Samurai/Bio & Battles

"Go into battle determined to die, and you shall live. Go into battle hoping to live, and surely you shall not."

- Tetsuro Shigematsu, guest on Deadliest Warrior

The Sam​urai were a Japanese aristocratic warrior class that existed from about the 10th century onward. From the late 12th century onward, Samurai warlords, known by the title shogun were the de facto rulers of the Japan, with the emperor serving only as spiritual leader. The samurai were known for living by the code of Bushido, which emphasized loyalty, duty and honor above all else, even in the face of death. The samurai class was abolished in 1860s, during the modernization of Japan during the Meiji Restoration.

Prologue 1: Far From Home....
The Praetorian rose his sword with his hand and stabbed down on his last enemy. He looked around the field, running red with the blood of both friend and foe. Besides the distant moans of dying men, it was silent. Although he had no idea what India looked like, he knew this wasn't it. These men that he had fought looked nothing like the Indians he had seen in gladitorial battles. They carried strange curved weapons and did not fight like the barbarian scum that he had experienced in past campaigns. They fought with discipline and utilised strange battle tactics that forced his men back on several occasions. He had been on this strange land for just over a day. The storm had blown the generals boat well away from the fleet. There were 100 Praetorians and 150 sailors onboard. The sailors were the first to go in the battle and one by one the Praetorians fell to the numerically superior enemy.

He was alone now. He had no way of returning back to the ship with no sailor but he had several days rations with him and plenty of metal and gold to sell. He set off towards the woods, hoping to find a friendly town to trade his wares. He scavenged weapons from his fallen comrades, said a quick prayer to the Gods and left. He moved quickly but without hurry through the forest. He was conscious that he was deep in enemy territory. Perhaps he would meet reinforcements of the enemy? Or maybe some bandits?. He kept his hasta at the ready with his scutum raised to protect against incoming missles. The forest itself was eerily silent. Every small sound seemed to be amplified, he willed himself to keep his nerve.

He heard a murmuring sound to his left. He swung around to face the potential assailant. He saw nothing. He moved slowly and with purpose, like a wolf stalking a deer. His heart was beating so hard in his chest that he was afraid someone might hear. He stopped still and surveyed his surroundings. He could see little through the dense forest. The sun shining through the trees being shaked by the wind threw shadows across the ground. Although he was scared he kept his hand steady and his shield close to his chest and neck. Perhaps he only imagined the sound? 'No' he thought. No forest creature could have made that sound. He strained his ears, listening for anything out of the ordinary. He heard it again.

This time it was louder. It was definitely made by a human. He crouched down and moved through the trees, watching his step so as not to alert unwanted attention. He brushed a tree branch aside and nearly jumped at what he saw. It was a man with his back turned. Atleast he thought it was a man, it wore such strange and heavy armour that it could have been a statue. He walked towards it until he was only metres away.

The Roman cleared his throat. The man kept his head bowed with his hands clutching a pole dug into the ground. He did not even twitch. The Roman mustered his confidence and said 'I am the guardian of the General from the great Roman Empire, stand up slowly and face me!'. Still the man did not stir. The Roman was furious. 'How dare this man disobey me' he thought. He placed the tip of his spear over the mans shoulder and roared 'You will face me now or you shall face the full wrath of the Roman Praetorian Guard!' This time the man raised his head. He gave the pole in the ground a small tug. The Romans eyes widened in shock as the man grabbed his hasta spear and spun, with a curved spear in his hand.

Prologue 2: The Calm before the Storm
The peasant farmers hidden in the thick bush did not even scare the battle hardened Samurai a little bit. It was a sloppy ambush at best, with the top of their weapons being visible above the leaves. He almost laughed when small boy not much older than 16 made a feeble attempt to attack him from behind. He threw him straight over his back as the boy jumped. He smoothly took the Naginata from his back and in a single motion sliced the boys throat as he lay on the ground, winded from his fall. Another farmer swung a scythe at his head but the warrior simply ducked and stabbed at the mans knee, cutting straight through the skin beneath the knee cap. The man fell in agony as the last man threw himself at the Samurai with his roughly hewn spear raised. The Samurai impaled him mid-jump through the stomach and brought his Naginata over his head, throwing the man behind him as the blade cut through his intestines. He walked over to the man he had stabbed in the knee. He bowed his head in respect before grabbing his jaw and head. He pulled hard, snapping his neck and killing him instantly. He began to bury the bodies out of respect. Although they were his enemies, he could not leave them for the wild animals. It would be against his code. It was hard work digging with no shovel but a shallow grave would have to do. When his work was finished he sat down under the shade of a tree, reflecting on the news he had heard that morning. A strange ship had been spotted near the coast, only 10 miles from his home. The lords sent out an army of six hundred conscript infantry along with three other Samurai to intercept them. His lord had told him that the soldiers had not returned since they had been sent out the day before. A messenger from a coastal outpost sent word of a strange army working its way inland. He had been tasked to find the strange army or what was left of it and bring back information on its whereabouts and strength. Under no circumstances was he to attack though. He had been searching for only a few hours but he knew finding it would be hopeless. In this forest it was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. He stabbed his Naginata into the dirt and prayed. Prayed that he could find this strange army and avenge his almost certainly slain brethren. He heard a small rustling sound behind him but stayed still. He could smell the same substance he was so used to seeing that it was almost like water to him. Blood. He could hear the footsteps behind him getting closer. Although tense and alert, he kept his head down and continued to pray. The man behind him coughed and spoke. He did not understand his foreign tongue but he continued to pray, not for his brethren but to help him in battle. He knew just who this man was, and what he had done to his men. He could feel his blood rise but he knew he had to keep calm in hope that he could fight this alien soldier. The man spoke again and a spear was pushed out in front of his face mid-prayer. The ultimate insult.

