How many episodes are there?
39.


What is the Japanese name of the series?
Yoroiden Samurai Troopers. Yoroiden can be loosely translated as "Magnificent Armor" but is more accurately "Armor Legend". The title was changed for its US release so it would not be confused with Saban's VR Troopers.


What are the Japanese names of the charas?
Sanada Ryo (Ryo), Date Seiji (Sage), Mouri Shin (Cye), Hashiba Touma (Rowen), and Shuu Lei Fuan (Kento).


What are the difference between Ronin Warriors and Yoroiden Samurai Troopers?
Besides YST being in Japanese and RW in English, very little. All the BGM (Background Music) was kept original, but the opening and closing themes and animations were changed in the US release. The actual episodes are very similar to each other, with everything in YST (from Ryo slapping Yuli to Kayura's brief nude scene) in RW. The Sci-Fi Channel aired a cut up version of the series to allow for more commercial breaks, but the original syndicated and Cartoon Network versions were pretty much identical to the original Japanese show. Of course, nothing was cut from Bandai's DVD release. Plot-wise, both follow the same general story, but Hariel was invented as a plot device in the US version and doesn't have a Japanese counterpart.


How old are the charas?
This is a point of debate. In YST, they're all between 14 and 15. Yet, there is a scene where Sage drives Mia's jeep. So, in RW, their ages were raised to around 16 and 17. Further, still, if you look at their original birthdates in YST, they were born in the 1970s (with the show airing in the 1980s). So, if you go by their birthdates, they're getting pretty old.


Why are some of the voices different in the first few episodes?
The voice actors portraying Mia, Sage and Kento had strep throat and missed the first voicing sessions. A couple of the sound techs ended up filling. That's the story.


What type of sword does Sage have?
A no-dachi / no-datchi. Sage's weapon is a longsword popular during the Nambokucho and Muromachi periods. With blades in excess of 50 inches, no-dachi were massive two-handed swords carried in large part just for intimidation. Often reaching lengths of over six feet, the mere sight of such a thing would cause opponents to hesitate or flee. In combat, these staggering field swords were used by and against cavalry.


What's the Ancient's staff called?
The Ancient is a priest in the militant Shugendo order, a faith combining Buddhism and Shinto. His staff is a shakujo, used by Buddhist monks to aid in prayer. The chiming rings supposedly scare away evil spirits. In reality, they scare away insects. Sakuyamon also has a shakujo.


When does Yuli get an armor?
Never.


Are there any Ronin Warriors videogames?
Nothing made by Capcom, Enix, Koei, Square, etc. There are MUDs and MUCKs out there if you're interested. If you're desperate, you can always rename Cloud Strife "Sage". I did.


Are there any Ronin Warriors toys?
A line of figure, using Japanese molds, was released and re-released in the US in '96. The first editions have a paragraph about the charas. The second editions have incorrect stats. The line was again released in 1999 with the animation's airing on Cartoon Network. In Japan, there's a lot more RW-related merchandise, ranging from artbooks, to doujin, to paper dolls, to pencil boards. Check eBay. There's always something.


No, really, when does Yuli get an armor?
Never. He never becomes "Yuli of the Wind". He does take up kendo in the OAVs, though.


How can I get copies of the episodes?
Ever since the Sage Page first aired in 1995, there's been a demand for the series on VHS and later on DVD. The Sage Page did a limited video distribution in 2001; however, that stopped the moment Bandai announced they had the rights. I will not make more copies, and I do not support the pirated download of officially licensed animations. If you are interested in Ronin Warriors, buy the Bandai DVDs.


Where are all the pictures?
I favor spartan designs, and believe the internet's primary purpose is to distribute and disseminate information. Besides, I don't have the server space. I look at web design as a katana. It should be elegant and functional, containing a beauty and a simplicity. It's a balance of art and purpose.


Dude, does this site have a mascot?
It is the Sage Page, but the site's actual mascots are Izanagi and Izanami. I entered them in the Anime Boston 2003 Mascot Competition. Although they "received praise by the seven senior staff members", they did not win. No, I'm not bitter. No, that's not sarcasm.


Why are you always talking about Digimon? I mean, isn't this a Ronin Warriors site?
I like Digimon.


You like Zoids, too?
Uh huh.