Author's Note: It's been a while in the making, but here is the first battle of my forthcoming "Back for Blood" series as two warriors battle it out for redemption. A special thanks goes out to PFC Rice Man for suggesting this battle.
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Viking: The brutish and bloodthirsty Scandinavian marauder who terrorized and pillaged Old Europe.
(A group of Vikings are shown overrunning a group of defending soldiers, one of whom has their head split open by a much larger Viking's Dane Axe.)
vs.
Persian Immortal: The killer commando of the Persian Empire who always operated out of a force of 10,000 strong.
(A group of Immortals raise their bows and blanket an advancing army of Spartans with their arrows, cutting down several in the process before charging forth, one of them cutting down a hoplite with a blow from his sagaris.)
WHO IS DEADLIEST?
To find out, we've assembled a team of world class fighters to test history's most lethal weapons. Using 21st century science, we'll see what happens when two warriors go toe to toe.
No rules. No safety. No mercy. It's a duel to the death to decide who is...THE DEADLIEST WARRIOR!
During their last battles both warriors were soundly defeated by their opponents...
(The Viking is stabbed in the throat by the Spartan's short sword, his flowing blond beard turning a deep shade of crimson as a torrent of blood spurts from the wound.)
...but now, each warrior will be given a chance for redemption and will face off in a one-on-one confrontation.
(The helpless Persian Immortal looks up in horror as the Rajput bring his bhuj down onto his skull, splitting it in half.)
Here in our elite fight club we have gathered doctors, medical scientists and weapons experts to test out the lethal arsenals wielded by each of our combatants to determine who would win a fight between two warriors who never met in a face to face duel:
Viking
Circa: 1000 A.D.
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Armor:
Riveted Chainmail
Spectacled Steel Helmet
Persian Immortal
Circa: 500 B.C.
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 160 lbs.
Armor:
Bronze Scale Mail
Gerron
"So the last time we saw these guys in action, things didn't turn out very well for either one of them and now we are going to give them both a shot at redemption when the Viking from the freezing fjords of Scandinavia takes on the Persian Immortal from the dry deserts of the Middle East," biomedical scientist Geoff Desmoulin started out.
"We have a clash of two very different warriors with very different styles of combat in this match up. On one side you have the Persian Immortal, a very well-trained, well-disciplined warrior who was regarded as the 'Special Forces' of his day, going up against a wild raider who showed no mercy and did whatever it took to defeat his enemies on the battlefield," historian Barry Jacobsen added.
"With the Viking, you have a large, brutish behemoth charging after you, a man hardened by life in the bitterly cold north and from constant travel. Not only that, he could possibly be under the influence of drugs that would have turned him into the infamous "berserker." The Immortal on the other hand as you stated was considered to be the elite of his day. He was well-trained and very well taken care of given his status. He's going to be in tip top shape and hardened by life in the desert," trauma doctor Armand Dorian continued.
"When you take into consideration their weapons, it's steel versus bronze. The Viking's arsenal allowed for brute force, whereas the Immortal's arsenal is meant for precision and versatility. It's going to be an interesting match up and all we need to do now is get ourselves some weapons data," Geoff concluded.
The Viking, the vicious marauder of the frigid north came into battle with a deadly assortment of steel bathed in the blood of his enemies:
Short Range: Long Sword
Mid-Range: Dane Axe
Long Range: Boar Spear
Special Weapon: Shield
Likewise, the Immortal, the elite soldier of the Persian army responds with a deadly conquering arsenal of his own:
Short Range: Akinakes
Mid-Range: Spear
Long Range: Persian Bow
Special Weapon: Sagaris
For short range combat, both warriors wielded their own deadly blades, the Viking with the Long Sword and the Immortal with the Akinakes.
Jerry and Hank both stood in the Fight Club following their recent "vacation," holding the swords of their respective warriors as they stood before ballistic gel torsos outfitted with the body armor and shields of their opponents.
