Valus Saladin
| Lord Saladin Forge | |
|---|---|
| Information |
Lord Saladin Forge, now also known as Valus Forge, is one of the last surviving Iron Lords and the current overseer of the Iron Banner. Following the events of Season of the Risen, he has taken an unprecedented position within the Cabal Empire while maintaining his duties to Guardians and the Last City.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Iron Lords
Saladin Forge was among the first Guardians raised in the Dark Age, becoming one of the founding members of the Iron Lords under Radegast. He fought alongside legendary figures including Jolder, Perun, and Felwinter to bring order to the chaos following the Collapse. The Iron Lords served as protectors of humanity before the formation of the Last City and the Vanguard.
SIVA Crisis
The Iron Lords discovered SIVA, a Golden Age nanotechnology, and attempted to use it to help humanity. This led to disaster at the Replication Complex, where Rasputin turned SIVA against them. Saladin was the sole survivor, sealed outside by Jolder's sacrifice. This event haunted him for centuries until The Guardian helped him confront and defeat the SIVA threat.
Iron Banner
To honor his fallen comrades, Saladin established the Iron Banner, a Crucible tournament that celebrates the Iron Lords' legacy. He has overseen this event for centuries, training new generations of Guardians in the ways of honor and combat excellence.
Valus of the Cabal
During Season of the Risen, tensions arose when Crow accidentally caused a diplomatic incident with Empress Caiatl. To prevent war and save Crow's life, Saladin offered himself as tribute. Instead of execution, Caiatl was impressed by his honor and inducted him into her service as Bracus Forge, later promoting him to Valus for his exemplary service and Guardian abilities.
Current Status
Dual Allegiance
Saladin now serves both:
- The Last City: Returns for Iron Banner events
- The Cabal Empire: Member of Caiatl's War Council
This unique position has made him instrumental in maintaining the alliance between humanity and the Cabal.
Cabal Integration
As Valus Forge:
- Introduced Iron Banner-style combat trials to Cabal culture
- Refers to Cabal participants as "Iron War Beasts"
- Earned respect through combat prowess
- Advises Caiatl on military matters
- Maintains communication with Zavala
Philosophy
Saladin embodies:
- Honor: Strict adherence to warrior codes
- Sacrifice: Willingness to give everything for others
- Tradition: Preserving the Iron Lords' legacy
- Adaptation: Embracing change when necessary
- Strength: Physical and moral fortitude
Iron Banner Management
Event Structure
- Appears in the Tower twice per season
- Offers exclusive weapons and armor
- Provides unique game modes
- Awards Iron Lord title progression
Rewards System
- Rank Structure: 16 ranks with various rewards
- Iron Engrams: Focused loot system
- Seasonal Weapons: Exclusive designs
- Ornaments: For dedicated players
- Shaders: Iron Banner themed
Relationships
Allies
- Zavala: Close friend and strategic partner
- Shaxx: Complicated history, mutual respect
- The Guardian: Sees as worthy successor
- Empress Caiatl: Earned mutual respect
- Crow: Initially hostile, now protective
Conflicts
- Rasputin: Long-held grudge (now resolved)
- Osiris: Philosophical differences
- Warlords: Dark Age enemies
Combat Abilities
As a Titan and Iron Lord:
- Master of all Titan subclasses
- Exceptional tactical knowledge
- Centuries of combat experience
- Enhanced by Iron Lord artifacts
- Proven Cabal combat techniques
Notable Quotes
- "The Iron Lords died for what they believed. Meeting their end with honor."
- "Your Light is a dragon. Feed it."
- "The Cabal have taught me that there is strength in unity."
- "I am both Iron Lord and Valus. These are not contradictions."
Legacy and Impact
Saladin's influence extends through:
- Training countless Guardians
- Preserving Iron Lord traditions
- Bridging Human-Cabal relations
- Modernizing ancient combat philosophies
- Inspiring honor in new generations
Character Development
From isolated survivor to alliance builder:
- Overcame centuries of trauma
- Learned to trust new allies
- Adapted to changing times
- Found new purpose with Cabal
- Became symbol of unity
Trivia
- Voiced by Keith Ferguson
- One of few Guardians to hold alien military rank
- Taught Zavala and Shaxx in their early days
- Owns one of the last Iron Lord artifacts
- His Ghost rarely speaks publicly
- Inspired Cabal "Iron War Beast" tournaments
Gallery
List of appearances
References
- Rise of Iron campaign
- Iron Banner lore tabs
- Season of the Risen story
- Various weapon lore entries
- Character development interviews