So Season 3 Redemption begins! I have been dying to get to this portion of the fights since that means we're getting closer to Season 4. I hope you all enjoy this installment and don't forget to review!
XXXXXX
(A Castilian man dressed in chainmail armor takes his big sword and swings at the camera.)
El Cid: The Castilian nobleman whose tactics continued to lead men into battle even after death.
(El Cid is seen running an invading Moor soldier through with his colada.)
vs.
(A Middle-Eastern looking man in steel plated chainmail swings his kilij at the camera.)
Mahmud of Ghazni: The Ghaznavid ruler whose conquests of the Indian subcontinent transformed Ghazna into a powerhouse.
(Mahmud is seen charging into battle with his men and runs up to an Afghan and decapitates him with his kilij.)
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 generals were defeated in close contests in their respective battles...
(El Cid gets his head sliced in half courtesy of Maharana Pratap's katar.)
...but now what will happen when they are brought back for a chance at redemption?
(Mahmud is decapitated by Kublai Khan with his Turko-Mongol saber.)
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 medieval generals...
El Cid
Circa: 1094 A.D.
Age: 51
Height: 5'11''
Weight: 165 lbs.
Armor: Chainmail Hauberk, Steel Helmet
Mahmud of Ghazni
Circa: 1001 A.D.
Age: 30
Height: 5'8''
Weight: 160 lbs.
Armor: Steel Plated Chainmail, Steel Helmet, Leather Covered Iron Shield
''Here we go folks the first match of the loser's bracket and we're kicking it off when the famed Castilian knight El Cid takes on Ghaznavid ruler Mahmud of...well Ghazni. It's gonna be awesome when these two meet for the first time.'' DAM started off.
''These two men are still remembered in their respective parts of the world. El Cid fought off the invading Moor armies and Mahmud turned Ghazna into a regional power.'' Zivon explained.
''I think this'll be a close match for sure. Both men are coming armed with some of the strongest weapons we've see on this fic and I can't wait to see who wins.'' Demigod said.
''Both men didn't fare so well against their earlier opponents with El Cid originally losing to Maharana Pratap way back in season 2 but he won against Richard The Lionheart in his first redemption match. Mahmud got screwed when he fought Kublai Khan back in his first fight. Will El Cid redeem himself again or will Mahmud win it this time? Let's find out!'' Rice Man said excitedly.
The Castilian nobleman carried a deadly assortment of weaponry that spilled the blood of many Moors...
Short Range: Colada
Mid-Range: Tizona
Long Range: Crossbow
Special: Misericorde
in turn, the Ghaznavid ruler conquered his enemies with an arsenal of Middle Eastern inspirations that brought his empire to it's greatest extent...
Short Range: Kilij
Mid-Range: Iron Spear
Long Range: Tartar Recurve Bow
Special: Sappara
When these two leaders engaged in swordplay with their adversaries they brought with them two blades of differing designs. For El Cid he used the famed Colada and Mahmud used the deadly slashing Kilij.
The team now reviews the testing of both blades in their respective matches before the team decides what to do.
''We've seen these two blades perform against armor and in the end I'm gonna give it to the Colada.'' DAM started off.
''I agreed. The kilij can slice through you like nobody's business but against chainmail armor it's not gonna do good. The Colada on the other hand will have an easier time piercing Mahmud's armor.'' Zivon seconded.
''I'm with you on that. I have no doubt it can also pierce through the plated portions as well for an injury.'' Demigod added.
''The Colada is also made of a stronger metal being Damascus steel. El Cid is also much more proficient with blade as well so I give it my edge.'' Rice Man concluded.
In short range weapons, the edge goes to El Cid for the Colada.
When it came down to mid-ranged combat these two leaders brought with them two very different weapons to kill their enemies. El Cid used his other famous blade the Tizona and Mahmud used the deadly skewering iron spear.
The team now reviews the footage of both weapons in previous battles and come to a rather easy decision. Boys?
''This is a no-brainer. The Tizona is much more lethal and hits a lot harder.'' DAM started off.
''I beg to agree and give this all to the Tizona. It'll no doubt hurt Mahmud through his armor.'' Zivon added.
''It's too easy to decide, the Tizona takes it all the way.'' Demigod said.
''Yeah, too easy and it can also cut through the shaft of the spear as well. Edge Tizona.'' Rice Man concluded.
In mid-range weapons, the edge goes to El Cid for the Tizona.
For long range weapons these two generals brought in two deadly medieval sniper rifles to kill their enemies from afar. El Cid used the crossbow and Mahmud of Ghazni used the Islamic version of the fearsome Mongol bow, the Tartar recurve bow.
The team reviews the test footage of each bow in their various previous appearance before coming to a decision.
