Name: Saladin Akara

Race: Kelantan

Age: Exact age unknown, but over 2600 Earth years

Appearance:

Supressed:
A man with a height of seven foot two inches, Saladin often takes upon himself the form of a human, in reminiscence of his previous form. Hair of silver falls to his lower back, smooth and perfectly straight. A face of stony angles hides all emotions and intentions, the most striking feature of his face being the azure eyes that seem always to glow with a quiet luminence; crystalline that penetrates into the soul.
Garbed in black of a traditional Madarin style, the massive form of Saladin bulges with solid muscles in all places. As solid as a rock, his figure is a result of hundreds of years training in the Warriors' Academy on his homeworld of Kelante.
His manner in this form demostrates his skill and poise perfectly, always walking with back perfectly straight, and head held high, Saladin's walk is often considered much more of a swagger, confidence and calm emanating from him like a beacon of warning.
Mainly hidden from view are the 20 foot wide wings, seemingly constructed of a leather-like material.

Natural:
Consequential to merging with his Elementals, Saladin's appearance and natural form took a dramatic change, one that plainly gives demonstration of the increase in power that was caused by the fusion. No longer carrying the semblance of a human, the increased height from the previous form is perhaps the most noticeable. Now a gargantuan fourteen feet in height, having grown proportionately, Saladin towers over most of his opponents with a blue hued body with wings of a fifty foot span, constantly visible.
Human flesh is replaced by draconic scales that carry with them a slight shimmer, and a seemingly carved face is replaced with a draconic twisting of a human's. Eyes are now a bright golden that burn with an internal fire, yet still seem to pierce the soul.

History:

