Line #161 Main/WeaponSpecialization


1	Weapons, like clothing and other appearance traits, are often used to make characters stand out as well as convey information about them. You can glean a lot from a character's choice of weapon, possibly including [[WeaponBasedCharacterization their personality]].
2
3	If a character's weapon choice is exclusive to them, it often makes them stand out even more from other characters. The weapon may look unique enough to set it apart from those used by other characters, and its mere presence may serve as a way to identify the character.
4
5	!!{{Subtrope}}s:
6	[[index]]
7	* TheGunslinger
8	* MagicStaff
9	* MartialArtsStaff
10	* MasterArcher
11	* MasterSwordsman
12	[[/index]]
13
14	Related to IconicItem, for character-defining items or props well recognized outside of a work. SignatureInstrument is the musical instrument version of this trope, and the two can overlap into InstrumentOfMurder or InstrumentalWeapon. Compare also SignatureDevice and SignatureHeadgear for other possessions a character can be strongly associated with, DistinctiveAppearances for distinctive appearances and physical traits in general, SuperheroSpeciation for when no two characters have the same power, and WeaponBasedCharacterization for when a character's choice of weapon provides insight into their personality.
15	----
16	!!Examples:
17
18	[[foldercontrol]]
19
20	[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
21	* ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'': Even when offered a magical axe to carry, Guts sticks with the more or less non-magical heap of raw iron that is the Dragonslayer, since it's "what his hand knows best". Schierke quickly realizes [[EvolvingWeapon it's the best weapon for him anyway]].
22	* In ''Manga/BlackButler'', the shinigami have a fondness for peculiar weapons that would fit in better in a garden instead of on the battlefield. There are 5 named shinigami whose weapons have been shown; there's William T. Spears who wields Pruning Shears, [[spoiler:Grell Sutcliff wields a chainsaw]], Ronald Knox has a lawnmower, Eric Slingby has a normal saw, and Alan Humphries who has a Japanese Style Garden Slasher.
23	* ''Anime/BloodPlus'': Each of the Schiff uses a different kind of weapon, many of them [[{{BFS}} fairly oversized]]. Saya wields a [[KatanasAreJustBetter specially designed katana]] [[spoiler:later reforged with a crystal from George]], David uses a {{revolver\|sAreJustBetter}}, Kai wields [[TragicKeepsake his father's handgun]] with [[AbnormalAmmo explosive ammo]], [[ManOfWealthAndTaste Solomon]] chooses to transform his hand into a simple and functional [[BladeBelowTheShoulder blade]]..... the list goes on. The weapons represent either their personalities or their history and emotions. Or both.
24	%%zce* ''Anime/CoyoteRagtimeShow'': Most of the major characters have one specific weapon model they use.
25	* ''Manga/DrStone'': Hyoga's weapon of choice is a pipe-spear, or Kuda Yari, which he wields in the Owari Kan Ryu style (yes, both the weapon and style are real). His custom spear is considered the entire reason why Hyoga is a threat; while a terrifying fighter in his own right for what he can do ''with'' the spear, sabotaging it is what keeps him from killing Kohaku, and characters talk about how separating him from the weapon is probably the only way they can plausibly beat him. [[spoiler:Senku and Tsukasa beat him by baiting him into a killing blow on Tsukasa, who holds it tightly enough while Hyoga would refuse to let go of his weapon as Senku sets up the knock out.]]
26	* ''Manga/FateKaleidLinerPrismaIllya'': Angelica Ainsworth adamantly refuses to use any Class Card other than Gilgamesh. To her credit, Gilgamesh's Gate of Babylon and her Displacement Magecraft are a busted combination... but this also means she fully intended to go to Illya's world without a Class Card. Unfortunately she was lucky enough to reclaim it right after crossing over.
27	* Yui Lan of ''Literature/FullMetalPanic'' is nearly always seen dual-wielding what look like mecha-sized carbines with bayonets. And her little sister was introduced in a scene where she used two kukris and excessive amount of {{gorn}}.
28	* ''Manga/Golgo13'' generally uses an M16. They're easy to find (so he can acquire one on site), easy to have modified, and cheap enough to dispose of if necessary (whereas specialized sniper rifles tend to be expensive and hard to get on short notice). In addition, this gives him a close-combat weapon if circumstances go sour. He has, however, used other guns as needed. Notably, Golgo tends to upgrade to the latest model of M16 five to ten years after their release. Fans speculate he waits for their reliability to be proven before switching preferences.
29	* ''Literature/LoveChunibyoAndOtherDelusions'' has make-believe "weapons" to be replaced with classification-defying supernatural tools of destruction when things go delusion-mode.
30	** Touka and her soup ladle of doom.
31	** Rikka herself prefers ParasolOfPain.
32	** Sanae ties little bags at the ends of her long twin-tails to make improvised [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolas bolas]]. It sees some use–with impressive technique–versus Shinka (and, effectively, Sanae herself) outside delusion battles.
33	* Roronoa Zoro from ''Manga/OnePiece'' always uses 3 katanas; Usopp has his slingshot and Nami her Clima Tact.
34	* ''Manga/Reborn2004'': Many of the groups of seven consists of characters who each use a weapon of choice. For example:
35	** Tsuna's sole weapon is his [[PowerFist X-Gloves]].
36	** Gokudera generally uses [[MadBomber dynamite]]. [[spoiler:And, briefly, [[EnergyBow a bow]].]]
37	** Yamamoto believes that KatanasAreJustBetter.
38	** Ryohei and, well, [[RedBoxingGloves his fists]].
39	** Hibari and his tonfas.
40	** Mukuro and Chrome and their trident.
41	* In ''Anime/RebornToMasterTheBlade'', Rune-holders are the only ones who can fight the monstrous Prisma Beasts, using powerful Artifact weapons only they can wield. Because of the rarity of being born a Rune-holder (especially one with a higher grade, more powerful Rune) and how Highland strictly controls the flow of Artifacts down into Midland, Rune-holders are oftentimes only able to acquire the one Artifact for their entire lives and don't use any other weapon type as it will never be as effective as their Artifact. For specific examples:
42	** Inglis, the protagonist, was a WarriorKing in her previous life, famed for her skill with the sword. In her second life, she continues using longswords exclusively, foregoing shields and smaller secondary swords for magical defenses.
