Tufasumo-pattern plasma caster

The Tufasumo-pattern Firebomb Caster, more commonly known as the plasma caster, is a versatile munitions launcher designed for use in infantry and shock trooper roles. Manufactured by the Merchants of Qikost, the purpose of the plasma caster is to weaken enemy lines and entrenched positions, especially those augmented by stationary weapons. Gaining popularity during the Blooding Years, the plasma caster was used by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.

Design details
The Tufasumo-pattern plasma caster bears a resemblance in shape and overall functionality to the, also manufactured by the Merchants of Qikost. However, the plasma caster is considered to be an elegant refinement and diversification of the concussion rifle. The plasma caster is designed with an extended, pronounced stock, a low-set magazine that allows easy access, and an accentuated muzzle which remains closed unless the weapon's operator charges the chambered round, upon which the barrel splays open before launching the charged bolt. After firing a charged bolt, the plasma caster enters an automatic cool-down mode for several seconds.

The plasma caster can fire up to five 20mm Class-3 explosive plasma bolts in quick succession, or fire a single charged round at a greater velocity which adheres to a surface it lands upon before detonating, releasing additional explosives to pepper the immediate area. The uncharged shots are capable of bouncing around corners and down hallways. The charged round is capable of reaching more distant targets, tracking and adhering to the enemy's heat signature before detonating on a timed fuse. The weapon's relatively clean area of effect allows it to be used surgically in the hands of a proficient user, though at range its slower projectile velocity requires more skill to wield effectively.

Development history
The Tufasumo-pattern plasma caster originated from a lineage of ancient Sangheili weapons that began with the bladeshot and shockbow, the latter of which inspired the plasma caster's method of splaying open while firing its charged shot. Designed by the Merchants of Qikost, the plasma caster had been produced for nearly a century before the Covenant's fall, seeing very few changes since its initial creation. Following the empire's collapse, Sangheili weapon-crafters have melded the technological advances of millennia with archaic designs, forging a series of remarkable new patterns of plasma caster.

Usage
Despite the plasma caster's relatively long history, it was never formally accepted into Covenant service by San'Shyuum censors, though some warriors were known to bend the rules and field the weapon in combat. However, after empire's dissolution, the plasma caster has been adopted by nearly every postwar faction. It has seen significant popularity among the Sangheili during the Blooding Years, a civil war that spread throughout most of Sanghelios and other Sangheili colonies after the Human-Covenant War. The plasma caster was heavily used by forces of Jul 'Mdama's reformed Covenant during their aggressive campaigns on Sanghelios and by Banished Enforcers during the Second Ark Conflict.

Variants
Under the Merchants of Qikost, the plasma caster has undergone few major changes since its inception. However, several factions have occasionally introduced ad hoc modifications to improve in-field functionality.
 * Scourge of Fire: The Scourge of Fire is an improved variant that fires two plasma bolts at once, has a faster charging time, and does not overheat.
 * White Scar: The White Scar is an advanced variant that fires modified bolts similar to a Type-56D needler's blamite shards that are set to proximity detonate if hipfired. These needles supercombine in seven rounds, in the same manner as the needler, but charged shots take eight times as long to detonate if not by proximity detonation.
 * Banished Plasma Caster: This weapon held by Elite infantry can shoot red projectiles, these red projectiles lack a Plasma Grenade and also doesn't arc like its original counterpart, the weapon has a unique weapon model.

List of appearances

 * Halo 5: Guardians
 * Halo Wars 2
 * Halo: Rise of Atriox