Plasma Blaster Pistol

The Plasma Blaster Pistol is the standard short-range directed-energy sidearm throughout the Continuum Universes. It fires a tightly condensed bolt of superheated plasma, stabilized just long enough to travel a short distance before blooming into destructive thermal release. While far smaller and less powerful than a Long Plasma Blaster, the pistol is prized for its compact size, reliability, and brutal stopping power in close-quarters combat.

Design and Function

A Plasma Blaster Pistol contains a miniature plasma chamber and a condensed micro-capacitor. When fired:

1. A small charge of ionized gas is superheated. 2. Magnetic compression coils condense it into a semi-stable plasma bolt. 3. The bolt is expelled through a magnetic shroud, maintaining cohesion for 20–40 feet. 4. The plasma disperses on impact, vaporizing or melting the target.

The pistol has zero recoil and minimal mechanical complexity, making it exceptionally dependable for boarding actions and urban engagements.

Performance

Plasma pistols excel in:

• tight corridors
• starship interiors
• defensive sidearm engagements
• rapid point-shooting where target acquisition is minimal

While lacking the range and sustained accuracy of a long blaster or Plasma Vortex Gun, their short-range lethality is unmatched. At close distances, a plasma pistol bolt is hot enough to:

• vaporize skin, bone, and muscle
• melt armor plating
• deform structural alloys
• breach non-polarized bulkheads

Variants

Compact Pistol

Slim officer-model designed for concealment and quick-draw use.

Dual-Coil Variant

Higher output, capable of firing slightly larger bolts with better cohesion. Favored by elite strike units.

Officer’s Pistol

Engraved casing, improved heat sinks, and superior capacitor recharge rates.

Military Use

Plasma pistols serve as the standard sidearm for:

• shipboard officers
• boarding parties
• special-operations soldiers
• Valorîin armored infantry when a long weapon is impractical

Their ease of maintenance and reliability under extreme conditions make them a staple of military kits across dozens of worlds.

Interaction with Armor

• Standard Armor – catastrophically compromised by plasma bloom.
• Polarized Armor – significantly reduces lethality; bolts often dissipate.
• Varkest Armor – generally plasma-proof, though repeated hits can heat-soak the plating.

Even with modern defenses, a close-range shot to an unshielded area is instantly fatal.

Comparison to Other Plasma Weapons

• Long Plasma Blaster – longer range, larger bolts, tactical versatility.
• Plasma Vortex Gun – longest range, highest accuracy, extremely advanced.
• Plasma Pistol – best in close-quarters situations; compact and reliable.

Each device fills a unique role, and officers often carry pistols even when armed with long weapons.

See Also

• Plasma
• Long Plasma Blaster
• Plasma Vortex Gun
• Plasma Cannon
• Polarized Armor
• Varkest Armor
• Valorîin Royal Marines