Difference between revisions of "Kaladin"

|titles=Highmarshall, Captain of the [[Bridgemen]], KnightSon Radiantof Tanavast,{{book Sonref|sa3|31}}{{book ref|sa4|107}} The Windrunner, The Captain, The Fallen Soldier, Head of Tanavastthe Cobalt Guard<small>(formerly)</small>

|groups={{tag|Knights Radiant}} <small>([[Order of Windrunners|Windrunners]])</small>, {{tag|Bridge Four}}, {{tag+|army|Kholin}}, {{tag+|army|Amaram's}} <small>(formerly)</small>, {{tag+|army|Sadeas}} <small>(formerly)</small>, {{tag+|Kaladin's squad}} <small>(formerly)</small>, [[Takers]] <small>(formerly)</small>, {{tag|Cobalt Guard}}<small>(formerly)</small>, {{tag|Kholinar Wall Guard}} <small>(formerly)</small>

'''Kaladin''', nicknamed '''Kal''', renowned as '''Kaladin Stormblessed''', is a [[darkeyes|darkeyed]] [[Order of Windrunners|Windrunner]] of the [[Knights Radiant]] from [[Alethkar]]. Despite being trained as a surgeon from an early age by [[Lirin|his father]], his chosen profession is that of a soldier. He is famed as the captain of [[Highprince]] [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s personal guard, a unit known as [[Bridge Four]], and commander of the [[bridge crew|bridgemen]] battalion. and Highmarshal of the Order of Windrunners.

Kaladin is a very tall man, even tall by Alethi standards, standing approximately 6'4" in Rosharan feet (nearly seven cosmere standard feet).{{wob ref|12138}}{{wob ref|15034}} He is leanly muscular and has multiple scars on his body.{{book ref|sa1|6}} He has tan skin{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} and shoulder-length wavy black hair typical of an Alethi. He was born with dark brown eyes,{{book ref|sa1|1}} though after swearing the [[Immortal Words|Third Ideal]] of the [[Windrunner]]s, his eyes turn a pale, glowing blue whenever he summons [[Syl]] as a [[Shardblade]], and for a few hours after he dismisses her.{{book ref|sa3|5}} Like most Rosharans, Kaladin's eyes have an [[Wikipedia:Epicanthic fold|epicanthic fold]].{{wob ref|4079}} His face is square and firm with strong lines and a proud chin. He prefers to be clean-shaven but during his time as a slave, he grows a long, scraggly beard.{{book ref|sa1|46}} He is branded on his forehead with a ''[[Glyphs/Index#Sas|sas]] [[Glyphs/Index#Nahn|nahn]]'' [[glyphpair]] indicating his slavery and a ''shash'' [[glyph]] meaning "dangerous".{{book ref|sa1|2}} These brands disappeared after Kaladin swore the Fourth Ideal.{{book ref|sa4|110}}

[[Roshone]] assembled the townsfolk as [[Meridas Amaram]], a general for [[Highprince]] [[Torol Sadeas|Sadeas]], had arrived in [[Hearthstone]] to recruit soldiers for the army. There, Kaladin and his family were shocked to learn that [[Laral]] was now engaged to Roshone himself after [[Rillir]]’s death. Meanwhile, since only six men had volunteered, Amaram asked Roshone to announce the list of conscripts. As citylord, Roshone was barred from from placing [[Lirin]] or Kaladin on the conscription list because they served a vital function to the town. However, Roshone placed [[Tien]]’s name on the list instead. When Kaladin tried to take his brother’s place, he was denied because the law gave the choice to Roshone alone. Left with no other option, Kaladin enlisted in the army in order to protect Tien and promised his devastated parents that he would bring Tien back safely in four years. Amaram also promised Lirin that he would make Tien a messenger boy for a while.{{book ref|sa1|44}}

Kaladin managed to get all the men to submit to his authority and participate in training. The training cut down on their losses, but Kaladin was still unsatisfied. Realizing that the bridge itself could act as a shield, Kaladin started training the men to shift the bridge and carry it on its side. The practice was slowingslow going, which left [[Gaz]] pleased at the prospect of [[Bridge Four]] losing more members. Prior to the next bridge run, Kaladin gained [[Lopen]] as a member from a new batch of recruits. They were immediately sent the next run. Realizing it was going to be a difficult approach, Kaladin ordered Bridge Four to perform the side carry as they engaged the [[Parshendi]]. The side carry was a success as it completely protected Kaladin’s men. However, other bridge crews tried to emulate the side carry. Not having trained in the maneuver, the other bridge crews failed. Lacking a sufficient number of bridges to cross the chasms and with the timing of the assault desynchronized, the battle was thrown into chaos and [[Torol Sadeas|Sadeas]] lost. Understanding that he’d undermined the army’s strategy, Kaladin ordered [[Rock]] and [[Teft]] to stand down and Kaladin stepped up to Gaz and [[Lamaril]] to accept his fate.{{book ref|sa1|32}}

Later, when Kaladin and Shallan are both stranded in the chasms of the [[Shattered Plains]], they grow to respect and admire one another. During this time, they reveal some of their personal history and secrets to each other, including the fact that Shallan has a Shardblade.{{book ref|sa2|74}} Although unsure of their own natures as members of the Knights Radiant, this incident causes them to suspect each other of being more than meets the eye. As time passes, the two of them grow closer together, with Shallan admitting that Veil is attracted to him.{{book ref|sa3|121}} In the end, however, she chooses Adolin instead. When Syl asks how Kaladin feels about this, he claims that she lifted his burdens a bit and reminded him of Tien (possibly since they were both LighweaversLightweavers), but that he never actually loved her.{{book ref|sa3|121}}