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Melodic Cudgel[1] was Roman Torchwick's signature weapon.

Description

Melodic Cudgel initially appeared to be a normal cane; however, when used for combat, the base of the cane raised a reticle for aiming, while also uncovering the muzzle. It fired an unstable flare or discharge of what is possibly Dust, which created a distinct whistling sound when airborne and exploded on impact.

Melodic Cudgel was shown to be capable of firing at least two types of projectiles: one with a red flare, and one with a white flare. Its explosive capabilities were enough to detonate Dust crystals, as seen when Roman fired a shot at a red crystal during the episode "Ruby Rose". The weapon was also capable of blowing large holes in the pavement, as shown in "Black and White".

Melodic Cudgel was also capable of firing multiple shots in quick succession, as seen in "Black and White", displaying a high capacity for ammunition. The cane also seemed capable of fending off both bladed weapons and the projectiles fired from ranged weapons, such as Sun Wukong's personal weapons, Ruyi Bang and Jingu Bang. Its handle could also be used to grapple opponents, disarm them, or lower their defenses, as seen when Blake Belladonna tried to launch an offensive on Roman.

The handle was also attached to a tether and could be fired over long distances to reel in a fleeing target. The body of Melodic Cudgel was also very flexible, as seen in "No Brakes", when Roman bended it to a significant degree, but it returns to normal.

Roman was proficient with Melodic Cudgel in close-quarters combat. The handle of Melodic Cudgel was also capable of hooking its own flares, which Roman then threw at enemies.

As shown in RWBY: Roman Holiday, a major design flaw in the weapon was its lack of a safety lock. When she was 13 years old, Melanie Malachite nearly blew her head off when playing with the cane.

In "Heroes and Monsters", Roman was seen fighting and beating Ruby with the weapon until he gets swallowed whole by a Griffon. The weapon was most likely lost afterwards as it was swallowed with its owner.

History

The cane was fashioned and developed in Mistral years before Roman had come to Vale and was still a part of Spider. It replaced a lower quality wooden cane.

Trivia

  • A cutout from the red portion at the bottom of the cane resembled Roman's emblem.
  • According to the DVD commentaries for Volume 1, the reticle was a late addition to the design.
  • The shape of Melodic Cudgel, as well as its bright, firework-like projectiles, is likely a reference to a roman candle, a form of firework that spits brightly colored flares much the same way the cane does.
  • In Amity Arena, Roman's Valentine outfit paints the red sections gold and replaces the gray hook with a crimson incomplete heart.
  • In Roman Holiday it was revealed that Roman named the weapon as such because the sounds of pain coming from the victims he beat up was "music to his ears."

References

Weapons
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