Khala

Khala ('path of ascension') is the main religion of the Protoss.

During the Aeon of Strife the Protoss were divided in tribes. A Protoss named Khas found the Khaydarin Crystals that the Xel'Naga (the creators of the species) had left behind on the Protoss homeplanet Aiur and channeled their primal energy. He sensed the primordial bonds of the Protoss and wrote teachings so that the Protoss might evolve again into a unified communal society.

Khala thus ended the Aeon of Strife and brought on the Second Age for the Protoss. Khala demanded the society to be composed of three Castes: the Judicator Caste (led by the Conclave), the Khalai Caste and the Templar. The Protoss started to follow the Dae'uhl ('Stewardship') for other planets once claimed by the Xel'Naga. They started supervising and protecting the lesser life forms but not interfering.

Protoss who follow the Khala are often referred to as "Protoss of Aiur" or Khalai (used in a difference sense from members of the Khalai Caste).

However some Rogue Tribes did not want to follow the Khala. These outcasts were known as the Dark Templar, who responded by severing the nerve cords that linked them to the Protoss telepathic community.