Sohei: Japan's elite warrior monks who's skill and prowess in battle made them legends.
(A sohei is seen dueling with a rival monk. He deflects an oncoming swing from his opponent's naginata before swinging his tachi and decapitates the man.)
vs.
Han Dynasty Warrior: China's top notch foot soldier who's skill in battle helped build the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.
(A Han warrior duels with a rival soldier as a battle ensues between them. He disarms the rival with his deer horn knives before he stabs him repeatedly in his stomach.)
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!
Last time both warriors emerged victorious in a brutal hard fought battle...
(The sohei brings his naginata downward, the bladed end slices into the knight templar's head sending a piece flying off and exposing brain.)
...but now, what will happen when they are plucked from their respective time periods to face off against each other?
(The Han thrusts the broken end of his qiang into the zealot's throat, he then gets up and scoops up his dao before slicing the Jewish warrior's throat open.)
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 of the greatest warriors from the Asian continent.
Sohei
Circa: 1564 A.D.
Height: 5'6''
Weight: 150 lbs.
Armor: O-Yoroi, Cowl
Han Dynasty Warrior
Circa: 206 B.C.
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 135 lbs.
Armor: Leather Lamellar, Leather Scaled Helmet, Circular Bamboo Shield
''Today on back for blood we couldn't have asked for such a good match. We have the sohei warrior monk from feudal Japan against the greatest warrior in Chinese history, the Han Dynasty Warrior. It's a true battle between skilled opponents and I can't to see how it unfolds.'' Barry started off.
''These two are some of the most skilled warriors to grace the Asian continent. I think it will be one the closest match-ups in this back for blood.'' Geoff said.
''Taking into account the Han may be from the B.C. era but he is bringing early forms of steel weaponry in this fight. The armor of both will also come into play and I think it'll be those subtle differences in their fighting styles that tips the result in either warrior's favor.'' Dorian added.
''We've got swords, polearms and bows to test. Let's get this show on the road.'' Geoff concluded.
The warrior monk protected his temple with a diverse arsenal of weapons.
Short Range: Tachi
Mid-Range: Naginata
Long Range: Yumi
Special: Tanto
In turn the Han comes equipped with a cache of early steel weaponry that helped make China an early superpower.
Short Range: Dao
Mid-Range: Qiang
Long Range: Crossbow
Special: Deer Horn Knives
When the battle came to close range both warriors used famed swords used to hack and slash their foes down.
The team reviews the footage of both weapons testing in their debuts. After a lengthy discussion the team finally decides an edge.
''I'm giving this one all to the tachi.'' Geoff started off ''It has the reach and it can slash deeper than the dao and I think the sohei is more skilled with his weapon.''
''The tachi has better metallurgy in it which would make it much sturdier than the dao. Edge tachi.'' Dorian seconded.
''The tachi's signature curve design would allow it to cut much deeper in the body than the dao. Edge tachi.'' Barry finished.
In short range weapons, the edge goes to the sohei for the tachi.
For mid-ranged weapons both warriors used their most signature polearms to take their foes down.
The team reviews the footage of the testing from both weapon's debut and they discuss the edge before it has been decided.
''This one is a bit difficult to decide. The qiang has the longer reach but the naginata has options. I think I'll call this one even.'' Geoff started off.
''I give the edge to the naginata because you won't have to deal with the extra length which would make the qiang cumbersome in a fight. Edge naginata.'' Dorian said.
''The qiang is way too long to use and since this is an infantry battle I give the edge to the naginata for having speed on it's side.'' Barry concluded.
In mid-range weapons, the edge goes to the sohei for the naginata.
For long range weapons both used their own bows to strike their enemies down from a distance.
The team now reviews the testing of both the yumi and the Han's crossbow and come to an easy conclusion.
''This is an obvious one. The yumi has the reload time. Simple.'' Geoff said.
''The crossbow takes way too long to reload and that alone will cost the Han his life. Edge yumi.'' Dorian seconded.
''The yumi's reload speed just gives it a total edge over the crossbow.'' Barry added.
In long range weapons, the edge goes to the sohei for the yumi.
Now we review the special weapons our warriors carried into battle. The sohei tanto and the Han deer horn knives.
The team gets to reviewing the testing of both weapons in use and come to another easy conclusion.
''Easy, the tanto may be fast but the deer horn knives are faster and since you have two of them you can catch the tanto with one and stab your enemy with the other. Deer horn knives all the way.'' Geoff said.
''The deer horn knives are just a tad bit bigger than the tanto and the surprises the Han is packing with these two blades will catch the sohei off guard. Edge deer horn knives.'' Dorian seconded.
''For versatility alone I give the edge to the Han for the deer horn knives.'' Barry said.
In special weapons, the edge goes to the Han Dynasty Warrior for the deer horn knives
Now we review the armor worn by our warriors and after a brief discussion our panel decides an edge.
''The sohei's armor is made of better material and covers a larger portion of his body. The o-yoroi is incorporating both scales and plates in it offering more protection.'' Geoff said.
''The Han does have a shield though. But aside from that his armor is more easily pierced so the edge goes to the sohei.'' Dorian seconded.