43	** Rafinha, Inglis's first cousin and the Knight she serves as her Squire, uses an EnergyBow that resonates with her Light Rune, allowing her to summon and use arrows of light even though her Artifact is just two limbs, a grip, and has no bowstring.
44	** Leone, a fellow Knight cadet and Inglis and Rafinha's mutual friend, uses large, two-handed swords. The first Artifact she uses is capable of changing shape and size to extend her reach, act as a shield, or be used for things other than striking, such as a lever to move heavy objects.
45	* In ''Manga/RecordOfRagnarok'', when a {{Valkyrie\|s}} becomes a human's [[EmpathicWeapon Volund]], they take the form of whatever said human's preferred weapon is.
46	** Randgriz, Lü Bu's Volund, takes the form of a polearm, allowing Lü Bu to use his most powerful attack, Sky Eater, without fear of breaking his weapon.
47	** Reginleif, Adam's Volund, takes the form of a [[PowerFist knuckle duster]].
48	** Hrist, Sasaki Kojiro's Volund, takes the form of a [[KatanasAreJustBetter katana]], which, thanks to Hrist's own special ability, can be [[BifurcatedWeapon split into two katanas]] if broken.
49	** Hlökk, Jack the Ripper's Volund, takes the form of a [[ShearMenace giant pair of scissors]]. [[spoiler:Except that's actually a lie, and Jack's Volund is actually a [[BagOfHolding pouch on his hip that can produce any weapon]]. ''Except'' that's a lie too, and Jack's ''real'' Volund is actually his [[TrickedOutGloves gloves]], which, thanks to Hlökk's own special ability, allows Jack to turn ''[[TheMagicTouch anything he touches]]'' into a divine weapon]].
50	** Þrúðr, Raiden Tameemon's Volund, takes the form of some [[PowerTattoo body tattoos]], allowing Raiden to regulate his immense strength and muscle mass and not have to worry about being crushed by his own muscles.
51	** Alvitr, Qin Shi Huang's Volund, takes the form of a pair of [[InstantArmor shoulder plates]] known as the Almighty Spaulders, allowing Qin to go all out with his martial arts skills while also maximizing his defense. Also, near the end of the fight, Alvitr grants Qin all of her power, causing the right arm of Almighty Spaulders to transform into a [[HeroesPreferSwords sword]] known as the Shi Huang Goujian Sword.
52	** Gondul, Nikola Tesla's Volund, takes the form of a [[PoweredArmor mechanical armor]] known as the Super Automaton β.
53	* The characters in ''Manga/SoulEater'' fight in partners, one as a weapon and one as a wielder. Maka uses a [[SinisterScythe scythe]], Kid uses two pistols, and Black* Star usually uses either a {{katana\|sAreJustBetter}} or a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kusarigama kusarigama]].
54	* ''Anime/UruseiYatsura'': Shinobu the super-strong lesser {{yandere}} is known for her use of heavy school desks as bludgeons and projectile weapons. Even in environments where there are no school desks such as Mendou's yard.
55	* Manga/ZatchBell: If a demon/mamodo's power doesn't focus on [[ElementalPowers an element]], it's likely to focus on a specific weapon type instead.
56	** Buzarai's spells all focus on axes.
57	** BareFistedMonk: Danny's only spell is [[HealingFactor self-recovery]], leaving him to rely on his natural demonic brawn in battle. Wonrei's spells awakened through training in kung fu with his partner, and the two meld perfectly. Ted is tough to start with, but his spells focus on amplifying his speed, strength, and stamina, each one more than the last.
58	** Demolt's spells focus on metal armor, mainly focusing on BladeBelowTheShoulder.
59	** Rops, as his name implies, uses [[ChainPain ropes]]. His strongest spell adds [[AnchorsAway anchors]].
60	** Arth's CoolSword is the focus of his spells, but even without them, it saps the enemy's stamina with every strike.
61	** Tia's spells focus on endurance, so she has several variations of [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe shielding spells]].
62	** Kolulu's alter-ego's spells focus around claws and fists.
63	[[/folder]]
64
65	[[folder:Comic Books]]
66	* ''ComicBook/{{Blade}}'': Two teakwood daggers were Blade's preferred vampire-killing weapons in the beginning, as he was impressed by Orji Jones, who used them as his weapon of choice before him. Blade didn't limit himself to them though, also carrying things like crossbows. While working with the Nightstalkers, Frank Drake gets him some more dangerous weaponry and his arsenal continued to expand with S.H.I.E.L.D. and when he met the twins Mikado and Mosha.
67	* Bullseye from ''ComicBook/{{Daredevil}}'' can use almost anything as a weapon, but his weapon of choice is usually an Ace of Spades playing card.
68	* The Saint Of Killers, in ''ComicBook/{{Preacher}}'', [[GunsAkimbo dual-wields]] a pair of Walker Colt {{revolvers\|AreJustBetter}}. Never mind the fact that he's an unkillable OneManArmy in a [[BadassLongcoat duster coat]], these things were forged ''by Satan himself'' from the sword of the world-weary Angel Of Death; their hammers will never fall on empty chambers, they never miss, and no wound they give will ever be less than fatal. Oh, and he's a supernatural quick-draw artist, too; "I saw a blur, and then shooting. I didn't see no draw." After [[spoiler:surviving a ''nuke'' - in the midst of the inferno, he calmly spits and growls "Not enough Gun"]], he wraps up the series by [[spoiler:''killing God'']]. I will call your badass and raise you to infinity.
69	* In ''ComicBook/TheRocketeer'', the Rocketeer's Weapon of Choice is a Mauser C96 Broomhandle pistol. It's normally seen as a "bad" gun, being used by the Nazis and all, but it got a new status as a "good gun" thanks to the Rocketeer.
70	* Although [[ComicBook/{{Venom}} Agent Venom]] is good with a variety of guns, semi-automatic pistols are his favorite.
