Tufasumo-pattern plasma caster: Difference between revisions

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. Charged rounds have excellent tracking properties against vehicles, although this effect is very minimal against enemy infantry. 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"/>

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"/>

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-T53model.jpg|Models of the Plasma Caster

File:H5G-T53model1.jpg|Additional models of the Plasma Caster

File:H5G-Locke&T53.jpg|[[Jameson Locke]] wielding a Plasma Caster

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

File:H5G-SangheiliWarrior&T53.png|A Sangheili Warrior with a T-53 Plasma Caster on [[Skirmish at Darkstar]].