Plasma Weapon

From Lexicanum

Ranged: Projectile - Missile - Ordnance - Laser - Plasma - Melta - Auto - Bolt - Flame - Gauss - Sonic

Plasma Weapons operate by converting normal gases or fuel materials into an energized state of matter known as plasma, the stuff of the stars themselves.

When fired, the fuel material is energized into plasma and unleashed as brightly glowing "bolts" of pure energy. This energy is encased in a magnetic containment field that prevents the plasma "bolt" from dissipating before reaching its target. Once the plasma comes into contact with a solid material, the magnetic field ruptures, venting the superheated energy onto the target. The enemy is then vaporised.

Plasma is incredibly dangerous stuff. Imperial versions of the weapon are particularly unstable due to their imperfect designs. Overheating is prevented mainly by venting excess heat into the surrounding area due to a lack of proper cooling equipment. Even with this countermeasure, it is not uncommon for weapons to completely overheat or explode, killing or maiming the user. A plasma weapon struck or knocked out of a hand by a weapon hit will easily explode, killing its user.

Plasma guns and pistols use a plasma energizer to convert the ammunition supplied by gas containment flasks, which are good for about ten shots. Plasma cannons are typically powered by a generator of some sort.

Plasma Weapons are a mostly lost technology from the standpoint of the contemporary Imperium, seen as relics of another age. Their workings are a mystery for the most part, and only a select few circles of the Adeptus Mechanicus know how to construct them. Those few that are constructed go through extensive blessing and rituals by the Machine God before use.⁴