71	[[/folder]]
72
73	[[folder:Fan Works]]
74	* ''Fanfic/CodeGeassPaladinsOfVoltron'': The forms the Bayards take in this story are:
75	** HeroesPreferSwords[=/=]KatanasAreJustBetter: A katana with a European hilt for Suzaku
76	** WolverineClaws: a clawed gauntlet for Kallen
77	** TheStraightAndArrowPath: A bow for Shirley
78	** SinisterScythe[=/=]EpicFlail: A kusarigama for Milly
79	** A rifle for Rivalz
80	** A Katar-like blade for Rai
81	** Lelouch, being the Black Paladin, doesn't have one since the Black Bayard is currently in Zarkon's possession. He instead relies upon his Geass, [[ShockAndAwe which has gained a new trick]]. [[spoiler:He later gains a MorphWeapon in the form of a Blade of Marmora Knife inherited from his grandmother.]]
82	* ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14128289/ A Darker Path]]'': After making a public ultimatum for the gang leaders of Brockton Bay to leave or die, Taylor/Atropos steals a pair of bodice shears from Kaiser's house. She didn't even know it was him, she was just following her Path to Ending power, but he's well read enough to make the connection from the burglary to the Fate who cuts the threads of people's lives, and is appropriately spooked. The shears become her standard weapon for cases that don't need ''special'' treatment.
83	* In the virtual series spin-off to ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'', ''Fanfic/SlayerAcademy'', several of the Slayer Characters have signature weapons
84	** Sophia: The Scythe from season 7 of ''Buffy'' and ''ComicBook/{{Fray}}''
85	** Skye: Sharpened Sai Daggers
86	** Alita: Nunchucks
87	** Erika: Staff
88	** Reiko: Bladed Fans
89	* ''Fanfic/TheNewAdventuresOfInvaderZim'':
90	** Dib's new friends Steve and Viera eventually settle on blasters and a [[PlayingWithFire fire-spewing]] amulet as their go-to weapons, respectfully. A RunningGag through much of Season 1 is Dib complaining that he lacks his own unique weapon; by the seasonal climax he's solved this problem, having constructed a pair of plasma-channeling gauntlets for himself.
91	** Nyx, Zim's new minion introduced in Season 2, has a [[GatlingGood plasma minigun]] that she [[ICallItVera refers to]] as "[[Film/Scarface1983 My Little Friend]]". Though she's also [[MadBomber fond]] of explosives as well.
92	* ''Fanfic/TheNightUnfurls'': Compared to the other combatants, who tend to use regular, mass-produced weapons, what makes the Hunters stand out is their exclusive [[MixAndMatchWeapon trick weaponry]], weapons running on RuleOfCool with the ability to switch into two modes.
93	* ''Fanfic/SeventhEndmostVision'': [[BareFistedMonk Tifa]] is the only character to maintain her canon weapon choice, being gloves (unusually, we also learn the name of her first equipment, the Scrap Knuckles, made out of junk she found before the story.) Cloud now uses the [[DramaticIrony Masamune]], which was [[WreckedWeapon broken]] at some point prior to him getting it. [[spoiler:He got it from Kisaragi Godo after saving his life.]] Rufus still uses his {{shotgun\|sAreJustBetter}}, but here, it's also his [[ArmCannon left arm]]; he lost his arm during his coup attempt against his father, and replaced it with his shotgun. Barret explicitly has both hands, meaning whatever his weapon is, it can't be his canon one. [[spoiler:Lucrecia appears to favor dual katanas, fitting since she's also filling the role of Weiss the Immaculate.]]
94	* In ''Fanfic/ToHellAndBackArrowverse'', the three main leads are familiar with using several different weapons, though they still have their preferences.
95	** [[Series/{{Arrow}} Oliver's]] is, of course, a bow and arrows.
96	** [[Series/TheFlash2014 Barry]] prefers knives, thanks to their versatility and how easy they are to draw on quick notice. He's particularly fond of throwing them, with contributed to his alias of 'the Lightning' even before he gained his powers.
97	** [[Series/Supergirl2015 Kara]] is a swordswoman, and Barry handcrafted a straight sword with a Kryptonite blade for her to use after they learned there might be other Kryptonians on-planet.
98	* ''Fanfic/VowOfNudity'': Haara has a self-crafted wooden spear at the beginning of every story. When it [[OnceAnEpisode inevitably]] [[WreckedWeapon breaks]], she ends up resorting to [[BareFistedMonk martial arts]] without missing a beat.
99	* ''Fanfic/YourPrinceIsInAnotherCastle'': Each girl employs one suited to their class. Cerea and Miia are the only two who overlap with swords, but even then it's a bastard sword for the lamia and a mighty two-handed great sword for the centaur.
100	[[/folder]]
101
102	[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
103	* ''Film/DeathSentence'': Nick's preferred weapon seems to be a double-barreled shotgun even though the people he's going up against have [=SMGs=] and other weapons with higher capacity. Somewhat justified in that Nick is not very familiar with firearms and the double-barrel has a very simple manual of arms with few ways it can go wrong.
104	* ''Film/EndOfDays'': Jericho ''loves'' his 9mm Glock handguns, possibly due to a bit of ProductPlacement with Glock. He heavily shills them, and two of his sidearms (The Glock 34 and the Generation 3 Glock 17) were released around the time of the film's production. If that wasn't enough, he also carried a pair of Glock 26 subcompact handguns in his sleeves.
105	--> '''Jericho:''' Between your faith and my Glock 9mm, I'll take my Glock every time.
106	* The Immortals from ''{{Film/Highlander}}'' have swords, given the only way they can be killed is through [[OffWithHisHead decapitation]]. Connor [=McLeod=] in particular wields a dragonhead katana given to him by his mentor Ramírez.
107	* ''Franchise/IndianaJones'': If there's anything more iconic than Indiana's fedora, it's his whip. Not only is it useful for creating distance between him and a bunch of goons, but he also uses it to swing across chasms. He's also known to pull a gun during a sword fight.
108	* ''Franchise/TheTexasChainsawMassacre'' lets you know right there in the name what Leatherface's [[ChainsawGood favorite weapon]] is. He does use other weapons throughout the series, most notably a sledgehammer (with which he actually kills more people than with the chainsaw in [[Film/TheTexasChainSawMassacre1974 the first film]]!), but the chainsaw is so iconic that it inspired one half of the HockeyMaskAndChainsaw trope.