''I'm giving this one to the recurve bow for ease of use and will no doubt pierce through El Cid's hauberk.'' DAM started off.
''I disagree and give this one to the crossbow. It hits harder and will kill Mahmud through his armor and I know it'll pierce through the plated portions of his armor.'' Zivon countered.
''I go with the recurve bow for being easier to reload and if this goes to horseback Mahmud will be much smoother operating his weapon.'' Demigod said.
''Gotta go with the recurve bow as well for the same reasons Demigod and DAM said. I like the crossbow but I hate reloading those things.'' Rice Man concluded.
In long range weapons, the edge goes to Mahmud of Ghazni for the Tartar recurve bow.
XXXXXX
Now the time has come for both warriors to unveil their special weapons. El Cid used the precise misericorde dagger and Mahmud of Ghazni used the nasty slashing sappara.
The team now reviews the testing of each special weapon in their previous appearances before coming to a decision.
''There's no doubt in my mind the misericorde will find its way in the weakpoints of Mahmud's armor. El Cid gets my edge.'' DAM started off.
''I'm on full agreement here. The sappara is just a slashing weapon and we know what happens they you slash chainmail.'' Zivon seconded.
''Same here the sappara is having no effect on El Cid's armor whereas Cid can puntcure his way through Mahmu despite the plated portions.'' Demigod added.
''In the edge the chinks Mahmud's armor will not protect him from the misericorde. Edge El Cid.'' Rice Man concluded.
In special weapons, the edge goes to El Cid for the misericorde.
Both generals relied on the best armor available to them. The panelists now review the armor's performances against their original opponents in their debut episodes before the team finally gives their opinions. Boys?
''I'm giving this one all to Mahmud. He has plates incorporated into his armor and he has a shield.'' DAM started off.
''Agree 100%.'' Zivon seconded earning a resound 'same here' from Rice Man and Demigod.
For the armor category, the edge goes to Mahmud of Ghazni.
XXXXXX
Welcome back to the Fight Club, here we reviewed the weapons used by two legendary generals to determine who is deadliest.
For short range weapons, the superior metallurgy and versatility of the colada proved more useful than the kilij.
''It's literally a longer sword and will have an easier time piercing Mahmud's armor.'' DAM explained.
Edge: El Cid
For mid-range weapons, the slashing power and versatility of the Tizona cut the Iron spear in half.
''The Tizona is the much more lethal weapon with its size and will easily cut the spear in half.'' Zivon explained.
Edge: El Cid
For long range weapon, the range and power of the Tartar recurve bow shot the crossbow down.
''It hits hard, easier to reload and you'll be less fatigued.'' Demigod explained.
Edge: Mahmud of Ghazni
For special weapons, superior armor piercing capabilities of the misericorde outdid the sappara.
''Easier and less cumbersome to wield and will make mincemeat of Mahmud's armor. The sappara ain't breaking El Cid's armor.'' Rice Man explained.
Edge: El Cid
And finally, for armor the added plates and shield of Mahmud proved more effective than El Cid's chainmail hauberk.
''Mahmud has more protection with the plates and the shield.'' DAM explained.
Edge: Mahmud of Ghazni
And now our resident metalhead and computer wizz Metal Harbinger will review the x-factors of the warriors.
''Let's do this gents.'' Metal said as he sits in front of the computer.
''For endurance Mahmud had an 87 to El Cid' 80
''For strategy El Cid had a 90 to Mahmud's 89.''
''For troop discipline Mahmud had a 91 to El Cid's 88.''
''For logistics El Cid had an 88 to Mahmud's 87.''
''For generalship both generals scored an 85 each.''
''For physicality Mahmud got an 89 to El Cid's 80 since he's a little younger.''
Now that the panel has reviewed the weapons, armor and x-factors of these two leaders Metal will now input the data into the battle simulator to determine which general is deadliest.
The battle will pit El Cid and 4 of his Castilian knights against Mahmud and 4 of his Ghaznavid soldiers. Since El Cid was the only one known to use the Colada and Tizona his knights will be armed with generic broadswords.
''In the end only one man will be redeemed. Let's see who it is.'' Metal said before hitting the button.
XXXXXX
After fending off another attack from the invading Moor armies in a small camp in an isolated part of the forest stood five men clad in chainmail armor. The five figures were the legendary general El Cid of Castile and four of his Castilian knights who were resting, catching their breaths and tending to their weapons.
Not only does El Cid have to worry about the current problems with the Moors there have been rumors of a group of warriors coming from Central Asia and he would make sure they will be dealt with if they proved to be a threat to his kingdom.
