Plasma Beam Weaponry

While not true lasers, they are sometimes called so. They originated in the Sol System during the 2300s, based on the MARAUDER projects from the 1990s. The weapons fired jets of superheated ionized Hydrogen-3 or Hydrogen-2 pulled forward by magnets at high subluminal speeds. This appeared as a flash leaving behind dull red streaks.

The weapons were in use during the Population Wars and any lucky enough to obtain one during the new ice age of the 2400s to mid 2500s. The cells were contained so as to not to be affected by decay, as 3H decays after only 2 weeks. The decayed gas was permanently sealed in the cell, magnetically contained so as to lower the chances of any particles escaping containment.

Later weapons of the same lines used lasers to heat the air and their targets to high temperatures, and would often be grouped together with these in terms of their destructive capabilities.

## On Earth

The weapons started as large vehicle mounted cannons or shoulder carried weapons like RPGs. As they progressed, they became easier and easier to carry. These manifested as the Marauder R and Maverik P series weapons.

### Marauder Firearms

The Marauder R series weapons were most commonly used as standard rifles, but attachments could be used to enhance its effective range to make it a sniper rifle, or spread the shot into multiple smaller beams to make it a shotgun.

The tritium or deuterium cells were mounted in the stock. A light on the side displayed the amount of shots remaining in the cell.

They were produced by the original developers of the tank guns, Marauder Firearms. A martian based company.

The last plasma weapon created by Marauder was the Marauder R8, a highly modular weapon. More widespread than the R7, and with more options like firing modes of single, burst and automatic fire made it immensely popular. It reverted to an iron sight over a holographic one to save on power, and put its now smaller, yet more efficient hydrogen cell in a more conventional position.

The successor to the MR8 was the Marauder R-9L which traded plasma for light in the mid 2500s, becoming one of the first infantry laser weapons that was feasible for use within atmosphere. It used a similar overall body to the R8, but with a few key differences.

* A digital counter instead of rows of lights to keep track of the approximate number of shots based on the charge level of the battery
* A charge indicator on the battery itself.
* A polymer outer casing as opposed to polished metal found on the R7 and R8.
* A redesigned stock.
* More venting slits on the upper portion of the body.

The weapon remains a popular collectors item to this day, with several companies still producing parts and batteries long after production on Mars ceased.

### Maverik Artillery

A long-term rival company to Marauder, Maverik Artillery, broke into the small arms market with the Maverik P series. Marauder began to take notice based upon the rising popularity of the P5.

The technology was was technically stolen from Marauder, but they lost the lawsuit not because they stole that technology, as everything was based on 300+ year old experimental technology, but because the company's products were too similar the visual style of Marauder.

The company underwent extensive rebranding following the suit, and continued to fill the niche of affordable and customizable plasma pistols, especially in the civilian market. When the Maverik P6 was produced, the company decided to make the switch to lasers decades before their rival made the same decision, and even longer before Marauder made its first successful pistol.

Their best known weapon would become the Maverik P7, likely due to its extensive and wildly successful marketing campaign, titled "Make it Yours". The item was available in a variety of body colors ranging all over the rainbow, optional gradients, finishes, textures, and even customizable materials for use in the outer shells.

The most popular options were...

* Finish: High Gloss
* Texture: None
* Material: Fiberglass
* Top 5 Colors: Tactical Black, Sunset Orange, Ocean Blue, Jungle Green, Blazing Pink

Later options included various sight types, custom grips, and low profile branding.

Most often, these were shipped with Stunner Cells, batteries that fired enough energy to disable and disorient the target for self defense purposes. These were also used in competition and recreational shooting. More powerful cells, up to and including Lethal Cells were also available.

## On Demet

Nearly identical to earth based ones, only rediscovered independently and have progressed to the point of vehicle mounted guns.