109	[[/folder]]
110
111	[[folder:Literature]]
112	* ''Battle Circle'':
113	** The main culture is based on {{Proud Warrior Race Guy}}s; and the society is based around ritual combat in the titular Circle, with warriors typically specializing in one of seven common weapons (although a few less common ones show up occasionally). All men are known by their signature weapons, which they use as a title, eg. Var the Sword, Kal the Club. A few rare individuals are proficient with more than one, which they add to their title.
114	** The main characters the trilogy are Sol of All Weapons, who is unique in his mastery of combat, and Sos the Rope (actually a long steel cable), who choses an unusual signature weapon after being forbidden to use the common ones.
115	* ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfNarnia'':
116	** ''Literature/TheLionTheWitchAndTheWardrobe''
117	*** Lucy Pevensie is given a small dagger by Father Christmas, along with her magic [[MagicAntidote healing cordial]]. Doesn’t see any use, though, as she was never meant to fight in the upcoming battle.
118	*** The White Witch uses a strangely-shaped stone knife to ritually sacrifice Aslan at the Stone Table, and as her main weapon in the Battle of Beruna until the resurrected Aslan defeats her.
119	** ''Literature/TheSilverChair'': Jill Pole carries a knife with her throughout her travels. At the very end of the book she is given a riding crop (something no other character in the series wields) to enact a playful revenge on a gang of bullies.
120	** ''Literature/TheLastBattle'': For their undercover mission infiltrating the Calormene army, King Tirian gives Jill a long hunting knife, as no sword light enough for her was available.
121	* ''Literature/DeathToTheFrench'': The Baker Rifle. The Rifle along with the green uniform is a highly visible weapon and symbol that separates a Rifleman from the common soldier armed with muskets.
122	* ''Literature/DonQuixote'': The legendary knight errant wannabe/Misadventurer/Badass uses his lance the most out of his three weapons. He also carries a sword and a shield, of course, but his lance features the most in his most famous adventures, especially the legendary battle with the windmills.
123	* ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'':
124	** Thomas the White Court vampire regularly uses both a saber and a SawedOffShotgun (though not at the same time), and has begun to use kukris (curved knives used by gurkhas) [[DualWielding alongside his saber.]]
125	** The three [[spoiler:(two, currently)]] Knights of the Cross also have their own signature weapons, each carrying one of the nails from the Crucifixion: Amoracchius, a broadsword that is [[spoiler:Excalibur]]; Fidelacchius [[spoiler:(Kusanagi),]], a katana (possibly a shirasaya, as it's been described as having a cane-like sheath) [[spoiler:and now has the form of a lightsaber based on the new Knight's faith in the ideals of Star Wars]]; and Esperacchius [[spoiler:Durendal]], a saber. Throughout the years, the latter two have been periodically reforged as different types of swords to better suit their wielders.
126	* ''Literature/TheHungerGames'': Having a preferred weapon -- and even moreso proving yourself competent with it -- can make or break Tributes during [[DeadlyGame the Games themselves]], since the Gamemakers will make sure such weapons are available in the arena. These weapons are usually -- but not always -- related to a character's story:
127	** Katniss Everdeen is an accomplished huntress, and thus prefers the bow and arrow.
128	** Johanna Mason, hailing from the logging District, wielded axes.
129	** Finnick Odair, an accomplished swimmer/fisherman, was highly skilled with a trident and net combination.
130	** Other Tributes with preferred and/or signature weapons include Beetee (wire and electrical current, hails from the electronics-producing District), Cato (sword), Clove ([[PsychoKnifeNut throwing knives]]), and Rue (slingshot).
131	* ''Literature/KaneSeries'': In ancient times, Kane favoured using a crossbow of his own design and a sword that was made from melting down the hulls of alien ships eons ago. In modern times, he favours a fusion-powered RayGun of his own make.
132	* ''Literature/TheReynardCycle'':
133	** Reynard favors a rapier called Cut-Throat as his primary (right-handed) weapon, and wields a parrying dagger with his left. After he [[spoiler:loses his left hand]], he fights with a BladeBelowTheShoulder called Left-Hand.
134	** Isengrim wields his AbsurdlySharpBlade, Right-Hand.
135	** Hirsent wields a sword called Harrower. She thinks it's ridiculous that the weapon has a name.
136	** Tiecelin, being an archer, uses a bow, one of the only unnamed weapons of the protagonists in the series.
137	** Tybalt strongly favors throwing daggers, but he also wields a sword named Catspaw.
138	** Bruin, the team's [[TheBigGuy Big Guy]], wields an axe named Mauler.
139	** Grymbart is one of the few characters that fights with a sword ''and'' shield.
140	** Ghul, a Glyconese, is deadly with his pair of short swords. The Myrmidons of Glycon favor the same weapon pairing, implying that Ghul might have been a Myrmidon in training at some point.
141	** Rukenaw fights with a morning star called The Fairlimb, a nickname she shares with her weapon because of her shapely legs.
142	** Celia Corvino, and her henchman, the Baron Dendra, both favor poison.
143	** Stormbringer, the Demon King, wielded a "soul-crushing" blade called Thunderclap, which went on to become a part of the royal regalia of the kingdom of Aquilia.
144	** The Arcasians and Luxians seem to favor pikes, crossbows, and cavalry armed with lances when going to war, while their Calvarian adversaries wield javelins, sword and shield, and field superior archers as well as artillery.
145	* ''Literature/TimeScout'': Most characters tend to have one or more preferred weapons.
146	** Aversion: Sven loves all weapons.
147	** Anne has a pair of delightful little [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webley_Revolver Royal Irish Constabulary Webleys.]]
148	** Skeeter pines for the recurve bows of his youth, but he'll use a gun. In the Arena, he [[GuileHero tricks them]] into giving him a lariat and a trident, those being what he was trained with and what was closest to the spears of his youth respectively.
149	** Jack the Ripper prefers an [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jambiya Arabian jambiya]] for the ceremonial taking of heads.
150	** Kynan Rhys Gower prefers his longbow or a war maul. But when their superiority is demonstrated in the face of an angry Cape buffalo, he asks, "You show gun?"
