Bradamante d'Este by Esther-Shen

Art done by , commissioned as a birthday present by . It's of my character in the Disney D20 roleplay. Esther, this is LOVELY artwork and people, if she's open, commission her HERE: Commission info ( NEW ). And to Edge, my bro across the pond, I can NOT thank you enough!

She kinda started as a character I'd play, but also became the protagonist of my first full-length novel, Bradamante d'Este is a genuine Paladin of Charlemagne, having ridden alongside the likes of Sir Roland and the Archbishop Turpin. She was closest to the sorcerer, Maugris, the English knight, Astolfo, the Saracen giant, Fierabras, and the delicately-built Guy of Burgundy while being romantically interested in the converted Saracen knight, Ruggiero. In the novel, she's one of the founding members of the Paladins who helped defeat the Saracen hordes, led by King Rodomonte, and helped solidify Charlemagne's reign in Christendom to end the Dark Age.

In the D20 (which I've made the novel as a kinda-sorta prequel to), Charlemagne's empire crumbled after Maleficent established her own empire and the other Paladins were slain in the final battle, The Black Dawn. Bradamante was originally searching to find her husband, Ruggiero, but was hired to help a resistance force to overthrow the High Raven, going with Saoirse, Taran, Sara, Zhi, Princess Rose, and Scorpius. Originally somewhat Holier Than Thou and with a feeling of superiority over her comrades, she's begun warming up to them, despite often being the butt of their jokes (she's a knight among vagabonds, scoundrels, and thieves).

In general, Bradamante is a kind, compassionate, altruistic, and chivalrous knight who wants to do good in the world. The kind of person who values strength because she knows what it's like to be weak and follows the "Might For Right" principles. She's devoutly religious, quoting and espousing the morality of Christianity where she can (though knows to prioritize). While in a traditionally masculine position, she's not afraid of appearing feminine...granted, she hates dresses, but it's because they're not practical for combat. Because of her view on femininity, she hates being seen as masculine. Due to her background, she's defensive of her own position and values whatever friendships she can get. Her primary weapons are a long sword dubbed Castagna (Italian for "chestnut"), a magic lance that dismounts any it touches, and the magic horse Rabicano, made of flame and hurricane winds that she can summon at will. Is often called "Brad" for short, though she apparently used to hate that nickname.

In the Disney D20, her views on the party...
Saoirse: While at first, she wasn't really the nicest to her, she came to appreciate her better half and noble characteristics to the point where she'd treat her like any knight would treat their liege lord, referring to her as "milady".
Taran: The two don't really interact much, but there seems to be a mutual respect between them.
Sara: When Bradamante found out that she was originally an apprentice of Maleficent, she originally wanted to slay her, but stopped due to Saoirse commanding her otherwise. Since then, the two seem to be becoming friends.
Zhi: "...I just can't say no to that face. She's a ball of adorable, huggable destruction."
Rose: The two appear to be on friendly terms. While masquerading as a man, she panicked and claimed Rose to be her wife without consulting her. Result being a punch to the face.
Scorpius: "He's rude, boorish, foul-mouthed...not that bad a person deep down, is a useful comrade, has his own skills, and his eyes are just so-where in God's name was I going with that?"