The Samurai could not help but feel enraged. For the first time he moved. He slapped the spear out of his way and spun stabbing with his Naginata....

Battle
The Praetorian just managed to bring his shield up to block the the Naginata. The blow was hard, causing a jolt of shock to travel up his forearm. He stumbled backwards, unsure of himself now, all confidence he once had was gone. He regarded the strange warrior as he rose to his feet. The Samurai stood there and stared right at him through the slits in his decorative mask. Suddenly he brought up his Naginata and twirled it in his hands in an intimidating display. He quickly aimed it at the Roman and charged. The Roman easily swatted the naginata away with his own spear and he swung his shield like a punch but the Samurai ducked. A shoulder to his lower abdomen caused him to buckle over but he stood his ground. The Samurai brought up his naginata and slammed the base of it at the Romans helmet. The Roman could just barely stand up from the barrage of blows but he willed himself to keep fighting. The Samurai stabbed at the Roman to deliver the killing blow but he brought up his shield and blocked the strike. He countered him a stab of his own but it was not powerful enough to penetrate his armour. They circled eachother, neither confident enough to attack. The Samurai edged forward and lunged, aiming the point of his blade at the Romans eyes. The Roman ducked quickly and stabbed at the Samurai's weak armour on his foot. The Samurai raised his foot to dodge the attack and stamped down on the slim piece of wood, splintering the Roman's hasta. The Roman was forced to raise his shield as the blows rained down upon him. He was too slow to block the final blow as it just skimmed his leg, leaving a long cut. The Roman swung his shield and caught the Samurai on the mask, knocking it off and sending him flying to the ground. The Roman quickly drew his gladius and charged but the Samurai swung the base of the naginata at his legs, sending him to the ground. The both jumped to their feet. The Roman drove at the Samurai, blocking his attacks with his shield and swiping with his sword. At last he pushed the Samurai against a tree, disorientated from the hard blows of the gladius and scutum. The Roman brought his sword down upon him but it was blocked by the naginata. It sliced through the wood but it did not penetrate his armour. The Samurai got to his feet and slammed head-first into the Roman. He was sent flying onto his back. The Samurai drew his katana. As the Roman got to his feet they began to exchange low. The Samurai attacked high at the Romans exposed face and neck. His shield blocked every attack, but his arm began to ache. He blocked a heavy swing and stabbed at the Samurai's leg. The gladius just pierced the armour, cutting the Samurai's leg. He swung his shield again into the Samurai's chest, forcing him back and cut down against his head with the scutum. The Samurai fought a wave of dizziness and stood up. He attacked again but this time focused on the Romans arms. He swung and stabbed downwards to attack the inside of his shield. The Roman swung his gladius high but the Samurai slammed his sword against the attack and kicked the Roman in the stomach. The Romans arms fanned out slightly to retain some balance and so the Samurai saw his chance. He slashed at his gauntlets. The force of the swipe caused the Roman to drop his shield.

The Roman was shocked by this manouvre. He held his gladius in both hands as the Samurai attacked with his katana. He blocked the first attack but a stab to the Romans right shoulder penetrated his armour and left a deep cut. A second swipe enlarged the already deep cut on his leg and so he was sent to his knees. He dropped his sword and picked it up with his left hand to block another strike. The katana sliced threw his thumb and cracked the base of the Romans blade. The Roman screamed in agony but a sharp kick to the ribs shut him up. The Samurai regained his control and threw his katana to one side. He watched the Roman lying exhausted and injured on the ground. He could feel himself tire as the adrenaline was washed from his body. He took his tanto dagger from his belt and walked over to the mans body, too tired to question him about his missing brothers. He knelt down and raised the dagger, preparing to deliver the final blow. Suddenly the Roman sprung to ction with his own dagger, the pugio, and stabbed into the Samurai's toes. He rolled away and jumped to his feet as the Samurai roared. He charged at the Roman but he was ready. He ducked under the Samurai's swipe and stabbed into an exposed part of the armour at his hip. A small trickle of blood dripped out. He blocked a stab and slammed the hilt of the pugio into the Samurai's head. The first blow dented his helmet while a second penetrated it. The Samurai swiped at the Romans stomach but he backed off. With his protection compromised he ripped off his helmet. As the Roman advanced he swiped in desperation. The Roman caught the mans hand and arm and twisted it it into and disarmed him. He pushed the Samurai, putting him off balance and swiped at his throat. However the Samurai slammed a fist into the Romans forearm as he swung, damaging the soft tissue and causing him to drop the knife. He moved into the Roman and swung low with his elbow, the Roman doubled over as the Samurai put him in a headlock. He drove a knee into his chest before twisting his body, sending the Roman to the ground. He recovered quickly and easily ducked a punch. He wrapped his arms around the Samurais legs and pushed, sending them to the ground. The Samurai kicked the Roman off of him and jumped to his feet. He attempted to run for his katana behind him but the Roman was too quick. He grabbed him from behind and threw him backwards on his head. The Samurai dazed stood up but a front kick landed him on his back. The Roman picked up the pugio and sat over the Samurai. He brought the knife down on the Samurai but the man caught it inches from his eye. The Romans eyes widened as the knife came further and further away from his face. The Samurai twisted left and right and swung the Roman off him. They both got to their feet. The Roman punched him twice in the face, kneed him him the stomach and ran while wrapping his arms around him, using the momentum to hip throw him to the ground. The Roman made sure the Samurai was unconscious before walking back and picking up his broken spear to finish him off. He turned aroud just in time to see the katana spinning through the air and stab through his stomach. For a second he thought that he could still stand but his legs collapsed beneath him. The Samurai grabbed the sword and pulled, sending a small fountain of blood up over the Romans body. He stabbed downwards as the Roman gasped, the sword penetrating his heart. The Samurai said a prayer when he looked up to see his lord and soldiers burst out of the bushes, their mouths open in shock.