El Cid: 5
Despite being the only ones left from the recent attack El Cid and his men were determined not to falter and will be ready to fight against the Moors again should they attack. Elsewhere in the forest a group of five more men were seen walking through the trees. Upon further inspection it was revealed to be the Ghaznavid ruler Abu al-Qasim Mahmud ibn Sabuktigin, or simply known as Mahmuh of Ghazani and four of his best men beside him.
Mahmud of Ghazni: 5
After failing to repel the invading Mongol empire under Kublai Khan the remnants of the Ghaznavid empire went west to begin anew and after making his way into Spain Mahmud knew that in order to rebuild the Ghaznavid kingdom he will have to defeat the legendary general El Cid he had heard so much about. Mahmud and his warriors continue along the forest path when they see the tree line end about fifty meters ahead.
However, as they walk closer they see the light from a fire and the Ghaznavid ruler orders his men to slow down their pace. Together they all slowly creep over to get a better view and that was when Mahmud saw him, the legendary El Cid.
Mahmud turns to his two archers and orders them to ready some arrows but the noise caught the attention of El Cid and his men and they turn to face the source of the sound to see the Ghaznavids. El Cid orders his crossbowmen to ready their own bolts but it was too late as one of them is hit right in the face with an arrow.
El Cid: 4 - Mahmud of Ghazni: 5
El Cid's remaining crossbowman finally gets a bolt on his weapon and takes aim at one of the Ghaznavid archers and aims the weapon and fires. The bolt sailing through the air and hits the Ghaznavid archer right in the neck killing him.
El Cid: 4 - Mahmud of Ghazni: 4
El Cid draws his Tizona and raises it in the air.
''Hombres, ataquen!'' (Men, attack!'') shouted the nobleman.
His remaining men draw their swords and charge at the Ghaznavids and seeing this Mahmud draws his kilij and raises it in the air in response. Just like El Cid the ruler's remaining men drew their spears and blades and both sides began charging one another and after a few seconds of charging the two sides then meet in the middle of the clearing in a clash of steel.
A Castilian knight clashes with a Ghaznavid soldier with their blades unable to land a blow on each other. The Ghaznavid goes in for a swing with his kilij only for the Castlian warrior to parry the blow with his sword and responds with a thrust. The blade manages to pierce the armor but it wasn't deep enough to kill and taking the chance the Ghaznavid warrior brings the kilij down and severs the Castilian's hands at the wirst.
The Castilian was left screaming in pain at his stumps before his head is cut off from the kilij.
El Cid: 3 - Mahmud of Ghazni: 4
Nearby a Ghaznavid warrior armed with a sappara clashes blades with El Cid. The nobleman manages to effortlessly parry the blows from the sappara and steps back a few feet to create some distance. When his opponent comes charging at him with his sappara in a flurry of swings Cid uses his longer Tizona to parry a blow sending his sappara flying upward and El Cid quickly reaches for a misericorde dagger and jams it into his enemy's eye before kicking the corpse over.
El Cid: 3 - Mahmud of Ghazni: 3
Mahmud and his men were seen fighting it out with Cid's last two knights with one of the Castilians going in for a thrust with his broadsword at Mahmud only for the Ghaznavid ruler to raise his shield to block the attack.
Just as the attack is blocked the ruler uses the shield to swat the Castilian away and one of his soldiers armed with a spear takes the chance to thrust the weapon right into the gut of the Castilian knight.
El Cid: 2 - Mahmud of Ghazni: 3
Withdrawing his iron spear the Ghaznavid soldier hears someone coming at him from his left and looking in the direction of the sound he spots the other Castilian charging at him with his sword and goes in for a swing. He raises his spear to try and deflect the blow but the Castilian's sword slices clean through the shaft effortlessly. The Ghaznavid soldier was left with two useless pieces of wood and his confusion soon ends as the Castilian runs him through with his sword.
El Cid: 2 - Mahmud of Ghazni: 2
Seeing his comrade go down the other Ghaznavid draws his sappara and rushes toward the Castilian and swings his curved blade as hard as he could. The blow strikes the Castilian right in the helmet sending the knight into a daze. Out of desperation the Castilian responds by swinging his sword in the direction from where he got hit and manages to only hit the Ghaznavid warrior's shield. The man only responds by swinging his sappara right back and this time he manages to cut the Castilian's unprotected head nearly slicing it in two diagonally.
El Cid: 1 - Mahmud of Ghazni: 2
The Ghaznavid's victory was short-lived with El Cid comes up from behind him and thrusts his Tizona through his back and the blade protrudes out his chest.
El Cid: 1 - Mahmud of Ghazni: 1
Pulling his massive blade out El Cid turns to face his main enemy who stood before him with his kilij and shield in hand. El Cid reaches for his Colada and both men simply stare each other down in cold silence not saying a word. Then as if almost on cue both El Cid and Mahmud raise their weapons and charge toward each other with battle cries that filled the empty forest.
