Protagonist ideas

A challenge: writing a female protagonist.

Double challenge: writing a female protagonist who can kick some ass while not being a goofy, laughable comic book nerd fantasy.

I had a vision of a male character who was not strong, brawny or typically Rambo or Conan esque. In essence, he was more akin to the heroes in Arabian mythology: a hero who defeats the big bad guy through cleverness and wits.

Of course, he was able to hold his own against goons: a SWASHBUCKLER! Swinging from chandeliers and rigging to slice and dice and trip up the bad guys. Perhaps letting out a quip or two.

Also, eventually becoming captain of an air ship!

Now to make this dude a lady instead? Maybe tricky, maybe not. She does come from a traditionally matriarchal society... so it is not wholly out of place in her community to be a charismatic leader...