151	* [[Franchise/TolkiensLegendarium Tolkien's Legendarium]]: Broadly speaking, Men (and hobbits) are most famously associated with swords, Elves with bows, and Dwarves with axes. Maces and clubs [[GoodWeaponEvilWeapon seem to be the province of evil characters]], as well as the curved swords wielded by orcs. None of these are ironclad rules, however, and multiple exceptions can be found throughout [[Creator/JRRTolkien Tolkien’s]] many works. Even within sufficiently large gatherings of the same race, there can be striking variation in weaponry from group to group.
152	** ''Literature/TheSilmarillion'':
153	*** The three original clans of Elves each had associated/preferred weapons: The Vanyar favored spears; the Noldor swords; and the Teleri bows and arrows.
154	*** The ancient Elven city of Gondolin was protected by a series of seven gates, and the soldiers guarding each gate sometimes had specified weaponry: The Gate of Bronze (the third gate) was guarded by soldiers who carried red-bladed axes; The Gate of Silver (the fifth gate) was guarded by 200 archers; The Gate of Gold (the sixth gate) was guarded by 300 archers.
155	** ''Literature/TheHistoryOfMiddleEarth'':
156	*** The population of Gondolin consisted of 12 different noble houses of Elves, and several houses are mentioned as having signature weaponry: Swords were favored by the House of the Fountain; bows were used by the Houses of the Swallow and the Heavenly Arch; two-handed axes, similar to mattocks, were preferred by the House of the Mole; clubs and slings were a specialty of the House of the Tree; and great hammer-like maces were wielded by the House of the Hammer of Wrath.
157	* ''Literature/WagonsWest'': Michael "Whip" Holt got his nickname from his expert use of his whip, to the point where only his wife calls him Michael.
158	[[/folder]]
159
160	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
161	* ''Series/AgentsOfSHIELD'': After [[RunningGag talking about it for a while]], [[TheBigGuy Mack]] constructs a shotgun with an axe built into the barrel -- allowing him to do severe damage from a distance and then get in close to deliver a finishing blow -- in the Season 3 finale. From that point forward, it becomes his default weapon in most situations.
162	* ''Series/DoctorWho'': In 20th-century, [[ArchEnemy the Master's]] signature weapon was their Tissue Compression Eliminator (TCE), a ShrinkRay that almost always killed its victims (according to one novelisation, due to naturalistic square-cube law effects). This showed off the Master's flashiness and sadism, since it was reputedly very painful, but also their streak of practicality, since it made the victim's body concealable. In the 21st-century version of the show, the Creator/JohnSimm Master used a "laser screwdriver" instead as a cruel parody of the Doctor's sonic screwdriver, and the Creator/MichelleGomez version preferred a hand-held PDA with a generic DeathRay built in, but the Creator/SachaDhawan version returned to the TCE.
163	* ''{{Series/Highlander}}'': Duncan has a dragonhead katana similar to Connor's in the movie (but not the same one). On rare occasions, he had a broadsword instead, though (and in one specific episode, he used his father's claymore). Methos had a medieval Ivanhoe broadsword and Richie a rapier until just before his death. Each immortal basically had a signature weapon. In many cases, the chosen weapon was a bit of insight to the period the character grew up in or an important event in their past.
164	* ''Series/JoanOfArc'': Bertrand is seen using a crossbow multiple times, seemingly preferring it to a sword.
165	* ''Series/{{Sharpe}}'': Richard Sharpe uses his Baker rifle to devastating effects. He also carries a 1798 pattern cavalry sword, which is essentially a sharpened club with a knuckleduster attached.
166	* ''Series/StargateAtlantis'': The P90 personal defense weapon is basically the signature weapon of this series and ''Series/StargateSG1'', carried by most [[HumansByAnyOtherName tau'ri]] from the SGC.
167	** In the early seasons of SG-1, Teal'c usually used the Goa'uld staff weapon, as did Bra'tac who's absolutely badass with it. After many seasons of CharacterDevelopment, Teal'c finally switched over to DualWielding P90s.
168	** Ronon Dex instead carries a [[HandCannon Traveler energy pistol]] (plus gunplay), a [[{{BFS}} Satedan ceremonial sword]] and a shitload of knives.
169	* ''Franchise/SuperSentai''/''Franchise/PowerRangers'': You can expect almost every team to have character-specific weapons in addition to smaller guns / swords (or guns that turn into swords), and in most cases the personal weapons will combine to form a blaster for the FinishingMove. Listing every example could be a page in itself.
170	** ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'': In the original lineup, Jason the Red Ranger (TheHero) used a sword, Zack the Black Ranger (TheLancer) used an axe, Trini the Yellow Ranger (ActionGirl) used twin daggers, Billy the Blue Ranger (TheSmartGuy) used a [[DoubleWeapon lance that could split in two]], and Kimberly the Pink Ranger (TheHeart) used a bow. When Tommy the Green Ranger first appeared, he also used a sword, but he changed to a dagger that could summon his [[HumongousMecha Dragonzord]] after his HeelFaceTurn. All of them except Tommy had blasters as backup... because Tommy's dagger could fire energy blasts and lightning.
171	** ''Series/KyukyuSentaiGoGoV''[=/=]''Series/PowerRangersLightspeedRescue'' and ''Series/MiraiSentaiTimeranger''[=/=]''Series/PowerRangersTimeForce'' are notable exceptions. While the {{Sixth Ranger}}s of these series have their own personal weapons, the core five Rangers have uniform weapons.
172	* Series/ThierryLaFronde is proficient with all types of 14th century weapons, but particularly with his [[SufferTheSlings sling]] ("fronde" in French, hence his nickname).
173	[[/folder]]
174
175	[[folder:Music]]
176	* Music/{{Eminem}}'s Slim Shady character will kill you with anything, but since ''Music/TheMarshallMathersLP'' he's most associated with a Husqvana chainsaw. Chainsaw sound effects are used to introduce him in songs, he's performed with a HockeyMaskAndChainsaw on stage, and chainsaws grace many of his album covers.
177	[[/folder]]
178
179	[[folder:Pro Wrestling]]
180	* Wrestling/JohnCena, the Wrestling/JunkyardDog, Hercules, Wrestling/{{Ivan\|Koloff}} & Wrestling/NikitaKoloff and other wrestlers used to use chains.
