Age of Creation

Note: The terminology of this article in reference to this period is based on conjuncture as a means of contrast with the prior period and should not be taken as canon.

The Age of Creation is a hypothetical term for the period of time when the xel'naga were active within the Milky Way galaxy, as distinct from the Age Before Creation. It is known for the following:


 * According to ancient protoss texts, the xel'naga, an extra-galactic race obsessed with the seeding of life, arrived in the Milky Way galaxy tens of millions of years ago, establishing their domain and seeding life on various worlds. Aiur was one such example, giving rise to the protoss.


 * Around 200,000 BCE, modern humans arise on Earth, seemingly without any influence from the xel'naga. Millenia later, despite faulty and limited data on their history, the terrans of the Koprulu Sector possess information on this early period of human development.


 * Frustrated with their failure to create a species with distinct "purity of form", the xel'naga turn their attention to Aiur. Pleased with the progress of its dominant species, the xel'naga name them the protoss ("Firstborn") and commence observation which lasts hundreds of protoss generations.


 * Eventually, frustrated at the slow rate of protoss evolution, the xel'naga subtlely guide their development for a millenium, leading them to the state of total sentience and awareness. Exhilirated, the xel'naga make themselves known to their creations.


 * Protoss civilization spreads across Aiur within a few thousand years. However, as more emphasis is placed on individual achievement than communal advancement, the protoss begin to revert to tribalism. Distrust of the xel'naga begins to brew, and the protoss cut off their psychic link.


 * The xel'naga depart from Aiur, seeing the protoss as a failed creation. Disheartened at their departure, the protoss tribes turn on each other, each blaming their counterparts for their mentors’ departure. Thus begins the Aeon of Strife.


 * The protoss having failed them, the xel'naga head for the planet Zerus. Seeking to create an individual with a distinct Purity of Essence, they begin developing the race of miniature insectoids known as the zerg. Attempting to waylay the potential hazards of competing egos, they create the Overmind -- a collected zerg sentience.