WARRIORS OROCHI Personal Item Analysis FAQ - Ver. 2 by Roahm Mythril ----------------------------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction .................. [WOINTRO] II. Version History ............... [WOHIST] III. Wei Items ..................... [WOWEI] Cao Cao ..... [WEI01] Cao Pi ...... [WEI02] Cao Ren ..... [WEI03] Dian Wei .... [WEI04] Pang De ..... [WEI05] Sima Yi ..... [WEI06] Xiahou Dun .. [WEI07] Xiahou Yuan . [WEI08] Xu Huang .... [WEI09] Xu Zhu ...... [WEI10] Zhang He .... [WEI11] Zhang Liao .. [WEI12] Zhen Ji ..... [WEI13] IV. Wu Items ...................... [WOWU] Da Qiao ......... [WU01] Gan Ning ........ [WU02] Huang Gai ....... [WU03] Ling Tong ....... [WU04] Lu Meng ......... [WU05] Lu Xun .......... [WU06] Sun Ce .......... [WU07] Sun Jian ........ [WU08] Sun Quan ........ [WU09] Sun Shang Xiang . [WU10] Taishi Ci ....... [WU11] Xiao Qiao ....... [WU12] Zhou Tai ........ [WU13] Zhou Yu ......... [WU14] V. Shu Items ..................... [WOSHU] Guan Ping ... [SHU01] Guan Yu ..... [SHU02] Huang Zhong . [SHU03] Jiang Wei ... [SHU04] Liu Bei ..... [SHU05] Ma Chao ..... [SHU06] Pang Tong ... [SHU07] Wei Yan ..... [SHU08] Xing Cai .... [SHU09] Yue Ying .... [SHU10] Zhang Fei ... [SHU11] Zhao Yun .... [SHU12] Zhuge Liang . [SHU13] VI. Sengoku 1 Items ............... [WOSEN1] Goemon Ishikawa .. [SEN101] Hanzo Hattori .... [SEN102] Keiji Maeda ...... [SEN103] Kenshin Uesugi ... [SEN104] Kunoichi ......... [SEN105] Magoichi Saika ... [SEN106] Masamune Date .... [SEN107] Mitsuhide Akechi . [SEN108] Nobunaga Oda ..... [SEN109] Noh .............. [SEN110] Oichi ............ [SEN111] Okuni ............ [SEN112] Ranmaru Mori ..... [SEN113] Shingen Takeda ... [SEN114] Yukimura Sanada .. [SEN115] VII. Sengoku 2 Items ............... [WOSEN2] Ginchiyo Tachibana . [SEN201] Hideyoshi Toyotomi . [SEN202] Ieyasu Tokugawa .... [SEN203] Ina ................ [SEN204] Kanetsugu Naoe ..... [SEN205] Kotaro Fuma ........ [SEN206] Mitsunari Ishida ... [SEN207] Musashi Miyamoto ... [SEN208] Nagamasa Azai ...... [SEN209] Nene ............... [SEN210] Sakon Shima ........ [SEN211] Tadakatsu Honda .... [SEN212] Yoshihiro Shimazu .. [SEN213] Yoshimoto Imagawa .. [SEN214] VIII. Other Force Items ............. [WOOTHER] Da Ji ...... [OTH01] Diao Chan .. [OTH02] Dong Zhuo .. [OTH03] Lu Bu ...... [OTH04] Meng Huo ... [OTH05] Orochi ..... [OTH06] Yuan Shao .. [OTH07] Zhang Jiao . [OTH08] Zhu Rong ... [OTH09] Zuo Ci ..... [OTH10] IX. Special Thanks ................ [WOTHANKS] X. Contact and Closing ........... [WOCLOSE] To skip to a particular topic, use your browser's search feature to look for the tags in brackets for each heading. ----------------------------------------------- - I. Introduction [WOINTRO] ------------------- ----------------------------------------------- Warriors Orochi is a game in which the great warriors of both the Three Kingdoms era of China and the Warring States period of Japan come together in battle. It is a crossover between Koei's Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors games. In this game, there are 79 different playable characters, and each character has a Personal Item, which strengthens their abilities in battle. These items relate to stories of these officers, giving insight to their lives and histories. It is my hope to compile a source of information on these tales, discerning the meanings of each of the 79 items. Please note, this FAQ is not a walkthrough for getting these items. I shall leave that to others who are better at instructing players on sure fire ways to get them. I wish only to compile a single source of information on these items and explore the references they make. ----------------------------------------------- - II. Version History [WOHIST] ---------------- ----------------------------------------------- Ver. 1 (10/10/2007) - The first version of the FAQ. I have compiled the names of all the items, and have put in all the information I could find on my own thus far. There are still some holes here and there, and I hope readers of this FAQ can help me fill them. Ver. 1.1 (10/13/2007) - Thanks to help from forum members, I'm starting to fill in more of the meanings behind the items. This update has added information to Jiang Wei, Gan Ning, and Zhou Yu. Ver. 1.2 (10/18/2007) - In this version of the FAQ, information has been added for both Lu Meng and Nene. The FAQ is also a bit more visible, thanks to the efforts of KWMrHonda, who added a link to my FAQ in his own guide to Personal Items. Thank you very much! Ver. 1.2.5 (10/18/2007) - A sub version here, this one has some added info thanks to more forum members. The reason for this sub-version is the fact that my site host was having problems and I couldn't upload 1.2. Info has been added to Jiang Wei, Zhou Yu, and Guan Yu. Ver. 1.3 (10/22/2007) - Thanks as always to the information provided by forum members. This version has added info to Kunoichi, Tadakatsu Honda, Cao Cao, and Zhang Fei. Ver. 1.4 (10/24/2007) - Quite a sizeable update, this one. This version adds info to Yue Ying, Wei Yan, Pang Tong, Ma Chao, Guan Ping, Lu Meng, Lu Xun, Sun Quan, Taishi Ci, Ling Tong, Zhou Tai, Zhang Liao, Sima Yi, Cao Ren, Xu Zhu, Xu Huang, Da Ji, Dong Zhuo, Noh, Ieyasu Tokugawa, Kenshin Uesugi, Ranmaru Mori, and Sakon Shima. Ver. 2 (11/01/2007) - Thanks largely to the efforts of JG Chan, this version has seen a major update with more information on almost everyone. Thanks to his work, I now have the Japanese names for all but two of the items, and have added a little more information here and there detailing differences between the original and English item names. ----------------------------------------------- - III. Wei Items [WOWEI] ---------------------- ----------------------------------------------- [WEI01] Cao Cao English - Journal of Cao Cao Japanese - New Writings of Mengde Well, we're starting things off with a very obvious item here. Cao Cao, though often portrayed as cruel and ruthless, was also praised as a military genius and a brilliant ruler. He kept many war journals, of which this may be one. It is also notable that Cao Cao was a skilled poet. It has been brought to my attention that there was a specific book of his that appeared within the novel, known as the New Art of War, which corresponds more to the Japanese name for this item. It first surfaced when Zhang Song visited Cao Cao. He was mistreated a bit due to his arrogance, and he despised Cao Cao, calling him unlearned. Yang Xiu, wanting to disprove this claim about his lord, showed him this book. Zhang Song read the book, saying that Cao Cao plagerized it, and that any child would know. When Yang Xiu returned to Cao Cao, he told him of this claim. Reluctant to acknowledge this, said it meant his mind and the ancient mind who wrote the original were the same, and then had his servants burn the book. This however would not be the last appearance of it, as it would later turn up in a silver basin, intact and good as new, thanks to the sorcery of Zuo Ci. (source - Wikipedia article on Cao Cao) (thanks to forum member deer92 for this information) (thanks to forum member Kelifrag for further information) ----------------------------------------------- [WEI02] Cao Pi English - The Dian Lun Japanese - The Dian Lun The Dian Lun was a work of literary critique written by Cao Pi himself. Over the ages, most of it has been lost. Only one chapter, the Lun wen "Essay on Literature" survives, included in the Wen xuan. Cao Pi himself was actually accomplished in literature and poetry, composing several poems that had seven syllables in each line. (source - "China : A Historical and Cultural Dictionary" by Michael Dillon) ----------------------------------------------- [WEI03] Cao Ren English - Unbreakable Armor Japanese - Weiliaozi At first, this item seems as though it is just a placeholder item, something that pertains mostly to the heavily armored appearance Cao Ren has in the games. However, looking at the historic Cao Ren, there is something of interest to note : he seems one of the few officers that seems to have escaped any major injuries and just died of natural causes. This is not taken to mean he never saw battle, for in fact, Cao Ren's performances are well documented, in which he often defended against insurmountable odds, always seeming to come out ahead. Perhaps the most well known instances of this were his defense of Cao Cao as he tried to escape from opposing armies after the Battle of Red Cliffs (Chi Bi in the games), and his defense of Fan Castle, in which he kept up the defense until Xu Huang's relief troops could arrive, thus forcing Guan Yu to retreat. As such, Cao Ren was a powerful shield for his kingdom, standing firm and able to keep up powerful defenses until the battle could be turned around. The original Japanese name of this item was the Weiliaozi, which is one of the Seven Military Classics. (source - Wikipedia article on Cao Ren) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original name of this item) ----------------------------------------------- [WEI04] Dian Wei English - Banner of the Coming Evil Japanese - Yamen Flag This item is actaully two historical references for the price of one. When warlords gathered to take down Dong Zhuo, Dian Wei ended up in the service of Cao Cao, recommended by Xiahou Dun. Cao Cao asked him to demonstrate his abilities. He vaulted onto a horse, galloping to and fro, carrying two heavy halberds. A strong wind started to blow, and he noticed a banner about to fall. A crowd of soldiers were trying to steady it to no avail. Taking note, Dian Wei dismounted his horse, rushing over and holding the banner perfectly still by himself, with just one hand at that. Witnessing this, Cao Cao exclaimed "This is E Lai from ancient times!" Thus a comparison was drawn between Dian Wei and the ancient warrior E Lai, whose name meant "the coming evil." Dian Wei himself took this nickname, becoming known as E Lai Dian Wei. The Japanese name, Yamen Flag, would seem to just indicate the banner itself, ignoring the reference to E Lai. (source - Wikipedia article on Dian Wei) ----------------------------------------------- [WEI05] Pang De English - Headstone Japanese - Coffin of Readiness for Death The Headstone is a reference to Pang De's participation in a battle at Fancheng. While it wasn't a headstone, Pang De *did* order