Born into a family that once was great, yet was brought to shame, Saladin wanted from a young age to train as a Warrior, in hopes of regaining respect for the most infamous family in the great world of Kelante. And so it was, taking learning from his father, that Saladin mastered the sword and several hand to hand combatative styles, not letting the man who was spared death only because of the great achievements he had gained about his plans for a rebuilding of respect for the Akara family.
Reaching the appropriate age, Saladin left his home, and travelled many hundreds of leagues to stand at the gates of the Warrior Academy, ready to meet his destiny. Entering the Academy, Saladin immediately made known his wish to rebuild honour for his family, who had been forced not only into exile, with a complete loss of the estates that had been gained during servitude, but also all further generations of the Akara family were denied access into either of the two Guilds that ran the Kelantan world in a fragile political alliance; despite that it was an Akara who had initially developed that same alliance, the one that ended the Sorcerer's War. However, such has always been the way of politics, and likely always will be.
Not to be discouraged, Saladin simply made it known that he would fight any warrior that the Academy, which also was home to many of the actual army of the Warrior's Guild, and would beat them. Any number of warriors. However, the fights would all be given the basis of a one on one fight. Such was the entry requirement of the Academy anyway, any new entrant would be required to engage in combat, and would then be judged on potential skill from that fight.
Saladin, however, would prove his point - that he was quite able to become a member of the Guild with the skill taught to him by his father. And so, after forcing the Academy to a challenge, they proffered forth various fighters to engage against Saladin. Beating several, he failed to beat the highest of all students, though he did not lose. With twenty dead students on the open training and drill yard, Saladin made the final combatant unable to fight, and so he was accepted.
The appearance of Saladin, with his handsome youthful looks, and perfectly straight silver hair that, even then, was below his shoulders, brought upon him many years of arduous living conditions. The contrast between his own appearance, lithe and graceful, and those born with natural Warrior blood was so stark that he was constantly the source of much intimidation and bullying, often even by the teachers. Of course, any such events were not helped by the stigma that was carried by the name of his family. However, Saladin was always a man who knew greatness was his destiny, and would not allow anything to disrupt his rightful honour.
Quickly, Saladin became known as the most studious of those housed in the Academy for tutelage. Attending all tacticians' lectures, and studying the various Martial Arts when he wasn't in lessons, Saladin increased in knowledge, understanding and skill quickly. If only in the eyes of the various teachers who had grown to know him, he had earned at least some respect.
Over the years, Saladin created for himself a reputation, and most within the Academy knew him to be a man of formidable pride, strength and general skills. Many had tried to challenge him, but like that first day entering, he met them all with victory. Being allowed, eventually, to run simulated battles, he was shown to be a great leader of men, and gained rank swiftly; becoming one of the youngest students to ever lead a task force into real combat against the Homeless nomads who often attacked out lying villages, pillaging and burning. Victory was gained for the troop being led by an Akara, as had so very often been the case in stories of legend, and in more recent histories.
It is now perhaps pertinent to mention the presence of a figure that was so often ignored by Saladin, at least, in his mid and later years. That person was Nilas Akara, the brother of Saladin. A man taller and with a form that would never be as strong as Saladin's, he was lacking in any advanced skill with the sword, often known as a sickly child. He too wished to be able to bring honour and renown once again to the Akara family, but was accepting of the fact that he wasn't strong enough. Many years after Saladin had left his home to enter the Academy, with both parents of senior age, he returned to find them both dead from a journey to buy food and other supplies. That day, something happened to Nilas, and he ended up burning to ash the house in which he has grown up in, and rarely ever left. It was an anomoly for Nilas, as he had lost control of himself, and was visited by a spirit that looked much like a wolf. He finally enrolled in the Sorcerer's Guild School, after being found by a scout who was looking for those with the gift of Sorcery. It emerged that Nilas was gifted with the most common form of Sorcery - Elementalist. Nilas became known as a strong sorcerer, and not only learned, but mastered the forbidden art of Saidin.
As he continued to rise to higher and higher renown, Saladin was visited by his brother, who was travelling to the Sorcerer's Guild School, and informed of his parents' deaths. This served only to heighten the resolve of the warrior to increase his own status, as he was the only Akara left who could return the family's name to what it once was, Nilas having had refrained from telling his brother of the power he had found.
And so it was, Saladin continued to study, continued to gain rank, until he was, one day, participating in a tournament and powers were unleashed in battle that would seal his fate - he also was born with the powers of a Sorcerer. Elementalist once again, the first to be revealed being Lightning. From that point, Saladin was a student in both Guilds, and continued to build rank, though he had no dealings with his younger brother for a reason unknown.
Rising through the ranks of both Guilds, Saladin was accepted into the Order of the Night within the Warrior's Guild, and the Kayzard family within the Guild of Sorcerers. And, it did not take long for him to gain seats within the ruling councils of each Guild. The man, once an outcast from a shamed family, had began to finally restore the Akara name. Fame was his to hold, and a firm grip on the politics was gained.
