History Main / ThePinIsMightierThanTheSword

* ''VideoGame/HollowKnight'': These are called "charms", but their function is largely the same. Their functions are varied, and include making you immune to knockback, providing you with allied creatures that gather currency dropped by defeated foes or attack enemies, and making thorny vines shoot from your body when you're damaged. Only a certain amount can be equipped at a time, and upgrades are necessary to be able to wear more charms.

* ''VideoGame/TheSims2'': Expansion packs don't add new skills (such as crafting, gardening and fishing) but use "talent badges" instead. Averted in the sequels where most of these are converted into skills.

* In ''Franchise/SailorMoon'', the main character has a brooch which serves as both a Transformation Trinket and a holder for her Power Crystal. Chibi-Chibi also gets one later on.

* ''VideoGame/{{MOTHER}}'': One of the earliest really useful special items you get is the [[Creator/BenjaminFranklin Franklin]] Badge, which reflects electrical attacks. It should be noted that in Videogame/{{MOTHER1}}, the Franklin Badge only reflected PK Beam Gamma, which was a one hit KO.

[[quoteright:350:[[Anime/SailorMoon https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sailor_moon_brooch.jpg]]]]

!Examples:

[[folder: Anime ]]

* In ''Anime/GoLion'' / ''Anime/{{Voltron}}'', the keys to the lions hide themselves as pins.

* ''VideoGame/{{MOTHER}}'': One of the earliest really useful special items you get is the [[Creator/BenjaminFranklin Franklin]] Badge, which reflects electrical attacks. It should be noted that in Videogame/{{MOTHER1}}, the Franklin Badge only reflected PK Beam Gamma, which was a one hit KO.
* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyTacticsAdvance'': Certain characters wear a ribbon (the military style, with a badge) that makes them exempt from all laws.

* ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' is built around this trope; every "player" in the "game" the protagonists are trapped in gains PsychicPowers from one. Neku, the PlayerCharacter, is unique in that he can use more than one (thus he can use pins in a PowersAsPrograms style). Oh, and the BigBad's EvilPlan is [[spoiler:to use modified pins to wire everyone up to a HiveMind. Neku's power makes him the best hope the MysteriousBacker has of countering it.]]

* ''VideoGame/EpicBattleFantasy'': In the [[VideoGame/EpicBattleFantasy4 fourth]] and [[VideoGame/EpicBattleFantasy5 fifth]] installments, some of the stat-boosting or ability-granting pieces of flair are badges.
* ''VideoGame/BionicCommandoRearmed'': Played with. Two of the bosses are war veterans with such a ridiculous amount of medals pinned to their chests, that they can stoically NoSell bullets, lasers, and rockets alike! A grenade lobbed over their heads, though...
* ''VideoGame/{{Psychonauts}}'':
** Merit badges represent mastery in various PsychicPowers. However, in most cases, Razputin can't use the relevant techniques at all until he earns the badge, at which point he becomes an InstantExpert in their execution.
** ''VideoGame/Psychonauts2'' introduces a system of applying pins to three available slots to modify specific psychic powers. Some are for aesthetics, like adding a rainbow flourish to telekinetic punches or changing the color of the levitation bubble, while others modify power mechanics like pyrokinesis making certain enemies explode when it kills them. Others still are for fun novelty uses, like using telekinesis to pet animals.

For some reason, it's common for badges to be depicted as either giving special abilities to or augmenting the special abilities of the wearer. This could be rooted in the fact that military officers and the like wear them as symbols of [[AuthorityEqualsAsskicking authority]]. Authority is by no means necessary to use ''these'' babies, however.

** In the western-created ''WesternAnimation/VoltronForce'', the keys are required to activate Voltcoms.

** ''TabletopGame/ForgottenRealms'' [[HeroSecretService Harper]] pins (AD&D2 ''The Code of the Harpers'' / D&D3 ''Magic of Faerûn'') give their wearers a bonus against mind-affecting effects, immunity to detection spells/psionics, Magic Missile and electricity/lightning attacks. They also blacken and start to jangle if worn by an evil being.

* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'': Referenced in the episode ''[[Recap/TheSimpsonsS10E13HomerToTheMax Homer to the Max]]''. According to its creators, the ShowWithinAShow ''Police Cops'' was originally conceived as ''Badge Patrol'', but "[[ExecutiveMeddling the stupid network idiots didn't want]] a show about high-tech badges that [[EnergyWeapon shoot laser beams]]".

* ''VideoGame/EpicBattleFantasy'': In the fourth and fifth installments, some of the stat-boosting or ability-granting pieces of flair are badges.

** ''VideoGames/Psychonauts2'' introduces a system of applying pins to three available slots to modify specific psychic powers. Some are for aesthetics, like adding a rainbow flourish to telekinetic punches or changing the color of the levitation bubble, while others modify power mechanics like pyrokinesis making certain enemies explode when it kills them. Others still are for fun novelty uses, like using telekinesis to pet animals.

* ''Videogame/HollowKnight:'' Called "charms" their function is largely the same. Only a certain amount can be equipped at a time, upgrade to be able to wear more charms. The whole deal.
* In ''Videogame/EarthBound'' (and the other VideoGame/{{MOTHER}} games), one of the earliest really useful special items you get is the [[Creator/BenjaminFranklin Franklin]] Badge, which reflects electrical attacks. It should be noted that in Videogame/{{MOTHER1}}, the Franklin Badge only reflected PK Beam Gamma, which was a one hit KO.
* In ''Videogame/FinalFantasyTacticsAdvance'', certain characters wear a ribbon (the military style, with a badge) that makes them exempt from all laws.
* In the ''Franchise/{{Mario}}'' [=RPG=]s, badges affect stats and sometimes have more interesting effects:
** In ''VideoGame/{{Paper Mario|64}}'' and [[VideoGame/PaperMarioTheThousandYearDoor its sequel]], they are Mario's sole form of equipment, and do anything from giving the player extra information, to giving Mario extra moves, to giving already existing functions more effectiveness, to boosting Mario's stats when low on health. They're stat-boosting accessories in ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiSuperstarSaga'' and ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiPartnersInTime''.

* In ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'', badges obtained by defeating gym leaders allow the player character's traded Pokémon to listen to them instead of ignoring orders. In early games, badges permanently gave a boost to a Pokemon's stats in battle.
* In ''Videogame/TheSims2'' expansion packs didn't add new skills (such as crafting, gardening and fishing) but used "talent badges" instead. Averted in the sequels where most of these were converted into skills.
* Many of the trinkets in ''Videogame/WorldOfWarcraft'' fall into this category, although it's hard to tell with some of them because their names are so vague.
* In the fourth and fifth installments of the ''VideoGame/EpicBattleFantasy'' series, some of the stat-boosting or ability-granting pieces of flair are badges.
* Comically played with in ''VideoGame/BionicCommando Rearmed''. Two of the bosses are war veterans with such a ridiculous amount of medals pinned to their chests, that they can stoically NoSell bullets, lasers, and rockets alike! A grenade lobbed over their heads, though...
* In ''VideoGame/{{Psychonauts}}'', merit badges represent mastery in various PsychicPowers. However, in most cases, Razputin can't use the relevant techniques at all until he earns the badge, at which point he becomes an InstantExpert in their execution.
* ''VideoGames/{{Psychonauts2}}'' introduces a system of applying pins to three available slots to modify specific psychic powers. Some are for aesthetics, like adding a rainbow flourish to telekinetic punches or changing the color of the levitation bubble, while others modify power mechanics like pyrokinesis making certain enemies explode when it kills them. Others still are for fun novelty uses, like using telekinesis to pet animals.

* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'': Referenced in the episode ''[[Recap/TheSimpsonsS10E13HomerToTheMax Homer to the Max]]''. According to its creators, the ShowWithinAShow ''Police Cops'' was originally conceived as ''Badge Patrol'', but "[[ExecutiveMeddling the stupid network idiots didn't want]] a show about high-tech badges that [[FrickinLaserBeams shoot laser beams]]".

* In the fourth installment of the ''VideoGame/EpicBattleFantasy'' series, some of the stat-boosting or ability-granting pieces of flair are badges.

[[IThoughtItMeant Has nothing to do with]] [[ImprobableWeaponUser using sewing needles, tacks, pushpins, or the like as weapons]]. Also has nothing to do with ThePenIsMightier.

[[AC:Anime]]

[[AC:{{Literature}}]]

[[AC:TabletopGames]]

** ''TabletopGame/ForgottenRealms'' [[HeroSecretService Harper]] pins (AD&D2 ''The Code of the Harpers'' / D&D3 ''Magic of Faerûn'') give their wearers a bonus against mind-affecting effects, immunity to detection spells/psionics, Magic Missile and electricity/lightning attacks. They also blacken and start to jangle if worn by an evil being.

[[AC:VideoGames]]

* In ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'', badges obtained by defeating gym leaders allow the player character's traded Pokémon to listen to them instead of ignoring orders. In early games, badges permanently gave a boost to a Pokemon's stats in battle.

[[AC:WesternAnimation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'': Referenced in the episode ''[[Recap/TheSimpsonsS10E13HomerToTheMax Homer to the Max]]''. According to its creators, the ShowWithinAShow ''Police Cops'' was originally conceived as ''Badge Patrol'', but "[[ExecutiveMeddling the stupid network idiots didn't want]] a show about high-tech badges that [[FrickinLaserBeams shoot laser beams]]".

* In ''VideoGame/{{Psychonauts}}'', merit badges represent mastery in various PsychicPowers. However, in most cases, Razputin can't use the relevant techniques at all until he earns the badge, at which point he becomes an InstantExpert in their execution.

** In ''WesternAnimation/VoltronForce'', the keys are required to activate Voltcoms.

* In ''Anime/{{Voltron}}'', the keys to the lions hide themselves as pins.

* In ''VideoGame/{{Psychonauts}}'', merit badges represent mastery in various PsychicPowers. However, in most cases, Razputin can't use the relevant techniques at all until he earns the badge, at which point he becomes an InstantExpert in their execution.
----
<<|TheClothesMakeTheSuperman|>>
<<|WeaponOfChoice|>>

For some reason, it's common for badges to be depicted as either giving special abilities to or augmenting the special abilities of the wearer. This could be rooted in the fact that military officers and the like wear them as symbol of [[AuthorityEqualsAsskicking authority]]. Authority is by no means necessary to use ''these'' babies, however.

* In ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'', Ichigo has badge that can, among other things, detach his soul from his body.
* In ''Franchise/SailorMoon'' the main character has a brooch which serves as both a Transformation Trinket and a holder for her Power Crystal. Chibi-Chibi also gets one later on.

** In VideoGame/{{Paper Mario|64}} and [[VideoGame/PaperMarioTheThousandYearDoor its sequel]], they are Mario's sole form of equipment, and do anything from giving the player extra information, to giving Mario extra moves, to giving already existing functions more effectiveness, to boosting Mario's stats when low on health. They're stat-boosting accessories in ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiSuperstarSaga'' and ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiPartnersInTime''.
** In contrast, ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiBowsersInsideStory'' and ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiDreamTeam'' turns it into a sort of LimitBreak instead where an in-battle badge meter can be filled up with successful attacks; the exact advantage given is determined by Mario's badge, while the rate and requirements for filling the meter up are determined by Luigi's badge. the effects range from healing the bros., to a defensive buff, to affecting enemies with bad status effects.
* ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' is built around this trope; every "player" in the "game" the protagonists are trapped in gains PsychicPowers from one. Neku, the PlayerCharacter, is unique in that he can use more than one (thus he can use pins in a PowersAsPrograms style). Oh, and the BigBad's EvilPlan is [[spoiler: to use modified pins to wire everyone up to a HiveMind. Neku's power makes him the best hope the MysteriousBacker has of countering it.]]
* In ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'', badges obtained by defeating gym leaders allow the player character's traded Pokemon to listen to them instead of ignoring orders. In early games, badges permanently gave a boost to a Pokemon's stats in battle.