a wooden coffin, which he brought with him to this battle as a show of his resolve. He was steadfast in his belief that he would either win this battle or lose his life. As it turned out, he was correct in this belief. Stranded when his boat was capsized in a flooded river, he was captured and led to Guan Yu. Refusing to surrender and cursing and swearing at his captors, Guan Yu had him executed. Seeing his courage in the face of defeat and death, however, Guan Yu was moved to give him a proper burial. The Japanese item name as noted above makes this reference all the more clear. (source - Wikipedia article on Pang De) ----------------------------------------------- [WEI06] Sima Yi English - The Works of Sima Xian Japanese - Simafa This item might have a slight misspelling or an alternate spelling to it, as it would seem to be indicative of Sima Yi's ancestor, Sima Qian. A prefect of the Grand Scribes of the Han Dynasty, he was regarded as the father of Chinese historiography. His most highly praised work was the Records of the Grand Historian, also known as Shiji, an overview of Chinese history covering more than two thousand years, from the Yellow Emperor to Emperor Han Wudi. The original Japanese name for this item was the Simafa by Sima Rangju, which is considered to be one of the Seven Military Classics. (source - Wikipedia article on Sima Yi) (source - Wikipedia article on Sima Qian) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for providing the original name of the item) ----------------------------------------------- [WEI07] Xiahou Dun English - Blinding Arrow Japanese - Eyepatch of 'Fushin' The Blinding Arrow refers to perhaps one of the most well known events of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. During an attack on Gao Shun, Cao Xing, one of Lu Bu's generals, shot an arrow into Xiahou Dun's eye. When he removed the arrow, his eye came with it. Regarding his severed eye, he said "Essence of my father, blood of my mother, I cannot throw this away!" He then put his eye into his mouth and ate it, instilling fear in his enemies. He then proceeded to drive a spear through Cao Xing's face, administering swift revenge for his loss. Some thus referred to him as "the Blind Xiahou," a nickname which he despised. Supposedly, he hated this so much that, whenever he would catch sight of himself in a mirror, he would shatter it. The Japanese item name references only the eyepatch he wears from this incident. The Fushin part, however, refers to a title Cao Cao bestowed upon him when he became the King of Wei. He bestowed titles upon his various officers, but when he came to Xiahou Dun, he gave him the title "fushin no rei," meaning a special treatment above that of a normal retainer. This was not a title from the Wei kingdom, but rather from the Han empire. When Xiahou Dun questioned him about this, he said that great officers should belong to great lands, and Wei was not grand enough for the likes of Xiahou Dun. Though touched, he refused the title, desiring a Wei title instead, proving his loyalty to Wei above the Han. (source - Wikipedia article on Xiahou Dun) (source - Wikipedia article on Cao Xing) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for Japanese item history) ----------------------------------------------- [WEI08] Xiahou Yuan English - Bow of the Xiahou Japanese - Xiahou Bow Xiahou Yuan has used both swords and rods in the games, however, historically he was known to be a highly skilled archer. In later games, this was reflected in his charge attacks. Given Xiahou Yuan's R1 attack in Warriors Orochi is a sudden barrage of arrows fired from a bow, this is one of the few cases where the item strengthening the special attack actually makes sense. (source - Wikipedia article on Xiahou Yuan) ----------------------------------------------- [WEI09] Xu Huang English - Silken Headcloth Japanese - White Cloth of Warrior's Honor The most obvious meaning of this item would be the fact that Xu Huang has always worn a headcloth in the Dynasty Warriors games. Whether this has any meaning beyond that, I'm not exactly sure. In looking over the message boards at Scholars of Shen Zhou, someone did mention a folk tale that Xu Huang was once part of the Yellow Turbans, but there didn't seem to be any proof to this speculation. There have been some speculated reasons as to possible meanings for the headcloth, given to me on the forums. One possibility is that his homeland of the Shanxi province had cold weather with lots of monsoons, thus meaning a way of keeping his head dry would make sense. This province also had a sizeable Muslim population, and they were known for wearing turbans into battle. One other possible explanation from that area is that Khitans were a large influence there. Sort of proto-Mongolians, they too wore turbans and head coverings into battle. (thanks to forum member bluedestiny426 for this information) ----------------------------------------------- [WEI10] Xu Zhu English - Silk Neckerchief Japanese - Ox-Tail Headkerchief This item too seems mainly to refer to his outfit, as he seems to usually have a cloth around his neck. Arguably, they could mean it having a use like a bib, and thus referring to this incarnation of Xu Zhu's obsessive love of food. There is, however, a more obvious and meaningful reference held in the original Japanese name of this item, the Ox-Tail Headkerchief. This refers to a battle Xu Zhu had with a group of bandits. At one point, a truce was formed in which Xu Zhu would trade oxen for grain from the bandits. Upon the exchange, however, the oxen would not stay with the bandits. Xu Zhu grabbed two of them by the tails, dragging them back to the bandits. Upon this show of strength, the bandits ran away. (source - Wikipedia article on Xu Chu) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for giving the original item name) ----------------------------------------------- [WEI11] Zhang He English - Silver Mirror Japanese - Rose of Battle's Beauty This item seems to have no true significance aside from referring to the game's depiction of Zhang He. A pretty boy through and through, the Dynasty Warriors version of Zhang He is quite narcissistic, thus having a mirror constantly at hand would seem to fit him. The Japanese item name would seem to also be a reference more to Zhang He's in game personality. ----------------------------------------------- [WEI12] Zhang Liao English - Legend of the White Horse Japanese - Baima Pian This item refers to a poem, written by Cao Zhi, called the Baima Pian, or Poem of the White Horse. This poem spoke of a valiant warrior who answered the call of his country without fear. Some say the poem was actually based upon Zhang Liao. The poem reads as follows: On the White Horse A white horse, in a halter of gold, Galloping swiftly to the northwest. Ask which family's son is the rider – A noble knight, who hails from You and Bing. He left his home in early youth, and now, His name is known throughout the deserts. Morning and evening he clutches his bow; How many arrows hang at his side! He pulls his bow -- the left-hand target is pierced, He shoots at the right and cuts it through. Upwards his arrows seek the flying monkeys, Downward they destroy another object. His dexterity surpasses that of monkeys, His courage that of leopard or dragon. Alarms are heard from the frontier! Northern tribesmen pour into the country in their thousands. Letters are sent from the north, and Reining his horse he clambers up the hill. He charges Hun soldiers to the right; Looking left he assaults the Xianbei. He's staked himself on the edge of his sword; How can he treasure his life? Even his father and mother he puts at the back of his mind, Let alone his children and wife. If his name is to enter the roll of the heroes, He can't be concerned about personal matters. Giving up his life for the sake of his country, He looks toward death as a journey home... (source - Wikipedia article on Cao Zhi) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for pointing out this reference) ----------------------------------------------- [WEI13] Zhen Ji English - Ancient Lyre Japanese - Guqin of the Seductive Princess This item seems mainly to apply to this incarnation of Empress Zhen's proficiency in music. While it is worth noting that Empress Zhen was indeed a refined woman, beautiful and graceful, there do not seem to be historical accounts of her having a particular skill in playing an instrument, neither flute nor lyre. The Japanese item name seems to follow this type of reference as well, as a guqin is a seven stringed Chinese zither. (source - kongming.net biography of Empress Zhen) ----------------------------------------------- - IV. Wu Items [WOWU] ------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- [WU01] Da Qiao English - Moon Comb Japanese - Moonlight Flower Hair Ornament Obviously, Koei took a lot of liberties with the Qiao sisters. The Moon Comb however might be a reference to their description in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel. Their beauty was said to be so great that birds alight and fishes drown, the moon hides her face and flowers blush for shame at sight of them. Thus, there is at least some comparison between the Qiaos and the moon. Da Qiao's item also pairs up with her sister's Sun Comb. Since Da Qiao is generally portrayed as more peaceful and serene than her sister, the moon seems to fit her more. It is perhaps noteworthy that there actually is a Chinese flower known as a moonlight flower, as in the original item name, but whether this means anything or not particular to the Qiaos is unknown. (source - yueying.net Dynasty Warriors character guide) ----------------------------------------------- [WU02] Gan Ning English - Eagle Feather Japanese - Goose Feather Gan Ning's Eagle Feather is possibly a reference to his raid on Hefei. After Ling Tong's attack was repelled by Zhang Liao, Gan Ning asked Sun Quan for one hundred men, with which he would lead a nighttime raid. He claimed that if even one man or mount was lost, he would consider his raid a failure. Sun Quan was impressed, and thus granted his request. In order to help them identify each other in the night, Gan Ning and his men affixed white feathers to their caps. While the feathers were identified in the novel as goose plumes, the game designers might have called