Just as both men come within melee range Cid uses his long Tizona and goes for a massive swing which prompts the Ghaznavid leader to raises his shield in defense. Mahmud was not expecting what happened next when the second the Tizona impacted his shield it leather covered iron tool becomes heavily dented from such a blow and Mahmud gelt the impact and grimaces in discomfort. Using the leverage of the shield Mahmud attempts to swat the Tizona away and knowing his opponent would try something like this Cid takes his Colada and goes for a thrust with the blade.
Unfortunately, Mahmud saw the Colada coming in and quickly brings his kilij down hitting the sword with enough force to knock it right out of Cid's hand. Not wanting to take another blow El Cid pulls back the Tizona and delivers a kick toward Mahmud who just raises his shield and Cid's foot strikes the shield with enough force to send Mahmud stumbling backward leaving him open for another attack. Taking the chance Cid swings his Tizona once more and once again Mahmud raises his shield in defense and just like before the impact severely dents the shield and this time Mahmud felt a bone in his arm fracture from the impact.
Out of desperation Mahmud tosses the now destroyed shield at El Cid and bounds toward his grounded kilij and scoops it up.
He then swings it blindly just as Cid swings his Tizona and both blade hit each other in a clang of steel. Both men manage to keep their grips on their swords and exchange more blows with each other until Mahmud swings low and sadly for him Cid hops over the sword just as it comes close to hitting his knees and with a sidestep draws a spare misericorde dagger he has and jams it into Mahmud's side.
The shock and pain from the stab makes Mahmud scream in pain and and turning to face his adversary he sees El Cid swinging his Tizona again and he goes to raise his kilij in a desperate, feeble attempt to block the attack.
The moment the Tizona hits the kilij it sends Mahmud's sword wielding arm downward at an awkward angle and before he could recover Cid brings his Tizona down and slices his sword wielding arm off. Mahmud was left screaming at his stump as it spurts out blood and he was in so much shock he did not see as Cid scoop up his Colada and jams the sword right into between his plate armor.
The chainmail portion did nothing to protect Mahmud and after being forced to the ground his screams were silenced once El Cid takes a mighty swing with his Tizona and severs the Ghaznavid ruler's head off.
El Cid: 1 - Mahmud of Ghazni: 0
El Cid watches the headless corpse fall over as he sheathes his blades. He takes a breath and looks on into the forest in victory.
''Caes pero fuiste un enemigo digno.'' (You fall but were a worthy enemy.)
XXXXXX
Winner: El Cid
El Cid: 518
Colada: 100
Tizona: 295
Crossbow: 76
Misericorde: 47
Mahmud of Ghazni: 482
Kilij: 222
Iron Spear: 99
Tartar Recurve Bow: 100
Sappara: 61
X-Factors
Endurance: 80/Endurance: 87
Strategy: 90/Strategy: 89
Troop Discipline: 88/Troop Discipline: 91
Logistics: 88/Logistics: 87
Generalship: 85/Generalship: 85
Physicality: 80/Physicality: 89
Armor Failure Rate
Steel Helmet: 1% - Steel Helmet: 2%
Chainmail Hauberk: 4% - Steel-Plated Chainmail: 5%
No Shield - Leather Covered Iron Shield: 1%
Following a close back and forth struggle El Cid emerges victorious with 51.8% of the kills to Mahmud's 48.2%. It was thanks to the incredible piercing abilities of all his blades combined with the power of the Tizona that led to his victory.
''When you come to look at it El Cid's weapons were great for getting through Mahmud's armor. Mahmud's blades were mainly slashing and those did nothing to Cid's chainmail hauberk." DAM explained.
''I knew it was gonna be a close match and I'm glad Cid managed to scoop up another win.'' Zivon commented.
''Darn, I was slightly siding with Mahmud but I get why he lost. His weapons were simply too one-dimensional and he only did better at long range.'' Demigod said.
''I was torn between these two but in the end I agree with El Cid winning this one. His weapons were versatile all the way through and had armor piercing capabilities. His Tizona especially was the main killing tool out of every weapon in the simulation. Looks like El Cid retains his title as 'Deadliest' General.'' Rice Man concluded.
(El Cid was seen walking back to his castle which looms over the distance. With Mahmud's kilij and sappara strapped to his waist he will warn the rest of his army of the threat from Ghazna and they will face defeat like the Moors.)
XXXXXX
Next time on Redemption, two generals of the Iron Age collide for a battle for supremacy...
Attila the Hun: The feared and merciless Hunnic warlord whose devastating raids terrorized Europe.
vs.
Ashurnasirpal ll: The Neo-Assyrian King who skinned his victims alive and nailed their skin to the city gates.
WHO IS DEADLIEST?!