“Let us form one body, one heart, and defend to the last warrior our country, our homes, our liberty, and the graves of our fathers.”

Tecumseh

The Knight, Europe's armored soldier upholding chivalry.

The Samurai, Japan's warrior and practitioner of Bushido

Humanity has a way of finding itself in conflict, and we've had several wars across the centuries to prove it. But, wars are not won by weapons, or wealth, or anything of the sort: they are won by men, or rather, soldiers. These national warriors are some of the most iconic soldiers in history, but only one can win this duel of Media Mania.

Before We Begin

For this match up we will be excluding guns for both and mainly focusing on the time frames of 1185-1537 for the Samurai. For the Knight, this should be around roughly 1000 to 1500 A.D which is the ending point of the 15th century. These timeframes were choses to coincide when both Knights and Samurai would begin using firearms, because guns are lame (We were mostly very strict on these timeframes so if a weapon is missing, it could be because it was barely out of our time frame).

So no, for their neutral special, they will NOT be using a gun.

For this match up we will be doing a composite of the available armor and weapons. This would allow both fighters to have full access to all their variety of weapons and all sorts of armor. Furthermore, since we aren’t focusing on one actual Knight or Samurai, there will be no feats to speak of aside for what their weapons are capable of. We will be using a theoretical where each warrior is at their peak of training in close quarters combat, archery, and more.

We will be going through the history and culture of both and the battles and foundations of both, including but not limited to their beliefs and/or their ideals in chivalry and bushido. We’ll be including what was relevant and used by the blacksmiths for both combatants, as they are the ones who made tools for our fighters. This means factors like the quality of steel will be taken into effect as that has more impact since neither have feats.

And furthermore we will be giving them a horse at the peak of its condition. This is just for them both to use mounted weaponry. We will be taking this duel on equal ground in an open field to best use their horses and their range to get the most versatility with weapons.

Little note from me (Tru), while Wikipedia was a primary source for images and weapons listing, we did make sure to cross reference and use other sources when looking into the arsenal for both.

Background

Knight

“Death waits for us all. A warrior is someone who does not let that stop them from doing what must be done.”

Honor, Duty, Valor three things commonly thought of when talking about medieval europe and the face for these were the Knights. Founded in the years of 1000-1500 A.D they stood as superheroes of the medieval world, that of what young boys would want to be when they grow up a tower of steel and combat genius. Given we can’t just use a random knight out of history this will be a theoretical made up knight we use. Usually knights were promoted for expertise in warfare or combat or a noble's son who has had training for this we will be saying he has been trained since birth in the way of Sword, Shield, Mace, and Bow and a variety of weapons. Knights would be a symbol and would be the most heavily armored unit on the medieval battlefield, their armor crafted to their perfect frame usually made of Steel, Iron with decorations of gold bronze and other such trinkets and adornments. Although Knights were often employed by lords and nobles some worked as guards or mercenaries where some knights who showed extreme valor would be awarded lands and lordship.

History Behind The Knight

The Start of Chivalry

With the rise of Chivalry and the start of what we now see as “Knights” was roughly around the time of 1066 A.D when the Normans would have a conquest against England where heavily armored elite backgrounded soldiers who were prone to violence. The word chivalry itself comes from the Medieval Latin caballarius, meaning horseman. The most notable battle that would happen during this time frame and would lead to vikings being pushed out of England was the The Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066 A.D

The First Crusade

Lasting from 15 August 1096 – 12 August 1099 the crusades were a series of conflicts led by Catholics to take back the “Holy Land” of Jerusalem for religious purposes; this is where knights would be utilized heavily to invade and “liberate” in there own words the holy land which was guarded by Muslims and such here during the crusades they would find a material known as Damascus steel. After the Wars Crusader states were established in the Holy Land: the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the County of Edessa, the Principality of Antioch, and the County of Tripoli.

The First Orders of Knights

After the first crusade warriors who went fighting found themselves without a purpose now as there was no war. Shortly after the first crusade the Knights of the holy Sepulcher would be the first order of knighthood as well as the knights Hospitaller. These orders were followed by the order of Saint Lazurus (1100), The Knights Templars (1118), order of Montesa (1128), order of Santiago (1170) and so on. These were brotherhoods of warriors serving their lord and their god to protect and pillage.

The Other Crusades

During the time where knighthoods and orders were being founded they would launch the second crusade which lasted from 1147-1149 A.D. There were eight Major Crusades during the years between 1096-1291 A.D they were varied in strength, size and success none of them succeeded but it was a massive loss of life for thousands of people. And after all the crusades they would stay away from the east aside for trade for spices and other materials.

