User blog comment:SkullinBones1/Bushi vs Cataphract/@comment-27043000-20191113025529

Pygmy Hippo's "Better Than Greek vs. Native" Edges

Primary Weapon:The Yumi Longbow has a much longer range, is lighter, and can penetrate the opponent's armor. The Cavalry Spear/Kontos Lance is powerful as it can go through chainmail on both ends but against steel plate, I doubt it'll penetrate. The Yumi's more likely to get through the opposing side's armor and get that hit first. Edge:Bushi

Side Arm:The Spatha is possibly longer and has two sides to cut with while the Tachi might be faster. The Tachi has the same problem as anotjer Japanese swords, it can stab, but not well like the Spatha which makes it more versatile in addition to swinging blows. Edge:Cataphract

Special Weapon:The Naginata is longer, lighter, and made out of better metals while the Mace can get through armor, it's iron at best against steel plate in this case. It can get through the leather parts but the Naginata has another advantage in being able to cut off an enemy horse's legs, making it more effective in a cavalry battle Edge:Bushi

X-Factors:In Armor, the Bushi armor has better metal and is lighter but the Cataphract armor has a shield and horse armor for more protection, meaning that this is even. In Mobility, the Bushi's armor is lighter and enables him to move faster on his mount, giving him the edge. In Tactics, the Bushi get the edge once more as their Yumi has a good chance of going through Cataphract armor and their lighter armor means that they should be able to stay out of melee range. Edge:Bushi

Final Verdict:The Japanese Bushi wins this ancient cavalry battle against the Byzantine Cataphract due to their better primary weapon and anti-cavalry polearm along with mobile armor and the tactics to use that advantage to it's full potential. The Cataphract has a better sword and more armor but they're going to struggle to close the distance and more often than not, they'll be slain by an arrow by then. The only other thing they have over the Bushi is that the area is more familiar to them but that's not enough to win this battle.

Winner:Bushi