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Hi guys! You may already know me as River, I make most of the videos for Anatomy of Starcraft!
Terran already has a thread over at desarrisc's awesome Analysis of Terran Weaponry, so I thought, why not give Protoss some love? <3
Feel free to discuss Protoss technology here!
No one's really an expert on fictional alien technology, so I'll go by the lore and what's going on in-game to study these as best I can! 
Stalker <-- finished! clicky
So I'm going to start with one of my faves...
The Colossus
![[image loading]](http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20101202053326/starcraft/images/9/92/Colossus_SC2_Cncpt2.jpg)
Just look at this beautiful towering behemoth of death. Simply stunning!
As in the lore, this is an ancient Protoss war machine, a highly intelligent robot strider built to support Protoss armies. But what makes this baby tick? Let's take a look inside.
The entire thing is powered by a primitive Protoss engine of some kind, as evidenced by the lack of blue beams. The Colossi's power lines however, show the trademark blue energy coursing through its giant body. A standard Protoss engine has a pylon-like crystal core that directly produces the perfect blue beams seen in all Protoss weapons. From this we can see that for the Colossus, the crystal does not produce the beam directly, it powers only the body of the Colossus. The Thermal Lance is a secondary function created from within the body of the Colossus, burning an internal supply of vespene gas to shoot raw beams of fire, rather than firing standard precision cut blue beams. The Protoss are genius to design the firing mechanism to concentrate its fire into a beam, wasting less energy and putting more power into every shot.
Why this design? Well it appears that due to the size of the Colossus, the energy consumption just to keep it running is pretty high. Remember, we're talking about a machine tall enough for airplanes to attack head on. Thus, the power core cannot support both the Colossus and its lasers at the same time, so no blue lasers. The Colossus saves a lot of energy by using an older Protoss engine (most likely a cold fusion reactor of some kind) to ignite many foes at once with searing fires of vengeance.
![[image loading]](http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft/images2/8/81/Extended_thermal_lances.gif)
The Extended Thermal Lance, at the cost of 200/200, augments the Colossus with a stronger firing cannon to control the powerful blast that comes with a longer beam. It is assumed from the cost that the engine within the Colossus is also improved, supporting the constant production of the longer beams through the burning of additional vespene.
Also note that the Thermal Lances are external, allowing for more efficient cooling due to the intense fiery heat generated by non-psionic beams.
![[image loading]](http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft/images2/6/67/Cliff_walk.png)
With 4 legs, stability is not an issue for the Colossus, able to navigate terrain and scale cliffs with ease. The thin legs are stronger than they look, forged with that famous golden Protoss metal plating. So pretty!
Now let's zoom in on that lovely face.
+ Show Spoiler +
The Colossus appears to be armed with an array of optical sensors and an additional smaller beam firing mechanism. The uncommonly high amount of sensors on the face of Colossus is simply the result of older Protoss technology. The many sensors make up for the lack of any pilot, and the Colossus is intelligent enough to determine which targets to attack on its own without any Protoss command. Its four large eyes (optical sensors) aim the beams of the Thermal Lances, pinpointing the area to be fired upon. The smaller protruding structures have eyes on the tips, and appear to be for surveying the landscape, as they can move independently like a chameleon, without the Colossus needing to turn its head all the way. This means the Colossus has excellent vision, able to aim without fail and be aware of its surroundings.
It also has a small beam on its little head, which can be seen when staring at the Colossi's portrait animation long enough. Though it seems to be too weak to attack anything, it looks like it is merely a windshield wiper, clearing debris or any unfortunate creatures obstructing the Colossi's sensors. This would be perfect as covering the sensors of a Colossus would rend it useless and unable to aim. The small head beam fixes this flaw and eliminates the problem entirely. Protoss genius at it again. 
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Nicely done! Keep making these! Stalker, next?
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Great job! I always wondered the scale of these things since they can be hit by anti-air units that are flying at low orbit (viking and corruptors). Also, is it mere burning of vespene gas that generates the thermal beam?
My guess is that energy from nuclear decay/fusion from the vespene gas is somehow concentrated and converted into a extremely high-infrared/gamma ray that is focused onto enemy units to incinerate them. But then again, your explanation can be valid as well since protoss probably could use catalyze some reactions to generate massive heat rays with use of vespene gas.
It's always a wonder how such an intellectual race like Protoss never invented the wheel.
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On September 24 2012 04:31 desarrisc wrote:
Great job! I always wondered the scale of these things since they can be hit by anti-air units that are flying at low orbit (viking and corruptors). Also, is it mere burning of vespene gas that generates the thermal beam?