181	* Wrestling/StanHansen and other cowboy wrestlers used to bring a bullrope to the ring, often with a cowbell attached to it.
182	* Larry Zbyszko had a set of nunchucks during his martial arts phase in the 1980's. During a feud with Zbyszko, Wrestling/NickBockwinkel began bringing a whip to the ring to combat his nunchucks.
183	* The "Singapore Cane" was the preferred weapon of many ECW wrestlers, most notably [[Wrestling/JimFullington The Sandman]].
184	* Wrestling/JimCornette was famous for his loaded tennis racket.
185	* Wrestling/JimmyHart would clobber opponents from behind with his bullhorn - when he wasn't verbally taunting them through it.
186	* Wrestling/TheMoondogs used to bring large bones to the ring to use on opponents.
187	* The Wrestling/BigBossman regularly used a night stick, including at least once having a "Night Stick On A Pole Match".
188	* For a while, Wrestling/TheBeautifulPeople used to have a pink night stick they called "The Ugly Stick".
189	* After adopting his Crow persona, Wrestling/{{Sting}} regularly used a black baseball bat, sometimes using more than one.
190	[[/folder]]
191
192	[[folder:Roleplays]]
193	* ''Roleplay/RubyQuest''; One of the fanarts featured Ace with some sort of {{MacGyver\|ing}}'d cane/hook/spear thing, which actually made it into the game. The main characters have weapons of choice themselves: Ruby has a [[{{Pun}} mean left hook]], while Tom prefers a crowbar, which was later swapped for a [[ImprovisedWeapon BLUDGEONY CANESHOVEL]].
194	[[/folder]]
195
196	[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
197	* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' 3rd edition's feats allow players to specialize in particular weapons to a greater or lesser degree. This is usually done by Fighters, since their bonus feats are more or less designed for it.
198	** There is also the Weapon Master PrestigeClass, which requires the character to choose one type of weapon to focus on before they can take the class.
199	** And 4th Edition's Fighters has a different spin, first one chooses feats that work for a specific weapon, then powers that lend themselves to different weapons.
200	* The Weapon Master advantage in ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}'' lets the character use a particular weapon or class of weapons well beyond what a normal human can even attempt.
201	* ''TabletopGame/HunterTheVigil'' actually uses this as a game mechanic. Hunters can become attached a particular weapon, giving themselves a firm grasp on their mental state and let's them focus on the task at hand.
202	* ''TabletopGame/MazesAndMinotaurs'': Warriors and Specialists have Weapon of Choice feature, a type of weapon which the character is really good at. When the character attacks with their Weapon of Choice, the player rolls two [=D20s=] and uses the better result.
203	[[/folder]]
204
205	[[folder:Video Games]]
206	* ''VideoGame/AceCombat'':
207	** Mobius One is identified mainly with the F-22A Raptor, which is odd as said plane only is available in the penultimate mission of ''Shattered Skies'', not enough time to establish it as his signature plane (though the arcade mode of the fifth game makes up for it - initially the F-22A is its ''only'' available plane). There are other pilots who use exclusively one plane type, like Pixy's F-15C or PJ's F-16C.
208	** Many of the player characters and their allies are identified with the plane shown on the box-art of their respective game -- Su-35 for Scarface One (''VideoGame/AceCombat2''), F-14 for Blaze and his team (''VideoGame/AceCombat5TheUnsungWar''), F-15C for Cipher and Pixy (''VideoGame/AceCombatZeroTheBelkanWar''), and so on.
209	* ''VideoGame/FridayThe13thTheGame'' has multiple versions of Jason Voorhees, each of which use a different weapon that is inspired by the movie they hail from:
210	** [[Film/FridayThe13thPart2 Part 2 Jason]] uses a [[PowerfulPick pickax]].
211	** [[Film/FridayThe13thPartIII Part 3 Jason]] uses an axe.
212	** [[Film/FridayThe13thTheFinalChapter Part 4 Jason]] uses a [[PsychoKnifeNut pig splitter]].
213	** [[Film/FridayThe13thPartVANewBeginning Part 5 Jason]] uses [[ShearMenace gardening shears]].
214	** [[Film/FridayThe13thPartVIJasonLives Part 6 Jason]] uses a spear fashioned from a fence post that Tommy Jarvis used to pin him to the ground (and which subsequently conducted the lightning that revived him).
215	** [[Film/FridayThe13thPartVIITheNewBlood Part 7 Jason]] uses his iconic [[MacheteMayhem machete]].
216	** [[Film/FridayThe13thPartVIIIJasonTakesManhattan Part 8 Jason]] uses a fire axe.
217	** [[Film/JasonGoesToHellTheFinalFriday Part 9 Jason]] uses a double-headed axe.
218	** [[OriginalGeneration Savini Jason]] uses [[DevilsPitchfork the Devil's pitchfork]].
219	* In ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedI'', most of the focus is on Altaïr's swords, as they are continually upgraded throughout the plot; the second game and the two that come after it focus on Ezio's hidden blades, as he receives multiple upgrades that turn it into a SwissArmyWeapon (Hidden Gun, Poison Darts, Hookblade, etc.); and Connor from the third has a lot of focus on the Tomahawk, though dual wielding in general is his thing. Desmond himself prefers two small knives in combat, using Connor's fighting style. Edward Kenway from the fourth is shown with a lot of guns in his promotional shots, along with two large cutlasses.
220	* Booker Dewitt in ''VideoGame/BioShockInfinite'' uses a variety of weapons, but he's most often seen with the [[ShotgunsAreJustBetter China Broom]] and the Broadsider.
221	* The playable characters of ''VideoGame/BulletGirlsPhantasia'' all have a specific weapon type they favour, which they must use in their first of three weapon slots, and have unique, powerful versions of that double as NamedWeapons.
222	* ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}'':
223	** All members of the Belmont family use the Vampire Killer whip.
224	** Alucard uses his namesake sword.
225	** RecurringBoss Death has a SinisterScythe.
226	* In ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes2DesperateStruggle'', Travis now has four types of Beam Katana to choose from: his basic weapon, a lighter but faster one, a longer but slower one, and DualWielding. His enemies, meanwhile...