War of Scottish Independence

The First war for Scottish independence is where a lot of the knight warfare would start to be defined more heavily and innovation in armor and warfare would be used and learned. From the years of 1296 and 1329 Led by Robert the Bruce king of Scots the war would start because of kings of England trying to establish their rule over Scotland and enforcing their rule. Robert and other scot’s not taking this too well would seek independence where brutal fighting would continue until Robert’s death but he succeeded in making Scotland independent but at major losses to life.

The 100 Years War

This is where the knights we know and see are starting to show up. A 116 year long war from 1337-1453 A.D a war between France and England where the height of Medieval combat would be used where England would establish its superiority with Bows and Arrows in combat better armor was starting to become more and more common as heavily armored knights started to pillage and raid the country sides of both nations. During this time we would also see when Henry the 5th prine at the time was shot in the face with an arrow how well their medical fields were they would remove the arrow head and would patch up the prince. Later in his life Henry the 5th would be in the battle of Agincourt where we would see a massive issue with armor in mud and when on their back armor would often cause the wearer to sink into mud making it difficult to move and when hundreds of arrows rained down on french knights they would hit weak points in the armor.

Wars of The Roses

One of the last major wars, Knights and armor would be used in a war between the houses of York and Lancaster where they would fight over the throne of England as they were both branches of inheriting family’s of the throne. From the time of 1455 to 1487 A.D they after years of fighting the house of York would win and inherit Lancaster land and would rule under Henry Tudor. During this time as well guns would start to be used but barely as they were expensive.

The Downfall of Knights

The downfall of knights was due to guns being more and more common because of trade with China and others introducing Gunpowder where guns would take over bows and lighter, faster gun men became more common in the battlefield. War changed and heavy armor became obsolete and would be fizzled out.

Samurai

“A Samurai should always be prepared for death-whether it is his own or someone else's”.

The way of the warrior that is what a samurai is they are that which is a perfect warrior Honorable, Respectful, Diligent. A symbol of Japan, its army and its culture are the Samurai. Founded around the time of 1185 they were governed warriors, almost that of a standing army for the government; they were predominantly mounted archers trained since birth for their archery but as well as that of martial arts, swordplay and of course horsemanship. Wearing their armor made of Iron plates, Wood, Leather all tied together with the leg armor and silks making a chainmail of sorts. Their helmets often represented deities, gods or figures and monsters from their folklore; their armors were often decorated by their house and lord to their own reputation. They became an order after the Shogun took over, becoming a group of brothers in arms to defend their land at all costs to save people and help those in need even if it leads to death. As the greatest honor to a samurai and their house is that of dying in battle as to them that is the way of the warrior.

History Behind the Samurai

Shogun Rise

The start of the period of where japan was ruled by a militaristic force and where samurai started to appear bands of samurai gained power when the Heian government neglected the administration of the provinces. Samurai strength rested on strong group loyalty and discipline. These bands managed large areas of rice land in eastern Japan, around modern Tôkyô. This is where the legend and flame of the Samurai would start to burn in 1185 A.D. In 1192 Minamoto Yoritomo was given the title 'shôgun' to signify his military control over the country. During this time they would take the samurai as their main military force.

Mongols All Out Attack

The Mongols had been a force that was growing in Asia building a massive empire and the greed of Mongols and the want of land and resources drew them to Japan and its cloud of impact would overshadow the island and a defense was mustered against the only invasion Japan would have until WW2. massively outnumbered a divine wind of sorts swept the mongol ships out of the sea and a storm rocked the fleet and destroyed it all. Some Mongols managed to come to the mainland and try to fight the Samurai but again 50 days after the last another storm hit the Mongols and ended their journey in the land of the rising sun.

Ashikaga Government

In 1333 a war between rival families would break out in which the shogunate was moved and taken over a couple times but would be left in the hands of the Ashikaga family. However during this time the military would start to view this as a weak form of government but was still the leaders and figurehead of the country from 1356-1576 A.D.

Tokugawa Takeover

A period where the modern feudal japan is known today after gaining control of all Daimyo the family would establish rule the Tokugawa created a much stronger bureaucratic military government in Edo, now named Tôkyô. It controlled either directly or indirectly all elements of society, such as the agrarian and commercial sectors. And all aspects of life were under the government's

Social Reform

During this period between 1600-1868 Japan as a whole would have its way of life changed and Samurai would start to fizzle out with the increase in modern reforms for its people where it being on its last legs Japan would exit its Feudal period with the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Japan would go back to an emperor and fizzle out the samurai for a modern army which were just more effective now then armor clad warriors.

Arsenal

Knight

Swords

Long Swords

A long double sided standard sword often made of steel and would be custom designed with hilts and pommels suited for the Knight. Often weighed 3 pounds and was between 39-55 inches in length of the blade with a handle usually made of leather spanning for 30 or so centimeters. These swords were sharpened on both sides and were good at cutting through skin and bone.