* In the fourth installment of the ''VideoGame/EpicBattleFantasy'' series, some of stat-boosting or ability-granting pieces of flair are badges.
* Comically played with in ''VideoGame/BionicCommando Rearmed''. Two of the bosses are war veterans with such a ridiculous amount of medals pinned to their chests, that they can stoically NoSell bullets, lasers and rockets alike! A grenade lobbed over their heads, though...
* In ''VideoGame/{{Psychonauts}}'', merit badges represent mastery in various PsychicPowers. However, in most cases Razputin can't use the relevant techniques at all until he earns the badge, at which point he becomes an InstantExpert in their execution.

* In ''{{Voltron}}'', the keys to the lions hide themselves as pins.
** In ''VoltronForce'', the keys are required to activate Voltcoms.

* TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons has a handful of magical pins/periapts/scarabs/brooches, starting with 'brooch of shielding' which protects against Magic Missile and 'scarab of protection' which before D&D3 gave a saving throw against spells normally not allowing it, in later versions gives spell resistance and absorbs a number of lifeforce-draining or death attacks.

* In the ''Videogame/{{Mario}}'' [=RPG=]s, badges affect stats and sometimes have more interesting effects:
** In PaperMario and [[Videogame/PaperMarioTheThousandYearDoor its sequel]], they are Mario's sole form of equipment, and do anything from giving the player extra information, to giving Mario extra moves, to giving already existing functions more effectiveness, to boosting Mario's stats when low on health. They're stat-boosting accessories in ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiSuperstarSaga'' and ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiPartnersInTime''.

* In ''Videogame/{{Pokemon}}'', badges obtained by defeating gym leaders allow the player character's traded Pokemon to listen to them instead of ignoring orders. In early games, badges permanently gave a boost to a Pokemon's stats in battle.

** In PaperMario and [[Videogame/PaperMarioTheThousandYearDoor its sequel]], they are Mario's sole form of equipment, and do anything from giving the player extra information, to giving Mario extra moves, to giving already existing functions more effectiveness, to boosting Mario's stats when low on health. They have stat-boosting functions in ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiSuperstarSaga'' and ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiPartnersInTime''.
** In contrast, ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiBowsersInsideStory'' and ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiDreamTeam'' turns it into a sort of LimitBreak where an in-battle badge meter can be filled up with successful attacks; the exact advantage given is determined by Mario's badge, while the rate and requirements for filling the meter up are determined by Luigi's badge.

* In the ''Videogame/{{Mario}}'' [=RPG=]s, badges affect stats and sometimes have more interesting effects. In PaperMario and [[Videogame/PaperMarioTheThousandYearDoor its sequel]], they are Mario's sole form of equipment, and do anything from giving the player extra information, to giving Mario extra moves, to giving already existing functions more effectiveness, to boosting Mario's stats when low on health. They have stat-boosting functions in ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiSuperstarSaga'' and ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiPartnersInTime''. In contrast, ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiBowsersInsideStory'' and ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiDreamTeam'' have a badge system where an in-battle badge meter can be filled up with successful attacks; the exact advantage given is determined by Mario's badge, while the rate and requirements for filling the meter up are determined by Luigi's badge. Just some of the effects the badges give in Dream Team is worth noting... badges in that game can freeze time, act as a ResetButton, give the characters a forcefield or have the chance of taking out everyone in battle in about a minute. They can also be charged up and kept in reserve til necessary.