re building up to the climax, that’s for certain.

(In-game)

(Nothing)

Comment: There’s nothing said in this level and almost nothing in the final level too, which is a shame as it’s meant to be the huge climax and end of the story. I feel that Blizzard did the same in WarCraft 3’s finale, both are missed opportunities to do something epic. The end of the WC3 The Frozen Throne was how it should be.


P-10. "EYE OF THE STORM"

Protoss Command Ship Gantrithor
Low orbit over the planet Aiur

Comment: This is an interesting level title – at first thought it seems like it’s noting that the player’s forces are going to the centre of the Swarm, but the eye of the storm is actually:
”A region of mostly calm weather found at the centre of strong tropical cyclones”

So it’s actually the safest place to be in a storm, though of course you have the fierce surroundings to watch out for...

The level itself has a huge crater where the Overmind lies, which is surrounded by three large zerg bases, but there isn’t actually as many zerg as you might expect.

Mission Briefing

Objectives :
- Destroy the Overmind
- Tassadar, Raynor, and
Zeratul must survive

Fenix :

Executor, our plan worked perfectly.
The Zerg defences are broken, and
the way to the Overmind is laid
bare! The time for our stand has
come.

Tassadar :

Indeed. My friends, this is our final
hour. Not all of us may survive the
coming conflict. Yet, death may be a
blessing should we fail here. We
seek now to destroy a foe that has
ravaged its way across the universe
consuming all in its path.

And now it has reached the end of
its long journey. The Overmind has
come to destroy all that we hold
dear and assimilate us into itself.
And I say to thee, this shall not
come to pass! Aiur shall not fall!
Executor, I stand ready!

Comment: By “death may be a blessing should we fail here”, Tassadar is saying that the Overmind’s victory will lead to it having absolute power, that death would be preferable to assimilation into the Swarm, a merciful end rather than eternal agony.

Zeratul :

As do I.

Raynor :

Well, I guess all I have left is to see
this through. The Zerg have taken
everything from me: my home, my
family, my friends. I know that
nothing I do can bring those things
back, but I'll be damned if I just sit
on my hands and wait for the end. I
want a piece of 'em, all right. I'm in.

Comment: Well said, Raynor. He’s summarised his motivation very succinctly which no doubt motivates the player themselves. He really has lost everything – everything on Mar Sara, his status in the Confederacy, his position in the Sons of Korhal, his love for Kerrigan ... it all makes him comparable to Tassadar himself.

The whole situation is desperate but the heroes have hope and a determination to see things through.

Tassadar :

Then let our actions speak for us!
For Adun! For Aiur!

(In-game)

*** Beginning of the mission ***

ALDARIS

Executor. Tassadar. This comes too late to you.
But the Conclave has witnessed your defeat of
the Cerebrate. They know now that they cannot
deny the necessity or the valiancy of your actions.
We sought to punish you, while it was we who were
in error. You represent the greatest in us all, and
all our hopes go with you. EN TARO ADUN, brave
Sons of Aiur!

Comment: Aldaris repents for his past mistakes. He knows that the Cerebrate has not reincarnated so the truth IS that the Dark Templar’s energies are essential to their destruction. He offers his blessings to the heroes and the player.

How easy would it have been for the designer’s to not make the effort with this line and leave the situation ambiguous? This allows the player not to worry about the situation with the Conclave, to resolve it and let them feel that they are morally right and motivates them to finish the fight.

There’s the use of “Sons of Aiur” again.

RAYNOR

Wow. Does that mean they're goin' to send
some back-up for us?

Comment: No.

*** Successfully destroy the outer shell of the Overmind ***

TASSADAR

Executor, the Overmind has been weakened, but
I fear we have sustained severe damage ourselves.
I will steer the Gantrithor into a collision course with
the Overmind. If I can channel enough of the Dark
Templars' energy through the hull of the Gantrithor, I
should be able to bring swift death to the accursed
abomination. Remember us, Executor. Remember
what was done here today. May Adun watch over you.


Comment: Tassadar realises what he needs to do in order that more people are saved, he doesn’t want any more lives to be lost. Once again, he wants to sacrifice himself, not as a needless martyr but because he wants to save people.

He wants to be remembered for what he’s doing, though, because the act is so significant – and who can blame him?

CINEMATIC - DEATH OF THE OVERMIND

The ending cinematic has Tassadar direct the Gantrithor into the Overmind, followed by him summoning enormous amounts of Dark Templar energies - while standing in a crucifixion-style pose though I think it’s the only heroic one that’s viable – which explodes the ship, but the resulting shot of energy completely obliterates the Overmind.

EPILOGUE

As the chaotic, swirling energies subsided, a
heavy silence settled over the battlefields of
Aiur. Due to Tassadar's noble sacrifice, the
Overmind was now dead and the Zerg
Swarms were scattered and broken. But as
the heroes surveyed their once glorious
homeland, they realized that their victory had
cost them all but their lives. Aiur was left
nothing more than a smouldering ruin. Those
few Protoss who survived the final battle
could only wonder what the future would hold
for their race.

And far away, on the distant planet Char,
Kerrigan, the self-styled Queen of Blades,
knew that the time of her ascension was
at hand.

Comment: The final text is fairly ambiguous about the ending of the game, it doesn’t detail much. Blizzard clearly knew that an expansion was likely and planned ahead so simply rewarded the player by telling them that the zerg were defeated but that the future was uncertain. The story is set up for Kerrigan to seize control of the zerg, a technique used for campaigns in WarCraft 3 involving Arthas, Sylvanas and Illidan.

So there we have it. I hope I’ve opened your eyes to what thought was likely put into StarCraft, it remains a wonderful gem almost as much as it is intrinsically deep in micromanagement as it is in writing, as South Korea and gamers around the world will attest to.

En Taro Adun.