xitel said:
I actually really hate the show. They don't take into account the different mentalities and the like. For example, in the "Viking vs. Ninja" episode, they didn't take into account that the viking was a much LARGER fighter than the ninja, and that his axe blow would have likely knocked the weapon out of the ninja's hands. It seems like someone said "Hey, Pirates versus ninjas. Let's make a show out of it. Oh yeah, it's impossible to quantify a fight between the two based solely on their weaponry, but who gives a shit? It's Xtreme."
I thought it was "Viking Vs. Samurai" though that was another thread so maybe it's a differant episode, I haven't seen the show. I probably should . I made some comments on it a while ago.
If it comes down to Ninja Vs. Viking it should be simplistic. The Viking Wins. Size isn't really the factor, it comes down to armor. Samurai wore armor, Ninja generally did not.
Plus in most arguements people tend to disrespect the sheer advantage that a shield gives you. Probably from RPGs where having a "second attack" due to a paired weapon is better than the "single point of armor class" that you gain from a shield (using like default (A)D&D rules. Things like Combat & Tactics for 2E were complicated but made shields a lot more like they should be).
The fight would basically go like, Ninja-To deflects off armor as the Viking partially deflects it with his shield, turns his body and smashes the wrist with the shield edge. Large Axe/Broadsword cleaves pajama clad head like an eggshell. Viking moves on to next opponent.
The thing is that from what I know Ninjas were like the anti-thesis of warriors. Despite the Anime/Fantasy type portrayals the whole point was for them to like avoid fighting warriors, or to be really good at running away if pursued.
In terms of combat techniques a lot would pwn a ninja if it was a straight fight. If a Ninja wants someone dead he's more likely to sneak into the kitchen and poison breakfast while they are asleep or something like that.
We're talking a bloody assasin.
Samurai Vs. Viking made a bit more sense conceptually. I still favor the Viking of course but I'd imagine he lost because of Samurai Chic. I have my reasons for thinking this way without having watched the show, but largely it again comes down to things like armor and shields. I'd rather have a shield and a breastplate or leather jack with metal scales on it, and a good solid helmet, than a set of wicker armor and a hand and a half sword (Katana, usable with one hand or both).
Not to say the Samurai weren't impressive in their own way, but in reality when you get past a lot of the mystique they were as much scholors and administrators as warriors. All comments about "one with the sword" and "constant training" in the fantasy versions overlooks the fact that these guys were basically a noble caste who ran around playing
micro manager and bean counter for estates and such, and were also expected to know things like poetry, painting, etc... they didn't just sit around 24/7 learning to pwn face with swords (well some might have, but not your "typical" member of the pre-Meiji revolution Samurai Aristocracy as far as the things I've read).
Generally speaking I'll bet on the guy who isn't wearing wicker armor and spends his time, sailing, herding, farming (well sometimes), raiding and other generally active stuff rather than an aristocrat that practices some fancy swordsmanship but (depending on time period) might not actually fight much except to smack down some unruly peasants or a few bandits.
I mean once Japan was unified, things weren't exactly peaceful, but it wasn't really the "Viking Warrior" enviroment... and in addition to the weapon/armor differances I simply think your typical Viking is going to be a heck of a lot more rugged, practiced, and skilled when it comes to a REAL fight than a member of the Samurai Aristocracy.