''Both sets of armor have their strong points. Sadly I don't see the leather armor of the Han holding up against any of the weapons the sohei is carrying. For incorporating scale and plates and covering more of the body the armor category goes to the sohei.'' Barry concluded.
In the armor category, the edge goes to the sohei for the o-yoroi.
Coming up, Barry gauges the x-factors and our match between season two's most deadly Asian warriors begins!
XXXXXX
Welcome back to the fight club. Here we've tested and reviewed the deadly weapons of the most efficient warriors from Asia.
For short range weapons, the sohei's tachi sliced apart the Han's dao.
''The real edge comes from the length of the tachi, the speed in which it can be swung and the fact that it can slice through the the Han's leather armor. While the dao is certainly an awesome sword it can't get through the o-yoroi.'' Geoff explained.
Edge: Sohei
For mid-range weapons we compared the naginata against the qiang.
''Since this is an infantry battle the qiang will be less effective with it's absurdly long shaft. Had this been cavalry versus chariot it would be different. The naginata's superior speed, slashing and stabbing attacks is what gives it the edge.''
Edge: Sohei
For long range weapons, the sohei's yumi struck down the Han's crossbow.
''It doesn't take rocket science to figure out why the yumi won. Moving on.''
Edge: Sohei
Then for special weapons the Han's deer horn knives cut down the sohei's tanto.
''Since there's two knives instead of one and combined with the amazing skill the Han wielded them is why they take the edge in this category.''
Edge: Han Dynasty Warrior
And finally for armor, the sohei's o-yoroi proved more effective than the Han's leather lamellar.
''While the Han has a shield and helmet they're only made of leather and with the weapons the sohei used I think he's in a bit of trouble. The sohei will slice through his armor with all his weapons without a doubt.'' Geoff concluded.
Edge: Sohei
And now Barry gauges the x-factors for the warriors.
''Time to look over these x-factors from their previous matches.'' Barry said taking a seat at the computer.
''For training the sohei had a 95 to the Han's 85.''
''Physicality goes to the sohei with a 94 to the Han's 83.''
''Third was endurance and the Han has lighter armor meaning he won't be weighed down like the sohei. So he has a 90 to the sohei's 86.''
''For fourth is killer instinct and the Han has a 90 to the sohei's 84.''
''Fifth is intimidation and we gave the edge to the Han with an 83 to the sohei's 82.''
''Last is ferocity and we gave the edge to both with an 87.''
Barry, Geoff and Dorian have finished reviewing both the weapon data and the x-factors of both warriors. We will now run the simulator 1,000 times in a duel to the death.
Who will win between two of the most famous warriors ever to grace East Asia?
''I'm excited to see the results of this match, so let's see who is the winner.'' Barry said pressing the button.
XXXXXX
The battle takes place in the Kansai region of Japan. We see a lone sohei monk meditating at the foot of a sakura tree. The peaceful winds and the shining sun providing a very calm and tranquil environment suitable for him to enjoy some meditation.
He remains fully armored however. He has heard of forces from the neighboring China making a foothold on Japanese soil and he stands ready to defend his home to the death. Nearby in the small sakura tree forest he has set his weapons in different locations just in case.
Nearby in the adjacent walk way, a lone Han warrior is seen walking through the area. He has been sent to recon this new land in hopes of his kingdom expanding it's influence.
He hears the buzzing of cicadas in the nearby trees, the sound putting his mind at ease. He then sets his weapons down near the banks of the river in front of him and goes to relax for a bit.
Hearing the sounds of weapons and footsteps, the sohei opens his eyes, enraged at the sudden interruption he picks up his yumi and draws an arrow. He turns to the direction of the noise and spots the Han warrior laying on his back relaxing.
He strings an arrow and aims at the Han, sensing that he isn't alone gets up. Just as he gets up an arrow flies straight to him and strikes him in the arm.
The Han grunts and goes to yank it out, he looks and spots the sohei readying another arrow on his yumi, picking up his crossbow, he places a bolt onto it and takes aim at the Japanese monk.
He tickles the tickler and the bolt goes flying. As the sohei was about to take aim with his yumi when the bolt hits him in the shoulder, the bolt having pierced his armor albeit barely.
He tosses his yumi aside and goes to yank it out. As he does that the Han warrior had already taken his qiang and goes to charge the warrior monk.
The sohei yanks the bolt out and looks up to see the Han charging, twirling and unsheathing his tachi and swings the sword, the sword clangs against the qiang's tip and the qiang is swiped away.
Before the sohei can go for another swing the Han jumps back and hurls the qiang at the sohei, the spear lodging into the sohei's armor piercing it.
Grunting in pain the sohei swings his tachi downward and cuts through the qiang's shaft. Tossing the cut spear away he looks up to see the Han bringing his dao down onto his head.
Raising his tachi in defense he catches the blade and both attempt to gain the upper-hand in a test of strength. The Han would gain the advantage and manages to kick the sohei in the balls.
The sohei groans and doubles over in pain and he grabs his nuts. The Han then follows through by backhanding the sohei knocking to the ground whilst dropping his sword. The sohei rolls away just in time to avoid having the dao brought down onto his face.