My guess is that energy from nuclear decay/fusion from the vespene gas is somehow concentrated and converted into a extremely high-infrared/gamma ray that is focused onto enemy units to incinerate them. But then again, your explanation can be valid as well since protoss probably could use catalyze some reactions to generate massive heat rays with use of vespene gas.
It's always a wonder how such an intellectual race like Protoss never invented the wheel.
That's actually an excellent way of looking at it! I like the idea of that method producing the death rays.
And wow I never noticed that Protoss don't have wheels on any units. Neat!
On September 24 2012 04:16 Amridell wrote:
Nicely done! Keep making these! Stalker, next?
Yes, the Stalker will be blinking in next.
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Very nice Job! Do you plan on only making sc2 units? Because the Reaver would be awesome =)
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Cool stuff, keep it coming please!
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On September 24 2012 04:43 Big-t wrote:
Very nice Job! Do you plan on only making sc2 units? Because the Reaver would be awesome =)
Yeah I could do old units too, but after I've done some more sc2 units.
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OP boring unit
User was warned for this post
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This is awesome, want more :D
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All of these are pretty sweet! Keep it up!
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Does a combustion engine have enough power to drive the colossus weapons? I think it should at least be using a fusion engine. The "main" blue engine that you describe would be psi-powered.
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On September 24 2012 07:11 Gradius wrote:
Does a combustion engine have enough power to drive the colossus weapons? I think it should at least be using a fusion engine. The "main" blue engine that you describe would be psi-powered.
Yeah, I wasn't too detailed on the whole engine behind the Thermal Lance thing, though I did acknowledge somewhere in my post that the blue is psionic, yes.
The thought of it being a nuclear fusion engine makes a lot of sense since the Colossus isn't noisy like a car at all, it's nearly silent. So yes you're most likely right about that.
I edited the original post, the word "combustion engine" is too old timey Terran sounding of an engine, which I thought I had edited out in the first draft.
It now says The Colossus saves a lot of energy by using an older Protoss engine (most likely a cold fusion reactor of some kind) to ignite many foes at once with searing fires of vengeance.
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This is cool, will you do them for brood war untis as well? If so riba please
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This is really cool - you should definitely do BW units as well if you get done with SC2 units.
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Really found this interesting!
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On September 24 2012 04:31 desarrisc wrote:
It's always a wonder how such an intellectual race like Protoss never invented the wheel.
Because legs are better. Wheels are useless without roads.
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I was expecting more of this, the anatomy thread has a lot more to say, this feels a bit superficial . Not to offend or anything, but there's not as much going into this when comparing it to the likes of the anatomy thread. Sorry!
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Reavers >>> Colossus should do your next one on them.
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Who need wheels in the space age? Just walk on everything you destroy!
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On September 24 2012 07:39 wcr.4fun wrote:
I was expecting more of this, the anatomy thread has a lot more to say, this feels a bit superficial . Not to offend or anything, but there's not as much going into this when comparing it to the likes of the anatomy thread. Sorry!
Nah I'm not offended. It was my first try at this, so I'm definitely learning as I'm going. The Colossus sadly does not have much to say about it. People are free to add to the discussion as well, it's not like my word on the matter is final! ^__^
The next write ups will say more! So look forward to that.
On September 24 2012 07:39 SigmaoctanusIV wrote:
Reavers >>> Colossus should do your next one on them.
I decided after the Stalker I'm doing the Reaver. :3
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Blazinghand
United States25558 Posts
On September 24 2012 07:58 vidium wrote:
Who need wheels in the space age? Just walk on everything you destroy!
Terran tech probably looks as fantastical to Protoss as Protoss tech does to terran. Like tanks and shit with wheels and Protoss is like "oh damn how does that work" and Terran is like "i'll never tell you"
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On September 24 2012 07:39 wcr.4fun wrote:
I was expecting more of this, the anatomy thread has a lot more to say, this feels a bit superficial . Not to offend or anything, but there's not as much going into this when comparing it to the likes of the anatomy thread. Sorry!
well you cant really explain anything with the protoss race with our technology or physics anyway. even if assuming the planet they are in have the same gravitational fields and physics. Their engines and whatnot and how they move are explained by "Psionic energy" and that just kinda kills the science behind it.
i guess it will be how to intepret the loopholes and lore of SC->SC2 instead of analogy of technology of protoss
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Perhaps these threads are better suited for blogs...