His own, personal, renown gained Saladin to be marked by the third Guild of the Kelantan people, a clandestine organisation that dictated, behind the scenes, both of the 'public' Guild. The Guardians. Elite Warriors and Sorcerers, those with the prowess for both arts, and Master Tradesmen made up the organisation that was known only to its members, the true power on Kelante. Saladin was invited to join, and did. Again, it wasn't too long before he was taking seat on the council of this Guild as well. The knowledge of battle and politics Saladin had gained was greatly trusted.
Taking command in all three Guilds of large units of soldiers, Saladin Akara led many skirmishes and major battles against the Homeless, and kept a relative peace through his efforts. Eventually, even the general populous of Kelante welcomed the presence of the man, often cheering him as he passed through villages and towns. In cities, however, a visit from Saladin Akara was akin to a great festival. He had once more regained the family's name and placed it where it should be.
Many, many years passed, a few centuries, and Saladin had finally gained the highest of seats within all three Guilds, and perhaps through some wisdom inherent for an Akara man, he merged them all under his rule, maintaining the structures that had been in place for thousands of years. However, by the volition of the people, and those of the councils, Saladin was voted to become the official, sole, ruler of Kelante, and to take among his other titles, that of Simtar. Last used in ancient history, whilst the world was still inhabited by many hundreds of tribes, it meant Father or Leader.
A great tower was built to honour Saladin, and his rise to power in a Kelante unified completely. And, for nearly 700 hundred years, the tower and the name Saladin were synonymous with peace, for that was what Saladin maintained perfectly, being king of the world and people, he was known as a fair and just ruler, and all respected him, some others would say loved. However, as all mortal men inevitably do, Saladin made a single mistake. The fickle councils once more showed that history could repeat itself, and sent Saladin to exile. However, this time, it was away from the planet that Saladin was sent. Thus the mighty fall, and the worshipped becomes a nobody in a strange new place.
In a war stricken city, Wing City, Saladin was sent in exile, likely the councils knew not where Saladin had been sent, but he was given the most brutal of tortures before being sent to that alien place. Appearing in the midst of battle, Saladin quickly aligned himself with one side of the war, and offered some assistance. He remained there, with that same faction, and became well known for great battle prowess.
It was here, during near constant wars and discoveries of things nobody could even dream of on Kelante, Saladin found that which would change his life forever. Miyumi Oyuno. The nondescript mechanic was, to Saladin, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He near instantly fell in love with the woman, and soon entered courtship with the girl. During this courtship, a strange encounter was to transform Saladin, and his abilities, forever. Nilas appeared in Wing City, and with his appearance, Saladin began to feel something that had always been an inkling at the very back of his mind. The forbidden power. Saidin. Nilas, it turned out, had been drawn in by the sheer bliss that was holding the forbidden power, nearing a deathly addiction, Saladin had known of Nilas' problems. However, being close to his brother, Saladin could feel Saidin just out of reach.
During this time, Saladin engaged in a battle that was fierce, with a foe more powerful than he had seen. It was this battle that allowed Saladin to merge with his Elemental symbiots, to gain the appearance he has today, and the ability to 'return' to the form he was born with.
Being married in a traditional Kelantan fashion, to Miyumi Oyuno, Saladin was melded with her forever, their thoughts and emotions entwined in constant communication that reached great levels. Soon after the wedding, which had been performed and administered by Nilas, Saladin was given news of the state of Kelante. The man who took up the mantle of Simtar had beeen a man of deviations, and though seemingly trutworthy, was actually tyranic in his rule. Saladin, it was safe to say, would deal with the problem swiftly and whilst offering no quarter. And that he did, removing the other as ruler, and placing himself back in the throne of Simtar.
However, in Wing City, things were not good, and the constantly battling was taking its toll on the inhabitants. Saladin was, in one situation, left with no choice but to reveal the truth behind Nilas, the man considered as Saladin's younger brother for centuries. Nilas was actually the yin to Saladin's yang, and was born only from a splitting of Saladin's existence not too long after birth. The only way to help those in Wing City was to fuse back with Nilas. And so Saladin did. The battle ended, and so did Saladin return to Kelante, along with his wife, to maintain peace and harmony on Kelante again.
Whilst on Kelante, Saladin and Miyumi had a little boy, who they named Zemerl, and he would be heir to the throne of Simtar, and the Tower of Peace. However, it would all fall apart.
On a routine visit to Wing City, Saladin took part in a skirmish with an ally from there, and was unfortunately killed in the process, a most unfortunate event that left Miyumi with a broken heart, and the planet with a child as ruler, though a powerful child. Saladin was sent to the World of Dreams, where he would await being called back into the cycle of destiny.
The death of Saladin broke the link between Miyumi and he, which killed her along with her broken heart. Saladin, inside Tel'Aran'Rhiod, had the bond's breaking shielded from his awareness. However, he was pulled from his resting place a little soon, and upon returning to the real world, Saladin became aware of the breaking.
And so it was that Saladin entered the Trantor Fleet Engagement. Rage and grief filled him, and he unleashed power of untold immensity, even becoming sa'angreal during the battle. Now, however, Saladin has been reduced to a shadow of his former self, trapped within his fourteen foot tall form, his own mind and soul broken because of his wife's death. Lost in mumblings of suffering and damnation, Saladin simply searches for death, being kept alive by destiny, it would seem.