"Alright guys, we've seen both these swords in action before, yet never against the kind of armor worn by their new opponents. We are giving you 15 seconds each to inflict as much damage possible against 2 charging opponents outfitted with the body armor and helmets of your respective challengers along with their shields," Geoff explained.
Both experts nodded and got into position with their swords raised.
"Alright gents, on 3...2...1, attack!" Geoff called out.
Both men rushed their targets and wasted no time striking at their opponent's shields, the akinakes getting stuck in the wooden surface of the Viking's round shield and forcing Hank to bring his boot up to pry himself free. Meanwhile, Jerry's long sword cut into the gerron's wicker surface with its, yet got stuck halfway and he was forced to perform a mighty yank to get it out.
With attacks carried out on their targets' shields, both men shoved them aside and Hank was first to strike the target, yet his akinakes was met only by a dull 'clang' as his blade struck the Viking's steel helmet, leaving only a dent, yet no visible penetration. Undeterred by the lack of penetration, he took a swing at the Viking's chainmail, yet again there were no visible results as the chainmail absorbed the blows. Finally, the takes the short sword and stabbed it in, managing to pierce the surface, yet the blade became stuck and he again yanked it out following some struggle.
Meanwhile, Jerry swung the longsword at his target's armored torso and managed to break off a few of the bronze scales before he swung again and broke off a few more. Seeing enough space left between the scales he drew back and thrust the blade forward, penetrating the hardened leather corset beneath. With a successful body shot he swung higher and swung at the target's neck with a deep cut, then a second that cut into its cheekbone, before the third and final cut that severed its head.
"Time!" Geoff called out and both men ceased their attacks.
Dr. Dorian made his way over to assess the damage, starting out with Hank's attack on the "Viking."
"Starting with Hank's target," he said inspecting the Viking helmet, "I'm seeing a dent here, yet no visible penetration. You generated only a 33 psi, you'll be dazing this guy and that's it," he said before inspecting the chainmail, "I'm seeing you managed to go deep enough to collapse this guy's lung, not an instant kill, but will become one if he doesn't get help soon," he said before checking out the dummy's wooden shield, "You didn't get very far in this guy's shield and I'm seeing no visible damage to the arm behind. Altogether you only managed to score a possible kill."
The good doctor then moved on to the Viking's target and started with the wicker gerron, "You managed to cut halfway through this guy's shield and you have managed to penetrate his skin and lacerate some of the tendons beneath. This guy's shield is worthless and you've got him walking wounded with a bad arm," he explained before focusing on the other damage.
"It two you two swings before you were able to get enough space for a stab. From your first swing alone you generated 280 psi, enough to break a rib behind the armor. With your following stab, you managed to nick the man's aorta for a bleed out and a kill," he explained before focusing on the target's severed head, "Your first strike to this man's neck was measured at 74 mph, that alone would have broken through his spinal cord for an immediate kill. Your target is D.O.A."
Both swords have shown off their devastating capabilities, but where do our panelists stand?
"Having seen these two swords in action against different opponents, we still found ourselves more impressed by the Viking's long sword due to its superior material, longer range and far more devastating cutting power. Edge Viking," Geoff explained.
In short range weapons, the Viking takes the edge with the Long Sword.
Coming up, the battle goes to mid-range when two different weapons square off and then later, it's bow versus spear in a long range shoot out.
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When it came to mid-ranged weapons, both warriors had their brutal armor-breaking killers at their disposal. Up first will be the Viking with the Dane Axe.
Jerry stood ready with the Dane Axe in hand before a ballistic gel dummy outfitted in the Immortal's bronze scale mail.
"Alright Jerry, we're giving you 15 seconds to do as much damage possible with that big f—king axe of yours. When you are ready," Geoff called out.
"Gladly," Jerry replied getting into position.
"On 3...2...1, hack 'em to bits!"
Jerry brought his axe down on the armored torso, immediately breaking off a bunch of scales and leaving a visible dent in the hardened leather beneath. He swung again and this time broke through the dented surface and sent the dummy rocking violently before going for an overhead swing that split one of the latches holding the armored girdle in place and breaking the skin underneath. With one final swing, Jerry put all his strength into it and brought it down in another overhanded chop on the dummy's skull, splitting it sloppily down the middle.
