Editing Tufasumo-pattern plasma caster

{{Title|''Tufasumo''-pattern plasma caster}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon infobox
|name=''Tufasumo''-pattern Firebomb Caster
|image=[[File:Halo5GuardiansPlasmaCaster.png|300px]]
|manufacturer=[[Merchants of Qikost]]{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/plasma-caster|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Plasma Caster|D=04|M=01|Y=2020}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=297}}
|series=
|type=[[Plasma]]-based explosives launcher
|cost=
|variant=
*[[Scourge of Fire]]
*[[White Scar]]
|service=
*[[Blooding Years]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|length={{Convert|45.5|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|width=
|height=
|weight=
|ammotype=20mm{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} [[Class-3 plasma bolt|Class-3 plasma scatter rounds]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|capacity=5 round magazine{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|feed=
|operation=
|rate=
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=
}}
{{Article quote|Fires plasma bolts that can be bounced of terrain to reach targets behind cover. Bolts stick and will chain-detonate when fired using Smart-Link.{{Ref/Game|Id=REQ|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ Card|Detail=Plasma Caster description|Quote=Fires plasma bolts that can be bounced of terrain to reach targets behind cover. Bolts stick and will chain-detonate when fired using Smart-Link.}}}}
The '''''Tufasumo''-pattern Firebomb Caster'''{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} {{Type|53|Plasma Bolt Launcher|PBL}}, more commonly known as the '''plasma caster''',{{Ref/Site|Id=CFLocke|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-locke-load|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Locke & Load|D=25|M=07|Y=2021}} 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/Reuse|universe}}

==Overview==
===Design details===
The ''Tufasumo''-pattern plasma caster bears a resemblance in shape and overall functionality to the {{Pattern|Elo'Nakada|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.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} 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.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

The plasma caster can fire up to five 20mm{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} [[Class-3 explosive plasma bolts]] in quick succession,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} 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.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} 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.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} 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/Reuse|universe}}

===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.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Designed by the Merchants of Qikost, the plasma caster had been produced for nearly a century before the [[Covenant]]'s [[Great Schism|fall]], seeing very few changes since its initial creation.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} 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.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

===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.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
*'''[[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.{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ Card|Detail=[[Scourge of Fire]] description|Quote=Modifying design patterns to enhance their performance was once considered apostasy. Improved Plasma Caster that fires two plasma bolts per shot 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.{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ Card|Detail=[[White Scar]] description|Quote=There is little honor to be found in slaughter, but that's enough for some. Advanced Plasma Caster that fires modified bolts set to proximity detonate if hipfired and have a Needler fragmentation effect.}}
*'''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.{{Ref/Game|Id=logs|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Elite Enforcers}}
<gallery class="center">
File:Halo 5 Caster Sof.png|Scourge of Fire.
File:H5G white scar.png|White Scar.
File:HW2 Banished Plasma Caster.jpg|Banished Plasma Caster.
</gallery>

===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 the empire's dissolution, the plasma caster has been adopted by nearly every postwar faction.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} 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 [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|reformed Covenant]] during their aggressive campaigns on Sanghelios{{Ref/Reuse|CFLocke}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} and by [[Banished]] [[Sangheili Enforcer|Enforcer]]s during the [[Second Ark Conflict]].{{Ref/Reuse|logs}}

==In-game information==
===''Halo 5: Guardians''===
{{Main|Plasma Caster (gameplay)}}
The Plasma Caster was introduced into ''Halo'' in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', acting in a similar role to the [[Brute Shot (gameplay)|Brute Shot]] and [[Concussion Rifle (gameplay)|Concussion Rifle]] of previous games. In [[Warzone]], it is an Uncommon [[List of REQ cards|REQ]] that costs {{Energy|4}} to call in, and gives {{RP|75}} when sold.