Weaponary:

Katana:
A beautifully crafted katana of traditional making, Saladin carries this weapon with him at all times, even in his natural state, though it seems much like only a small knife in that state. With a golden hilt stylised perfectly as a dragon, the two and a half handed hilt's length is covered in tiny notches, symbolising the scales of the beast. The pommel of the weapon is a perfectly, intricately designed dragon's head; the mouth held slightly open, fangs visible. The blade itself, a silver and titanium alloy, folded many many times, is an impressive piece in itself, elegantly curved, and as sharp as razor, shines brightly, seeming never to blunt. The tsuba, in comparison, is a plain piece of gold, elliptical in shape, yet still crafted perfectly, faultless and shining brightly. The scabbard, a most impressive piece, is of hardened leather, a metal sheath to house the blade, and crafted with many stylised vines, an intricate piece of craftsmanship that pays nothing but homage to the skills of Kelantan tradesmen.
Given to him upon ascension to the highest seat in the Warriors' Guild, it is a ceremonious piece, yet entirely practical and as deadly as any other weapon, if not more so. The sharpness of the blade lends itself to easily slicing through flesh and bone, with the correct angling and power.

Curved blade:
Hidden on his person, carried when in his supressed form, Saladin carries a long dagger, the curvature rather stark. A blade that seems to pearlesce between black and a deep blue. The hilt is of rough bound leather strips, providing brilliant grip. Although rarely used, it is generally kept about his torso, though Saladin has been known to carry at his legs or arms.

Abilities:
Basic:
Hand-to-Hand Combat:
Having been trained by both his father, and in the Warrior Academy, Saladin is a true master of unarmed combat. His body, as a whole, is a weapon in itself. Having mastered several styles of Martial Arts, Saladin not only has a mastery, but a full understanding of hand-to-hand combat; and his training in the Warrior Academy on Kelante - repeated drills of the most small of movements - has left him with pinpoint accuracy, and instincts that run his body ahead of his conscious mind, even.
Weapon-based Combat:
Saladin, much like with unarmed combat, is a true master in weapon based combat. His preference lies in the sword, obviously, however, he knows all weapons with a deadly profficiency, including, but not limited to; Swords, Staffs, Spears, Whips, Axes, and many others. He has a full understanding, which allows for easy defense and offense.

Tier One:
Elementalism:
Having been gifted with Elementals from birth, Saladin is a master of Elemental magics. Elementals are, for all intents and purposes, symbiot beings that use Kelantan Sorcerers as hosts, in exchange for giving that person a command over their life force - the magic of Elementals. One of each element, Earth, Ice, Air, Fire and Lightning, took Saladin as a host, and he was able to harness their powers after the first realisation of their presence. However, during a rather arduous battle, one that gave him his current form, the symbiots gave Saladin salvation from death by fusing their life force with what was left of his torn up body. Gaining not only a vast increase and change in physical stature, but also immediate command of the Elementals' power - Saladin essentially, at that point, becoming an Elemental himself. Able to manipulate the elements in question, Saladin has a good grasp and understanding, although barely uses this particular set of skills anymore.
Saidin:
The male half of the One Power, the power that turns the Wheel of Time, allowing ages to come and pass, only to be brought round once again. It is the power that drives the universe, and is split into The Five Powers: Earth, Fire, Air, Water and Spirit. No one weilds Saidin, rather, they submit to its flow, allowing it to pass through them, and through submission, control is gained. In essence, the control of Saidin is the coercing of that immense flow of power into streams called threads. Laying threads into intricate patterns known as weaves create the 'magic' of Saidin. A basic list of abilities that utilise Saidin follows:
Air Shield: Perhaps the most readily used battle tool in Saladin's arsenal is the Air Shield. As it suggests, the shield is a solid weaving of threads of Air, that surrounds Saladin's form like a bubble, acting as protection. Near impenetrable by lower level magics and physical attacks, it takes a considerable amount of power to break the shield. As with any such thing using Saidin, the weaving of the Air Shield can either be maintained by a constant flow of Saidin, or 'tied-off' so Saladin does not have to consciously maintain it. The latter, of course, means that the strength does wear off over time. Saladin's method of choice is to tie-off this particular weave, and along with time, so also do constant attacks weaken the shield.
Gateway: Used both inside and out of battle, the Gateway is primarily a method of transport. The technicalities of a Gateway is a folding of the universe, so that two points meet in a window-like fissure in the air. Generally, for transportation purposes, the opening is on the ground, to allow people to walk through. However, in a combat situation, or in fact, otherwise, the Gateway can be opened in any position. Having mastering the technique, Saladin can open a Gateway near instantly when using a normal level of Saidin, when embracing more, like during battle, he can make a Gateway in an instant.
Manipulation of materials: Using threads of Earth, Saladin is capable of analysing and manipulating all metals and minerals. The threads penetrate between the atoms, and can, among other things; reshape, mould, liquify, move and split the materials into their parts. So that, for example, a steel/aluminium compound can be split into both steel and aluminium separately.
Balefire: The most dangerous and deadly of any technique used with Saidin. Balefire is a complicated weave, encompassing all of the Five Powers, and its effects are most catastrophic. Generally sent in a beam of what looks like the purest of white lights, anything that beam touches is completely eradicated. Each life, as per the Creator's design, is a thread in the Pattern woven by the great Wheel of Time. Balefire, however, to continue the weave and thread analogy, burns that one thread from the weave, removing it from the Pattern. All effects of anything that person did are also reversed upon being touched by Balefire, but with every other person remembering the events. So, for example, should one use Balefire on a murderer, he would be erased from the Pattern, and any murders committed would be reversed, bringing the victims back to life. Extensive use of such a technique as Balefire are perhaps only common sense, and it is a generally forbidden technique.
Other techniques exist, but the above are probably the most widely used. However, a few things need to be mentioned also, directly in relatioin to Saidin. These will be outlined below:
Sa'Angreal: Artefacts designed to allow a person to hold more of the One Power than they otherwise would be able to, without burning themselves out - which would leave the Channeler (Person who uses Saidin) unable to ever again wield the power that it gives.
Saladin's Sword: The weapon that has been carriedat the man's right hip for centuries is, in fact, also a Sa'Angreal, and a powerful one at that. It allows Saladin, with only a touch, to hold perhaps ten fold what he normally would be able to hold of Saidin, and channel it without any worries, as though it was a normal amount.
The final mention on Saidin is also the final, and most powerful, stage of Saladin's first tier of skills. This, I dub as Saladin'Greal. Should Saladin build up a high enough amount of Saidin, to the point where, even with his Sa'Angreal, he is reaching the point of being burned out, a change occurs in his physiology, and rather than being simply a Channeler of Saidin, he becomes, as with a Sa'Angreal, a conduit for the male half of the One Power. The amount of Saidin he can channel is near limitless, and most weaves are threaded immediately. In this state, Saidin is under the complete control of Saladin, and instantaneous completion of weavings, using threads that are massively thicker than at any previous level - making the attacks all the more potent.

