My Antagonist thus far

Here is a preview at my antagonist. This is just a rough thought exercise, originally meant only for me, but I figured I'd see if I could get some feedback on it. So here it is in blog form. Sorry, some of the examples I used might not make sense to everyone, but, again, this was originally meant just for me.

Malacant (name subject to change) is raising forces to “reunite” Amira. He is a revolutionary of sorts. He has been traveling, and spreading his ideas by word of mouth, trying to find recruits. He uses flattery and deceit to win followers. He says that he will end the anarchy, bring peace to Amira, and better the lives of the people if they will follow him. Wait, if there is no ruler, why does he need an army behind him? Maybe he's just recruiting disciples. Yes, he wants a large body of supportive followers before he tries to take the throne. But how do you unite a nation??? There is no evil king to overthrow, there is no real government to oppose. He would have to simply gather supporters. Perhaps there is a loosely-governing body, someone/thing that the people generally look to. I mean, total anarchy couldn't last that long, could it? There could be a system of judges, for instance, like in the Book of Mormon, after King Benjamin. Or each city-state could be challenged by Malacant and fall. Some city-states could surrender, or (in other words) join his side. Some might defy him. But at first I think he should quietly take some smaller cities, getting most/all of the people to see things his way.

Malacant is a young-ish man, by no means old but most definitely outgrown childhood. He is slightly tall of build, muscular but not overly so. His eyes are slightly almond-shaped, (see image here). He has blue, blue eyes. Startlingly icy blue. His face is nothing out of the ordinary, if perhaps a little on the elegant side of masculinity. A square-ish jaw, strong noseline, solid cheekbones. Yet through all this there is almost a regal cast to his features. See picture of tiger (here) to see if you can mesh the two images. Both the tiger and Malacan are beautiful, blue-eyed, and dangerous. Even something about the way Malacant moves and talks reminds you of “feline.” He has a cunning wit, allowing him to see exactly what people want to hear, allowing him to twist his ideas into pleasing words. Think Korihor here. He says exactly enough to be telling the truth, but he presents it in such a way that it is in fact a deception. He tells the people that their lives will improve when Amira is whole again. No need for anarchy and fear when there could be a kind, compassionate ruler to keep the peace. He makes the people see the happy future they could have, then presents his plan as the “only” course of action to reach that. A bit of persuasion for the common good, right?
OK. So Malacant has gathered/is gathering support. Word starts to spread about him. Atrianna and Ercon have been traveling a bit, now, on the run after being followed by who-knows-what in Dörset. The star is guiding them, their own Liahona. Malacant's support is growing, and smaller city-states are beginning to see some damage when they oppose him. (He's avoiding the largest strongholds.) It is becoming obvious (at least to our heroes) that Malacant's aims are not as altruistic as they he claimed. How can she come across supporters, though???? Of course, Ercon would be by her side, and they could make friends along the way...

OK just to clarify a few things. When I said "feline" I meant tiger/lion type feline, not tame house cat. Definitely not feminine-type feline, but the dangerous hunter-cat type. Malacant really, truly does want the reunification of Amria. I haven't thought out his entire back-story, but his family was almost definitely affected by the anarchy-ridden chaos left after Galdred's death. He has good intentions, it's just that he also wants to be put on the throne once he's unified the country. I think he could start out as a basically good guy, trying to help his country - a patriot. But after he has talked it up a bit, gotten some people to think like him, something makes him see the personal gain he could get out of this - perhaps someone tells him that with the ideas and the following he has he could be the next king, or something similar to that. And that sets him off with the selfishness. Which, of course, he justifies because he truly does want Amira to be unified and life to be better. In the beginning, he wouldn't harm anyone, just convince them or leave them be. But after a while, when he becomes more power-hungry, whenever he is rejected/opposed he becomes violent. Perhaps resulting in scenes like Idhrin's destruction??

As for Atrianna becoming Joan of Arc... I really don't want to bring religion/gods/divine missions into this. Also, at least at first, she doesn't want to draw attention to the fact that she has the Star. It would only bring more attempts to kill her in order to get the Star. But once she has a significant following, then she would reveal it. Perhaps ... hmm. Maybe Atrianna could see a vision of Malacant destroying a city when they reject him, before he has actually gotten to that point - a premonition. Then she could start trying to convince people that he will become power-hungry. They would scoff. she would eventually move on to another person/town/city, trying to spread her warning. Only for people to not believe until it was too late. she might have a few believers along the way, but few. Then after Malacant snaps, people would believe what she had been saying all along, and begin rallying behind her!! She would not want to lead anyone, but it would start slowly, then she would wonder how she got herself into the situation where she's been voted as the leader.