imp_resario: (SIR.)
Moxxie ([personal profile] imp_resario) wrote in [community profile] dreamcrystals2022-12-08 12:24 pm

A Matter Of Opinion

Sender: Moxxie
Subject: re: Armaments, traditions, and customs, vis-a-vis names

Reverein, I need a little help in resolving a minor dispute on a matter of opinion. And weapons.

Namely, the naming thereof.

Now, I've always had a mind for the classics in both music and literature, and giving a weapon a name all its own is a way of establishing personal significance, identity, and legacy, to say nothing of gravitas in recognition of or anticipation of the deeds ascribed to it. What, pray tell, would be Der Ring des Nibelungen without Nothung, the accursed sword of Siegfried? What would be the Arthurian legends without Excalibur or La Chanson de Roland without Durandal?

I would assert, therefore, that the practice is timeless, and has a well-earned place in the modern day, and with modern weaponry besides; that something like, for example, a shotgun can have enough significance to its wielder and within its deeds that it is no less worthy of being given a name than the weapons of old.

HOWEVER, in contrast, a certain colleague of mine does not share my views on this matter and describes the entire practice as, and I quote them directly,

"Cringe, T B H".

Which to me not only shows a lack of dramatic appreciation but also ignorance of the proud tradition upheld by the act of doing so. Thus I put it to a vote in a public forum before my fellow dreamers:

Is the practice of naming weapons really just a relic of a bygone sentimentality, or is it a timeless practice honoring the tools of the world's second-oldest trade?
flamekthunder: (ϟ 006)

Sender: Eustace

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2022-12-08 07:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Tradition...plays some part and there can be sentimental aspects to it. However there is also practical reason for naming weapons depending on the circumstances and significance of the weapon. If it is one that is stronger or has certain qualities that make it different from more common use weapons, then naming it makes it easier to differentiate from the rest. It may also be required for activating its inherent abilities.

However... If one is naming a weapon with no meaning to it like some kind of collector's item, then I would have to side with your colleague.
flamekthunder: (ϟ 139)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2022-12-09 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
For such basic attacks, no. But if a weapon is capable of executing a stronger attack, then using its name as part of the incantation is common. You could say it is as if you, the wielder, are speaking directly to the weapon to draw out more of its power.

However, realistically it's mostly due to the magical properties. Similar to summoning or casting as spell, referring to the weapon specifically helps keep focus.
flamekthunder: (ϟ 006)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2022-12-11 06:47 am (UTC)(link)
If you mean just personal significance and identity, then there's nothing wrong with it in general. It's a common practice in my world as while we do have disposable weapons, a weapons that can last through numerous battles is considered worth some kind of title.
flamekthunder: (ϟ 033)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2022-12-13 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
Not rare, but it does take a skilled weaponsmith.
flamekthunder: (ϟ 146)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2022-12-15 08:42 pm (UTC)(link)
I see. I suppose that would devalue the weapon's merit and need for proper naming, and makes your initial writing make more sense.

[For Moxxie, naming weapons for whatever reason really would seem more "antiquated" and "traditional" whereas for him it's just the norm.]

However, does it really matter what your colleague thinks?
flamekthunder: (ϟ 033)

[personal profile] flamekthunder 2022-12-19 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
How would it be a loss of credibility?

[Does he actually work with weapons...?]