"Time!" Geoff called out.
Dr. Dorian made his way over to inspect the damage, starting by examining the decimated bronze scale mail.
"With the kind of armor worn by the Immortal in comparison to the Spartan, we're talking about hardened leather covered by bronze scales about as thick as a playing card. That armor did nothing to protect this man. The first blow allow is shattering this man's rib from the crushing impact, possibly even breaking off chunks of bone that could pierce his lung. He won't be dead, but he will be in debilitating pain and unable to fend for himself. If he's not dead after the first blow, your second one is the kiss of death, followed by another strike that shatters this man's collarbone and turns his lung into mush. Your last blow...no explanation necessary," he concluded, lifting up the flaps that remained of the dummy's skull.
"Just goes to further show why the Vikings were so greatly feared," Jerry nodded.
Given the similarities of the spear used by the Immortal to that used by the Spartan and later the Jewish Zealot, our panelists review the tapes of both weapons, in addition to the Zealot's spear being used against the chainmail worn by the Scottish Highlander.
"The last time we gave the edge to the Spartan's dory, especially when seeing how his armor held out better against the Dane Axe, but because the Immortal's armor proved to be less effective, we will be giving the edge to the Viking's axe due to its devastating damage," Geoff concluded.
In mid-ranged weapons, the Viking takes the edge with the Dane Axe.
When the battle went to long range, both warriors had their reliable killers for getting the job done, the Viking with the Boar Spear and the Immortal's Persian Composite Bow.
Having seen similar weapons in action, our panelists review the previously recorded footage of both weapons in action and come to a very unexpected conclusion.
"The Persian's bow has the superior range, this time around we are giving the edge to the Viking and his Boar Spear. When properly trained, a Viking warrior could be incredibly powerful and accurate to the point where he could throw 2 at once. He could be effective with this weapon either fighting alone or as part of a group, whereas the Immortal was used to firing his bow as part of a large group. In a shocking turn of events, we are giving the edge to the Viking on this one," Barry Jacobsen explained.
In long range weapons, the Viking takes the edge with the Boar Spear.
Coming up, a trusted battle sidearm goes up against the ultimate defense, and then later, two warriors will fight for redemption when the Viking and the Persian Immortal return to the battlefield.
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The time has now come for both warriors to unleash their special weapons. Up first will be the Persian Immortal with the Sagaris.
To test out the sagaris' killing abilities against an armored opponent, a ballistic gel dummy has been outfitted with the Viking's helmet, chainmail and shield. Hank will be given 15 seconds to do as much damage possible.
"Alright Hank, on 3...2...1, hack 'em up!" Geoff called.
Using the sagaris as a fulcrum, Hank quickly pulled the shield away from the dummy before bringing the blade end down with a mighty roar. The dummy rocked violently upon impact, yet only a few metal rivets were broken off. It did little to deter Hank and he turned his sagaris over to its pick end and swung it towards the dummy, managing to penetrate the surface, but getting it stuck. After some struggle he managed to free the sagaris and went for another swing, breaking off a few more rivets. Having struggled with the chainmail he then switches his attention to the dummy's helmet and brings it down on the blade end, leaving a noticeable dent. Once again he would flip over to the pike end and brought it down on top of the helmet, leaving only a small hole behind before he swung the pick end into the dummy's face. Geoff then called out "Time!"
Dr. Dorian made his way over to assess the damage and carefully inspected the chainmail shirt, "For your blows to the dummy's torso, I noticed that your blows from the sagaris' axe end did little damage to the wearer underneath, however chainmail was known to fair poorly against blunt strikes, thus it is a possibility your enemy would suffer broken bones and possible internal bleeding."
He then lifted the chainmail to examine the strikes from the pick end, "Given that this is riveted chainmail we are dealing with, it did its job of protecting against a stabbing attack. The pick was long enough it would cause a flesh wound to this guy, but not bad enough to seriously harm him."
