technology
PHASED PLASMA GUN

The standard appendage-held projectile weapon of many races. While slugthrowers are cheaper to manufacture, they are impractical in a space environment. The PPG fires a packet of superheated gas, usually helium, instead of a metal slug which could rupture the hull of a ship or space station. When firing, the PPG heats a portion of gas stored in the gun's removable energy cap.

When the gas is in a plasma state, it is "fired" down the barrel of the gun by the sequential activation of electromagnets in the barrel. After firing, the plasma packet retains its coherence from a residual magnetic field surrounding it. Upon impact, the magnetic field is broken and the plasma energy is released. As with most weapons, time and distance weakens the field, reducing the effectiveness of the shot. The most effective defense against PPG fire is pure berillium, which causes the plasma to ricochet.

 PPGs are constructed from very durable alloys that can withstand the stress of the extremes of temperature from repeated use. The electromagnetic firing coil is made from a morbidium alloy, which is harder than a diamond. Supermorbidium (the 156th atom) was discovered in 2259. Its use in PPG weaponry has been very low due to high costs in creating this element. PPGs manufactured in Earth Force territory have a serial number stamped on the morbidium coil during manufacture to allow the weapon to be traced easily. Special agents within Earth Force are issued unnumbered PPGs.

 As with slugthrowers, Earth-made PPGs are available in many forms:

• Westlake & Grumman Model 10
  The most common PPG pistol in use by civilians within the Earth Alliance. Marketed as a self-defense weapon, the Model 10 is popular due to its reputation as a dependable weapon (despite its unwieldiness). Ammunition capacity is restricted to five shots. With proper documentation, the Model 10 can be easily bought for 250 credits.
• Auricon EF-7
  Restricted only to Earth Force personnel, the Auricon EF-7 is standard issue to all official personnel. The EF-7 has a 12-15 shot capacity (depending on what energy cap is used). While illegal for civilian use, the EF-7 is available in limited supply to Earth Force personnel for 450 credits.
• Westlake & Grumman Model 21
  Used mostly by security professionals, this PPG rifle sees most use on colony worlds. Damage is comparable to its military equivalent. The Model 21's size is considered by most security forces as a deterrent, which is a good thing considering its ammunition capacity is limited to two shots. This rifle is available to Alliance civilians, with proper documentation, for 400 credits.
• Auricon EF-PR
  Restricted to Earth Force personnel, the EF-PR is the standard-issue combat PPG rifle. The EF-PR is only available to Earth Force personnel for official business only. Carrying 20-25 shots, the EF-PR can be bought, with much difficulty, for 550 credits.
• Auricon EF-APR
  Heavily restricted to Earth Force use only, the EF-APR is the premier heavy assault PPG rifle of the Alliance. While bulky, the EF-APR's aiming difficulty is partially offset by a laser scope. The main feature of the EF-APR is its autofire capacity, allowing a single soldier to do withering damage. The EF-APR's energy clip holds upwards of fifty shots and can very rarely be bought for 860 credits.

Other species have their own version of the PPG with sometimes large variations in power, recharge time, design aesthetics, and ammunition capacity.

• Centauri Tromo Handgun
  The Tromo Handgun, a long-barrelled, ornate PPG pistol, is standard-issue to all Centauri Royal Guardsmen. While the Tromo appears to be ornamental because of its typically Centauri design, its damage potential is equal to that of the Auricon EF-7. Unlike the EF-7, the Tromo's ammunition capacity is approximately twenty shots. Traditionally used only by the Guardsmen, the Tromo can be bought for the right price. (400 credits)
• Minbari Sha'ann PP Weapon
  A design in use for over a thousand years by the Warrior Caste, the Sha'ann is considered to be the pinnacle of PPG pistol technology. With damage equivalent to Auricon's EF-PR, and an unlimited energy source, the Sha'ann is considered by the Minbari to be a light arm. Its use is restricted to the Warrior Caste and its technology is heavily guarded from other species. Despite the best efforts of the Warrior Caste, some Sha'ann PP Weapons are available on the black market. While the Sha'ann is typically valued at 4,000 credits, its black market cost is usually 16,000 credits.
• Narn Kalat Avenger
  The Narn manufacture a very utilitarian and bulky PPG that looks like a box with a handle - which is perfect for their large hands. While available to civilian Narns, the Kalat Avenger is used primarily by the military. As Narn manufacturing is sometimes lacking in the required alloys for PPG barrels and must use inferior metals, the Kalat Avenger uses three barrels to distribute the heat generated by firing the plasma blast. Less effective than the Alliance's Model 10, the Kalat does have an ammunition capacity of ten shots. Generally, the Kalat Avenger is not sold to outsiders. (300 credits)
• Thrakallan v'kk'xo PP Weapon
  Designed for the Thrakallan's clawed "hand," the v'kk'xo is a medium firearm composed of several stolen technologies. While its ammunition capacity is 32 shots, its damage is comparable to the Kalat Avenger. (340 credits).

[NOTE: Prices listed are "suggested retail." While many weapons are restricted to certain groups, fixers (such as n'grath) are more than happy to supply a needed item for up to five times the list price.]