This week we depart from the Zerg to take a look at the history of one of the most renowned heroes in the Starcraft universe – the Dark Templar Zeratul.

Once again, Blizzard has declined to release any particularly new information, instead reiterating the storyline from the general point of view of one of the characters. While interesting, the effect is somewhat dulled by the fact that this is the fifth update in which Blizzard has done this and it would be nice to see something new.

What is interesting to note, however, is that unlike in the first game Zeratul may be a unique unit instead of a stronger Dark Templar. In the concept art and in-game, the Dark Templar are depicted much differently from their original appearance. They have a sort of rocky appearance, no mask, and wield a double-bladed energy scythe. However, the picture for the Protoss on the main features page depicts a Dark Templar that appears much as the originals did, lightly armored and wielding a blade of energy that extends from his right arm.

With the concept art shown in the most recent update, is confirmation that this Protoss is indeed Zeratul, meaning he may retain the original Dark Templar design in the second game. Whether or not this will have any mechanical effect on how he plays has yet to be seen.

As stressed in several other updates, Zeratul looks to be one of the major movers in Starcraft II. It is likely that we will see him returning to uncover the mystery of the Zerg/Protoss hybrids he discovered in the secret mission of the first game, although where his role will take him beyond that remains to be seen.

The Zerg continue to be the focus of Blizzard’s revelations and, true to form, the information being released on them continues to be centered on things we already know.

The most recent addition to the ongoing teasers is a bio of the planet of Char, the Zerg homeworld. It sketches out in greater detail the history of the planet, and fleshes out some of the plot points already discussed.

All in all though, as with just about every Zerg update, it’s merely treading old ground. At several points in the article, it simply reiterates the points made in other entries, such as “The Story Thus Far.”

What the update does give us is a screenshot of an actual Zerg base, although even then, not much new is seen. Most of the structures are easily recognized as a hatchery, Spawning Pool, Extractor, and Hydralisk Den. There is, however, another, a strange structure that almost looks like a larger and reinforced chrysalis from the original Starcraft, the one in which Kerrigan was kept while being infested. The structure, if it is indeed even a structure at all, appears to be much akin to an octopus, with tentacles protruding from its lower regions.

Also of interest is a creature that appears near a Hydralisk swarm on the lower part of the screenshot. They are similar in build to the Hydralisk, suggesting an upgraded version, now with an array of spines on their backs. The screenshot captures one in the midst of its attack animation, showing that it appears to have the ability to fire these spines at its target, although the effect of them remains yet to be discerned.

Finally, there are three larger Zerg units on the battlefield that are most certainly new. One appears to be a heavily armored crablike creature, another, a huge quadruped with long, bladed legs that likely allow it to climb up ramps like the Terran Reaper or the Protoss Colossus, and the third boasting an almost draconic appearance. The screenshot does little in telling us what their capabilities, but we can at least surmise that two of the units are powerful melee combatants.

Again, these are just tantalizing hints, with no concrete data to back it. How long Blizzard intends to hold this drought is unknown, but for those hungry for more information on the Zerg, their appetites will remain sadly unsatisfied.