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Protoss engineers, were apparently amazed by War of the Worlds.
Lets also dissect the infamous gold fish which is swimming inside of Immortal. Whats the purpose of it?
Curious.
edit: no one saw that
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I am Ponera and I am glad you made this as I am a total derp at technology! Thanks Riv!
Also the purpose of the fish is clearly like the fish in a hippo tank, to eat biological waste be it from shedding skin or pooping in his tank. :D
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Haha that was a fun read, thanks for the writing, keep it up!
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Who says Protoss doesn't have wheels! One need only look at their buildings to know that this is false
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Really excited for stalker, I can't wait to hear someone's take on blink as well as the way those weapons actually move (moving parabollically), as well as the way they move- it's as if gracefulness had a functional baby with awkwardness. I wanna know what that thinger on the side of the top does as well. River, you are so creative, I can't wait to hear all about it!
I say nice things now you post more content that's how it works: that's the ninja code!
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This one was a bit underwhelming compared to your T analysis, but still cool stuff! ^__^
Thanks for making this~ protoss are cool
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If you didn't know, the terran analysis is done by a different user. The writing style and goals of it are different, as to be expected by a different user! Each race has its own unique user, though IMO zerg is the coolest*
*disclaimer: I am biased.
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Given what River has told me about her thoughts on the stalker, I honestly think this update from her will be the best update in any of the three threads so far.
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Hey guys, sry for the long wait! Here is the Stalker in all its blinky glory!
The Stalker
![[image loading]](http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080513235306/starcraft/images/8/88/Stalker_SC2_Cncpt1.jpg)
Stylish, sleek, and downright sexy, here we have a fragile yet agile machine of war. But it's not just any old Protoss robot, it's got a pilot inside! The Stalker is a Dark Templar Dragoon in essence, and has that typical Dark Templar style of being super sneaky in design.
The Stalker is a small 4 legged strider with 2 smaller arms underneath. Although Stalkers are not shown using these arms in game, they appear very sharp and blade like, most likely to replace the usual psionic blades that are absent on the Stalker. The Dark Templar inside seems to be reduced to only a head, making him a gravely wounded warrior nearly past his time. By "shadow essence" I think it means that only the mind of DT remains in that cold metal body, with his head fused at the base with a series of tubes connecting his mind to the walker. The entire upper body of the Stalker is the life support system, filled with a mysterious green liquid. Light can be seen emanating through and glowing regularly, almost as if it is indicating the Stalker's pulse.
![[image loading]](http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110213204047/starcraft/images/9/9b/Stalker_SC2_Head1.gif)
The vastly ancient and intelligent Protoss mind is not one to idle however, so the DT pilot puts his brain power to use in controlling 6 limbs. I imagine having four legs would take quite a bit of concentration to simply even walk correctly. The Stalker also has a large ornate shield on the right side of its body, protecting the important life-supporting body of the Stalker. This very much fits the DT theme of sneakiness and survival. You may also note the health and shielding of the Stalker is 80/80, a Stalker having double the health of a normal DT (40/80) and identical shielding. Looks like a pretty good life support system to me! It is also known from one of the Stalker's quotes that the Stalker's metal body is made of steel. This would be considerably weaker than Terran Neosteel. Nonetheless, Stalkers begin with 1 armor up to a maximum of 4 after upgrades.
The Stalker is not considered a biological unit at all, much like the Immortal, it is Armored and Mechanical. The reason why is because the biological parts (the pilot) are so deeply integrated into the strider keeping them alive, that all damage would go to the walker, which would then kill the Protoss inside once it stops functioning. This differs from Terran space suits as the suit is only a thin protective layer of metal, the person inside is still able to suffer from bio damage. Not so much for Protoss, they'd rather explode spectacularly upon death.
![[image loading]](http://images.wikia.com/starcraft/images/3/38/MarineStalker_SC2_Art1.jpg)
Stalker don't care about no Marine. Source
On to the weapons. Stalkers are armed with Particle Disruptors which fire from the front of the Stalker's large body. Stalkers have no way of seeing it up there above their head, but they have no problem shooting air units so I wouldn't underestimate a Protoss's mental abilities to calculate where to shoot. As for the way the beam fires, with it appearing to quickly separate and recombine in less than a second, is the "disruption" part of Particle Disruptors. The damage comes from the Stalker making the particles it hits "disrupt" essentially splitting them and recombining them in less a second, just like you see in the initial firing of the beam. I can imagine this is seriously painful and would deal more damage to armored targets, the hardness of the armor cracking and unable to recombine efficiently like softer materials, leaving jagged holes behind.