Expert's Opinion
The Praetorian's experience in the Germanic wars and his time as a bodyguard was something to count for, but he simply wasn't packing the weaponry or the skill the Samurai bought to the table. The Japanese aristocrat dominated the places where a majority of this battle took place; With his sword and polearm. When the Praetorian got close enough he had an advantage, but at the end of the day the Samurai wins because he kept him in sword range, where his armor could protect him and his sword sliced through the Roman.

To see the original battle, weapons, and votes, click here.

Battle vs. Knight (by Deadliest9600)
The battle begins as a Samurai walks into a slightly shaded field with some patches of trees.On the other side a Knight is making his way to the area as well,thats when the Samurai gives out a yell and thrusts his Naginata to the ground.The Samurai then pulls out his Yumi Bow and fires an arrow at the Knight,the arrow bounces of the Knights thick armor.Frustrated,the Samurai fires two more arrows at the Knight but they too deflect off the Knight.The Samurai desperatly fires his last arrow at the Knight when he catches it with his sheild.Angered,the Samurai pulls his Naginata out of the ground and charges at the Knight,he atempts to block with his shield but the Naginata cuts through the Knight's shield like a canopener to a can of Ravioli,and tosses it aside.Defenseless,the Knight is attacked by the Naginata but it only makes annoying scrape sounds againinst his armor until the Samurai slashes the Knight's shoulder,thats when he grabs his Halberd and quickley disarms his opponent,and stabs the Samurai in the chest but the Samurai's armor manages to stop it 3 inches in.Madend,he pulls out the Kanabo and breaks the Halberd in half,he then beats the Knight like an Abusive Step-father with the Kanabo until it breaks.The Knight only suffering only imprints of the Kanabo's studs on his armor pulls out the Cross Bow and fires at the unarmed Samurai landing a hit in his shoulder.The Samurai pulls the arrow out and throws it to the ground like it was a People magizene with the Jonas Brothers and Justin Bieber on tour cover.The Samurai then un sheaths the mystical Katana and charges at the Knight when the Knight grabs the MorningStar and hits the Samurai in the head knocking the helmet off his head,the Knight swings again but the Samurai grabs it by the chain and severes it with the Katana.The Knight draws out his BroadSword and the two clash swords,then the Samurai cuts one of the Knight's fingers off.The Knight hides his hand in his side and rushes too the Samurai slashing his sword left and right the Samurai cant compete with the Knights speed when he locks his sword with the Knight's but the Knight puts both hands on his sword and it slips off the Katana blade and cuts the Samurai's hand off.The Knight then slashes his face an knocks him back,Finally he stands over the Samurai and thrusts his sword into his chest,The Samurai gurgles blood before he finally kicks the bucket,The Knight raises his sword and shouts "For the glory of the king!" and walks away.

Expert's Opinion
The Knight won because he was both a better fighter and had better armor. The Samurai's weapons injured the Knight but could not penetrate his armor deep enough to kill him.

To see the original battle, weapons, and votes, click here.

Rematch vs. Knight (by Appelmonkey)
TBW

Expert's Opinion
TBW

To see the original battle, weapons, and votes, click here.

Rematch Information
Because of the poor quality of the match and lack luster information and votes on the orginal blog a rematch was inorder.

