Kaladin
Template:AlethiInfobox Kaladin was a slave and soldier on Roshar. He was one of two known Windrunners.
Background
Kaladin was born and raised in the town of Hearthstone with his father Lirin, mother Hesina and brother Tien. He was trained by his father to be a surgeon and showed great talent in this field. Prior to the events of The Way of Kings he was to be sent to Kharbranth in order to complete his training as a surgeon.
Plot
His brother is conscripted into service in Brightlord Amaram's army and Kaladin enlists against his father's wishes in order to protect Tien. He rises to the rank of Squad Captain, earning the nickname "Kaladin Stormblessed" for his protection of his men and his luck in battle.
During a battle, Kaladin kills a Shardbearer but, instead of claiming the fallen man's armaments, he gives them to one of his subordinates. Brightlord Amaram, eager to claim the priceless weapon and armor for himself, executes all witness to the event and brands Kaladin a slave.
As a slave Kaladin makes numerous escape attempts, which ultimately cause him to be branded with the shash glyph to signify his dangerousness. He is eventually sold to the army of Highprince Sadeas where he serves as a bridgeman. During this time he attracts the attention of an unusual Honorspren named Sylphrena. She follows him around, aiding him, and the two become good friends.
His honor also attracts the attention of Highprince Dalinar; at the end of The Way of Kings, Kaladin rescues Dalinar from certain death at great risk to himself and to his bridgecrew. Dalinar rewards Kalidin's bravery by purchasing the freedom of all of Sadeas's bridgemen, appointing them as his honor guard and Kaladin as their Captain.
Appearance
At the age of nineteen, fighting in Amaram's army he is described as having dark brown eyes, a strong chin, and being fairly tall, with black Alethi hair that is shoulder-long and wavy. During his months of slavery and bridgeman status, he has a beard that he eventually shaves.
Powers & Abilities
Kaladin learned knowledge of surgery from an apprenticeship with his father. He is an extremely skilled spearman, who is possibly the best in Brightlord Amaram's army. He is in the process of discovering the extent of his abilities as a Windrunner (bestowed to him by merit of his bond with Syl).