So I decided to post this stuff up for everyone to look at and read over. These are some of the translated materials given to me by Elmer the Pointy, from http://www.jpbutton.com. He didn't tell me to not show others these documents so I figured I'd post them, I just want to make sure he gets 100% credit for all the work done here, and maybe give his website a click too. Smile

All this information comes from an art book that was only released in Japan, and contained a lot of the ancient history and hidden details of Vana'diel. I figured I'd post it for IC knowledge purpose but keep in mind, some of this stuff is so old that no one may remember it IC.

This is all his formatting and all his presentation. Unfortunately he never posted it to his own site. If he does post it to his own site this post will be removed and replaced with a link to his site, and it will also be removed by personal request (if he asks me to)



Samurais are exceptional warriors that study the military arts of the East, and fight with incredibly sharp swords, called Katana.



明珍脛当 – Myochin Sune-Ate
These shin-guards protect the legs below the knees. They are fixed to the leg with leather straps.

明珍板佩楯 – Myochin Haidate
In conjunction with the protective thigh guards, these leather hakama cover the upper legs. They are complemented by the planks that hang down from the Myochin Domaru.

明珍筒篭手 – Myochin Kote
Kote are tube-shaped gloves that cover the forearm. The outsides are thick and able to absorb attacks, while the insides are thinner and help one to keep a firm grip on their weapon.

明珍胴丸 – Myochin Domaru
This is the body piece of the powerful Myochin armor set. It is thought the unique design of the sleeves were to guard from attacks from below while fighting from atop a mount. Myochin is the name of a famous clan of armor craftsmen from the East.

明珍桃形兜 – Myochin Kabuto
The fierce horns on the front on this helmet allow it to easily deflect attacks.

–-


武具に封じられた魂 – Weapons Bound with Souls



Twenty years ago… … just before the close of the Crystal War. Obscured in the shadows of history, behind the fall of Castle Zvahl, there was a small country that was destroyed. That country’s name was “The Marquisate of Tavnazia.” The pirates of Norg bear the symbol of that forgotten nation upon their flag.

During the fierce war, Norg’s chief pirate, Gilgamesh, escaped from Tavnazia on ships bound for the mainland, but many of them were smashed against the shores of Valkurm Dunes. At the behest of Gilgamesh, you must perform the ritual of “Yomi Okuri” on the wandering souls using Yomotsu Hirasaka, a special holy sword.

If that were not enough, it is discovered that a sacred helmet, with demons sealed within, has been stolen from Norg. You must go to Palborough Mines to eliminate this robber and retrieve the kabuto. If the seal is disturbed, the demons inside may awaken once again.
–-


アヤメ – Ayame



Ayame is the fourth-ranked member, and lone woman, of the Mythril Musketeers. After studying the ways of the Samurai in Norg, she left to become the youngest of the musketeers. However, she often butts heads with the other youngest member, Naji, and the two have become strong rivals.

Ayame resides in Port Bastok with her father, Ensetsu, and younger sister, Kaede. Her mother, Yomi, developed her skills as a Ninja in Norg, where she met and wed Ensetsu, but she died soon after bearing their second child, Kaede. “Little Ayaya,” as Gilgamesh lovingly calls her, came to Bastok to fight on the front lines, but currently just does work for the Mythril Musketeers. Her weapon, the katana, is the symbol of her ideals, and the medium through which her faith and conviction flows.

–-


能力 – Abilities



明鏡止水 – Meikyo Shisui
This secret technique allows a Samurai to draw out power from the depths of their very being and release it in bursts. A Samurai must make their mind clear like an unclouded mirror, and their spirit serene like the surface of water. Hence, 明鏡 clear mirror, 止水 still water.

護摩の守護円 – Warding Circle
Samurai pride themselves on the destruction of Demons, and they can lend this power to their comrades by using this magical barrier.

心眼 – Third Eye
By opening the mind’s eye, one can read an enemy’s movements and dodge their next attack.

黙想 – Meditate
A Samurai can close their eyes and focus to unify the energy of mind, body, and soul to increase their power.

–-


防具 – Weapons and Armor



瓶割 – Kamewari
Long ago, a certain master swordsman used this blade while pursuing a robber who hid behind a giant jar. With one slice, he cut through the bottle and the robber so perfectly that not a single drop of water leaked and the robber died before he could even realize what had happened.

The “master swordsman” is 伊東一刀斎Itou Ittousai, a legendary Japanese warrior who studied under the 一刀流 Ittou ryuu school of “one sword” fighting. As a further side note, 二刀流 Nitou ryuu, or “two sword” fighting, is the Ninja ability we know as “dual wield.”
***


蜻蛉斬 – Tonbo-Giri
This tip of this spear from the East is so sharp, it is said a dragonfly once rested upon its edge and was instantly cut in twain. The weapon is so famous and recognizable, that the mere sight of it will provoke the wrath of enemies.

Tonbo-Giri is an actual spear of Japanese legend, used by Samurai 本多忠勝Honda Tadakatsu, who served under 徳川家康Tokugawa Ieyasu. The anecdote is also from Japanese history, and gave the spear its name, 蜻蛉 dragonfly 切りcutter.
***


重藤弓 – Shigeto Bow
This ancestral, Eastern bow is crafted from several materials, strengthened with bamboo, and given a lacquer coating. It has a unique balance to it, which can throw off accuracy, but those who master its style will truly excel in their precision.
***


落人の篭手 – Ochiudo’s Kote
There was once a noble clan of warriors were defeated in battle and fled to live in a small, isolated village. These gloves are said to contain their rage and are passed from generation to generation. Written upon them is their creed, “Fortune favors the brave.”
***


修羅闘着 – Shura Togi
Plates cut from divine lumber are used to construct this special kimono, but before it can be worn, its curse must be undone. Those who don the completed armor become a physical incarnation of carnage, casting their lives aside for the sake of their unstoppable compulsion to defeat their enemies.