Battle vs. Rajput (by Swg66)
The Rajput is walking through a wooded area, he comes to an open feild, he looks around for his oppoenet. The Samurai appears from the opposite side, He stabs his spear into the ground and pulls out his bow and takes aim at the Rajput. He relases an arrow but the Rajput stops it with his sheild, another comes flying and hits the Rajput in the side but it falls to the ground, being unable to get through the Rajput armor. The Samurai get's ready for another shoot but a chakram hit's him in the helemt knocking him off kilter. The Rajput throws another, this time cutting the bow's string. Seeing his weapon is now useless the samurai picks up his Yari and charges the Rajput. The Rajput takes out his Aara, swinging it at the Samurai, keeping him at a distance. The Samurai thrust's his spear and the aara wraps around it, seeing that he's got the Rajput's weapon tangiled, he stabs his spear into the ground and draws his wakizashi, and charges forward. The Rajput takes out his katar and catches the first swing and deflect it to the ground, strinking the samurai with his sheild. Rolling to recover the samurai tries again, the Rajput catching it again but this time the samurai is ready, he twist's the sword around, twisting the Rajput's hand forcing him to drop the Katar. Seeing his advantage the samurai going in for the kill, but the Rajput slams his sheild into the the Samurai knocking him the the ground, dropping his short sword. The Rajput drops his sheild and draws his khanda, the Samurai rises drawing his katana. The samurai charges forward, the Rajput deflect it and strikes back but the Samurai moves out of the way before the Rajput can land a blow. The samurai uses the opening and slashes the Rajput along the side. However the Rajput's armor makes it ineffective. Taking another swing but hte Rajput manuvers around the Samurai cutting the back of his legs drawing first blood, making the Samurai fall to his knees. The Samurai looks up at his opponent, the Rajput raises his sword and takes the Samurai's head off his shoulders. Rasing his sword in victory he lets out a loud victory cry.

Expert's Opinion
While both are highly trained warriors, the Samurai was poorly equipped to fight anyone other than another Samurai. The Rajput's exotic weapons and having to deal with a larger varity of enemies gave him the edge in a battle of near equals.

To see the original battle, weapons, and votes, click here.

Battle vs. Saxon Warrior (by Lt.Chard)
The Samurai is walking down a dirt path through the woods and into a open field. As he come into the the field the Saxon warrior appears on the other side. Seeing his opponent he pulls out his Yumi bow and fires a arrow at his opponent.

The Saxon ready with his shield catches the arrow in the wood and leather of his shield. He feels several more arrows harmlessly hit his shield, some even bouncing off the steel boss. Eventually the arrows stop, taking this opportunity he takes his own bow out and notches an arrow and looks up and see's the Samurai charging him with his long spear held high. He fires one arrow but he Samurai narrowly dodges it, he fires another, this one bounces off the Samurai's helmet. Now the Samurai is to close to risk shooting again, tossing his bow aside he picks up his out spear and shield and rushes forward.

The Samurai tries to stab with his longer spear but it's deflected with the shield and the Saxon closes the distance and stabs at his with his shorter spear, he's not close enough to do any damage as the Samurai jumps back far enough to avoid damage. And in one fluid moment uses the length of his spear to swipe the Saxon's feet out from under him.

With the Saxon on his back the Samurai raises his spear to finish the Saxon with one final stab. The Saxon manages to stop the spear with his shield and pins it to the ground, and throws his own spear at the Samurai. The Samurai, with his spear pinned down is forced to abandon his Yari to avoid the Boar Spear. Stumbling back from the attack, he pulls out his Kanabo and tries to attack the Saxon while he's still down. However the heavy weapon isn't fast enough to the Saxon who rolls out of the way, while taking up his two handed ax and getting to his feet.

The Samurai lifts his Kanabo again and tries to being it down on the Saxon one more time, but it's still to slow as the Saxon dodges and raise his ax to crush the Samurai's head. The Samurai however abandons his heavy weapon the grabs the Saxons wrist and ax, knees him in the stomach and throws him to the ground, disarming him of his weapon.

The Samurai draws his last weapon, his sword ready to finish the fight. The Saxon get's to his feet and runs to retrieve his shield. Picking it up he draws his long sword. The Samurai makes the first strike, but his sword bounces off the Saxon shield. The Saxon throws his whole weight into an attack, but it leaves him open and Samurai get's around his shield and slashes him across the stomach. Turning around to see the Saxon still standing, raising his sword he strikes down at the Saxon, but the Saxon put's his shield up the Katana cut into it, getting lodged there.

In one quick move, the Saxon twist the Katana to the side and thrust his sword into the Samurai's face, sticking it through his skull and out the back of his head, ending the battle and the Samurai's life. Letting go of his sword as the Samurai fall to the ground, he walks over grabs the hilt, put's his foot on his opponents head and pulls the sword out. Looking at his dead enemy, he sneers and walks away.

Expert's Opinion
The Saxon's shield really threw off the Samurai's battle plan, as he was unused to fighting shielded opponents. The superior armor and metallurgy of the Saxon, as well as his greater physical size, helped him wear down and finish off his Samurai opponent.

To see the original battle, weapons, and votes, click here.

Battle vs. Caribbean Pirate (by SPARTAN 119)
Samurai:

Pirate:

A small boat carrying five pirates landed on the shores of Japan. The pirates exited, weapons in hand, in search of treasure to steal.

The pirates didn't realize that there was a group of five samurai stalking them from a forested area. A samurai squeezed the trigger on a Tanegashima musket, firing off a shot that took down one of the pirates with a round to the chest.

A pirate armed with a flintlock musket returned fire, scoring a fatal hit on the samurai wielding the Tanegashima. The rest of the samurai charged out of the forest weapons at the ready. A samurai armed with a yari charged at a pirate armed with a boarding pike, only for the pirate to drop the pike and raise his blunderbuss, firing a blast of shot through the samurai's armor, into his chest. .