Why it does not simply rip units asunder is what I think to be the result Protoss empathy for living things. Rather than burning the body or shredding it with their psionic might, they kill it with precision to leave the body whole, presumably so it may decompose. Upper tier Protoss units hold no regard for this philosophy however, relentless in their fiery attacks. It assumed you have really pissed off the Protoss at that point.
![[image loading]](http://www.carlsguides.com/starcraft2/screenshots/protoss/icon/blink.gif)
Now for blink! Arguably the coolest spell in the game, it has a 10 second cooldown for fun micro madness. The lore describes it as a mere augmentation for the Stalker, meaning that for the Protoss, all they did was develop a portable Warp Drive and stick it inside every Stalker once it was finished! Something like manipulating space and time is so easy for the Protoss, and is nearly impossible for us to even imagine. Here is an excerpt from the Warp Prism's lore which uses a similar blink technology.
"For thousands of years the Protoss have studied the nature of time and space, gaining insight into the universe’s greatest mysteries. Using psionic manufacturing processes, they created a robotic mind whose programming is built into the molecules of an advanced crystal lattice. The resulting device is able to manipulate matter and energy with incredible precision."
It is assumed that a modified version of this device is used in the Stalker for the blink ability, manipulating its own matter rather than outside matter. From the animation it looks like it decompiles itself as Protoss data and then recompiles it at the new location in an instant.
Here's some Stalkers in mid-blink.
+ Show Spoiler +
Surprise!
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Minahga, cool thread and awesome write ups.
The Zealot piqued my initial fascination with Protoss:
The Zealot is a Psionic Warrior trained for decades in melee combat and the Art of War. They are masters of discipline and efficiency; capable of harnessing their rage into a controllable frenzy, and dispersing into raw matter; able to engage ranged targets in microseconds . They are bred to both despise and hunt their enemies without mercy, training feverishly, even more so after the loss of Aiur.
Being lesser Templar walking the Path of Khala they have limited foresight which is used to predict enemy movement, make precise, deadly strikes, and evade assault. Knowing the penalty for loss of these brave and fanatical Warriors, they are warped to safety upon inflicting heavy damage. To later be transplanted into war machines if they are too wounded; once more destined to fight as Dragoons and Immortals.
I'd love it if you did one for the Zealot. They have some seriously cool tech.
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On September 29 2012 05:07 v3chr0 wrote:+ Show Spoiler +Minahga, cool thread and awesome write ups.
The Zealot piqued my initial fascination with Protoss:
The Zealot is a Psionic Warrior trained for decades in melee combat and the Art of War. They are masters of discipline and efficiency; capable of harnessing their rage into a controllable frenzy, and dispersing into raw matter; able to engage ranged targets in microseconds . They are bred to both despise and hunt their enemies without mercy, training feverishly, even more so after the loss of Aiur.
Being lesser Templar walking the Path of Khala they have limited foresight which is used to predict enemy movement, make precise, deadly strikes, and evade assault. Knowing the penalty for loss of these brave and fanatical Warriors, they are warped to safety upon inflicting heavy damage. To later be transplanted into war machines if they are too wounded; once more destined to fight as Dragoons and Immortals.
I'd love it if you did one for the Zealot. They have some seriously cool tech.
Ponera and I are going to do a joint collaboration together on that one! He's going to do the Anatomy, and I will be doing the Tech. ^__^
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Even better. Looking forward to it.
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From reading about how Void Ray's Prismatic Beam functions, I have to theorize that the technology that isn't a fusion of Psionic Matrix and the Void focusing around a Prismatic Core (a combination of High and Dark Templar technologies) is more than likely powered by a matrix driven by the Psionic Matrix.
The psionic matrix is harnessed through Pylons, and powers both buildings and the Protoss units themselves. Now, Pylons are khaydarin crystals, which are what allow the Protoss to access the energy of the Psionic Matrix. It would stand that most Protoss units are equipped with some form of Khaydarin crystal (at least the mechanical ones) based engine, except for the Void Ray.
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Very interesting! thanks for post!
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Confirming that there will be a collaboration between river and I. Perhaps in the next few days.
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Fun to read, not so much history insight due to lack of information like Terran through campaign (not criticism at all just sayin that it isn't possible to do so (unfortunatly)).
Keep it up !
Edit: I think it is said that the Stalker Pilots are meditating Zealots (and maybe DT's not sure about that) behind Waterfalls, with their minds put into the shell of the steelbody. That's also why you only can see the face and they have the ability to blink due to the non-existence of a "real body" and their focus during meditation.
