Praetor

Praetor is a Protoss rank of high standing and prestige. A coveted rank, a Protoss requires a fair ammount of skill an experience to obtain it, Artanis being the youngest Praetor in Protoss history at the age of 262. The exact role of a Praetor is not entirely clear, though leading forces into battle and decision making are among them.

As a rank, Praetor features as part of the command structure of the Templar Caste, though the Ara Tribe of the Judicator Caste maintains the Praetor Guard.

Rank Clarification
In recent times, the nature of the rank of Praetor in relation to that of Executor has been called into question. Initially, it appeared that a Praetor was subordinate to an Executor, the player character(s) of Episode III and IV being adressed as Executor, giving orders to Praetors Fenix and Artanis respectively. However, in the novel StarCraft: Queen of Blades, Artanis was depicted as having the rank of Executor, a position which was later endorsed by Blizzard Entertainment in a plot summary However, Artanis was given the position of Praetor shortly before the events of Episode IV, indicating that Executor is actually a lower rank.

If one applies modern day terminology, an explanation can be given. Praetor was a rank in the Roman Army, involved in the administration of an armed force before its deployment while an executor, in the broadest sense, is one who carries something out. Theoretically, this could mean that while a Praetor is the one responsible for administering a Protoss force and making decisions, the Executor is the one who carries the orders out, even giving orders to a Praetor on the field of battle. Elements of this can be seen in the first mission of Episode III, with Praetor Fenix giving the Executor advice in the fortification of Antioch, yet being ordered in battle. It is possible that with an appointment to Praetor, a Protoss gains a higher rank, yet loses some of the powers he/she held as an Executor.

Of course, this is pure conjuncture and, as stated, should not be taken as representing canon.

Steward of the Templar
The Steward of the Templar is a term that, as of yet, has only been applied to Preator Fenix. It is unknown whether this is a seperate position or simply an honorific term.

Known Praetors

 * Artanis
 * Eredas
 * Fenix
 * Mojo