it an Eagle Feather simply due to the look of the feathers Gan Ning has always worn in the games. Notably, the original name of this item actually *was* Goose Feather. (source - "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" by Luo Guanzhong) (thanks to forum member Kelifrag for leading me to this information) ----------------------------------------------- [WU03] Huang Gai English - Draught of Wu Japanese - Wine of Sun-Wu I can't particularly find a true meaning to this item. Obviously, the Wu refers to his allegiance to the Kingdom of Wu. Huang Gai was perhaps one of the longest lived and most loyal Wu officers, serving under Sun Jian, Sun Ce, and Sun Quan as they each took over for their kingdom. A draught can refer to a drink, however, and in one of the endings in Dynasty Warriors 5, Huang Gai can be seen having a drink with Sun Quan, the two sitting in front of a memorial to Sun Jian and Sun Ce, the two celebrating the final victory of Wu. (source - Wikipedia article on Huang Gai) (source - Dynasty Warriors 5) ----------------------------------------------- [WU04] Ling Tong English - Tunic of Forgiveness Japanese - Zhongmou's Tunic While I'm not sure of the significance of a tunic beyond just Ling Tong's normal outfit in the games, the forgiveness would seem to refer to his relationship with fellow Wu general Gan Ning. Before Gan Ning served Wu, he was responsible for killing Ling Tong's father, Ling Cao. Naturally, Ling Tong became enraged, and swore vengeance upon him. Much to his dismay, however, Gan Ning submitted to Wu, becoming an officer of the kingdom. Torn between a desire for revenge and a sense of loyalty to his lord, Ling Tong was at an impass. During the Battle of He Fei, however, it looked like Ling Tong's time was over. During a duel with Yue Jin, he had the upper hand. Cao Cao, upon seeing this, ordered Cao Xiu to shoot Ling Tong in the back, knocking him from his horse. Yue Jin was just about to kill him with his spear when Gan Ning appeared, shooting Yue Jin in the face with an arrow. When Ling Tong realized who had saved him, he forgave him, and the two became close friends. The original name of this item however would seem to make an entirely different reference, Zhongmou's Tunic. Zhongmou was the style name of Sun Quan, whose escape from He Fei was aided by Ling Tong. When he rejoined Sun Quan, he removed his armor to wade through a river to get to him. Sun Quan helped him onto his boat, praised him highly, and gave him a change of clothes. (source - Wikipedia article on Ling Tong) (source - Wikipedia article on Gan Ning) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original item name) ----------------------------------------------- [WU05] Lu Xun English - Scroll of the Tiger Japanese - Six Strategies This item may refer simply to the fact that Sun Quan brought him into the Wu forces. The Wu kingdom is generally symbolized with a tiger, as seen by the fact that Sun Jian, Sun Ce, and Sun Quan all have tiger print on their outfits. It can however be noted that, later in life, he was the keeper of the important seals of state, meaning all state documents of Wu had to go through him to be read and sealed. The original name of this item was "The Six Strategies," but I'm not immediately sure of a meaning behind this, either. It is at least a further bit of information to look into. Perhaps I'll find something before the next update. (source - kongming.net biography of Lu Xun) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original item name) ----------------------------------------------- [WU06] Lu Meng English - The Way of the Warrior Japanese - Policy of the Warring States This item is likely a reference to Lu Meng's beginnings. When he first became a soldier, one of his superiors mocked him, saying that due to his youth, he would be useless. Enraged, he killed this officer, and then fled. However, his value of honor made him decide to do the right thing and turn himself in. Sun Ce, however, would decide to spare him, feeling he would be a useful general for the kingdom of Wu. When he first started serving Wu, Lu Meng was not a particularly brilliant general. He largely just charged forth and fought his way through any difficult situations he found himself in. Sun Ce knew he had potential to be a better general, however, and thus encouraged him to read war manuals and texts. Lu Meng did as he was ordered, and thus became a more balanced general, learning strategy and thus becoming a much better warrior for Wu's side. It is also notable that he gave Guan Yu every chance to surrender and serve Wu upon capturing him, and that when he captured lands for Wu, he gave them full provisions, as though they weren't truly conquered at all. Every aspect of his life combined to show the true way of a balanced warrior. As for the Japanese item name, this seems to be a book on politics, written by Liu Xiang of the former Han. It seems to have had some influence on the Sengoku period, but how this links to Lu Meng, I am unsure. (thanks to forum member Amakusa for this information) (thanks to forum member bluedestiny426 for further information) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for information on the Japanese item name) ----------------------------------------------- [WU07] Sun Ce English - The Sun Bin Scrolls Japanese - Sun Bin's Art of War The Sun Bin Scrolls are a reference to the Sun family's claim that they were descended from the legendary Sun Tzu, writer of the Art of War. Sun Bin was a descendent of Sun Tzu who is theorized to have helped edit the Art of War, and also wrote his own military treatise, the Sun Bin Bing Fa. This work was thought to have been lost to the ages, but a copy was discovered in 1972 among fragments of important scrolls, known collectively as the Yinqueshan Han Slips. (source - Wikipedia article on Sun Bin) ----------------------------------------------- [WU08] Sun Jian English - Imperial Seal Japanese - Imperial Seal The Imperial Seal of China is a jade seal carved from the He Shi Bi, a historically famous piece of jade. The seal bears the words "The Mandate is received from Heaven, May He have Longevity and Prosperity," which were carved by Sun Shou. In the Book of Wu, as written by Wei Zhao, it was said that Sun Jian found the seal in a well south of Luoyang (specifically, it's been said that it was on the body of a court servant who committed suicide by diving into the well). He kept this, but when Yuan Shu declared himself emperor, he took Sun Jian's wife, Lady Wu, hostage, exchanging her for the seal. This story may however be exagerated. There are actually many stories about the imperial seal, and thus it becomes hard to distinguish what is real and what is not. For example, one story says that Sun Ce ended up with the seal, perhaps left to him by his father, and that he gave it to Yuan Shu in exchange for 3000 soldiers, which he used to found the Kingdom of Wu. Logic of the time however would dictate that any spoils of war Sun Jian had found, such as the seal, were to be turned over to his commander at the time, which would have been Yuan Shu. (source - Wikipedia article on Sun Jian) (source - Wikipedia article on Imperial Seal of China) (source - kongming.net biography of Sun Jian) ----------------------------------------------- [WU09] Sun Quan English - History of the Sun Family Japanese - Sunzi's Art of War While I could not find a definitive record of his having done so, it was not unusual for warlords to write volumes of their family history. Sun Quan outlived both his father and brother, thus it would not be so surprising for him to have written of the exploits of his beloved family. The original name for this item was more classic, Sunzi's Art of War, relating to the Sun clan's claimed relation to Sun Tzu. (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original name of this item) ----------------------------------------------- [WU10] Sun Shang Xiang English - Liu Bei's Armband Japanese - Xuande's Bracelet This is a reference to Sun Shang Xiang's marriage to Liu Bei. It is largely believed that the marriage was merely a way to cement relations between the Shu and Wu kingdoms, though Zhou Yu often plotted meetings between Liu Bei and Sun Shang Xiang as ways to trap him and demand ransoms of territories for him. In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel, it is said that when Sun Shang Xiang learned of Liu Bei's death, she threw herself into a river to end her own life. There is however no actual record of this event. It would be nice if one day, a Dynasty Warriors game featured "what if" type paths that could let these two have a happier ending together, but I digress. The Japanese item name refers to this as well, as Xuande is Liu Bei's style name. (source - Wikipedia article on Sun Shang Xiang) ----------------------------------------------- [WU11] Taishi Ci English - Declaration of Loyalty Japanese - Sixty Days' Vow The Declaration of Loyalty seems to be a reference to Taishi Ci's steadfast loyalty to Sun Ce. While he was once an adversary of Sun Ce's, upon his capture, he was asked to join Wu. While hesitant at first, Taishi Ci accepted, and became a fiercely loyal ally of the kingdom. Even after Sun Ce's death, Taishi Ci was so moved by the faith and high esteem he had placed in his abilities that he still remained loyal to Wu, claiming he would see Sun Ce's dreams realized, or he would die trying. The original name for this item, the Sixty Days Vow, refers to a vow made by Taishi Ci shortly after he joined Sun Ce. Sun Ce decided to send him out to recruit former followers of Liu Yong, but Sun Ce's other officers said he would never return if sent out. Disagreeing, Sun Ce asked Taishi Ci how long the journey would take him. He said no more than sixty days, and indeed did return within that deadline, putting the worries of the other officers to rest. (source - Wikipedia article on Taishi Ci) (soucre - kongming.net biography of Taishi Ci) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original item name) ----------------------------------------------- [WU12] Xiao Qiao English - Sun Comb Japanese - Sunlight Flower Hair Ornament This item pretty much is just a sister item, quite literally, to Da Qiao's Moon Comb. One could argue that the Sun Comb references the Sun family, but since Xiao Qiao was married to Zhou Yu, this