Editing Psionic blade

[[Image:Zealot SC2 Cncpt1.jpg|thumb|A [[zealot]] wielding psionic blades]]
A '''psionic blade''' (or '''psi-blade''') is a type of energy blade manifested through the use of [[psionic powers]].

==Overview==
===Protoss Psi-blades===
[[File:PsiBlade SC-FM Art1.jpg|thumb|A psi-blade focuser]]
Through a protoss generating psionic energy, psi-blade focusers<ref name="ZealotScience"/> mounted on forearm units contain<ref name="SC:QnBlades">Rosenberg, Aaron (May 23, 2006). ''[[StarCraft: Queen of Blades]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7133-6.</ref> and channel this energy, said units being located on [[power suit|power]]<ref name = "Manual">Underwood, Peter, Bill Roper, Chris Metzen and Jeffrey Vaughn. ''StarCraft (Manual)''. Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.</ref> and [[light armor suit]]s,<ref name = "Alternity"/> used by [[zealot]]s<ref name = "Manual"/> and [[high templar]] respectively.<ref name = "Alternity">Bill Slavicsek, David Eckelberry, Shawn F. Carnes. ''[[Alternity: StarCraft Edition]]''. Wizards of the Coast, March 1, 2000. ISBN 0-7869-1618-4.</ref> [[Executor]] [[Tassadar]] was able to channel his psionic powers into blades without the need for forearm units, as well as extend the length of his psionic blade become whip-like and hit distant targets.<ref name="SC:QnBlades"/> Psionic blades would cauterize as they cut, making combat among protoss generally bloodless.<ref name="SC:OPOP">Acks, Alex. "[[One People, One Purpose]]." (July 28, 2020). Blizzard Entertainment. [https://bnetcmsus-a.akamaihd.net/cms/page_media/50/50CD47HQU1R61595961180080.pdf One People, One Purpose]. Accessed 2020-07-28.</ref>

Psi-blades are incandescent,<ref name = "ZealotScience">2014-10-30, [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/unit/zealot#science Zealot Science]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2014-11-01</ref> and are usually of a blue-white color.<ref name="SC:QnBlades"/> Psi-blades can cut through almost any material regardless of density,<ref name = "SC:FManual">Barba, Rick. ''[[StarCraft Field Manual]]'' (hardcover). Insight Editions, November 17, 2015.</ref> though can be parried by other psi-blades<ref name = "LotVLaunch">2015-11-06, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UyMAPr-G44 StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void Launch Trailer – Legacy]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2015-11-07</ref> and [[warp blade]]s.<ref name="Oblivion"/> Over time, the [[Khalai]] have further refined psi-blade focuser construction, allowing psi-blades to increase in power as a zealot's fury mounts in the heat of battle.<ref name = "ZealotScience"/>

[[File:ArtanisSelendis SC2-LotV Cine2.jpg|thumb|Psi-blades locked]]
The [[Dark Templar]] have further refined psi blades into much more powerful warp blades<ref name="SC:BW_Man">Underwood, Peter, Chris Metzen and Bill Roper. ''StarCraft: Brood War (Manual)''. Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.</ref> through infusing them with both Void energy and their burgeoning psionic power.<ref>2015-04-09, [[http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/blog/18184816/a-time-for-templars-protoss-4-9-2015 Dark Templar Science]]. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2015-04-11</ref> After the severing of his nerve cords, [[Artanis]] demonstrated the ability to wield a psi-blade and warp blade in tandem.<ref name="Oblivion">2014-11-07, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUMSMDX5iQc&list=UUZ2h0d4tP0R8klduwj-_bDQ StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void - Oblivion]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2014-12-02</ref>

After the [[Fall of Aiur|fall]] of [[Aiur]], some Khalai protoss adopted the way of the Nerazim and returned to the planet to wage a secret war against the [[zerg]]. These [[Avenger (protoss)|avenger]]s wielded [[psionic scythe]]s, modified versions of psionic blades.<ref name="SC2-LotV_StoryWarCouncil">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[War council]] (in English). 2015.</ref>

The [[Zhakul Guardians]] manifested green psi-blades while under the [[mind control|control]] of [[Maar]].<ref name="WoL_SinisterTurn">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[A Sinister Turn]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> Post-[[End War]], Templar trying to mimic the aesthetics of the [[Golden Age of Expansion]] have been seen wielding purple psi-blades.<ref name="BC2018">[https://starcraft2.com/en-gb/news/21919227 War Chest: BlizzCon® 2018], ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed on 2018-08-13</ref>