The pirate with the blunderbuss was hit in the chest and head by a blast from a samurai's Osutzu, killing him. A second pirate fired a shot from his flintlock pistol, but the round simply dented the samurai's breastplate. The samurai charge at the pirate with is katana as the pirate drew his cutlass. The two blades clashed for a few seconds, until the samurai managed to get a thrust into the pirate's chest, impaling him on the katana.

The pirate with the musket, however, had by this time, reloaded, and shot the samurai that had killed his fellow in the head. The musket pirate, however, was struck down by an arrow through the head by a samurai's yumi.

The last pirate snuck up behind the samurai with the yumi and thrust his cutlass through a gap in the samurai's armor, killing him. .

The lone surviving samurai lunged at the pirate with his katana, only for the pirate to block it with his cutlass. The pirate then raised his flintlock pistol with his other hand and fired a shot into the samurai's unarmored neck, killing him.

The pirate walked over to each of the corpses, taking gold coins and an ornately decorated katana from the samurai. The pirate that got into the rowboat and pushed off into the waves, back towards the ship.

Expert's Opinion
The superior firearms and greater training with said firearms gave the pirates an edge over their disciplined but less prepared opponents.

To see the original battle, weapons, and votes, click here.

Battle vs. Landsknecht (by El Alamein)
The air is still and calm. Deep in the Japanese mountains, a samurai warrior kneels in meditation inside a small, one-room temple. A waterfall quietly splashes off in the distance, but the smell of fresh water and mist drifts peacefully into the shrine. The samurai has left all of his weapons outside - except for his katana, which he has kept sheathed in its scabbard on his belt. He controls his breathing and keeps his eyes closed, focusing on the noise and smells around him to sharpen his senses, especially for when he'll need to use them in battle. Despite the tranquil setting, the samurai's heartbeat still pounds quickly with a vague excitement or anxiety, but he continues breathing and relaxes.

Up in the green trees above, a bird makes its call, the sound echoing off of the mountaintops surrounding it. The bird is loud enough to temporarily mask the noise of a Landsknecht mercenary making his way through the forest. He holds his matchlock musket in his hands, his Zweihänder hanging at his waist in its scabbard. His pike is strapped to his back, along with a few other supplies. As he goes along his way, the sound of the waterfall attracts him, as he realizes how thirsty he has become in the mild noonday sun.

''The Spanish monarchy, after seeing the success of their South and Central American expeditions, have kept on with the flow of explorers to the mysterious west but have also turned their attention to the mysterious east. Japan has cut off any communication with Western civilization and is enjoying its peaceful isolation (civil wars aside) and is ripe for the picking. The Spanish have hired Landsknecht mercenaries to spearhead the invasion of the Far East in the hopes that these flamboyant mercenaries will enjoy the same bountiful success that 'the conquistadors have had against the Aztecs.''

The Landsknecht kneels by the waterfall and drinks to his fill. Standing up, he wipes his mouth with the back of his sleeve and looks around, breathing in the fresh, brisk air. He lazily walks down a stone path he finds, and makes his way up to the samurai shrine. The Landsknecht pokes his head in the entrance and sees the samurai kneeling.

The samurai's eyes fly open and the Japanese warrior tears the katana out of his scabbard lightning-fast. The Landsknecht shouts in surprise and clumsily pulls out his Zweihänder, swinging upward just in time to deflect the samurai's first strike. Keeping on the offensive, the samurai tries to exploit the Landsknecht's weakness at very close range and lands blow after blow on the mercenary. The Landsknecht counters with a vicious swing of his own that slams into the samurai's chest plate and knocks him down. Raising his sword over his head, the Landsknecht swings down but the samurai rolls out of the way and sprints to the side of the shrine where he has left his other weapons.

Taking an opportunity he knows he might not get again, the Landsknecht sets up the stand for his musket and lowers the firearm onto it, aiming at the bent-over samurai. The match burns and the Landsknecht flinches slightly as the musket goes off, smoke and powder flashing up in front of his face. He coughs slightly and decides to reload, taking the gun off of the stand and readying another shot. He hears a loud bang from down the forest and a musket ball slams into his shoulder plate, denting it severly and sending a huge flare of pain across his arm. The Landsknecht falls to the ground, howling in pain.

Smoke obstructs the samurai's vision too, and he throws his Tanegashima musket to the ground and approaches with his yari spear. The Landsknecht staggers to his feet and grabs his pike off the ground where it had fallen, holding it out in front of him menacingly. The samurai coolly sidesteps the first lunge and swings the yari downward, hitting the wooden handle of the pike and splintering the weapon nearly in two. The blade of the yari gets stuck in the wood, though, and the samurai's look of triumph turns to one of surprise and shock as the Landsknecht brings the shaft of the pike upward, breaking the weapon and cracking the samurai across the face. The samurai stumbles back and draws his katana again, while the Landsknecht takes the Zweihänder sword in his hands. The two men lock eyes and charge.

The samurai's strike to the Landsknecht's neck goes low and strikes his breastplate, glancing off and doing no damage. The Landsknecht's powerful swing to the gut, in turn, does not penetrate the samurai armor but inflicts a massive amount of blunt trauma on the Japanese warrior. He collapses onto the soft grass and gasps for air, coughing in pain. The Landsknecht leans against a tree to check himself for any wounds, and after wincing again upon touching his shoulder, he walks toward the downed samurai.