227	** Skelter Helter uses a revolver with multiple cylinders put together.
228	** Nathan Copeland uses a boombox that turns into PowerArmor. His arena is also covered in machine guns.
229	** Charlie [=MacDonald=] and his cheerleaders form into a giant robot.
230	** Matt Helms, [[spoiler:who died in a fire set by his parents]], uses a flamethrower/axe and Molotov Cocktails.
231	** Cloe Walsh spits acid, breathes poison and has a [[SuperScream sonic scream]].
232	** Kimmy Howell uses [[Film/ThePhantomMenace Darth Maul's double lightsaber]], and blows explosive bubbles from a recorder.
233	** [[spoiler:Dr. Letz Shake]] uses Letz Shake's earthquake machine to ''much'' better effect than previous.
234	** Million Gunman shoots money from a gold pistol.
235	** [[spoiler:New Destroyman]] uses lasers and electric blasts [[spoiler:as previously]].
236	** Ryuji uses a katana and a [[AnimalMotifs dragon summon]].
237	** Mimmy is effectively a miniature Gundam and fights appropriately.
238	** Margaret uses twin anti-material rifles.
239	** Captain Vladimir fires [[EnergyWeapon Frickin' Laser Beams]] from his spacesuit and calls on a KillSat.
240	** Alice Twilight/Moonlight has eight Beam Katanas attached to a set of waldoes.
241	** Jasper Batt, Jr. fights with a rocket car, and when it's destroyed, doses himself with Psycho Serum and fights with his bare hands. [[spoiler:He then overdoses and becomes a giant, shooting energy blasts from his mouth.]]
242	* In ''VideoGame/DawnOfWar II'', you technically ''can'' train up and equip most of your squad mates either in melee or ranged combat, or to focus on heavy weapons or lighter and more mobile ones. Most of the time, however, their more [[MinMaxing effective traits and skills]] lend themselves to a certain weapon class or even a certain individual weapon, usually an [[DiscOneNuke incredibly powerful, named one you get as a mission reward, and then never ever ever swap out of, "special needs of the mission" be damned]].
243	* ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' characters typically have different usable weapons that depend on their fighting style (staves are pretty much universal among magic-using characters and swords among knights and typically the protagonist as well). An unusual example from the fourth game is Torneko Taloon's use of abacuses (though he can use other weapons, such as swords).
244	* In ''VideoGame/GranblueFantasy'' but with few exceptions, each class has two types of weapons they can equip as their main weapon. The primary exception is the Grappler line, who can only equip melee weapons. The Harpist line also greatly favors Harps over their secondary Daggers, because Harps are able to boost their abilities.
245	* ''VideoGame/LufiaCurseOfTheSinistrals'' gives each character a specific weapon. Maxim uses [[{{BFS}} swords]], Tia uses [[ExtendoBoxingGlove gloves]], Guy uses hammers/axes, Selan uses [[RingsOfDeath disc blades]], and Artea uses [[EnergyWeapon wave energy guns]]. Dekar, being the world's strongest warrior, [[MultiMeleeMaster can use any type of weapon]].
246	* ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'':
247	** Druids, due to their shapeshifting, usually fight with fists (paws) regardless of what weapon they have equipped. It's usually a two-handed weapon, however.
248	** Rogues tend to prefer (poisoned) daggers, depending on their chosen combat style.
249	** Hunters are the only class that focuses on ranged weapons, but the exact type is largely irrelevant.
250	** On a more defensive aspect, both Shamans and Paladins almost always use shields outside of their melee specialisation.
251	** Death Knights are explicitly called out as two-handed melee fighters, with the exception being Frost Dual-Wield builds. In both cases, the use of either one huge blade or frenzied dual-wielding suits their characterization as implacable death dealers.
252	** Many characters are well-known for the weapons they wield. Thrall has his Doomhammer and Arthas has Frostmourne.
253	* In ''VideoGame/YakuzaDeadSouls'', each playable character has a weapon unique to them for taking on the ZombieApocalypse.
254	** Shun Akiyama uses [[GunsAkimbo a pair of pistols]].
255	** Goro Majima uses an [[ShotgunsAreJustBetter automatic shotgun]].
256	** Ryuji Goda uses [[MoreDakka a machine gun]] [[ArmCannon concealed in his prosthetic left arm]].
257	** Kazuma Kiryu uses [[{{BFG}} an anti-material sniper rifle]].
258	[[/folder]]
259
260	[[folder:Visual Novels]]
261	* ''VisualNovel/TheConfinesOfTheCrown'': Madeleine favors twin daggers while her charge, Prince Oscar of Ocendawr, is decent with a sword.
262	* The Servants of ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'' generally use the weapons according to their Class (Saber, Archer, Lancer, Rider, Caster, Assassin, Berserker) but there are occasional exceptions; Rider generally fights without her mount, only revealing it as an EleventhHourSuperpower. Archer uses twin dao (Chinese falchions) despite having a literal endless FieldOfBlades at his disposal.
263	* When push comes to shove, the ''VisualNovel/HigurashiWhenTheyCry'' gang almost always uses their iconic weapons:
264	** Keiichi has his [[BatterUp metal bat]]. It's actually Satoshi's leftover bat from when he used to play baseball. Keiichi uses the bat whenever he kills someone or whenever he just needs a weapon. [[spoiler:Satoshi also used it to kill his abusive aunt]].
265	** Shion has a [[StaticStunGun taser]] that she carries around. She uses it to stun her enemies.
266	** Rika uses a [[ImprobableWeaponUser broom]] in one arc to fight off [[spoiler:Rena]]. Otherwise, she has no weapons.
267	** Satoko is a prankster who figured out to use her traps for when she's in trouble.
268	** Rena has her cleaver/hatchet/axe. She found it in a junkyard and kept it for non-violent reasons, however, she does use it as a weapon. When she uses it non-lethally, she hits with the dull side.
269	** Despite carrying an airsoft gun, Mion doesn't have to use a weapon. She generally uses hand-to-hand combat instead.
270	* ''VisualNovel/SinWithMe'': Each member of the Night of Sin troupe has a distinct weapon, as do some of the antagonists:
271	** Wrath has a pair of [[PowerFist crystal brass knuckles]].
