Tiln Frex
Character
- V/L-9 Pain Blaster -
[ Image Source ]
Intent - To create an unusual alternative to a blaster pistol.
Development Thread - N/A.
Manufacturer - Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc.
Affiliation - Open market.
Modularity - No.
Production - Mass-produced.
Material - High-impact ceramic grips and casing, inoxium focusing barrel.
Classification - Energy pistol.
Size - Handheld.
Length - 14 cm.
Weight - 0.65 kg.
Ammunition Type - Battery.
Ammunition Capacity - 30 shots at "burn" setting.
Effective Range - 15 meters.
Rate of Fire - Semi-automatic.
Special Features -
- 1x microwave focusing system.
The Merr-Sonn V/L-9 Pain Blaster is a microwave-based weapon designed as an alternative to standard blaster pistols. Inspired by the Microwave Projector technology used by the Proliferans, it was developed to be cheaper and easier to power than standard blaster technology, making it ideal for less developed worlds.
Unlike standard blasters, which make use of a power pack and a blaster gas cartridge, the Pain Blaster needs only a battery, which can be charged from any source of electricity. This battery powers a microwave emitter, the output of which is focused through a guide barrel, creating a tight beam of microwave radiation.
The V/L-9's destructive power is based on the principle of dialectric heating. Upon contact with, say, most organic tissue, the weapon's beam will excite the water molecules within the cells, effectively flash-boiling them from the inside and causing intense pain. The beam can have a similar effect on conductive metals and certain plastic compounds, heating them up and/or causing them to warp and bubble. In the case of most plastics, the beam can pass through the material as well, making plastoid body armor fairly ineffective. It can also impart an electromagnetic pulse, not as effective as an ion blaster but still capable of frying the circuitry of an unshielded droid.
Unfortunately, there are fairly straightforward methods for shielding against the Pain Blaster's beam. Any non-conductive insulating material, such as most ceramics, silicate building materials such as duracrete, metals such as agrinium, most wood, and other substances, can be used to block a microwave beam.
There are other disadvantages too. Unlike a blaster, the weapon imparts no kinetic energy, limiting its stopping power, though most beings will flinch back if hit due to pain responses. There is no true stun setting either.
The V/L-9 has two settings: "sting", which fires non-lethal beams meant to make an opponent flinch, and "burn", which can rupture tissue and internal organs, lethal if aimed at vital areas. The average battery used in a Pain Blaster affords 60 shots on "sting" and 30 shots on "burn".
Despite its disadvantages, the V/L-9 is a popular weapon among scouts, who appreciate its simple construction and power supply, as well as its ability to boil a pot of water with a single shot. The Pain Blaster is also very inexpensive compared to a standard blaster, making it available to lower income beings in need of personal protection. It is often seen carried by denizens of the Coruscant undercity.