reference doesn't work quite as well. Likely, she has the Sun Comb since she is portrayed as the brighter, more radiant and energetic of the two Qiaos. ----------------------------------------------- [WU13] Zhou Tai English - Leather Hood Japanese - Blue Parasol Cover This may be another item that is largely just based on the outfit of the particular officer in this game. It is notable, however, that during the Battle of He Fei, Zhou Tai led a daring solo charge into the Wei army to rescue his lord, Sun Quan. He covered his retreat, and in the process, received many wounds from enemy arrows, which also notably damaged his helmet. There is a more definitive reference in the Japanese item name, Blue Parasol Cover. This refers to a gift given to him by Sun Quan during a party, at which he asked Zhou Tai to disrobe and tell the stories of the various scars that covered his body. Moved by these tales, he gave him an imperial silk parasol of blue veils as a show of his high standing in the kingdom of Wu. (source - kongming.net Zhou Tai biography) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original item name) ----------------------------------------------- [WU14] Zhou Yu English - The Divided Kingdom Scrolls Japanese - Scroll of Dividing the World in Two These scrolls reference Zhou Yu's original plan to divide China into two kingdoms. Originally, it was his plan to simply pit Wu against Wei. Zhuge Liang, however, would thwart these plans, creating the third kingdom of Shu and bringing it into the fray as well. It has alternately been said that the plan was originally presented by Lu Su, who was recommended to Sun Quan by Zhou Yu, so either way, there is at least a link to Zhou Yu. (thanks to forum member Sir-Marth for this information) (thanks to forum member deer92 for further information) ----------------------------------------------- - V. Shu Items [WOSHU] ------------------------ ----------------------------------------------- [SHU01] Guan Ping English - Headband of Honor Japanese - Yunchang's Headband There is really almost no information about Guan Ping historically, not even his style name was recorded. All that is really known about him was he was Guan Yu's first son (adopted son, according to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel), and that he was executed along with Guan Yu after the ill-fated Battle of Fan Castle. As such, it's difficult to attribute this item to anything other than the game's incarnation of Guan Ping and his outfit. He always wears a headband, and it is notable that, in one of his alternate costumes in Dynasty Warriors 5, his outfit changed significantly to look a lot like that of his father. The original Japanese name for this item was Yunchang's Headband. Yunchang is Guan Yu's style name, showing all the more a connection between these two. (source - Wikipedia article on Guan Ping) (source - Dynasty Warriors 5) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for information on this item) ----------------------------------------------- [SHU02] Guan Yu English - The Spring and Autumn Annals Japanese - Spring and Autumn Zuo Clan Commentary The Spring and Autumn Annals is a chronicle of the State of Lu, from 722 BCE to 481 BCE. Guan Yu was highly versed in this book, and in fact this made him despise Zhuge Liang at first, as the strategist compared himself to both Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, both highly regarded people from this period. The original item name refers to the Zuo Commentary, or Zuo Zhuan, one of the earliest known Chinese works of narrative history. Some consider it a commentary of the Spring and Autumn Annals, but others say it is an independant work. Guan Yu also happened to be well versed in this commentary. (source - Wikipedia article on Guan Yu) (source - Wikipedia article on The Spring and Autumn Annals) (thanks to forum member deer92 for further information on this item) ----------------------------------------------- [SHU03] Huang Zhong English - Longbow of Yore Japanese - Huang Zhong's Bow Just as his main skills are in the game, in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel, Huang Zhong was known mostly for his exceptional skills in archery. It was said that if you gave him 100 targets and 100 arrows, he would unfailingly hit them all. Before working for Liu Bei, Huang Zhong actually had a chance to kill Guan Yu with an arrow. However, he aimed purposefully at his helmet instead, hitting that and claiming such a valiant warrior did not deserve to die. He also rescued Wei Yan by picking a pursuing enemy general off his horse with an arrow. While this isn't relavent to the bow itself, it is notable that Huang Zhong's sword also has some basis in history, rather than being just a default, placeholder weapon. Huang Zhong was referenced to use a sword as well in the novel, and even was responsible for the death of Xiahou Yuan, in which the novel claims he cut him in two below the shoulders. Also notable, in the Dynasty Warriors games, there was an item that raised your character's ranged attack, which was known as Huang's Bow. (source - Wikipedia article on Huang Zhong) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for reminding me of Huang's Bow) ----------------------------------------------- [SHU04] Jiang Wei English - The Twenty-Four Scrolls Japanese - War Manual in 24 Chapters The Twenty-Four Scrolls are likely a reference to a war manual that Jiang Wei inherited from Zhuge Liang. This event was also chronicled in the game Romance of the Three Kingdoms X. Specifically, these scrolls are mentioned in chapter 104 of the novel. The following excerpt from threekingdoms.com details this: Zhuge Liang replied, "My death is very near. My chief desire has been to spend myself to the utmost to restore Han to its glory and to regain the Middle Land. But Heaven decrees it otherwise. My end is not far away. I have written a book in twenty-four chapters, 104,112 words, treating the Eight Needfuls, the Seven Cautions, the Six Fears, and the Five Dreads of war. But among all those about me there is no one fit to receive it and carry on my work save you. I pray you not to despise it." He gave the treatise to Jiang Wei, who received it sobbing. (source - threekindgoms.com) (thanks to forum member Kelifrag for this information) (thanks to forum member Look over there for further information) ----------------------------------------------- [SHU05] Liu Bei English - Straw Sandals Japanese - Straw Sandals of Reverence for one's Mother These simple sandals refer to Liu Bei's humble beginnings. Before becoming the leader of the Kingdom of Shu, Liu Bei worked with his mother, selling woven straw goods, including shoes. In fact, Liu Bei is worshiped as the patron of shoemakers in Chengdu, which is also known as the "city of shoes." It was here that, on July 1, 2005, a large procession was carried out in front of the Sanyi Temple in honor of Liu Bei. The Japanese name seems to refer all the more to his relations with his mother, and his placement of family and filial peity. (source - Wikipedia article on Liu Bei) ----------------------------------------------- [SHU06] Ma Chao English - Silk Reins Japanese - Reins of Xiliang Brocade This may just be a reference to the game version of Ma Chao. While it isn't as prevalent in Warriors Orochi, in the Dynasty Warriors games, Ma Chao's biggest strength was his abilities on horseback. His unique weapons would always make him a truly powerful force while riding a horse, and his weapons often refer to stallions. While it is likely certain that he rode horses during the time period, there doesn't seem to be any reference to him being more well known for this than others. There is, however, a more solid link with the original item name, Reins of Xiliang Brocade. Xiliang was the home province of Ma Chao. (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original item name) ----------------------------------------------- [SHU07] Pang Tong English - Embroidered Facescarf Japanese - Shuijing's Silk Cloth Pang Tong, the young phoenix, was a wise man, often compared to Zhuge Liang, the sleeping dragon. In fact, when Sima Hui first suggested these two strategists to Liu Bei, he said "Sleeping Dragon and Young Phoenix: with either one you can settle all under heaven." As it was, however, Pang Tong first worked for Wu during the battle of red cliffs (Chi Bi in the games). Pretending to defect to Cao Cao, he suggested the Wei fleet chain their ships together so as to decrease the motion, and thus, lessen the chance of seasickness. Thanks to this move, when Wu attacked with fire, the entire fleet was chained together and thus destroyed. Upon Zhou Yu's death, Pang Tong was suggested to Sun Quan as a new chief advisor. However, Sun Quan was prejudiced against him, disliking what he perceived to be an ugly appearance. This greatly insulted Pang Tong, who would go on to assist Liu Bei instead. While there is no historical mention of Pang Tong wearing a facescarf like he does in the games, the scarf he wears there is a reference to the ugly appearance he wishes to hide. Another connection was shown with the original Japanese name for the item, Shuijing's Cloth. Shuijing is the style name of Sima Hui, who recommended both Pang Tong and Zhuge Liang to Liu Bei. (source - Wikipedia article on Pang Tong) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original item name) ----------------------------------------------- [SHU08] Wei Yan English - Wolf Mask Japanese - Mask of the Rebellious One This item may well be just a reference to the game's depiction of Wei Yan and his outfit. While it is suggested that his outfit of rags and bones references an upbringing among barbarians and savages, there isn't a true reference to him wearing a mask to my knowledge. Whether the Wolf Mask is actually the supposed treasure Wei Yan claims Liu Bei gave to him is up for speculation. The Japanese item name, however, shows a different side of Wei Yan, as it was called the Mask of the Rebellious One. This would seem to refer to both Wei Yan's untamed nature, and Zhuge Liang's prediction that one day, Wei Yan would betray Shu. (source - Wikipedia article on Wei Yan) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original item name) ----------------------------------------------- [SHU09] Xing Cai English - Zhang Fei's Necklace Japanese - Yide's