Rider of Black

Rider of "Black" ("黒"のライダー) is the Rider-class Servant of Celenike Icecolle Yggdmillennia of the Black Faction in the Great Holy Grail War of Fate/Apocrypha.

Identity
Black Rider's identity is Astolfo, the Twelfth Paladin of Charlemagne (シャルルマーニュ十二勇士 アストルフォ). In the Charlemagne Legend, he is the son of an English king, and one of Charlemagne's twelve faithful Paladins.

Appearance
Rider is an androgynous-looking boy who is fancily dressed. Beautiful beyond all compare, he states that his hair ornaments, which seem like something a princess would wear, are an "irresistible proof of friendship" that he uses to restore peace to his depressively mad boon ally, Orlando. His appearance is contrary to the legend of being said to be the most handsome among the Twelve Peers of Charlemagne, and though extremely unexpected, it is natural for legends to become distorted.

Personality
"Oh, I would definitely suggest against leaving it entirely for me to decide. For no man can show as much a lack of restraint as I, Astolfo!"

- Rider speaking to Sieg

Rider is known in his legend for being eternally optimistic and completely lacking in sense, and he can be called "curiosity in human form." As a Servant more concerned with the current prospect of a second life over all else, he is one who will, with or without permission from his Master, instantly leave when not in conflict to indulge in the pleasures of the world. He greatly enjoys physical form rather than the usual practice of being kept in spirit form except for battle, and obtaining permission to do so is enough to cause him to dance for joy. He is a frightfully unparalleled blabbermouth, prone to speaking on and on until those involved lose all rationality. His conversations, through no ill intent on his part, have a way of meandering toward maximum social awkwardness. His hobby of adventuring gets himself mixed up in an assorted amount of mischief due to him constantly popping up everywhere.

Rider leaves all hard decisions as a matter for his heart to decide on the spot, following the course he deems most fit. He does as he pleases without regret, and such obviousness of course would be hard to fathom from anyone other than him. He decides to save Sieg entirely on such a pretense, and not knowing how far he will be able to help, simply states "I'll keep helping him until I stop."

Development
Rider was designed by Meteo Hoshizora together with Ototsugu Konoe for the original canceled online game project.

Fate/Apocrypha
Rider is summoned by Celenike Icecolle Yggdmillennia with a glass bottle containing stains left by some kind of liquid as a catalyst in a multiple Servant summoning. When first summoned, he is the only one to show a wide, smiling face at the Masters. He is quick to introduce himself to the other Servants, forgetting all tact in instantly revealing his name without permission and subsequently being rebuked for using Archer's true name rather than his class name. After the gathered Masters and Servants begin to leave, he is extremely pleased when his Master offers to give him a tour of the castle. She reveals that she will not force him to go into spirit form to conserve energy and even prepare him a room. Upon leaving for the town despite his Master's strict control, he uses a plain outfit designed for the homunculi to keep from drawing attention.

Soon after Kairi Sisigou and Saber of Red fight several of Caster of Black's golems, a homunculus escapes from the prana storage tanks before he can be used as research material. As the homunculus desperately tries to escape, Rider comes upon him, concerned about his state and determined to help him in some manner. As the homunculus inaudibly murmurs for help and faints from exhaustion, Rider begins by wrapping the homunculus in his cloak and carrying him to safety. Rider avoids his own room due to his Master calling on him constantly, and he runs into two homunculi searching for the escapee on Caster's orders. Rider denies having seen him, and he contemplates on who he could confide in about the situation. Discounting Saber, Lancer, and Berserker, he decides upon Archer. As Archer picks up on the circumstances instantly, he uses his medical knowledge to examine the homunculus.

Archer informs Rider that the homunculus cannot live a normal life, giving him three years to live at most in his state. Rider becomes depressed at the news, and Archer inquires as to why he saved the homunculus. He is able to answer instantly that it was simply because it was what he wished to do, and he leaves the question as to what do about Caster pursing the homunculus up in the air. Archer loans him the room for the time being, and before leaving, asks Rider if he will see the task of caring for the homunculus until the end. Noting how weak and helpless the homunculus appears, he cannot believe he would be able to escape on his own or survive even if he did escape. Although Rider will disappear far before three years, he plans on protecting and helping the homunculus until he feels it is acceptable.

He nudges the already awake homunculus up, and attempts to start a conversation that is only met by a timid silence. In an attempt to calm him, he gently hugs the homunculus to his chest while telling him that he is there to help him obtain his wish. As the homunculus comes to ask for Rider to save him, Rider answers instantly, responding to the doubting look of the homunculus with a carefree smile. Rider promises to save him no matter the obstacle as a Heroic Spirit, telling him to leave all planning to he who lacks restrain more than anyone else.

Abilities
Rider's main weapons are a sword and chain mail. His Noble Phantasms include La Black Luna, Trap of Argalia, Hippogriff, and Casa Di Logistilla. Unlike many other Servants, he is a Heroic Spirit whose true name does not bring about any inherent weaknesses if it is exposed.