272	** Darius uses a [[EpicFlail chain flail with blades on the ends]].
273	** Onyx wields a [[DoubleWeapon double-bladed staff]].
274	** Malakai [[DualWielding dual-wields]] {{flaming sword}}s.
275	** Cal has [[TheGunslinger a pistol and a rifle]].
276	** Yvette uses a {{sword cane}}.
277	** Vinca uses knives and daggers.
278	** The heroine eventually starts using [[RingsOfDeath chakrams]].
279	[[/folder]]
280
281	[[folder:Webcomics]]
282	* The titular Webcomic/AxeCop prefers to use a heavyset blade mounted on a polished wooden club. Pretty much everyone with the name "_______ Cop" has the blank filled in with the weapon - Flute Cop, Book Cop, Telescope Gun Cop...
283	* ''ComicBook/BuckGodotZapGunForHire''. As can be guessed, the title character's weapon of choice is a [[RayGun zap gun]] -- [[ICallItVera nicknamed "Junior"]].
284	* In ''Webcomic/TheGreenEyedSniper'', both main characters have a weapon of choice. Shanti shoots a highly-precise sniper rifle, whereas Sekhmet prefers a powerful shotgun.
285	* ''Webcomic/ExterminatusNow'' has each characters' Weapon Of Choice on the surprisingly-still-relevant cast page.
286	** Eastwood: "A Vladston & Norvstock .44 Magnum {{revolver\|sAreJustBetter}}, with cylinder customised to feature seven chambers rather than the standard six." Yeah, he thinks he's Dirty Harry.
287	** Virus: "Bouchard Industries 9mm semiautomatic pistol, hollow point rounds filled with silver nitrate solution." He's the least trigger-happy with it.
288	** Lothar: "80mm plasma blaster, 3000 RPM circular saw, both incorporated into the bionic arm." [[AxCrazy Both used with enthusiasm.]]
289	** Rogue: [[strike:"A [[LaserBlade beam sword]] with blue colouration." What, no fancy description?]] "Ancient Tachyglossian Technology Void-Core Beam Weapon; Type-K Sword Model, Blue."
290	* ''Webcomic/RPGWorld'' has the main party's preferences
291	** [[MeaningfulName The Hero]] uses swords. [[HeroesPreferSwords (Duh)]]
292	** Cherry uses knives, and later upgrades to a crossbow.
293	** Diane uses magic staves.
294	** Eikre uses daggers [[DualWielding (and now uses two at the same time)]].
295	** Reka uses [[ImprobableWeaponUser a wrench]].
296	** The Dragobo uses his fists.
297	* ''Webcomic/SweetHome2017'':
298	** Hyun has the electrified spear Dusik Hahn gave him.
299	** Wook has his own fists and, should the situation be truly dire, a standard pistol.
300	** Jayhun has a katana. [[spoiler:Wook starts using it after his death.]]
301	** Jisu uses a metal bat that is later enhanced by Dusik to have spikes.
302	** Dusik has some sort of firearm he designed himself which he says fires nails.
303	** Hyuk uses a fire extinguisher both as a melee weapon and to annoy the monsters.
304	** Eun uses a makeshift flamethrower from a lighter and a can of aerosol.
305	[[/folder]]
306
307	[[folder:Western Animation]]
308	* ''WesternAnimation/CodeLyoko'': Among the Lyoko fighters with weapons, each has a different one.
309	** Ulrich has a katana. In the last season, it's two katanas.
310	** Odd shoots darts from his forearms.
311	** Yumi has a [[CombatHandFan hand fan]] -- two fans, later on -- that she uses as a throwing weapon like a BattleBoomerang.
312	** William has a {{BFS}}.
313	* ''WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor'': In ''Operation: S.P.A.N.K.E.N.S.T.I.E.N.'', Mushi Sanban is shown to be highly proficient at using crayons in a similar way to darts or knives (even spinning her entire body and throwing hundreds in a manner of seconds).
314	* ''WesternAnimation/StormHawks'': Each combatant in the main cast has a different weapon. Other major recurring characters also tend to have distinct weapons.
315	** Among the Storm Hawks:
316	*** Aerrow wields dual energy blades.
317	*** Finn uses a crossbow.
318	*** Piper uses a staff to which she can attach crystals for different effects.
319	*** Junko uses a pair of [[PowerFist Knuckle Busters]], enhancing his strength and the force of his punches.
320	*** Radarr tends to play a supporting role in combat as Aerrow's co-pilot, but when he does fight, it's with [[ImprovisedWeapon random junk at hand]].
321	** Among the main antagonists:
322	*** [[BigBad Master Cyclonis]] uses a MagicStaff with a unique claw-like design.
323	*** [[TheDragon The Dark Ace]] uses a large energy sword that uniquely has two blades in parallel.
324	*** [[TheBrute Snipe]] uses a mace with a head that can detach to become a flail.
325	*** Ravess uses a bow and arrows.
326	*** Repton uses a curved sword that doubles as a BattleBoomerang.
327	** [[HonoraryTrueCompanion Starling]] is the only character who uses nunchucks.
328	* ''WesternAnimation/{{ThunderCats\|1985}}'':
329	** Lion-O, TheHero, wields the [[EmpathicWeapon Sword of Omens]], with the [[MacGuffin Eye of Thundera]] in its hilt.
330	** Tygra, TheLancer of the crew, wields a mean bola whip.
331	** Panthro, TheBigGuy ''and'' TheSmartGuy, uses a pair of nunchaku with claws on the ends.
332	** Cheetara, uses a staff that can extend according to her needs, much like Goku's staff from ''Manga/DragonBall''.
333	** And Wilykit and Wilykat use pellet-like bombs that can do all kinds of crazy stuff.
334	* ''WesternAnimation/TrulliTales'': Ring has a fork, Zip has a whisk, Sun has a spoon and Stella has a spatula.
335	[[/folder]]
336
337	[[folder:Real Life]]
338	* Gurkhas are famed Nepalese soldiers whose signature weapon is the iconic [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukri kukri]] curved knife.
339	[[/folder]]

Context Main / WeaponSpecialization