The Landsknecht sneers and brings his sword down to his feet, then swings upward in a massive attack. The samurai puts his arm in front of his face and the limb absorbs the damage. The samurai shouts in pain but pulls himself up to a knee and pulls out his wakizashi. Mustering all the strength he can, he lunges at the Landsknecht and tackles him to the ground, stabbing deep into his thigh under the plate armor with an angled thrust. The Landsknecht grabs the samurai's hand and pushes it away from the wakizashi. He punches the samurai in the face, sending the Japanese warrior rolling off of him, and he picks up his katzbalger from the grass. He swipes at the samurai's face, slicing through his nose and cutting through to one of his ears. The injured samurai spits blood from his mouth and picks up the wakizashi in his hand.

The Landsknecht throws the katzbalger aside and rushes over to grab his Zweihänder. He raises it high over his head one final time as the samurai plunges the wakizashi into his own neck, defeated. Enraged, the Landsknecht brings the blade down and the dead samurai's head rolls over in the grass, away from its body. The Landsknecht stares at his fallen foe in battle frenzy, breathing heavily, before he turns and looks at the temple behind him. He was sent here for treasure hunting after all, and why not look inside and see what treasures there are to take?

Expert's Opinion
This battle was very close, especially when you boiled down the weapons and fighting styles. The swords were very similar but were used very differenly, and the Zweihänder was long enough to keep the samurai at a distance and keep him from snatching a close-ranged victory. The Landsknecht owes his victory to his armor and training, however, because his munition plate armor protected more of his body and offered greater protection against musket fire than did the samurai's tosei gusoku armor. The Landsknecht was used to fighting where muskets were just as present as swords, and while the samurai did adapt rather well to gunpowder-based combat, it was ultimately their undoing, and this battle just goes to prove that one more time.

To see the original battle, weapons, and votes, click here.

Battle vs. Musketeers of the Guard (by Thundrtri)
Samurai: 1234567

Musketeers: 1234567

7 Samurai guard a Japanese temple. 2 stand guard in garden near a stream, 4 stand at the back deck and a lone guard stands on the side deck.

Nearby, 7 French Musketeers are walking through a rugged dirt path surrounded by massive trees. A nearby waterfall muffles out the sounds of their footsteps. The leader stops and points to the temple. He then motions for a Musketeer to move up. A Musketeer walks up and sets his musket on its stand and aims at the Samurai on the side deck. In a flash of smoke, the Musketeer fires the musket and hits the Samurai in the gut. The shot only wounds the Samurai. The rest of the samurai run to the side deck. 2 of them fire their Tanegashimas at the Musketeers. One of the shots hits the Musketeer has he reloads his musket.

Samurai: 1234567

Musketeers: 123456

The Musketeers charge towards the temple under the hail of Tanegashima and Yumi fire. One of the 2 pikemen runs up and thrusts his pike into a Samurai killing him.

Samurai: 123456

Musketeers: 123456

The wounded Samurai limps into the temple followed by the remainder of the Samurai. The Musketeers follow into the temple and into a small and thin hallway with rice paper walls on either side in a single file line. The Musketeer second in line sees the silhouette of a Samurai aiming his Yumi. In a state of panic, the Musketeer grabs his musket as an arrow punches through the rice paper and into the Musketeer’s neck.

Samurai: 123456

Musketeers: 12345

The bloody Musketeer falls through the rice paper wall on the other side leaving a gaping hole. 1 of the other Musketeers fires on the Samurai and kills the samurai.

Samurai: 12345

Musketeers: 12345

The Musketeers walk through the hole in the rice paper that their comrade made, tipping their hats as they do so. The leader walks down an elaborate staircase and are immediately under fire by 4 Samurai. The 5 Musketeers take cover behind a wooden wall just in time to avoid the Tanegashima fire. The wounded Samurai drops his Tanegashima and grabs his Yari and limps beside the wall. 1 of the Musketeers rounds the corner and aims his musket but is stabbed in the throat by the wounded Samurai’s Yari.

Samurai: 12345

Musketeers: 1234

The Musketeer’s leader walks around the corner and shoots the Samurai in the face mask with his wheel lock pistol.

Samurai: 1234

Musketeers: 1234

The other 3 Samurai leave through an arch. 1 lights and drops a ceramic grenade by the arch. The Musketeers follow and as the last one leaves the arch, the grenade goes off killing him.

Samurai: 1234

Musketeers: 123

The remaining Musketeers turn and stare at their dead friend. The leader once again tips his hat and walks on towards a dirt path. As the Musketeers walk along the path in pursuit of the Samurai, the leader holsters his wheel lock pistol and draws his rapier and main gauche. Suddenly, a Samurai comes charging from the woods, Tachi raised high above his head. He slashes at the Musketeer leader who blocks with his rapier. A Musketeer then stabs the Samurai in the chest with his bayonet. Blood pours from the samurai’s chest as the Musketeer rips the bayonet from his chest.

