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?
herewardbound: (closest thing to a real smile your ass i)

[personal profile] herewardbound 2022-12-08 06:15 pm (UTC)(link)
When you have a sentimental connection to something as personal as a weapon or vehicle, naming them makes perfect sense.

Besides, we exist in a literal realm of cognition. It makes an intuitive sense that a weapon which has a proper Name should be more effective than one that doesn't, particularly if it's visually impressive enough to be worthy of one.

In summation-

Naming a random knife you found? Cringe, unless you're doing it ironically. Naming a custom pistol, every inch of which has been modified to make it visually distinct and uniquely yours?

Perfectly expected and rational.

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songbird_slayer: (pic#15264667)

[personal profile] songbird_slayer 2022-12-08 10:18 pm (UTC)(link)
My darling Slashley is offended that you'd call her cringe.

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recreator: (♇ | No end in sight)

Sender: Emet-Selch

[personal profile] recreator 2022-12-08 06:17 pm (UTC)(link)
I assure you that the tradition of naming weapons is still very much alive and well today. Though the practice has become more of an individual choice throughout the ages, and indeed its popularity varies amongst cultures, it is quite common within military nations such as Garlemald.

Few soldiers within the legions would choose to eschew the opportunity to style themselves thusly.
Edited 2022-12-08 18:18 (UTC)

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sos_pilot: by <user name=noimpulsecontrol> (we'll just glide starry-eyed)

sender: della duck

[personal profile] sos_pilot 2022-12-08 07:31 pm (UTC)(link)
dude you don't have to write a whole essay to justify why you think something is cool

if Cranky Cringe doesn't like it, who cares???

cool is in the eye of the beholder

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helluvaboss: (Blood and guts are cool)

Sender: Blitzø

[personal profile] helluvaboss 2022-12-08 07:37 pm (UTC)(link)
I herd u name ur gun bc then it wont let you down same with cars

Ive got too many guns but my favorites have code names

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bulletic: (realization)

Sender: Noel Vermillion

[personal profile] bulletic 2022-12-08 07:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, I don't think that's an outdated custom at all! At least back where I come from? In fact, I'd say it's rather common to give names to weapons... I suppose it might seem odd to someone who doesn't fight themselves, but it feels... more reassuring that way? It's like you have a reliable partner at your side at all times!

... I guess that might come across as a little silly after all...

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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.

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rokubro: (‡ 062)

Sender: Rokurou

[personal profile] rokubro 2022-12-08 07:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Your friend clearly has no appreciation for weapons. Of course you give them names, it's proof of the weapon's worth and legacy. And in battle, there's no truer partner you can trust than your weapon.

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notladyluck: (11)

Sender: Lady

[personal profile] notladyluck 2022-12-08 09:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Only one of my weapons is named for personal reasons. Its really up to the person who either creates the weapon or the person using it to decide if it gets a name.

Or it could be like Dante's devil arms. They're named after the demons they came from.

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redbeauty: (The master won't love me forever)

Sender: Kashuu Kiyomitsu

[personal profile] redbeauty 2022-12-08 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't think it's a relic of bygone sentimentality. In the world I'm from, it was very common for swordsmiths to name the swords they forged, either after themselves, or their school, or after special moment like a sword slicing through five corpses or a candlestick.

If anything, it's rather sad for me to think about all the swords that were forged and were never named.

Even though the era of swords is over in my world, I still think it's only fair to name the weapons or tools you either create yourself or personally use. Otherwise, they weren't really loved, were they?

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hairpinings: (pic#13449261)

Sender: Yamatonokami Yasusada

[personal profile] hairpinings 2022-12-08 10:58 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm not sure what cringe means but I can tell you not having a name or a story to tell is one of the most painful things for a weapon.

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kikuichi: (Former Boss)

Sender: Norimune

[personal profile] kikuichi 2022-12-08 11:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Naming weapons are still practiced even today back home. Why differs between who named them, their creators, owners or the people who knew of them.

It is the most important thing you can give to a weapon, as it tells others their stories, prayers and their masters upon hearing it.

By the way, what does "cringe" mean?
helluvaboss: (Sincerity)

Sender: Blitzø

[personal profile] helluvaboss 2022-12-09 02:21 am (UTC)(link)
cringe means youre being so embarrassing even literal baby children are wincing at you for being a big fat joke

[Excuse you, Blitzø, you weren't invited to this convo--]

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post_script: (between the pages)

Sender: Angela

[personal profile] post_script 2022-12-09 08:32 am (UTC)(link)
[La Chanson de Roland and Durandal... Nothing but coincidence, she thinks. Or maybe Roland named his sword after the sword from that story (whatever it may be)?]

I can't speak to how common or uncommon the practice is among the people of my world, but there is something I heard once: "It's an unspoken rule that the creator names their creation." I wonder if that applies to weapons as well.

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strawberryredgrave: (Mah guns!)

Sender: Dante

[personal profile] strawberryredgrave 2022-12-09 08:37 am (UTC)(link)
Between Coyote, Cavaliere and my boys, Ebony and Ivory, I can confirm people are always gonna give their weapons and stuff names. Especially the longer they stick around.

Most of my stuff comes pre-named, but sometimes I get to do it myself.

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mysophobic: (66 - investigate)

Sender: Shigeru Miyata

[personal profile] mysophobic 2022-12-16 04:42 pm (UTC)(link)
My weapons both have names! Valent is my sword and Xevrant is my shield. In my world, our weapons are a part of us so when we receive them a mental link is formed and their names are given. These weapons can only be activated by their wielders but that's more of a biological DNA signature of sorts, it's a safety measure, but the naming business has some sentimental value to them.

I don't think naming weapons is a relic at all though! I think it's kind of...fun? Making up cool names and personalizing your weapons just feels good.

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