Thermal Shotgun

The Thermal Shotgun is an uncommon energy weapon found throughout the Periphery.

Plasma is a highly energized and ionized gas, and as such, is able to conduct electricity and be manipulated by magnetic fields. This allows it be be used as a replacement for solid ferrous slugs is some specialized designs.

First, nitrogen is injected into the firing chamber, and heated by rotating microwave fields. It is compressed to high pressures, and then magnetically accelerated out of the barrel. When the plasma mass leaves the confines of the barrel, the magnetic field collapses, causing the mass to begin rapid thermal expansion. Through clever manipulation of magnetic fields that point away from the gun, the plasma is ejected forwards in an arc, blasting whoever is in front with searing hot gas.

The thermal nature of the weapon makes it ideal for organic targets, although with enough sustained fire and/or damage to cooling systems, constructs are vulnerable as well.

Since the mass of the plasma is relatively small, the gun has a short range of only 3-5 meters at the absolute most. Being an energy weapon, it does not need ammo, although the user may need to stop firing momentarily if the gun overheats or the batteries get depleted.