Tufasumo-pattern plasma caster: Difference between revisions

{{Era|Post}}

|image=[[File:Halo5GuardiansPlasmaCaster.png|300px]]

|manufacturer=[[Merchants of Qikost]]<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/plasma-caster '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Plasma Caster'']</ref>

|series=Type-53<ref name="universe"/>

|type=[[Plasma]]-based explosives launcher

|cost=

|variant=

|length=

|width=

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|ammotype=*20mm plasma scatter rounds<ref name="universe"/> {{C|semi-automatic mode}}

*[[Plasma grenades]] {{C|charged mode}}

|feed=5 round magazine<ref name="universe"/>

|operation=

|rate=

|velocity=

|range=Medium to long

|service=*[[Blooding Years]]

*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]

The '''Type-53 Plasma Bolt Launcher''', more commonly known as the '''Plasma Caster''',<ref name="cfodder">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-locke-load '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Locke & Load'']</ref> 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]].<ref name="universe"/>

The Type-53 Plasma Caster bears a resemblance in shape and overall functionality to the [[Type-50 concussion rifle]], 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, though this only lasts for several seconds.<ref name="universe"/>

The Plasma Caster can fire up to five explosive [[plasma]] rounds in quick succession, or fire a single charged round at a greater distance which adheres to a surface it lands upon before detonating, releasing additional explosives to pepper the immediate area. 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.<ref name="universe"/>

Under the [[Merchants of Qikost]], the Plasma Caster has undergone few changes since its inception. However, [[Sangheili]] [[clan]]s have occasionally introduced ad hoc modifications to improve in-field functionality.<ref name="universe"/>

*'''Scourge of Fire''': The ''Scourge of Fire'' fires two plasma bolts at once and does not overheat.<ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref>

*'''White Scar''': The ''White Scar'' fires modified bolts similar to a [[Type-56 Needler]]'s [[blamite]] shards that are set to proximity detonate if hipfired.<ref name="H5G"/>

Earlier iterations of the Plasma Caster had been produced by the [[Covenant]] for nearly a century. However, the weapon was not encountered by [[United Nations Space Command]] forces until [[2553]], a year after the Covenant's dissolution in the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref name="universe"/> The Plasma Caster has since gained popularity among the [[Sangheili]] during the [[Blooding Years]], a civil war that spread throughout most of [[Sanghelios]] and other [[Sangheili colonies]] after the Covenant War. The Plasma Caster is commonly used by forces of [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|reformed Covenant]].<ref name="cfodder"/>

==Trivia==

The weapon's forward body and un-charged firing mode are similar to the [[Concussion Rifle]], though the latter's ammunition detonates on impact rather than a timer.

==Gallery==

File:H5GC-PlasmaCaster.png|Concept art of the Plasma Caster for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''

File:H5GC-PlasmaCasters.png|Concept art of different tiers of Plasma Casters for [[Warzone]]

File:H5G-PlasmacasterHUD.png|First-person view of the Plasma Caster

File:H5G-Plasmacasterzoom.png|[[Smart scope]] with the Plasma Caster

File:Smart Scope Plasma Caster.png|Another scoped view with the Plasma Caster

File:H5-EnemyLines-WraithCombat1.jpg|The Plasma Caster in use

File:REQ_Card_-_Plasma_Caster.png|Plasma Caster - Basic Weapon

File:Scourgeoffire.png|Plasma Caster - ''Scourge of Fire'' variant

File:Whitescar.png|Plasma Caster - ''White Scar'' variant

<references/>

{{Covenant Weapons}}