There are a few great warrior cultures in human history. Among those elite ranks are two groups of very different styles and intent: the Vikings and the samurai.

The samurai were warriors of feudal Japan. They often aligned themselves with feudal lords, serving as bodyguards, castle guards, and in the case of war, as frontline soldiers. They were both sword and shield for the daimyo (feudal lord), and followed a strict code of discipline in both training and daily living. Samurai were also expected to be learned men, not just a pair of hand wielding a blade. They were indeed noble, and were both feared and respected by the common people. The samurai costume pays homage to the orderly and refined behavior of this great warrior culture. Silk, bamboo, and steel are the design influences here.

Whereas samurai were orderly and refined, the Vikings were wild and savage, yet not without skill. The Vikings often sailed out of their home villages in search of valuable resources either by exploration and colonization or by raiding. Indeed, most people only think of them as violent barbarians who did nothing but attack and steal. In truth, they were quite hygienic, bathing and combing more frequently than other European commoners. The Viking costume is a representation to their timeless memory, rough, rugged, and ready for anything that might come their way. Fur, leather, and chainmail are your motifs of choice.

Will you be the noble warrior who protects the people and the city, or the raider out on a mission to bring back valuable resources?