Falchion

A single bladed straight sword that was mainly used for slashing. It is a one handed heavy backed blade. Great for weighted strikes. It clocks in between 2-3 lbs and spans about 30 centimeters. These blades were most like machetes of modern day, amazing for hacking through skulls.

Messer

This blade was a blade mostly found in Germany that weighed about 3 lbs and was a single edged self defense sword. It came in two forms being the one handed messer and two handed Kriegsmesser. It was given the name of the messer or “knife” due to its hilt being built in a similar way to that of a knife.

Broadsword/Arming Sword

A one handed double sided blade used in mass by men at arms perfect for use behind shields great for stabbing and cutting. It comes in at 2 Ibs and is about 28-31 Inches in length. Short and compact, these blades were the standard sword we see on basic swords for foot soldiers.

Claymores

Long, massive, heavy. Three words to describe the claymore. Made of steel or iron these things were massive swung with both hands. It weighed in at about 5.5 lbs and at a height of 55 inches. These blades were used in mass by the Scots; they could batter armor and break bones under armor.

Rapier

Long, sharp, light. A more elegant one handed weapon these needles are great for poking holes into your enemies and made of good steel these thrusting swords are a perfect weapon for a more civilized time. It weighs 2 lbs and is 42 inches in length.

Estoc

A French sword with the unique ability to pierce chainmail. This was due to its incredibly sharp point and length of 36-52 inches. Its name literally means thrust which is how the sword was best used. Like a rapier these things were great at piercing mail and flesh.

Bastard Swords

A Bastard Sword is called as such due to its inability to be classified. It's a hand and a half sword too short to be a great sword and too long to be a short sword. It weighs 3 lbs and at a length of 35 inches.

Short Handed Weapons

Medieval Daggers

A double edged sharp pointed dagger used mainly to finish off downed foes, stabbing them between their plate armor or such.

Templar Daggers

Standard looking dagger great for close fighting perfect for stabbing and slashing. Good for getting in between cracks in armors.

Misericorde

Small sharp and thin long needle, like a dagger. Sharp as a razor and just as efficient.

Rondel

Used for finishing off Knights that have fallen. A stab with a wide pommel to slam your hand down upon to do maximum damage. The blade itself is thin and two sided.

Celtic Dagger/Dirk

Coming from Celtics this dagger was a bit longer then the average dagger but shorter than a sword. They could be used if a weapon was lost in battle. The slim handle and guard led to it not slipping from the Knight's hand..

Blunt Weapons

Mace

A long wooden shaft on the top of which sat a ball of steel or iron. It is a heavy weapon covered in spikes, flanges or it can be flat. No matter what it is covered with it would slam into the bodies of enemies and their armor leaving devastating damage.

War Hammers

A hammer with a spike on the back about 30 inches in length and usually weighing about 2 pounds. Knights would use this spike and the hammer to shocking effect. The spike drove through armor, while the hammer would shock, break, and crush all that was under it, shattering whatever stands in its wake like glass.

Flails

This weapon is like a mace, but the ball is attached to a chain and swung around at high speeds. They can disarm and tie around the opponent, leading to tripping and to a massive blow due to the build up of kinetic energy.

Pole Arms

Poleaxe

An ax with a spear spike at the top, a hammer on the back, and another spike on the bottom. This is one of a Knight's most versatile weapons; being able to attack and change strategy however the user wants, making it unpredictable and a very effective weapon.

Halberd

A large polearm with an axe end and a hook end was used to cut through horsemen and drag them down. Hacking through limb, flesh and all splitting armor.

Spears

A long wooden shaft topped with a large metal tip. The shaft would range between 6-12 feet in length and would be used to keep people away. With its speed of attacks it is very fast leading to it darting and taking down opponents quickly.

Pike

This is what happens when you make a spear too long. While usually used as a defensive weapon for holding ground it could also be used as a powerful arm when rushing towards combat.

Glaives

A 7 foot long pole arm with a blade that can cut and stab from multiple curved points. A glaive can vary in shape which makes it hard for enemies to predict how their opponent will use it but they were described to be used in a similar manner to other pole arms.

Axes and Great Axes

Heavy axes that instead of being used for cutting wood, they cut arms, heads and all other sorts of limbs. Knights usually wielded it with two hands and it would splinter shields and shatter bone when striking.

