Bradamante, “the Female Paladin of Frankish Legend, The Shieldmaiden, The Valiant”

Bradamante is a tall, muscular woman with long, flowing hair and piercing blue eyes. She wears a suit of shining armor, carrying a shield and wielding a lance, the symbols of her prowess in battle. Despite her strength, she moves with a grace and elegance that befits a true knight.

• Alias – The Shieldmaiden, The Valiant
• Gender – Female
• Race – Human
• Occupation – Knight
• Religion – Christian
• Allies – Ruggiero, Merlin, Melissa, Angelica
• Enemies – Atlantean, Malagigi, Sacripante
• Abode/Base of operations – Castle of Arliano, within the Republic of Florence
• Nationality – Italian
• Languages – Italian, Latin, French
• Alignment – Lawful Good
• Affiliation(s) – House of Este, Knights of the Round Table, Paladin Order
• Significant others – Ruggiero (love interest)

Bradamante is a legendary knight and heroine of the medieval Italian epic poem “Orlando Innamorato” by Matteo Maria Boiardo and its continuation “Orlando Furioso” by Ludovico Ariosto.

As a character, she is a brave, skilled, and chivalrous knight, who fights for justice and honor. She is known for her exceptional strength and prowess in combat, as well as her beauty and kindness. Bradamante is motivated by a strong sense of duty and a desire to defend the innocent and uphold the ideals of chivalry.

Born to the noble house of House of Este, Bradamante was trained in the art of combat from an early age by her father and uncle. She quickly proved herself to be a talented warrior, and earned a reputation as one of the greatest knights in the land.

In the course of her adventures, Bradamante faces numerous challenges and battles against various enemies, including the Saracen knight Ruggiero, whom she falls in love with. Together, they embark on a quest to retrieve a magical ring that will help them defeat the forces of evil.

Throughout her story, Bradamante is aided by a cast of memorable characters, including her loyal squire, the wise wizard Merlin, and the cunning sorceress Melissa. Together, they navigate treacherous obstacles and overcome great odds to achieve their goals.

Bradamante’s ultimate aim is to bring peace and justice to the land and protect the weak and defenseless. Her unwavering commitment to these ideals, combined with her strength and courage, make her a true hero of medieval literature.

Bradamante, The Shieldmaiden

Medium humanoid (human), paladin 12

Armor Class: 22 (plate armor, shield)

Hit Points: 184 (16d10 + 80)

Speed: 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
20 (+5)	14 (+2)	20 (+5)	10 (+0)	16 (+3)	18 (+4)

Saving Throws: Wis +9, Cha +10

Skills: Athletics +11, Intimidation +10, Religion +6

Senses: passive Perception 13

Languages: Italian, Latin, French

Challenge Rating: 12 (8,400 XP)

Actions

• Legendary Weapon. Bradamante wields the legendary lance “Manganello”, which deals 2d8+5 piercing damage on a hit, and has a range of 10 feet.
• Multi-attack. Bradamante can make three attacks per turn, one with her legendary weapon and two with her longsword, or three with her longsword.
• Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d8+7 slashing damage.
• Divine Smite. Bradamante can expend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage on a hit, equal to 2d8 for a first-level spell slot, plus 1d8 for each spell level higher than first.
• Lay on Hands. Bradamante has a pool of healing power that she can draw upon to heal herself or others. With this pool, she can restore a total of 60 hit points per day.
• Channel Divinity: Turn Undead. As an action, Bradamante presents her holy symbol and speaks a prayer censuring the undead. Each undead that can see or hear her within 30 feet of her must make a Wisdom saving throw. If the creature fails its saving throw, it is turned for 1 minute or until it takes damage.

Equipment

• Plate Armor, Shield, Manganello (Legendary Lance), Longsword, Holy Symbol, Potion of Healing (3), 500 gp

Paladin Spells Prepared

• 1st level (4 slots): Bless, Command, Cure Wounds, Shield of Faith
• 2nd level (3 slots): Aid, Find Steed, Lesser Restoration
• 3rd level (3 slots): Aura of Vitality, Dispel Magic, Revivify
• 4th level (1 slot): Banishment

Traits

• Divine Sense. Bradamante can sense the presence of any celestial, fiend, or undead within 60 feet of her that is not behind total cover.
• Lay on Hands. Bradamante has a pool of healing power that she can draw upon to heal herself or others. With this pool, she can restore a total of 60 hit points per day.
• Channel Divinity. Bradamante can use her Channel Divinity to turn undead, or to gain a bonus to attack rolls and damage rolls on her next attack.
• Aura of Protection. Bradamante and friendly creatures within 10 feet of her gain a bonus to saving throws equal to her Charisma modifier.
• Divine Health. Bradamante is immune to disease.

Currently in the World

Bradamante stands tall and regal, her flowing golden hair cascading down her armor-clad shoulders. Her piercing blue eyes reflect unwavering determination and a hint of compassion. Donned in gleaming plate armor adorned with the sigil of House Este, she exudes an aura of strength and nobility. Her muscular physique speaks of years of rigorous training and battlefield prowess. A well-worn lance rests comfortably in her grip, a testament to her expertise in mounted combat.

Currently, Bradamante finds herself in a lush meadow surrounded by ancient trees and colorful wildflowers. The air is filled with the sweet scent of nature, and a gentle breeze rustles her cape. She stands atop her loyal steed, a magnificent silver unicorn named Argent, who grazes peacefully nearby. The meadow is a tranquil haven, its beauty contrasting with the tumultuous world beyond.

Bradamante’s mood is focused and resolute, her mind set on a quest to rescue her beloved Rogero from the clutches of an evil sorceress. Determined to right the wrongs and protect the innocent, she carries the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. Yet, beneath her steadfast exterior, there is a flicker of vulnerability—a deep longing for love and the desire to bring peace and harmony to a world torn by strife.

In this idyllic setting, Bradamante takes a moment to contemplate her next move. Her surroundings offer a respite from the chaos of battle, a temporary sanctuary where she can gather her thoughts and draw strength from the beauty of the natural world. With unwavering determination, she prepares herself for the challenges ahead, ready to face any obstacle in her path and emerge victorious.