Necklace This one is pretty easy to explain, as it is simply a reminder that Xing Cai is Zhang Fei's daughter. Since Xing Cai is actually fictional, based upon the two wives of Liu Shan (Liu Chan in the games), there is no true historical significance to this other than the fact that both Liu Shan's wives were Zhang Fei's daughters. The Japanese name uses Zhang Fei's style name, Yide. (source - Wikipedia article on Xing Cai) ----------------------------------------------- [SHU10] Yue Ying English - Wooden Puppet Japanese - Puppet The lines between fact and folklore blur for Yue Ying (known historically as Huang Yueying, and even that isn't known to be her real name). It is said that Huang Yueying was known to be quite wise and talented, making her a good match to Zhuge Liang. Stories say that, before meeting Zhuge Liang, she put on shows with amazingly lifelike mechanical wooden puppets, so realistic that people sometimes couldn't tell the difference. (source - Wikipedia article on Huang Yueying) (thanks to forum member tennoarashi for information on this item) ----------------------------------------------- [SHU11] Zhang Fei English - Elixir of the Peach Garden Japanese - Wine of the Peach Garden This drink references the oath sworn by Zhang Fei and his brothers, Guan Yu and Liu Bei. The three were said to have sworn an oath of brotherhood in a peach garden, which was sealed with a drink. One might ask why Zhang Fei gets this drink, and not his brothers. As it turns out, the peach garden in question was actually behind Zhang Fei's house, on his farm in Zhuo county. The oath itself is as follows: "We three---Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei---though of different families, swear brotherhood, and promise mutual help to one end. We will rescue each other in difficulty; we will aid each other in danger. We swear to serve the state and save the people. We ask not the same day of birth, but we seek to die together. May Heaven, the all-ruling, and Earth, the all-producing, read our hearts. If we turn aside from righteousness or forget kindliness, may Heaven and Human smite us!" (source - Wikipedia article on Zhang Fei) (thanks to forum member Look over there for further information) ----------------------------------------------- [SHU12] Zhao Yun English - Zhuge Liang's Silk Purse Japanese - Kongming's Brocade Sack When Liu Bei went to the lands of Wu to marry Lady Sun (Sun Shang Xiang), Zhuge Liang was wary of a plot by the officers of Wu to kill his lord, specifically he was worried about Zhou Yu. To protect Liu Bei, Zhao Yun went with him. Zhuge Liang gave him messages placed within three silk bags, which he was told to open at certain times. Thanks to these messages, Zhao Yun was able to escort his lord and Sun Shang Xiang safely back to Shu without any trouble. The Japanese item name uses Zhuge Liang's style name, Kongming. (thanks to forum member opfer_gv for information on this item) ----------------------------------------------- [SHU13] Zhuge Liang English - The Chu Shi Biao Japanese - Chu Shi Biao The Chu Shi Biao was an article written by Zhuge Liang and presented to Liu Shan (Liu Chan in the games) before the first Northern Expidition of Wei. The document was largely encouragement for Liu Shan to follow in the path of Liu Bei and continue to build the Kingdom of Shu. He warned him of the dangers Shu faced, advised him on how to run the kingdom, and described his own past with Liu Bei in an effort to steel his resolve to help Shu grow. According to the translation of the novel, Chu Shi Biao roughly translates to "Petition on Taking the Field." (source - Wikipedia article on Chu Shi Biao) ----------------------------------------------- - VI. Sengoku 1 Items [WOSEN1] ---------------- ----------------------------------------------- [SEN101] Goemon Ishikawa English - Ivory Incense Burner Japanese - Plover Incense Burner Goemon Ishikawa's final act in life was an assassination attempt against Hideyoshi Toyotomi. He broke into his castle, and even got as far as Hideyoshi's room, but knocked a bell off a table, alerting the guards and sealing his fate. In another telling of the story, however, it was a mystical incense burner that sensed his presence and doomed the king of thieves. The Japanese name refers to the treasure Goemon ceaselessly pursued in the first Samurai Warriors game, the Plover Urn. (source - Wikipedia article on Goemon Ishikawa) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN102] Hanzo Hattori English - Scroll of Iga Ninjutsu Japanese - Scroll of Iga Ninjutsu Hanzo was the head of a clan from Iga, and was quite skilled in various martial arts. The reason he was able to acquire so many skills was the fact that his homeland of Iga, along with the Koga region, was truly the birthplace of the arts of ninjutsu. Home to several schools of varied martial arts, one could acquire all the skills of ninjutsu within a 45 mile radius from Iga. (source - Wikipedia article on Hanzo Hattori) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN103] Keiji Maeda English - Journal of a Wandering Warrior Japanese - Keiji's Travel Journal The adopted son of Toshihisa Maeda, Keiji was named by him to be the successor of the Maeda clan. However, Keiji's uncle, Toshiie, approached their lord, Nobunaga, asking to be named head of the clan instead. Thinking of Keiji as a threat to this, Toshiie ordered many failed attempts on Keiji's life. Due to this strife within the Maeda clan, Keiji decided to leave his clan and move on to other lands. With this split, he lived the life of a ronin, a masterless samurai, and thus, truly a wandering warrior. (source - Wikipedia article on Keiji Maeda) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN104] Kenshin Uesugi English - Chalice of Bishamonten Japanese - Horseback Cup Bishamonten is one of the Japanese Seven Gods of Fortune in Shinto beliefs, and is known as a god of war. He is depicted as an armor clad god of war and warriors and punisher of evildoers. He holds a spear in one hand and a small pagoda in the other, representing the divine treasure house, the riches of which he both guards and gives away. Kenshin Uesugi held firm beliefs in Bishamonten, and many believed that he himself was the avatar of Bishamonten, and called him the god of war. In the Samurai Warriors games, Kenshin can often be seen praying to Bishamonten for power and victory, and it is also noteworthy that he can often be seen drinking what might be sake before his battles. In Warriors Orochi, when he confronts Lu Bu, he invites him to "drink from the chalice of war" with him. In real history, it may very well be his drinking, combined with stomach cancer, that lead to his death. The original item name roughly translates to Horseback Cup, which might refer to the way he is often seen drinking sake on horseback in the games. (source - Wikipedia article on Kenshin Uesugi) (source - Wikipedia article on Bishamonten, main article Vaisravana) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original item name) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN105] Kunoichi English - Golden Incense Japanese - Golden Incense Given Kunoichi's fictional nature, it's hard to say exactly what this item signifies. While it's been speculated that she is sort of representative of the Sanada Ten Braves, she has no true history to examine, and thus, the Golden Incense is likely just a vague, placeholder item for her, something that someone of the period might have that isn't too specific to someone. A nondescript item for an anonymous ninja girl. But I love her anyway. There may, however, be an in-game reference with this item. In the first Samurai Warriors, there was a rare item called Gold Incense that, when equipped, made the stat doubling field items last longer. To get it, one had to play one of Noh's stages, and the requirement was to, at a certain point in the level, defeat Kunoichi. (thanks to forum member BladeSandwich for the possible game reference) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN106] Magoichi Saika English - Saika Overcoat Japanese - Saika Overcoat There isn't really much information to be found on the "real" Magoichi Saika, as this isn't so much a true name as it is a title. Magoichi Saika is the name given to the leader of the Saiga Ikki, a group of Buddhist warriors. The games work this group in, though they instead refer to them as the Saika Mercenaries. It would seem the Magoichi we know and love from the Samurai Warriors games is more based on Suzuki Shigehide, who was known for supporting the Ikko rebels against Nobunaga Oda. Members of the Saiga Ikki were known for their expertise in firearms, the area boasting superb gunsmiths and foundries. The coat itself would seem to just be a reference to the long coat Magoichi always wears in the games. (source - Wikipedia article on Magoichi Saika) (source - Wikipedia article on Saiga Ikki) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN107] Masamune Date English - Dragon's Pipe Japanese - One-Eyed Dragon's Pipe While I'm not sure of a particular reference to a pipe, the dragon refers to Masamune himself. Due to a case of smallpox, Masamune lost sight in his right eye. One story says he plucked the eye out himself when a senior member of the Date clan posed that an enemy could grab it in battle, while other sources say he asked his retainer, Katakura Kojuuruo, to gouge it out for him. Whatever the case, Masamune became known as the One-Eyed Dragon. The original item name cements this relation all the more. (source - Wikipedia article on Masamune Date) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN108] Mitsuhide Akechi English - Poetry of Atago Hyakuin Japanese - ??? This item references a series of one hundred poetic verses penned by Mitsuhide, offered to Mt. Atago. It is believed these verses were a sort of prayer, likely made in the hopes of success in his plans against Nobunaga Oda. Such a ritual is not uncommon, as warriors often dedicated poems to deities as a request for success in battle. Hyakunin Isshu, by itself, refers simply to any such compilation of one hundred linked verses. It literally translates to "one hundred people, one poem (each)." (source - "Chaos and Cosmos : Ritual in Early and Medieval Japanese Literature" by Herbert E. Plutschow) (source - Wikipedia article on Hyakunin