The [[Purifier (race)|Purifiers']] psionic blades vary in color. The [[sentinel]]s from the purifier revival program that were brought online by [[Karax]] via the [[Glacius]] [[Glacius Facility|technology vault]] were of a blue-white color,<ref>[[Blizzard Entertainment]]. [[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]] (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[War council]] (in English). 2015.</ref> while those of the original purifiers aboard [[Cybros]] were of a yellow color.<ref>[[Blizzard Entertainment]]. [[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]. (Activision Blizzard).PC. Mission: [[Purification (mission)|Purification]] (mission). (in English). November 10, 2015</ref> The sentinels that accompanied Karax in the [[Salvation|final defense]] of the [[Xel'Naga]] [[keystone]] against [[Amon|Amon's]] [[Amon Brood|zerg forces]] and the corrupted [[Golden Armada]] were of a yellow orange color,<ref>[[Blizzard Entertainment]]. [[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]. (Activision Blizzard).PC. Mission: [[Salvation]]. (in English). November 10, 2015</ref> as were those of the Purifier [[legionnaire]]s under [[Talandar]].

The [[Tal'darim]] possess red psi-blades, referred to as [[bane blade]]s,<ref name="SC2-LotV_StoryWarCouncil">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[War council]]: [[Blood hunter]] (in English). 2015.</ref> which are pure [[Void]] energy drawn from [[Amon|Amon's]] realm, as apposed to pure psionic energy like Khalai protoss's psionic blades or a mixture of both Void and psionics like the Dark Templar's Warp blades. Ancient Tal'darim legends speak of masters who could use them to tear planets in half.<ref name="SC:Ascension">Brooks, Robert. "[[Ascension (short story)|Ascension]]." (Oct. 01, 2015). Blizzard Entertainment. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/lore/short-stories/ascension/1 StarCraft Lore: Ascension] Accessed 2015-10-01.</ref> Khalai protoss possessed by Amon, including Artanis<ref name="SC2:LotV_CineChains">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Chains]]. (in English). 2015.</ref>  and [[Selendis]],<ref name="SC2:LotV_Liberation and Legacy">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Liberation and Legacy]]. (in English). 2015.</ref> were able to manifest red psi-blades, as could [[Emil Narud]].<ref name="SC2:HotS_CineShiftPerspect">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Shifting Perspectives]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> The Tal'darim under Narud's command at [[Skygeirr Station]] wielded psi-blades of a blue-white color though,<ref>[[Blizzard Entertainment]]. [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Phantoms of the Void]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> as did the Tal'darim under Executor [[Nyon]].<ref>[[Blizzard Entertainment]]. [[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Maw of the Void]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref>

[[Infested protoss|Protoss reanimated]] by an advanced strain of [[zerg]] [[creep]] retained the ability to manifest psi blades.<ref name="SC:FrntLn_V2_Creep">Furman, Simon (w), Tomás Aira (p). "[[StarCraft: Frontline: Creep|Creep]]." In ''[[StarCraft: Frontline: Volume 2]]'' (paperback binding), pp. 26-67. Tokyopop, January 1, 2009. ISBN 978-1427-80831-8.</ref>

===Terran Psi-blades===
[[Gestalt]] soldiers of [[Project Gestalt]], which were terran/protoss hybrids, demonstrated the ability to use psionic blades.<ref name="SC:FrntLn_V3_Harm">Elder, Josh (w), Ramanda Kamarga (p), Angie Nathalia (i), Junadi (i). "[[StarCraft: Frontline: Do No Harm|Do No Harm]]." In ''[[StarCraft: Frontline: Volume 3]]'' (paperback binding), pp. 48-89. Tokyopop, July 14, 2009. ISBN 978-1427-80832-5.</ref> 