Samurai: 123

Musketeers: 123

The Musketeers then run up the hill to a boulder where they here the rest of the Samurai reloading their Tanegashimas. The Musketeers smiles and pulls out a grenade. The pike man lights a match and puts it to the grenade. The leader of the Musketeers holds it for several seconds before throwing it over the boulder.

2 of the Samurai get up in time to escape, but one it torn to bits by the blast.

Samurai: 12

Musketeers: 123

The Musketeers charge around the corner but one is shot in the face by a Samurai with a Tanegashima.

Samurai: 12

Musketeers: 12

The other Samurai draws his Tachi and attacks the pike man. The Musketeer attempts to block the slash with the shaft of his pike but instead, his weapons is cut in half. Then with a quick and fluid slash, the Samurai cuts the Musketeer’s jugular.

Samurai: 12

Musketeers: 1

The Samurai with the Tanegashima busily reloads while the swords man faces the leader of the Musketeers. The Samurai and Musketeer circle for several seconds before the Samurai slashes with his Tachi. The Musketeer blocks with his main gauche and thrusts his rapier into the Samurai’s eye. The samurai yells in pain and gushes blood before the Musketeer rips the rapier from the Samurai’s eye.

Samurai: 1

Musketeers: 1

The last Samurai (No pun intended.) stands and fires his Tanegashima at the Musketeer. The musket ball just grazes the Musketeer’s breast plate. The Samurai grabs his Kanabo and runs up towards the top of the crashing waterfall. He walks through the cool, shallow water and sets his Kanabo down bye a rock and turns. Placing his hand on the handle of his Tachi, he waits for the Musketeer to come after him. The Musketeer runs up the hill and splashes his way towards the Samurai. He thrusts with his rapier but with a lighting fast draw, the Samurai blocks with his Tachi and slashes. The 2 exchange several more blows before the Musketeer catches the top of the Tachi with his main gauche and twists snapping off the top 2 inches of the sword. He then plunges the main gauche into the Samurai’s thigh. The Samurai punches the Musketeer in the jaw knocking him onto his back in the water.

Painfully ripping the bloody dagger from his thigh, the Samurai drops his sword and tosses the main gauche over the waterfall. The Samurai then grabs his Kanabo and runs at the Musketeer. The Musketeer stands and dodges the swing of the club and then thrusts his rapier into the Samurai’s already bloody thigh. As the Musketeer pulls the rapier from his foes thigh, the Kanabo snaps the sword in half. The Musketeer runs to the edge of the falls and unsheathes his bayonet, this was his last hope. The Samurai comes at the Musketeer, Kanabo raised. The Musketeer thrusts with his bayonet but his arm is met by the Kanabo. The Musketeer growls in pain as his arm is brutally shattered. Fortunately for the Musketeer, his pain is only short lived. The Samurai hacks with the Kanabo to the Musketeer’s head, killing him instantly. The Musketeer’s body falls off of the waterfall and into the stream below, and in a pool of blood, sinks to the bottom of the stream. His battered and bloody face now nearly unrecognizable.

Samurai: 1

Musketeers: X

Winner: Samurai

Expert's Opinion
The samurai won this battle due to a combination of superior armor, weapons, as well as better training and combat experience.

To see the original battle, weapons, and votes, click here.

Battle vs Song Soldier (by MilenHD)
The Battle starts at abounded rice farm somewhere in China,5 Song Dynasty Warriors were sent by their emperor to scout the area for the Japanese invaders.Not far away a group of 5 samurais were thinking to make their base here,but their knew they aren't alone and suddenly one of his comrades falled to the ground with bol sticking out of his neck.

Samurai:1234

Song:12345

The samurais turned and saw 5 Chinese warriors of the Song Dynasty,they didn't stop shooting their crossbows,but all bounced off Samurais superior armor,the samurais responded with shooting their yumis and killing 1 Song warrior in the heart,while the others retreated.

Samurai:1234

Song:1234

While the Song warriors retreated,the samurais followed them and the leader loaded his bajouzutsu pistol and while incoming closer to shoot the Song warrior,he was ambushed by other wielding a qiang,and while he falled in the muddy water,his pistol was untouched and he shoot him in the heart killing him instantly and the other samurai gave him a hand,to get up,but his comrade was shoot in the back by a fire lance.

Samurai:123

Song:123

The Samurai pulled his katana and charged at the Song warrior,while he was reloading,he was stabbed with the katana and than sliced in half.As the samurai turned he saw his comrade being stabbed by qiang and he falled dead before his eyes.

Samurai:12

Song:12

As both of them charged,not far away a Samurai and Song warrior were fighting with naginata and qiang,both seemed even except the samurai swung fast and sliced the Cinese's throat and than he rushed to safe his leader from death.

Samurai:12

Song:1

While the Song thrusted his qiang,the qiang was sliced in half by the katana,seeing that he was going to be overwhelmed by the Japanese,the Song warrior pulled his jian and than made a slide attack knocking both Samurais,and than he stabbed  one of them with his jian killing him.

Samurai:1

Song:1

Seeing all of his comrades are dead the samurai,was angered,but he didn't allow the emotions to overwhelm him,and than both of them started fighting with their respective swords,with niether of them taking an advantage.They fought for 8 minutes but the samurai decapitated the Song warrior's legs,the legless Chinese tried to crawl away,but he was stabbed in the back by the katana.