Rushing over to scoop up his naginata, the sohei swings it only for the Han to block it. Responding quickly he then kicks the Han over before taking off into the pink, elegant sakura forest to get his naginata and tanto hidden in the brush.
The Han recovers from the kick and gets up, catching a glimpse of the sohei within the tree line, he picks up his dao and gives chase.
Making his way into a small clearing he spots the sohei bending over some brushes picking a polearm of sorts. Taking the naginata the sohei faces the Han and assumes his battle stance.
The Han rushes over with his dao and takes his shield off his back and both warriors slowly make their way towards each other. They both eye each other waiting for the other to make their move.
The sohei would be the first to move and he goes for a wide swing with his naginata. The Han effortlessly ducks under it and charges towards the exposed monk. The monk brings his naginata back and manages to swing it, the botton portion of the shaft striking the Han in his helmet knocking it off.
Before the sohei can bring his naginata down, the Han blocks with his shield deflecting the naginata's blade away from him. The Han then unleashes a barrage of swings hoping to catch the Japanese monk off guard but the sohei blocks each blow with his naginata with no problem.
Tossing his shield at the sohei, the monk swings his naginata to bat the shield away but the Han draws his deer horn knives and catches the base of the blade and both get caught up in another struggle.
The Han then twists his naginata and the blade is cut from the shaft. Annoyed the sohei tosses his broken polearm aside and draws both his tanto and tachi. Both warriors hold their blades in front of them and charge full force toward each other.
Both collide in a clanging of steel that echoes throughout the elegant sakura forest and both exchange blows, neither scoring a hit on the other. The two warriors both jump attack and come together with their blades intertwining each other.
As their third test of strength begins, the sohei plays dirty and manages to shove the Chinese warrior back. The Han nearly falls over onto his back and seeing the opening, the sohei rushes forward and thrusts the tanto into the Han's gut, the blade going straight through the leather armor.
The Han gasps in pain and responds by thrusting one of his knives into the sohei's side, the knife going straight through.
Both warriors gasp in pain and both force their respective blades deeper into their opponent's body. They then attempt to headbutt each other but their foreheads collide and both are sent reeling backwards with headaches.
They both recover from their migraine headaches and hold their blades in front of each other one more time. Knowing that the end for one of them is near, they both charge one last time.
They collide and exchange a few blows. They both go in for a thrust with both their blades, however the sohei's longer tachi skewers the Han in his gut.
The Han gasps in pain dropping his knives as the sohei forces his sword deeper through his body. The sohei then stabs the Han in the chest with his tanto making the man scream in pain.
Forcing the defeated Han to his knees, the Japanese monk yanks the tachi out of the Han's gut.
Giving one last look at his fallen adversary, the sohei then takes his tachi and places the tip onto the side of the Han's neck before forcing it in. The blade skewering it's way through the Han's neck.
The Han can only let out one last gasp before he goes wide-eyed as the tachi completely skewers it's way through his neck.
His life passes and the sohei releases his grip from the tachi, the corpse falling over on it's own. The sohei then walks over to a nearby boulder, climbs it and proceeds to meditate in peace once again in the quiet and calm sakura forest.
XXXXXX
Winner: Sohei
Sohei: 542
Tachi: 185
Naginata: 131
Yumi: 100
Tanto: 126
Han Dynasty Warrior: 458
Dao: 173
Qiang: 104
Crossbow: 50
Deer Horn Knives: 131
X-Factors
Training: 95/Training: 85
Physicality: 94/Physicality: 83
Endurance: 86/Endurance: 90
Killer Instinct: 84/Killer Instinct: 90
Intimidation: 82/Intimidation: 83
Ferocity: 87/Ferocity: 87
Armor Failure Rate
O-Yoroi: 13% - Leather Lamellar: 22%
No Helmet - Leather Scaled Helmet: 35%
No Shield - Circular Bamboo Shield: 13%
Following a battle between two of the best warriors to have ever grace the Asian continent. It would be the sohei who wins. He achieves 54.2% of the wins compared to the Han's 45.8% largely thanks to his superior armor and long range weaponry. The Han's deer horn knives proved to be a valuable asset, but it just wasn't enough.
''The sohei won because he had better weaponry, better armor and better techniques. That's all I have to say for this.'' Geoff commented.
''Despite the closeness of the x-factors and the match overall, I did expect the sohei to win.'' Dorian added.
''The Han was a fearsome challenger. He just couldn't stand up to the superior sword fighting techniques the sohei was using and his armor was easily dispatched by the sohei's entire arsenal.'' Barry concluded.
(The sohei is seen quietly mediating atop the boulder. On the ground at the base of it lay the Han's weapons. More weapons he can add to his arsenal. The camera pans out and shows the quiet, pink and serene scene of the elegant sakura forest.)
XXXXXX
Next time on redemption, we conclude the ancient warrior's bracket by having season two's victorious tribal warriors battle.
Mohawk Indian: Warriors of the Iroquois Confederacy who fiercely resisted American settlers and rival tribes.
vs.
Maasai: The fearless lionslaying tribesman of Africa.
WHO IS DEADLIEST!?