User blog comment:Pygmy Hippo 2/Byzantine Cataphracts vs. Emishi Horse Archers/@comment-25253035-20200102164050

Swords: The tsurugi is easily the superior sword since it is longer, lighter and probably better to use on horseback. The Spathion's only advantage is its ability to cut slightly stronger than the tsurugi since its heavier, and I also heard that Feudal tamahagane taken from beach sands is weaker compared to European ore iron (but even so, I am not entirely convicned this is true). Either way, I have to gowith the longer blade.

Edge: Emishi Horse Archers

Polearms: The kumayari thrwoing spears remind me of those awesome Ainu spears that can kill wild bears in Hokkaido. A throwing spear that can kill a bear is cool and all, but not as great as the kontarion which can penetrate chainmail. Granted the latter can't be thrown, but at least it can penetrate armor and probably shields. The kumyari lacks power and if the Emishi misses, then he's in a lot of trouble.

Edge: Byzantine Cataphracts

Bows and Arrows: This is a difficult one to choose. I'm no bow expert, but if I was forced to choose I tend to go with composite bows over self bows everytime. The Byzantine composite bow has more penetrating power over the Ebisu yumi bow and I wouldn't be surprised if it would penetrate armor better than the Japanese bow. The only problem however, is the fact that the Emishi were better horse archers than the cataphracts. I see the Byzantine cataphracts as more like mounted archers who only use their bows in stable positions to try and thin out enemy formations before the final charge. But the Emishi are the real horse archers here since they can ride, turn and retreat while shooting a bow. And the ebisu has the advantage with wolfsbane posion and a longer range. So in the end, Ebisu is for me.

Edge: Emishi Horse Archers

Armor: I actually have to go with the iron scale armor. To be honest, I don't see the much to the appeal of lamellar armor besides its cheapness. Having scales or lamellar that are stitched besides each other is economic and all, but overlapping scales offer more protection and thickness. The Emishi also lack armor on their horses (no suprise since they were meant to be mobile) that can be taken advantage of by the cataphracts. A circular dome shield is also more ergonomic and less hassle to use than a rectangualr shield filled with edges.

Edge: Byzantine Cataphracts

X-Factors and Final Verdict: It's no surprise that like the others below me, I am siding with the Emishi Horse Archers. While I always believed that knights are better than samurai, this battle however is not the case. The Emishi Horse Archers have the better sword and bow here, which gives them the edge in both clsoe range and long range battle on horseback. The Byzantine Cataphracts were specialized in smashing through tight formations, and this tactic of theirs will be useless since the Emishi Horse Archers will be scattered and will kept themselves mobile.

When it comes to x-factors though, granted the Byzantine Empire fought a wider variety of foes in the known world, while the Emishi were isolated msotly in Japanese conflcits. But even so, the Emishi were hardened men who were forced to survive in harsh environemtns and trained heavily when they were young, compared to the Byzantien Cataphracts who, like the Equites in Classical Rome, were more pampered rich nobles who didn't have to grow up in a tough upbringing.

Winner: Emishi Horse Archers