Same tool held differently by different NPCs?

In the game, I have a weapon tool, but I want different NPCs (and possible playercharacters) to hold the weapon in different ways.

I used the normal plugin to change how the weapon is held, but that changes the hold for all characters. Is there any way to set specific holds for specific NPCs or players – without making a copy of the weapon for each NPC?

Is it possible to create a unique animation for each NPCs which defines how they hold and use the weapon?

While I am thinking about this, maybe the best way to do it is to create an animation for each NPC and then put a script in the weapon saying “if Parent is char X then play animation A”. Then as soon as I clone the weapon to an NPC it should play the animation. Perhaps disable the automatic equipping animation. Anyone see any reason why this wouldn’t work?

Nope. This is not really working. It seems like the only options are to create a copy of the weapon for each NPC and position the tool for each one OR turn the tool into a model and then weld it to the place where I want it. Can anyone think of any other options?