High templar

"According to the report, our analysts were first able to extract data on the High Templar, and analyze their reliance on control and stoicism as opposed to the battle rage upon which Zealots and Archons thrive. Perhaps we can put such information to use in future research, but as for now it is certainly worthwhile simply to understand how these beings function."

- Radio Liberty

High templar are protoss warriors that use powerful psionic powers to support other protoss forces.

Overview
High templar are veteran Templar who forgo the rage and traditional forms of combat common to zealots in order to better develop their psionic powers into potent tools and weapons through the Khala. High templar rely on control and stoicism, as opposed to the battle rage called upon by zealots and archons. Although they are equipped with light armor suits and sometimes through them, psionic blades, use of these weapons is regarded as a last resort for a high templar, as they focus on psionic rather than physical mastery.

High templar also calibrate and infuse the crystal matrices that are attached to power suits.

Psionic Powers
High Templar use the archives to directly commune with their ancient ancestors and thereby gain knowledge inaccessible to ordinary warriors. They may also wear amulets carved from khaydarin crystals to improve their connection with the Khala and thus channel their psionic abilities with greater efficiency.

The training high templar undergo amplifies their psionic powers to such a degree that they are capable of disrupting the physical world around them. Those treading the path of the Khala are taught to close their minds to the outside world. For powerful psychics like the protoss this may produce psychic ripples that are harmful to other life forms. High templar are trained to focus these ripples into terrible storms of psychic energy that can rip the minds, bodies, and machines of their enemies to shreds.

A more subtle power is the ability for high templar to create illusory duplicates of other objects. While these phantoms have no substance and cannot affect the material world, they are useful to confuse and divert the attention of the protoss' enemies in battle.

High templar are deeply attuned to the energy flows that surround them. By means of their formidable psionic ability, these warriors can grasp the energy currents present in beings or machines, and drain them through a violent chain reaction. This backlash may cause grievous wounds to living beings, or massive structural damage to machines. If the target happens to bristle with energy, the powerful psionic feedback may destroy it outright.

At one time, high templar merged with another high templar to form an archon, thus sacrificing themselves to complete the Warrior Path and attain legendary status within the archives. After the Brood War, high templar could achieve this by sacrificing themselves, merging with another high templar, or with a Dark Templar.

Other Information
Another change brought on by the Brood War was the role of high templar politically. Previously, political decisions had been left to the Judicator Caste. With the destruction of the Conclave however and the disbanding of the Judicator, high templar have been able to take on the role of teachers and leaders of their people.

StarCraft

 * For StarCraft gameplay information see: High templar (StarCraft).
 * For StarCraft in-game quotations see: StarCraft High Templar Quotations

StarCraft: Ghost
The high templar was set to appear in StarCraft: Ghost. It had the ability to summon reinforcements.

StarCraft II

 * For StarCraft II gameplay information see: High templar (StarCraft II).
 * For StarCraft in-game quotations see: StarCraft II High Templar Quotations

Famous High Templar

 * Adun
 * Artanis
 * Karass
 * Tassadar

Other High Templar

 * Aedus (Turned into an archon with Xerxes).
 * Aldrion
 * Erekul
 * Garius
 * Heiberg the Heretic (mercenary leader)
 * High Templar Hero
 * Ketalis
 * Koronis
 * Lekila (formerly)
 * Master of the Tribunal
 * Mess'Ta
 * Muadun
 * Naganis
 * Oong
 * Rassidan
 * Rihod (formerly)
 * Telbrus
 * Xerxes (Turned into an archon with Aedus).