Tier Two:
Kelantan Sorcery:
Entirely different from both the Elementalist and Saidin based 'magic' that Saladin uses, the Kelantan Sorcery, that is taught to all members of the Guild of Sorcery's ruling Council, is a much more powerful force. Kept a secret to only those who are members, the depth of this skill set is truly amazing. And, as the primary Seat on that Council, Saladin is privy to elements of the Sorcery that are unknown to others on the Council.
So, what is it that sets apart the Kelantan Sorcery? It is manipulation of the very building blocks of the universe. The particles and energies that turn the universe are under the control of those who have mastered Kelantan Sorcery. Sub-atomic particles obey the command of the Sorcerer from Kelante, and so many great feats can be performed.
This second skill set, and level of power, is very rarely used, and is a more physically attuned power. The amount of individual attacks capable from utilising this force is perhaps unlimited.

Tier Three:
Will and Word:
The final tier to Saladin's abilities, the Will and Word is the most powerful of his available skills. His Will is gathered in the build up to acheiving this state, during the time he has spent in Tiers One and Two, and upon entering this level of power, Saladin undergoes a minor change in appearance. Any external significations of harnessed power, be they auras, or glowing, disappear, and Saladin seems to turn into nothing but a normal man. His appearance is heightened by what is a complete, unadulterated, calm. Eyes, however, turn to a white, with what appears to be a very slight internal luminance. Hair also turns to white, and his attire is of a crysalline quality, a robe like garb, flowing over his rather normal looking appearance.
With his Will gathered from the previous two Tiers, Saladin can now use his Word. The Will backs the Word, and what is said is done. The man's command will be obeyed by the universe by being powered by his Will.
Only ever used once before, this level of power is one to be ultimately feared by all who exist. It was taught to him when he entered the Guardians on Kelante, all are taught this power, and trained to harness their Will, so that their Word is obeyed by the universe. HOwever, with his deep understanding of self and the skills he had already possessed, Saladin was able to harness and collect the energy and 'magic' he already had grasped and turn it into raw Will, making him perhaps the most dangerous man in existence. This Tier, the true power of Simtar Saladin Akara, is nothing but certain death for any who are unfortunate enough to witness it.