==Production notes==
The Plasma Caster's origins lie in the concept art for the {{Pattern|Zebando'Taa|concussion rifle}} produced for ''[[Halo 4]]'', done by concept artist [[:Category:Images by Glenn Israel|Glenn Israel]]. One of Israel's concept sheets for the weapon includes a sketch for a weapon almost identical to what would later become the Plasma Caster in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''. In the final game, the weapon was modelled by 3D artist [[:Category:Images by Andrew Bradbury|Andrew Bradbury]].{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/XdWOy|Site=ArtStation|Page=Halo 5 Plasma Caster|D=02|M=12|Y=2024}} The weapon's redesign for the [[Banished]] aesthetic of ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' was done by concept artist [[:Category:Images by Theo Stylianides|Theo Stylianides]].

==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
===Concept art===
<gallery>
File:H4 ConcussionRifle Concept 1.jpg|Early concept revisions of the {{Pattern|Zebando'Taa|concussion rifle}} for ''Halo 4'', with one such design exploration (top-right) that looks incredibly similar to the plasma caster.
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:HW2-plasma caster 01 concept.png|Concept art of a Banished plasma caster for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
</gallery>

===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:H5G-T53model.jpg|The plasma caster's high-poly model.
File:H5G PlasmaCaster HiPoly Render 1.jpg|A render of the plasma caster's high-poly model.
File:H5G PlasmaCaster HiPoly Render 2.jpg|A render of the plasma caster's high-poly model.
File:H5G-T53model1.jpg|Additional models of the plasma caster.
File:H5G PlasmaCaster Render 1.jpg|A render of the plasma caster model.
File:H5G PlasmaCaster Render 2.jpg|A render of the plasma caster model.
File:H5G-T53HUD-Campaign.png|First-person view of the plasma caster by [[Frederic-104]] in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-T53zoom-Campaign.png|Smart scope view of the plasma caster by Fred-104 in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-T53 FP melee1.png|First-person view of [[John-117]] doing a melee attack with the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53 FP melee2.png|Ditto, secondary melee animation.
File:H5G-T53 FP firing1.png|First-person view of John-117 firing an uncharged shot with the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53 FP charging.png|The plasma caster being charged up.
File:H5G-T53 FP firing2.png|First-person view of John-117 firing a charged shot with the plasma caster. Note the weapon splaying open.
File:H5G-T53 FP reload.png|The plasma caster being reloaded.
File:H5G-Fred&T53.png|Fred-104 with a plasma caster on [[Genesis]].
File:H5G-Locke&T53.jpg|[[Jameson Locke]] wielding a plasma caster during the [[Battle of Nuusra]].
File:H5-EnemyLines-WraithCombat1.jpg|Jameson Locke using a plasma caster against a {{Pattern|Kemu|Wraith}} on [[Nuusra]].
File:H5G-WhiteScarHUD-Campaign.png|First-person view of White Scar by [[Edward Buck]] in the ''Halo 5: Guardians'' campaign.
File:H5G-Buck&WhiteScar.png|Edward Buck using White Scar on [[Genesis]].
File:H5G-T53HUD.png|First-person view of the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53zoom.png|[[Smart scope]] with the plasma caster.
File:Smart Scope Plasma Caster.png|Another scoped view with the plasma caster.
File:H5G-T53SS.png|Third-person view of a plasma caster engaged in smart scope.
File:H5G-SangheiliWarrior&T53.png|A Sangheili Warrior with a plasma caster on [[Skirmish at Darkstar]].
File:H5G-SOFHUD.png|First-person view of Scourge of Fire.
File:H5G-SOF.png|A [[CENTURION-class Mjolnir|Centurion]]-clad [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] wielding Scourge of Fire.
File:H5G-WhiteScarHUD.png|First-person view of White Scar.
File:H5G-WhiteScar.png|A Spartan-IV wielding White Scar.
File:H5G-WhiteScareffect.png|The ammunition of White Scar.
File:HW2 Banished Caster ingame.png|The Banished Caster wielded by a [[Sangheili Enforcer]].
</gallery>

===''Halo 5: Guardians'' REQ cards===
<gallery>
File:REQ_Card_-_Plasma_Caster.png|Plasma Caster.
File:Scourgeoffire.png|Scourge of Fire.
File:Whitescar.png|White Scar.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

{{Covenant ordnance}}
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Infantry plasma weapons]]