Isshu) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN109] Nobunaga Oda English - Painted Scroll of Atsumori Japanese - ??? This scroll seems to be a reference to Taira no Atsumori, a young prince who lived from 1169 to 1184. He was slain in single combat by Kumagae Naozane, who was so struck by the beauty of the young noble that reminded him of his own young son that he likely would have spared him had they been alone. However, as more of his men were approaching, he knew they would kill him if he did not. Thus, he delivered the finishing blow, beheading the young prince, feeling it better to do it himself and offer prayers to his departed soul later. The full weight of this tragedy caused Kumagae to take vows and become a Buddhist monk. These events spawned various works of art, including plays and dances. One such dance, known as the Atsumori dance, was favored by Nobunaga Oda. A dance to be performed by one person with a single fan, accompanied at most by a single bongo played by an attendant, the dance was performed along with a hymn. The dance was not for entertainment, but it was more akin to a ritual, and it is said that Nobunaga Oda performed the Atsumori dance before riding off to the Battle of Okehazama, in which he killed Yoshimoto Imagawa, shocking a land that thought Nobunaga could never win against his forces. Notably, Nobunaga Oda can be seen performing the Atsumori dance in both Samurai Warriors games, with Noh accompanying him with a drum. Roughly translated, the lyrics of the hymn are as follows : "A man's life of 50 years under the sky is nothing compared to the age of this world. Life is but a fleeting dream, an illusion -- Is there anything that lasts forever?" Ironically, Nobunaga himself would meet his fate in Honnoji a mere two days before his 49th birthday. (source - Wikipedia article on Taira no Atsumori) (source - Wikipedia article on Nobunaga Oda) (source - uk.geocities.com/rainforestwind/atsumori.htm) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN110] Noh English - Bejeweled Dagger Japanese - Dosan's Dagger There really isn't much information about the true Lady Noh, as she doesn't appear much in historical records. However, it is speculated that, as it is told in the first Samurai Warriors game, Noh may have been acting as a possible assassin for her father in a plot against Nobunaga Oda. It is worth noting that in one of her endings in the original SW, Noh had a dagger given to her by her father, which she was to use to, as he put it, "kill the fool." Further backing up this theory is the original name for the item, Dosan's Dagger. Dosan Saito was indeed Noh's father. (source - Wikipedia article on Nohime) (source - Samurai Warriors) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original item name) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN111] Oichi English - Bag of Red Beans Japanese - Red Bean Bag The Bag of Red Beans is a symbol of Oichi's desire to help her brother, Nobunaga Oda. When Nobunaga attacked the Asakura clan, Nagamasa broke the Azai clan's alliance with the Oda, choosing to instead fight to defend their long time allies, the Asakura. Oichi, hoping to spare her brother's life, sent him a bag of beans, tied at both ends, as a good luck charm. In reality, however, it was a warning that he was about to be attacked on two sides by the Asakura and Azai clans. Nobunaga picked up on this and retreated just in time. (source - Wikipedia article on Oichi) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN112] Okuni English - Izumo Dancing Shoes Japanese - Temple Solicitation Register These shoes reflect Okuni's position as a miko, or shrine maiden, for the Grand Shrine of Izumo. She was well known for her skill in dancing and acting, as well as her beauty. Shrines would often send miko to seek donations for their upkeep, and Okuni was no acception. Her innovative dances, some of which were on the sultry and seductive side, drew huge crowds. She thus was able to send plenty of funds back to the shrine, though she ignored the call to return, instead following her passions of dance, song, and acting. Eventually, she would become the founder of kabuki theater. The original item would seem more to refer to her job of soliciting donations for the temple, a list to record the donations she received. (source - Wikipedia article on Izumo no Okuni) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN113] Ranmaru Mori English - Nobunaga's Belt Japanese - Zenrin Kokuhouki Ranmaru having his lord's belt is a reference to his life as Nobunaga's attendant. He was perhaps one of Nobunaga's most loyal and trusted servants, always at his side. Their relationship followed the tradition of shudo, a type of sanctioned homosexuality prevalent in samurai society that was believed to strengthen men and teach them virtue, honesty, and appreciation for beauty (a belief of the time was that the love of women feminized men). In a final act of loyalty to his lord, during the incident at Honnoji, Ranmaru comitted seppuku along with Nobunaga. The original item name might be a different reference, though what it is, I cannot be sure. Forum member JG Chan tried to find information on this, but it was all in Japanese, and thus, he was unable to read it, and I would fare no better. If anyone has a more solid idea of what this might be, feel free to inform me. (source - Wikipedia article on Ranmaru Mori) (source - Wikipedia article on Shudo) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN114] Shingen Takeda English - Takeda War Flag Japanese - Takeda War Flag When Shingen Takeda would fight, his war banner held the phrase Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan. This was taken from Sun Tzu's "The Art of War." Fans of the Samurai Warriors games are likely familiar with the ideas held in this phrase : Swift as the Wind, Silent as a Forest, Fierce as Fire, and Immovable as a Mountain. These beliefs could be seen in the historical Shingen's policies and strategies. It is possible this could also reference the Takeda clan mon, or symbol of heraldry, but this doesn't seem as likely. While it is notable that the mon has four diamonds, just as there are four pieces to that phrase, I've heard theories of the mon representing everything from that to rice paddies to eyes to a Japanese character to just being diamonds with no other significance. The thread I was reading for this broke into a heated debate, and I'm not sure if any particular answer ever came of it. Thus, I'm pretty sure I'm safe in assuming this references the phrase on Shingen's banner and not their clan mon, as the phrase has more of a definitive meaning and significance to his life. (source) - Wikipedia article on Shingen Takeda) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN115] Yukimura Sanada English - Six Coins Japanese - Six Coins The Six Coins reference the Sanada clan's mon, or symbol of heraldry. Called the Sanadake Zeni, it can be seen on Yukimura's headband. The six coins represent the fee one must pay to the boatman who takes souls from earth to heaven. (source - Wikipedia article on Mon) (source - "Warriors of Medieval Japan" By Stephen Turnbull) ----------------------------------------------- - VII. Sengoku 2 Items [WOSEN2] --------------- ----------------------------------------------- [SEN201] Ginchiyo Tachibana English - Dosetsu's Heirlooms Japanese - Dosetsu Armor The heirlooms are a reference to Dosetsu Tachibana, Ginchiyo's father and head of the Tachibana clan. However, upon his death, leadership of the clan went to Ginchiyo, due to the fact that Dosetsu had no sons. The original item carries this link as well, though it centers more on his armor, seemingly giving more of a glimpse of this version of Ginchiyo's determination to avenge the death of her father by taking up his arms. (source - Wikipedia article on Ginchiyo Tachibana) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN202] Hideyoshi Toyotomi English - Nobunaga's Sandals Japanese - Nobunaga's Straw Sandals Hideyoshi was not born a nobleman, he had to work for it. When he first joined up with Nobunaga Oda, he was simply the son of a peasant family. As such, under Nobunaga's service, he started as a simple servant, delegated as one of Nobunaga's sandal bearers. (source - Wikipedia article on Hideyoshi Toyotomi) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN203] Ieyasu Tokugawa English - History of the Tang Dynasty Japanese - Jogan Seiyo I'm not particularly sure of a connection on this one, unless Ieyasu was looking to it as a structure for his own eventual rule. The Tang Dynasty is known by historians as a high point of Chinese culture, known also for its stability, which is something Ieyasu seems to value. The original name for this item was the Jogan Seiyo, a Confucian text on government written during the Tang Dynasty, which Ieyasu seems to have ordered a copy printed for him. (source - Wikipedia article on Tang Dynasty) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original item name) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN204] Ina English - Headscarf of Purity Japanese - White Headband This item may just be referencing the headband Ina wears in the Samurai Warriors games. It is however known that she was described as being highly beautiful and intelligent, and that when she died, Nobuyuki Sanada mourned her deeply, claiming "the light of my house has been extinguished." (source - Wikipedia article on Komatsuhime) (thanks to forum member diandra_deborah for the item name) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN205] Kanetsugu Naoe English - Letter to Ieyasu Japanese - Naoe's Letter According to one of the stage introductions in Samurai Warriors 2 (specifically, the Battle of Hasedo), Kanetsugu was angered by the lust for power shown by Ieyasu Tokugawa. To show his displeasure, he wrote a letter to the warlord, claiming such actions to be against the Uesugi code of honor. To oppose Ieyasu, he then joined the forces of Mitsunari Ishida. The original name might mean this same letter, though it is a bit less clear on a true history as Kanetsugu may have written more letters. (source - Samurai Warriors 2) (thanks to forum member diandra_deborah for the item name) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN206] Kotaro Fuma English - Fuma Blood Seal Japanese - Fuma Blood Seal Like Magoichi Saika, Kotaro Fuma