He then examined the target's helmet, "Given that the Viking's helmet was constructed from material that was superior to the Spartan's, your blow from the blade end leaves a dent, but would only be enough to stun your opponent. As for your second blow with the pick end, I see that the pick was long enough you managed to put a tiny hole in it," he said taking off the Viking's helmet and showing the onlookers, "You may end up stunning this guy, but didn't do enough to seriously injure him," he said turning his attention back to the dummy's head, where there was only a minor wound.
With the armor accounted for he then checks the wound to the dummy's face, "Your only definite kill shot is to this guy's face, where your pick when through his eye and severed his brain stem."
"That's the good thing about the sagaris, it offers options, unlike the very one-dimensional shield of the Viking," Hank commented.
"But it's only effective when you are striking an area without armor. Good luck trying to find it when you have a big maniac charging after you," Jerry smirked.
"Heh, your boy can go around shouting and beating his chest all he wants, but the Immortal's training and tactical precision would allow him to find the tiniest hole in the Viking's defense. When that happens, he's dead," Hank replied.
Given the similarities to other shields featured on the show, our panelists review the footage from the original 'Viking vs. Spartan' battle before coming to a conclusion.
"While the shield proves itself effective as both a defensive shield and a bludgeoning weapon, it lacks the ability to kill in one shot, whereas the Sagaris can do so, in addition to providing extra options with its pick end. Our edge goes to the Sagaris," Barry explained.
In special weapons, the Persian Immortal takes the edge with the Sagaris.
Coming up, two defeated warriors are resurrected for one final battle, but only one of them will have a chance at redemption and the right to be called 'The Deadliest Warrior.'
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Our scientists and weapons experts are done testing the results and the time has come to decide who will be the victor. To ensure the battle won't be decided by a single lucky blow, the battle will be simulated one thousand times in a duel to the death.
Who will prevail in a battle between two very different warriors?
Steel
(A Viking warrior cuts down an enemy soldier with a slash from his longsword.)
vs. Bronze
(An Immortal impales an attacking Spartan with a strike from his spear.)
Tactical Precision
(A line of Immortals ready their bows and shower the oncoming Spartans with a barrage of arrows.)
vs. Savage Ferocity
(A horde of Vikings charge a shield wall set up by their enemies, but they break through and viciously cut them down with their axes.)
The Deserts of the Middle East
(The 10,000 Immortals march together through the desert sands of Persia.)
vs. The Frigid North
(A band of Vikings raises their weapons and they shout in unison before preparing to raid another town.)
IN THE END THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!
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Along the frigid shores of Denmark a lone Persian Immortal marches along, entranced by the new environment, yet confused as to how he wound up here after being separated from his men.
A lone Viking makes his way through the nearby woods after being out on a hunting expedition, carrying a slewn boar about after a lengthy hunt.
There is no time for the Norseman to celebrate the fruits of his labor as he looks ahead and sees a strangely dressed man in the distance carrying a shield and a strange type of sword he had never before seen. He does not know what to make of this mysterious invader and places the slain boar on the ground, readying his shield and Dane axe as he makes his approach.
Hardened by his years of training, the Immortal senses that something is not right and he turns to find himself staring down an imposing, burly figure clad in a strange type of armor wasn't familiar with and with a long beard that reached down to his chest. In one hand he carried a circular shield and in the other a large axe.
The bigger man snarled at him and made his approach, prompting the Immortal to shout at him in Persian before drawing his bow and arrow. The Norseman ignored his threats and charged after him with a mighty roar, prompting him to open fire.
The Viking raised his shield in time to intercept the arrow fired upon him before raising his Dane axe up and taking a swing at the Immortal, who jumped backwards to avoid the strike. Reaching for his spear behind him, the Immortal went to capitalize as the Viking struggled with his trapped axe, thrusting forth and stabbing the Scandinavian marauder in his bicep, yet the man's riveted chainmail protected him from any serious harm and he clamped down on the spear in an effort to pry it away from his challenger.