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I disagree with you, luisa. Not only is the control method flimsy (see: magic) but the ability to blink real life things exists with string theory and quantum mechanics. If they weren't really there, as you suggest, how would a zergling nom them?
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I do think Protoss technology is much more mysterious than Terran technology or Zerg morphology.
I think Protoss has developed sufficient technology to bypass the human understanding of physics. They seem to be able to use strong force, weak force, electrostatic force, and gravity all in their purest form. (Phase disruptor, Particle disruptor, psi blades, gravity sling, prismatic beam, warp blade, photon cannon, graviton beam, etc.)
I am guessing that they manage to alter space-time with the energy source called psi (not necessarily magic, but it sounds like an undiscovered particle based energy source that can be converted into the other four fundamental forces).
But I do disagree that Stalker Pilots are meditating zealots or dts. The stalker pilots are actually in combat within the suits, and they are able to manipulate space-time within a limited range periodically. This Blink ability likely uses the same energy manipulation that enables passive cloaking on dark templar.
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Not to mention certain loop holes exist that are fully exploitable within physics.
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Whoaaa.... Stalker one looks great!
These explanations are super cool haha, just fun to randomly talk about these things.
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Don't know why, but Stalker and Immortal remind me of Dreadnought 
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Oh, the Colossus? I built that.
Don't know why, but Stalker and Immortal remind me of Dreadnought
"I have come to destroy you."
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On September 24 2012 04:31 desarrisc wrote:
Great job! I always wondered the scale of these things since they can be hit by anti-air units that are flying at low orbit (viking and corruptors). Also, is it mere burning of vespene gas that generates the thermal beam?
My guess is that energy from nuclear decay/fusion from the vespene gas is somehow concentrated and converted into a extremely high-infrared/gamma ray that is focused onto enemy units to incinerate them. But then again, your explanation can be valid as well since protoss probably could use catalyze some reactions to generate massive heat rays with use of vespene gas.
It's always a wonder how such an intellectual race like Protoss never invented the wheel.
Maybe they are beyond the wheel already because they can make things hover (probes, sentries). Stuff that's hovering or walking on legs can change direction more flexibly than something with wheels could.
One could also take into consideration that they seem to be a highly religious bunch. So it is conceivable that they for religious reasons don't do everything their technology would allow them to do.
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On October 05 2012 17:48 FrogOfWar wrote:Show nested quote +On September 24 2012 04:31 desarrisc wrote:
Great job! I always wondered the scale of these things since they can be hit by anti-air units that are flying at low orbit (viking and corruptors). Also, is it mere burning of vespene gas that generates the thermal beam?
My guess is that energy from nuclear decay/fusion from the vespene gas is somehow concentrated and converted into a extremely high-infrared/gamma ray that is focused onto enemy units to incinerate them. But then again, your explanation can be valid as well since protoss probably could use catalyze some reactions to generate massive heat rays with use of vespene gas.
It's always a wonder how such an intellectual race like Protoss never invented the wheel. Maybe they are beyond the wheel already because they can make things hover (probes, sentries). Stuff that's hovering or walking on legs can change direction more flexibly than something with wheels could. One could also take into consideration that they seem to be a highly religious bunch. So it is conceivable that they for religious reasons don't do everything their technology would allow them to do.
Its theorized in the campaign that they don't warp Vespene Gas automatically with their Warp technology for religious reasons. That or they lack Terran ingenuity.
EDIT: Also, who needs a wheel when psionics can let you hover, right? :-D
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Technology also is something where you stand on the shoulders of giants. So if they didn't ever innovate the wheel or vespene warping then perhaps the practicality is lost on them.
Either that or it's yet another case where religious restrictions/traditions are pretty ill-mixed with progress, technology and logic.
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On October 12 2012 13:29 Ponera wrote:
Technology also is something where you stand on the shoulders of giants. So if they didn't ever innovate the wheel or vespene warping then perhaps the practicality is lost on them.
Either that or it's yet another case where religious restrictions/traditions are pretty ill-mixed with progress, technology and logic.
Its not far fetched to err on the side of the religious restrictions, considering how the Tal'Darim are treating the Terrazine Gas during the Goliath mission. Not that Vespene Gas is remotely as precious (or so it can be assumed) but it seems most likely that they don't warp in Vespene due to some religious restriction.
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EPT![[image loading]](http://www.themoderndaypirates.com/pirates/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Stalkers-blinking.png)
