Zelgadis Greywords (or however you spell it)

Zelgadis or "Zel" as Lina and the group nickname him is the straight man of the company.   He is intelligent, cunning, usually smug, and the all around stand up type.   Zel also has his negatives, he is usual distant and tries to act cold and devoid of emotions (even thought Lina sees right through this mask).  Zel is a shaman and using shamanism magic (spirit or astral magic), and is a very good swordsmen as well.  Zel use to be human, but he wasn't happy because he was "weak" in most things.   Zelgadis wanted power so he trained but it seemed to be getting him no where.   One day he had a chance encounter with Rezo the Red Priest (his Great Grandfather, as well as his Grandfather, don't ask).   Rezo promised to give his grandson the power he wanted if he would serve him.

"Ra-Tilt!!!"   Blast 'em good Zel!

Zelgadis accepted his offer not realizing how much truth Rezo meant when he said "you will be completely changed."   To give Zelgadis what  he wanted Rezo changed him into a chimera, a creature made of a three separate creatures.   Zel is one third human, one third stone golem, and one third demon.   Each part helps in certain ways, his human side gives him the abilities to perform powerful magics, his golem side makes him all but invincible to normal attacks of a sword or other weapon (except the sword of light), and his demon side gives him super speed, strength, and heightened senses (and some say a boost on his magic power).   Zel meets up with Lina, and then  he turns against Rezo and attempts to get an item that will help kill him, from her.   He captures Lina and holds her so he can find the item, (still under the guise of working for Rezo [this is not known by Lina thought]), but he ends up releasing her and playing bodyguard.   He says its to get the item but we know better.   Afterwards, Lina, Gourry, and Zel become allies and friends.

Webmaster's Notes: Zelgadis is my fav character so sorry if I babbled.  
I totally disagree with the coupling of Zel/Amelia *Webmaster begins to feel sick at the thought.*
Zel shows up in the first 12 episodes and is voiced by Daniel Cronin, and then disappears until the 18th or 19th episode and for the rest of the Slayers saga (The Slayers, Slayers Next. and Slayers Try)  is voiced by Crispin Freeman. [This was a well done change, Crispin does a great job as Zel :-)].