is more a title than a name, adopted always by the leader of the Fuma clan. The Kotaro from the games is likely the fifth Kotaro Fuma, as this one was known to serve the Hojo clan. As for a particular meaning of a blood seal, that might be a reference to Kotaro's demonic appearance. In truth, the name Fuma literally means "wind demon," thus Kotaro's unusual appearance. (source - Wikipedia article on Kotaro Fuma) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN207] Mitsunari Ishida English - The Three Teacups Japanese - Three Cups of Tea Mitsunari Ishida was evidently quite well versed in performing tea ceremonies. In fact, it was his skill with tea ceremonies that first attracted the attention and admiration of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. In a specific case, after hunting one day, Hideyoshi stopped at a temple where Mitsunari was at the time and asked for tea. He brought him cold tea in a large cup. He finished it and asked for another, this time receiving warmer tea in a smaller cup. After finishing this one, he asked for one more, receiving very hot tea in a small cup. Hideyoshi liked how he did this and thus took him in, thus explaining not only the teacups, but the number of them as well. (source - "The Samurai: A Military History" by Stephen Richard Turnbull) (thanks to forum member opfer_gv for information on this item) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN208] Musashi Miyamoto English - Book of Five Rings Japanese - Book of Five Rings The Book of Five Rings was a text on kenjutsu and military arts, comparable to the Art of War in its notability. It was in fact written by Musashi Miyamoto himself, and covered the same teachings he gave to students of his dojo. The book is seperated into five sections : Ground (an introduction that metaphorically compares martial arts and training to building a house), Water (describes his own fighting style, Ni-ten ichi-ryu, or Two Heavens, One Style), Fire (talks of timing in the heat of battle), Wind (discusses failing of various schools of swordfighting arts), and Void (a short epilogue that discusses Musashi's zen-like view of conciousness and the correct mindset). It is notable that, in Samurai Warriors, there were five rare items one could find that were in fact the five sections of the Book of Five Rings. If the player equipped all five books, their weapon would take on the death element. (source - Wikipedia article on the Book of Five Rings) (source - Samurai Warriors) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN209] Nagamasa Azai English - Medal of Odani Japanese - Medal of Odani The Medal of Odani references Nagamasa's home area. He was born and lived in a castle in Odani, though this would unfortunately also be the place of his death. With the forces of Nobunaga Oda laying siege to his castle, Nagamasa Azai knew he had no chance of winning. In exchange for the safety of Oichi and his daughters, he committed seppuku along with his only son. (source - Wikipedia article on Nagamasa Asai) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN210] Nene English - The Taikoki Japanese - Taikoki The Taikoki is a biography of Hideyoshi Toyotomi's life. Given that she was his wife, and the game portrays her as highly dedicated to him and his dreams, her having this isn't too surprising. (thanks to forum member diandra_deborah for the item name) (thanks to forum member BladeSandwich for this information) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN211] Sakon Shima English - The Catalog of Shadows Japanese - Catalog of Shadows This might refer to a book given to Yagyu Muneyoshi by Kamiizumi Nobutsuna, from which the Yagyu Shinkage sword style is derived. The Yagyu Shinkage-ryu is one of the most renowned schools of swordsmanship even today, and it roughly translates to Yagyu New Shadow School. Sakon may have had some familiarity with this style, and his daughter was a concubine of Yagyu Hyogonosuke, Yagyu Muneyoshi's grandson. Yagyu Munenori was also said to have spoken to Sakon just before the Battle of Sekigahara, in order to obtain information for the Tokugawa. Some of this information did come from a Japanese site, so my source isn't sure how reliable his understanding is. If anyone can verify this information, it would be much appreciated. (thanks to forum member diandra_deborah for the item name) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for this information) (source - http://www.m-network.com/sengoku/sakon/retsuden02.html) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN212] Tadakatsu Honda English - Deerhorn Helmet Japanese - Deerhorn Helmet This is one instance where a reference to a character's outfit really does have a basis in history. The real Tadakatsu Honda did indeed have deer antlers adorning his helmet, which made him instantly recognizable on the battlefield. One possible explanation to the significance of these antlers might be the Kirin, a mystical deer-like creature of Japanese mythology said to be the strongest of the five holy beasts (the others being Seiryuu, the azure dragon of the east, Suzaku, the vermilion bird of the south, Genbu, the black tortoise of the north, and Byakko, the white tiger of the west). (source - Wikipedia article on Tadakatsu Honda) (source - Wikipedia article, List of legendary creatures from Japan) (thanks to forum member ExShikyoh for information on the Kirin) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN213] Yoshihiro Shimazu English - Hanafuda Cards Japanese - Hanafuda Inoshikacho Hanafuda cards are a type of playing cards from Japan. This may simply be a reference to their portrayal of Yoshihiro Shimazu. It is known that he did several risky things in battle, including initiating a fighting retreat against 30,000 of Ieyasu Tokugawa's soldiers in the Battle of Sekigahara, preferring this to surrendering. Koei seems to have taken this choice of risk and run with it, as Yoshihiro often seems to speak of gambling in the games. The original item is a more specific Hanafuda reference, meaning a certain hand containing a boar, a deer, and a butterfly, which is worth extra points. (source - Wikipedia article on Yoshihiro Shimazu) ----------------------------------------------- [SEN214] Yoshimoto Imagawa English - Pillow Book Japanese - Pillow Book The Pillow Book was a record of observations by Sei Shonagon while she was a court lady to Empress Sadako, completed in the year 1002 in Heian Japan. Since this initial book, the term "pillow book" has come to mean a collection of notebooks or notes that are compiled to chronicle a period of something or someone's life. Yoshimoto Imagawa actually did produce such a work, as he established a printing press in Sumpu and oversaw the completion of a five volume history of his family. There is also a lesser link from this item to Yoshimoto Imagawa, as the Heian Japan period (in which the original Pillow Book was written) was also when the ball game Kemari came into popularity, which actually *did* hold the historical Yoshimoto Imagawa's interest. (source - Wikipedia article on The Pillow Book) (source - samurai-archives.com entry on Yoshimoto Imagawa) (source - Wikipedia article on Yoshimoto Imagawa) (source - Wikipedia article on Kemari) ----------------------------------------------- - VIII. Other Force Items [WOOTHER] ----------- ----------------------------------------------- [OTH01] Da Ji English - Sacraficial Altar Japanese - Killing Stone Trying to divine a true meaning behind this item is difficult. It may simply be a reference to this fictional incarnation of Da Ji being a demonic presence. The historic Da Ji was not exactly an angel, however. Daji, as she was called, was the favorite concubine of King Zhou, the last emperor of the Shang Dynasty. Harboring quite a sadistic streak, she routinely butchered people to study them, such as cutting open a pregnant woman's belly to see what was going on inside, or cutting out the heart of the minister Bi Gan to see if, indeed, "a good man's heart has seven openings." She was even responsible for the creation of the Paolao, a torture device consisting of a bronze cylinder which was heated like a furnace, upon which the unfortunate victim would be strapped and thus baked to death. It is of interest to note however that, in a fictional adaptation of these events known as Fengshen Yanyi, or The Investiture of the Gods, Daji was once a kind-hearted beauty, but was killed by a malicious fox spirit sent to bring about the fall fo the Shang Dynasty. This spirit then took on the form of Daji. Thus, the other officers' descriptions of Da Ji as a fox aren't far off. The original item name was Sesshoseki, or Killing Stone. This refers to the legend of Tamamo-no-Mae, a Japanese courtesan favored by the emperor. In reality, she was a nine-tailed fox spirit. When she was killed, her body was transformed into the Sesshoseki, which killed anyone who touched it. While this tale does not directly refer to Da Ji, it is an extremely similar story, and likely more well known to the Japanese. (source - Wikipedia article on Daji) (source - Wikipedia article on Fenghen Yanyi) ----------------------------------------------- [OTH02] Diao Chan English - Lu Bu's Comb Japanese - Fengxian's Hairpin Historical information about Diao Chan is rather lacking, leading to speculation that she is actually a fictional character, only existing in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel. In the novel, she is part of a plot to tear apart the relationship between Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu, much as is her role in the games. She gets close to both men, but then tells Lu Bu that Dong Zhuo makes her unhappy, and she only wishes to be with him. He thus turns on his lord and adoptive father, killing him and fleeing. Diao Chan accompanies him until he is eventually killed in battle, and there is no mention of her in the novel past this point. While there isn't really an indication of her having a true affection for Lu Bu in the novel, in the games, she truly does love and care for him. In Dynasty Warriors 5, she is always by his side to the end, and in Warriors Orochi, she defects to the Coalition forces in the hopes of showing her beloved the error of his ways. The original name uses Lu Bu's style name, Fengxian. (source - Wikipedia article on Diaochan) ----------------------------------------------- [OTH03] Dong