A brief struggle followed until the Immortal launched his foot into the Dane's gut and sent him staggering backwards as he withdrew his Akinakes and tried to swing at the Viking, but the brutish raider brought his shield up to block the Persian's attack and attempted to force him backwards while reaching for his own longsword. With a mighty heave he used his shield to shove the Middle Eastern warrior backwards before attempting a swing at the Immortal's head, but the foreign invader ducked out of the way and his sword collided with a tall rock behind him. The Immortal shot his sword outward and slashed at the Viking's back, but the Norseman's chainmail again protected him and he was knocked from his feet by a hard backhanded strike from the Viking's shield.
With his opponent downed, the Viking shouted as he stabbed his sword downward, but the Immortal rolled out of the way and shot his akinakes outward, slicing into the Dane's leg and dropping him to a knee. The Persian warrior tried to follow up with another slash, but the Viking tackled him out of desperation and punched him hard in the face. Out of desperation, the Immortal grabbed a handful of dirt and threw it in the Viking's face, temporarily blinding the bigger man while he rose back to his feet.
The Viking blinked the dirt out of his eyes to see the Persian retreating for higher ground. Grunting in pain as he pushed himself back to his feet, he staggered over to another nearby rock where one of his brothers had kept some boar spears hidden from a previous expedition and he chased after the invader.
The Immortal laid in wait from nearby, having drawn his sagaris and was ready to strike. He listened intently for the approaching Viking and waited for the burly man to run past him before he leaped out in an effort to strike, but again his blow was absorbed by the Viking's riveted chainmail.
The Viking was only left even more ticked off by the bothersome Immortal and brought his spear up as the Persian warrior brought the blade end down, splitting the spear's shaft in two. He managed to kick the smaller man back and went for his other two spears and chucked the simultaneously at the foreign warrior. His first spear completely missed, yet the second had become lodged in the man's thigh and left him screaming in agony and pinned to the tree behind him.
With his opponent wounded, the Viking again drew his longsword and went in for the kill. Through his pain the Immortal saw him approaching and tried swinging the pick end of his sagaris at him in desperation, yet was halted when the Norse warrior brought his blade down on the man's forearm, severing the limb just beneath the elbow.
The Immortal stared back at his opponent in horror before the wild Danish Viking swung his sword one last time, severing his head.
With his opponent defeated, the Viking raised his bloody sword and shouted to the heavens.
"ODIN!"
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Winner: Viking
Viking:
Long Sword: 189
Dane Axe: 139
Boar Spear: 112
Shield: 87
Total: 527
Persian Immortal:
Akinakes: 147
Spear: 117
Persian Bow: 102
Sagaris: 107
Total: 473
"It was another close battle, but ultimately the Viking would prevail thanks in part to his superior size, better armor, and better weapons. However, the Immortal did not make this an easy victory for him, managing to score kills in the triple digits range with all of his weapons.
He ripped the Immortal apart with the same ferocity during the Viking's golden age and thus earned his redemption," Geoff Desmoulin concluded.
(The victorious Viking limps back to his village following the battle, the wild boar in hand. Not only will he have a feast to provide his family, but he will also return bearing the trophy of another great battle as he displays the Persian Immortal's akinakes strapped to his side.)
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Author's Note: Following more input from PFC Rice Man I will be doing another "Back for Blood" match up that will feature a battle of ancient generals with:
El Cid: The national hero of Spain whose number of legendary exploits nearly outnumbers his tally of slain Moors...
vs. Saladin: The chivalrous Saracen leader who repelled Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade.
Aside from that I will also be revealing the first battle of my forthcoming season:
North Korean Special Operations Force vs. Quds Force
Well I think that's everything for the time being and with this battle finished I can now move on to the actual "Back for Blood" match ups when the Mongol clashes with the Mughal in a clash of the conquerors.
As always read and review and once again this is Metal Harbinger saying SPREAD THE SICKNESS, ONE MIND AT A TIME! \m/