Samurai:1

Song:

The samurai cleaned his katana and walked away.

Expert's Opinion
While the Song Dynasty Warriors were more experianced,they never faced opponent like the Samurai,who defeated them in every category.Also the samurai defeated the Mongols,and the Song Dynasty falled pretty easy under Mongol rule.

To see the original battle, weapons and votes, click here.

Battle vs Cowboy (by Elgb333)
The Utah Territory, 1875

A roaring cloud of smoke can be seen ploughing through the dusty Western landscape. It’s path and course seemed unstoppable as the little critters dash away to safety. It moved on a clear linear path towards a small city in the horizon, leaving red hot dust and dried vegetation debris in its wake. That thing dashing along the landscape was a large train, the so-called Iron Horse as the Indians called it. And its tracks carved a mighty path all across the frontier.

Inside the train were 5 Japanese noblemen, a small bunch who stood out from the other passengers with their mix of Western and Oriental clothing. They were bureaucrats sent by the Japanese Imperial Government to further strengthened the US-Japan relationship. They were talking to each other in an alien language that was getting the other passengers anxious. But what’s more alien are their assortment of swords they brought with them in their journey. These men were former samurai. Ever since the Boshin War, these ex-warriors have taken other jobs in this day and age. While their warrior code obsolete, they were nonetheless learned men who were perfect for this task. But these warriors still yearned those heroic battles that they were trained solely to fight for in their whole lives.

Suddenly, the train abruptly stopped, rattling the passengers and disrupting the luggage with its sudden force. The passengers were shocked and angered by this, and as they looked outside they found out what made the engineer stopped the crate. A herd of cows have accidentally blocked the trail, sluggishly moving along in front of the train. With them where 5 hardworking cowboys who were trying their best to get the cows moving. The passengers angrily shouted at the cowboys for the delay, and the ranch hands tried their best to stay stoic and silent. The Iron Horse it seems, was not unstoppable.

But none was so enraged with this delay than the samurai, who by virtue of their Japanese culture, valued time more than anything. They stepped from the vehicle and approached the cowboys on horseback. One of them shouted at the yank to get move along, but his foreign language only left the cowboy confused. This confusion was misinterpreted by the samurai as insolence and feeling that they have been rudely disrespected by these middle-classmen, one of the drew his sword and cut the cowboy off his horse.

The cowboys were stunned by this, and the samurai managed to get some of their horses that they can use. The rest of the passengers took cover in the ensuing violence. One of the cowboys quickly drew his gun and shot at one of the samurai, and the other samurai retaliated by drawing their rifles and pistols and shooting back at the cowboys, killing one of them through a shot to the heart. Being at a disadvantage, the cowboys turned their horses and attempted to flee. The samurai got on their horses and gave chase.

A running gun battle ensued between the two parties. The cowboys knew that with fresh horses, it won’t take long before the samurais can finally reach them. So they set a course towards a dusty hill where they quickly dismounted and took positions. The samurai saw the cowboys take the high-ground, but not giving up yet, they make a bold frontal assault with their katanas and rifles drawn. The cowboys take out their Winchester rifles and made a shooting gallery of the approaching samurais. Two quickly died in the barrage of bullets, but another samurai managed to get a lucky hit on a cowboy with a headshot from his Smith and Wesson revolver. The cowboys continued raining hot lead on the samurais with their Peacemakers and Winchesters.

One of the samurai made a hard turn to the left in an attempt to flank the cowboys. The other samurai still boldly charging at the entrenched cowboys took several bullets to the chest, abdomen, limbs and neck. But through sheer bushido determination, the dying samurai still pushed forward, and as he neared the cowboys positioned, dropped himself off unto one of the cowboys and stabbed him right in the shoulder with a katana before dying himself.

The last remaining cowboy managed to flank the distracted cowboy and shot one of them in the eye with his Spencer rifle. The remaining cowboy, in a fit of rage, grabbed the samurai off his horse and wrestled him to the ground. The cowboy then start to beat the living shit out of the cowboy, but the samurai the turned the tides by hooking his leg on the cowboy's neck and used a triangular choke on him. Knowing that his wrestling and hard pounding was no match against the samurai's craftier jujitsu, the cowboy grabbed his knife and plunged it right at the samurais leg. The samurai yelled in pain before letting go of the cowboy and rolling away to grab his katana. The cowboy himself got up and readied his hand on his Colt pistol.

Both were eyeing each other for a time. The samurai with his hand on hos katana and the cowboy with his hand on his pistol. The two then qucikly drew their weaposn and attacked. However, the cowboy's bullet manage to take out the samurai befor ehe can get close, finally ending the battle.

The cowboy waved his hat in the air and yelled "YEEEE-HAW!!!!!"

Expert's Opinion
The experts believed that the cowboy won because of their better skill at firearms and better tactics. The samurais might be tried and tested but their weapons and firearms were outdated compared to the more modern cowboys.

To see the original battle, weapons and votes, click here.

Battle vs. Manchurian Soldier (by Kazanshin)
TBW

Winner: Samurai

Expert's Opinion
TBW

To see the original battle, weapons and votes, click here.