Lances

Perhaps one of the most iconic weapons in the Knight's arsenal; this is typically a sharp metal point embedded on a long wooden pole. Used by calvary through generations. it in particular led to the concept of jousting, and a whole new combat style. These were used by Knights on horseback to unseat each other from said horses,

Ranged Options

Bows and Arrows

After realizing the success of arrows several hundred years ago, a longbow became common practice amongst armies. Ranged tools were like liquid gold, and perfect for sniping foes for a distance. These arrows can kill other knights and their steeds easily, with only chainmail providing ample protection against something like it. An average bow can be over 6 feet in length, weigh 80-160 pounds, and hit targets up to 300 yards away, which is about 0.17 miles by the way. A typical batch of arrows is around 24; each with an iron head about 2 inches in length. Archer's usually carried 2 quivers to ensure plenty of tries and kills were racked up.

Crossbow and Bolts

Originally from ancient China, these weapons were popularized in medieval times for obvious reasons. With the force to penetrate most armors and their smaller nature that requires less effort when compared to a bow, these devices were so overpowered they were restricted from usage unless you were a knight. Originally constructed from wood; over time they advanced to metal, and their usages advanced further as well. One factor that makes them so useful is not only the ability to pick people off the battlefield with a range of up to 300 meters, but also the small amount of training necessary to wield one. Mastering a bow and arrow takes months of training and is easy to mess up without proper application of strength, but a crossbow possesses neither of the problems, all while taking mere weeks to use effectively.

Shields

While shields did start to fall out of style around the 14th, 15th and even 16 centuries. While we aren't using the 15th and 16th it shows some Knights would still use shields and would reasonably have access to them long past our set of dates. Shields of course being large pieces of armor held in the hands of or strapped to the Knights. These could parry melee attacks and block ranged attacks and worked great with one handed weapons. They have come in many sizes and shapes such as circles and Heater shields (As shown above).

Armor

Helmets

(Image by Shadiversity)

The mainstay helmets were folded steel with breathing holes and a visor that could be made of steel. It's a mainstay there's enough variation to warrant its own blog so for this we’ll be going to a basic basinet helm as that's what is most thought of for basic helmets with visors.

Gourgets

A form of neck protection, the sheet of metal protected the knight from any fatal forms of neck wounds so they wouldn't be targeted in the weakest points of their vitals.

Chestplate/Breastplates

Initially taking the form of a Cuirass and as part of the Surcoat, the Breastplate we know today came about eventually as a more single line of defense. As a stalwart defense against the majority of blades and attacks, it served to protect vital areas like organs against these sorts of damages.

Pauldrons

Pauldrons guarded the kn flights shoulders and came in forms that also protected the armpits, a big weak spot for the knights. Often made from folded and lobstered steel meaning it was both simple and protective yet weirdly moveable for their arms.

Vambraces

Guards the wrist and forearm could be used for guarding if needed also came in forms that went to the hand as well with a gauntlet for max protection.

Gauntlets

Every warrior must keep watch of their hands in a battle, and the same is true for a Knight. Thus, they wear Gauntlets to protect their most important tools. Typically composed of leather and metal plates, they serve to guard against blades, or simply to deliver a good old blow to the noggin of their opposition.

Faulds

Faulds are a piece of armor that goes over a Knight's groin or hip to defend them from attacks in that area.

Cuisses

Two pieces of armor worn around the thighs. Made of a bunch of smaller pieces sewn together for flexibility and max protection.

Greaves

That protected the knee and shin these sheets of metal protected the front of the leg where some variants didn't have protection in the back of the leg it was lightly guarded by mail and any of the under garments.

Sabatons

The standard for what knights wore boots of iron or steel these protective shoes protected the knights' tootsies from getting poked but their smooth bottom led to trips and spills in mud as these had no traction at all.

Chainmail

Standard, simple, reliable the first piece of armor that gained mass traction in Europe this was often worn under armor and was good at stopping slashes but needed help with protecting against stabbing such as arrows hence why plate came to be.

Gambeson

A padded coat of sorts that helped defend against stabbing usually worn under armor as well and added with plate and mail would defend well against any foe.

Surcoats and Other Decorations

A cloth robe of sorts that covered the armor and showed heraldry of their lands or lord often showing colors or sigils also including cloaks there were purely decoration.

Horses

Rouncey

While these horses were usually used by the lower class to carry loads on farmlands, they were still used by the Knights due to their high stamina and mass production in ancient time the ford of the village was a massively useful thing and are as synonymous with knights as armor.

Palfrey

The Palfrey was the everyday horse of the Knight. Used for everyday outings by Knights and Noble women alike due to their ability to give a smooth ride.

Courser

The Courser was a quick horse used mostly for its speed with messaging. They were cheap and usually came poorly trained.

Destriers

A rare, tall breed of horse many Knight's sought after. Used for its decent speed and large size to crush foes on the battlefield.