Blaster Pistol

We humans are good at many things. Finding new and inventive ways to hurt each other is at the top of the list

— Captain Mao Tanner, Scrapjack

A Plasma Particle Pistol, more commonly referred to as a ‘blaster’, is one of the more common, and a little expensive, sidearms found across the Cores. This type of weapon fires short bursts of compacted plasma energy particles at a target with devastating effect.

Blaster bolts carry some heat which damage the target but the greater damage to the target is from the deform and warp effect the bolt delivers. This will cause pot-marks in most physical materials or cause liquids in organic matter to instantly convert to steam.

However, not all materials are susceptible. Alloys that have a high-heat dissapation rate, like beryllium, will ricochet a shot and suffer little side effect.

These characteristics, along with being able to fire in a vaccuum, makes the blaster a weapon of choice for many mercenaries, space-based fighting forces, and others.

Ammunition

Like any other energy based weapon, the blaster uses a power cell, called a ‘power pack’, that is a rechargable energy cell. A fully charged cell can provide energy up to one hundred shots from a blaster before needing to be recharged.

Not Quite a Weapon for All Seasons

Despite the greater ammunition capacity and power, a blaster is not the best choice for every situation.

A blaster, like any energy weapon, requires a precise crystal alignment to generate the internal plasma arc for the bolt. These delicate components are vulnerable to humid environments and require regular tuning.

Likewise the act of firing a blaster causes a distinct whine as the plasma discharge interacts with the surrounding air. This makes it difficult to silence a blaster shot as can be done with a traditional firearm.

Item type

Weapon, Ranged