The [[monomolecular blade]] utilizes its wielder's psionic energy to hone an edge that has been sharpened to a microscopic degree, allowing it to cut through both physical armor and energy shields.<ref name="NCO_EnemyIntel">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Nova Covert Ops]], [[Enemy Intelligence]] (in English). 2016-03-29.</ref>
{{Ghost}}
[[File:Psyblade SC-G Game2.jpg|thumb|[[Nova]] using a terran psi blade]]
[[Terran Dominion]] scientists have developed similar devices for use by [[ghost]]s and [[gestalt|similar soldiers]] using protoss technology.<ref name="SC:FrntLn_V3_Harm">Elder, Josh (w), Ramanda Kamarga (p), Angie Nathalia (i), Junadi (i). "[[StarCraft: Frontline: Do No Harm|Do No Harm]]." In ''[[StarCraft: Frontline: Volume 3]]'' (paperback binding), pp. 48-89. Tokyopop, July 14, 2009. ISBN 978-1427-80832-5.</ref><ref>Blevins, Tal. 2002-09-19. [http://ps2.ign.com/articles/371/371543p1.html StarCraft: Ghost: Exclusive first details of Blizzard's big console shooter]. ''IGN.'' Accessed 2007-09-01</ref>

==Notes==
{{Quote|They [the protoss] had their armor, they had their honor, and they had their psi-blades.|[[Samwise Didier]], commenting on the early development of the protoss|Forging Worlds: Stories Behind the Art of Blizzard Entertainment}}
*Psi-blades were conceptualized early in the development of ''[[StarCraft]]''. One of the touchstones of the protoss was the idea of "space samurai." This applied to psi-blades, namely the idea that as no samurai would be found without their sword, psi-blades would similarly be integral to the protoss. Inspiration was also taken from other light-based sword weapons that were well established in sci-fi.<ref name="ForgingWorlds"/>

*[[Nova]] was able to use a psi-blade in early builds/concepts of ''[[StarCraft: Ghost]]''.<ref name="ForgingWorlds">Neilson, Mickey. ''[[Forging Worlds: Stories Behind the Art of Blizzard Entertainment]]'' (hardcover). Blizzard Entertainment, January, 2022.</ref>

*An inflatable psi-blade was included in the "goody bag" of [[BlizzCon 2015]].<ref>2015-08-19, [http://us.battle.net/blizzcon/en/blog/19851628/get-a-blizzcon%C2%AE-goody-bag-with-the-virtual-ticket-8-19-2015 Get a BlizzCon® Goody Bag with the Virtual Ticket]. ''Blizzard Entertainment'', accessed on 2015-08-27</ref>

*[https://overwatch.gamepedia.com/Psyblade Psyblade] is the name of a canceled hero in ''[[Overwatch]]''.

*A psi-blade prop was created by Scrap Shop Props and Henwench. The work was spotlighted by Blizzard.<ref>2018-04-09, [https://www.facebook.com/StarCraft/videos/10156186937932457/ How to Make a Psi-Blade]. ''StarCraft Facebook'', accessed on 2018-04-16</ref>

===StarCraft II===
[[File:Zealot SC2 Rend2.jpg|thumb|A [[Zhakul Guardians|Zhakul]] zealot with green psi-blades]]
*In ''[[StarCraft II]]'', psi-blades are colored in accordance with player color in multiplayer games. Some fans reacted negatively, but a compromise was never reached.<ref>2010, [http://browse.deviantart.com/?q=gallery:phillgonzo/11039907&order=9&offset=48#/d332r0d Starcraft 2: Protoss Zealot]. ''Deviantart'', accessed on 2011-07-20</ref>
**Exceptions within the campaigns of ''StarCraft II'' are the yellow psi-blades of [[Karass]]'s zealots,<ref name="WoL_WhispersDoom">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[Whispers of Doom]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> and the green psi-blades of the Zhakul Guardians.<ref name="WoL_SinisterTurn">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[A Sinister Turn]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> In the case of the Guardians their team color (black, not available in multiplayer) is separate from their psi-blade color.

*The [[ghost (StarCraft II)|ghost]] model has an unused animation for using a psi blade.<ref name="HotSEditor">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]] [[Galaxy Map Editor|Map Editor]].'' (Activision Blizzard) (in English). March 12, 2013</ref>

*Concept art was created for a terran [[scout (terran)|scout]], which would utilize protoss psi blades.<ref>2022-12-17, [https://photos.app.goo.gl/U6UBgdDCZs4M2CPCA Phill Gonzales - StarCraft 2 Concept Gallery]. ''Google Photos''. Accessed on 2022-12-17</ref>

{{Clear}}

==References==
{{ref|scroll=x}}
{{Protoss Weapons}}
{{Terran Weapons}}
{{Terran (StarCraft: Ghost)}}
[[Category:Khalai technology]]
[[Category:Protoss Weapons]]
[[Category:Terran Weapons]]