Zhuo English - Goblet of Paradise Japanese - Nine Bestowments Dong Zhuo was indeed a tyranical man, concerned only with making himself happy, finding his own paradise no matter the cost to the rest of the country, just as he is portrayed in the games. After installing a puppet emperor, he gave himself the rights to carry his sword into the imperial court and not remove his shoes, very special rights that were granted to almost no one. Upon claiming power, he had his army invade Yangcheng and behead all male inhabitants. He then had them bring back all the women and valuables. He was known to sleep with palace maids and princesses. When forced to move by the gathering enemy forces, he would have tombs robbed of their valuables, which he would add to his collection. He had bronze bells and statues melted down to make coins for himself. He threw banquets during which savage tortures would be performed upon his enemies. Needless to say, his idea of paradise didn't sit well with the rest of the country, who would put together a massive coalition to take him down. Ironically, the final blow that ended his life would not come from them, but from his own adopted son, Lu Bu. The original item name was Nine Bestowments, which refers to rewards given to exceptional officials by the emperor. There seems to be a link later on to those who usurp power or control the emperor. Since Dong Zhuo did indeed control the emperor, it makes complete sense that he would have the emperor give him these rewards, just to make himself look good. (source - Wikipedia article on Dong Zhuo) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for the original item name) ----------------------------------------------- [OTH04] Lu Bu English - Hero's Armor Japanese - Flying General's Armor The Hero's Armor may just be an allusion to the well known attributes of Lu Bu's outfit. His armor was indeed quite elaborate, described as consisting of a beautiful headdress of gold, an embroidered thousand-flower fighting robe, a pheasant tailed helmet, a breastplate, and a gleaming jade belt with a lion’s head clasp. The original name uses one of Lu Bu's nicknames, the Flying General. (source - kongming.net biography of Lu Bu) (thanks to forum member Hayato Nekketsu for the item name) ----------------------------------------------- [OTH05] Meng Huo English - Crown of Nan Zhong Japanese - Crown of the Nanzhong King There really isn't much of a mystery to this particular item. Meng Huo was indeed the king and leader of the tribes of the Nan Zhong region, south of the Kingdom of Shu. It was for this reason that Zhuge Liang decided to move against them, hoping not to conquer them, but to pacify them, so that the Kingdom of Shu would no longer have to worry about being attacked from the south. He captured and released Meng Huo seven times, and treated other captured Nanman generals with kindness. In this way, Zhuge Liang pacified the southern lands, as when Meng Huo swore loyalty to Shu, the people of Nan Zhong followed his lead. (source - Wikipedia article on Meng Huo) ----------------------------------------------- [OTH06] Orochi English - Serpent's Elixir Japanese - Shinbenkidokushu The Serpent's Elixir likely refers to Orochi's preferred drink of sake, which, ironically enough, would lead to the mythological Orochi's fate. This Orochi was a giant eight-headed serpent. A hero by the name of Susanoo descended from the heavens, finding two earthly deities weeping. They were upset by the fact that they had to make sacrafices to the evil Orochi. This would be their eighth and final daughter they were to sacrafice, a daughter by the name of Kushi-inada-hime. Susanoo, however, had a plan. He asked for the daughter's hand in marriage. To keep her safe, he transformed her into a comb which he placed in his hair. He then asked her parents to brew sake that was refined eight times. He built an enclosure with eight gates, each with a platform and a vat of the refined sake. They waited, and indeed, Orochi appeared. It dipped a head into each vat, and before long, became intoxicated. Taking this opportunity, Susanoo proceeded to hack Orochi to pieces. Upon making the final cut into the central tail of Orochi, his sword became chipped, and he then found the legendary sword, Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi. The original item name, Shinbenkidokushu, literally means "God Change Demon Poison Wine." According to legend, it was instrumental in the slaying of an oni (a Japanese demon) known as Shuten Doji. When the oni drank this wine, it caused him to sleep, much as was the case with Orochi's sake. (source - Wikipedia article on Yamata no Orochi) (source - http://www2.kanawa.com/japan/figure4.html) (thanks to forum member JG Chan for information on the original item) ----------------------------------------------- [OTH07] Yuan Shao English - Crest of Nobility Japanese - Armor of Military Rule Yuan Shao was indeed from a noble family, though his relation to such is not so clear cut as it is in the games. In truth, Yuan Shao's mother was originally a maid in Yuan Feng's house. However, since Yuan Feng lacked a son, this elevated his mother's status to that of a concubine. Since Yuan Feng's older brother also lacked sons, he adopted Yuan Shao into his own family. This infuriated Yuan Shu, who until this adoption had been the oldest son of the Yuan clan. Despite the fact that Yuan Shu was also the son of a concubine, he used the fact that his mother already was such, rather than elevated to this position, to claim that he was the rightful heir, rather than his older cousin Yuan Shao. This controversy was a source of animosity between the two. While the original item name literally translates to Armor of Military Rule, in Chinese, it more closely means Armor of Arrogance or Overbearing, which makes a lot of sense for this particular general. (source - Wikipedia article on Yuan Shao) (thanks to forum member diandra_deborah for the item name) ----------------------------------------------- [OTH08] Zhang Jiao English - The Way of Peace Japanese - Way of Peace The Way of Peace refers to a set of books Zhang Jiao received in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel. While Zhang Jiao (known as Zhang Jue in the novel) was gathering medicinal herbs in the mountain, he came across an old man. He beckoned him into a cave and presented Zhang Jiao with three books he claimed came from heaven. He referred to them as "The Essential Art of Great Peace." He told him to master their contents and spread their teachings through the land, and that doing so would save mankind. Practicing night and day, he was said to have gained the power to summon wind and rain, and he became known as the Great Peace Daoist. He would then go on to found the Yellow Turbans. The Way of Peace was also said to be his name for the campaign others would know as the Yellow Turban Rebellion. (source - Wikipedia article on Zhang Jiao) ----------------------------------------------- [OTH09] Zhu Rong English - Wings of the Fire God Japanese - Wings of the Fire God In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel, Lady Zhurong stands out as the only woman to have actually participated in combat. She was also known for her claims that she was descended from the Fire God, Zhu Rong, from whom she got her name. It has been speculated that her R1 special in this game is a show of her channeling her inner Fire God. (source - Wikipedia article on Lady Zhurong) ----------------------------------------------- [OTH10] Zuo Ci English - The Treasury of Tao Japanese - Heavenly Book of Concealing Method Zuo Ci, as depicted in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel, was a Taoist master. His powers were incredible, and he was even thought to be psychic. Studying on Mt. Emei, he found the Book of Concealing Method, from which he learned "to ascend to the clouds astride the wind, to sail up into the great void itself; and how ...to pass through mountains and penetrate rocks; ...to float light as vapor, over the seas, to become invisible at will or change shape, to fling swords and project daggers so as to decapitate a man from a distance." He offered these books to Cao Cao, if he would become a disciple of Taoism. He refused, and with how paranoid Cao Cao could be, perhaps it is just as well that he couldn't gain these powers. Since a book can be referred to as a treasury, this may well be what the item is referring to. The original item name pretty much confirms this relation. (source - Wikipedia article on Zuo Ci) ----------------------------------------------- - IX. Special Thanks [WOTHANKS] --------------- ----------------------------------------------- First of all, I would like to thank forum member and FAQ writer KWMrHonda for his encouragement and also linking to my FAQ, since GameFAQs would not accept it due to overspecialization. I also thank GameFAQs forum members Hayato Nekketsu and diandra_deborah for giving me the names of a few items I didn't have at the time of writing this FAQ (Lu Bu's is now the only item I'm still actually missing on my game). I would also like to thank the following forum members for their invaluable help in compiling this information: opfer_gv Kelifrag Sir-Marth Amakusa BladeSandwich Look over there deer92 ExShikyoh bluedestiny426 JG Chan tennoarashi My thanks as well to the contributors of Wikipedia, as well as informational sites such as kongming.net, yueying.net, and samurai-archives.com. And of course, thanks to Koei for developing perhaps the ultimate game for fans of the Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors games. ----------------------------------------------- - X. Contact and Closing [WOCLOSE] ------------ ----------------------------------------------- Obviously, this is still a work in progress, as I do not yet have all the meanings truly solidified. I welcome feedback to help complete this FAQ. If you would like to contribute, feel free to contact me at: KayproMk4 (at) Yahoo (dot) com I will happily give credit in the FAQ to anyone who can fill the gaps, or even add anything to those items already defined. It is my hope that this FAQ will continue to grow, and that people will find it informative and helpful in gaining a better understanding of the officers of China and Japan. -----------------------------------------------