Beam-Sword

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> "I remember reading in a book once, that: Ancient Terran's believed swords made of fire were weapons exclusive to the gods... Looks like from their definition every man in our army is a god!" - Jaquez Brimstone Cen. 13th P.O.D
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**Beam-Swords** are one of the most common melee weapons that exist inside and outside of the Imperium. Carried by virtually every soldier in the empire in one form or another, the name derives from the bright light emitted from the plasma covering the edge of the weapon. In that sense beam-swords aren't true energy weapons but rather a hybrid between a steel blade and a plasma sword. This design ensures that even should the weapon's power cell run out, the weapon is still usable though at significantly reduced effectiveness. Often beam-swords take on the shape of a Roman Gladius, however the shape and length of the weapon along with extra features can vary wildly depending on the maker, purpose, and design. Very long beam-swords for example are used by the Highlander Legion, while Meteorite Legionaries make use of shorter beam daggers which are more suited to the cramped spaces of starships and star bases. Some designers exclusively create beam-swords entirely from special commission, creating highly specialized weapons for those willing to brave the high prices.

Comprised of a machined Titanosteel blade designed to withstand high temperatures, supported by plasma that runs along its edges. The power cell for the weapon is located at the base of the weapon often comprising the pommel. The light color of the weapon's plasma, can often indicate the strength of the power source in use or the type of plasma. With "Hotter" colors representing stronger energy cells, and in turn more deadly blades. The hottest recorded beam-sword was colored bright purple. Beam-swords are designed primarily to cut through light to medium plate armor, and composite infantry armor. This makes them extraordinarily deadly to organic beings, with even small cuts being able to effortlessly pass through skin, flesh, or bone. However, this extreme cutting ability comes with risk as the weapon is equally dangerous to its user. while most beam-swords are designed to deactivate as soon as the handle has been let go, accidents can still occur, some of which can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Some rare beam-swords are designed with a central short range plasma gun activated by a trigger near the guard. Such weapons are designed with the intention to penetrate heavy armor by firing the plasma gun once a target has been impaled. However, these beam-sword variants fell out of favor quickly, as the process often left the user highly vulnerable, and that the plasma gun tended to drain the sword's energy cell quickly, leading to energy exhaustion quickly in combat. Though they are rarely produced in the modern era, examples are still occasionally commissioned, and others are found in the possession of pirates or other criminals who enjoy the feature, believing it helps even their odds against heavily armored legionaries or praetorians.

## Technique and schools

Within the Imperium lies various schools of combat regarding beam-swords. Some of which can trace their technique and martial skills to ancient terra and the nations that once existed prior to the unification. The most common martial school though, follows the most common shape of the weapon, that being the: school of gladii. This combat style focuses on short sword like combat, often paired with a shield or other offhand weapon. Most if not all Imperium troops are at least trained in this style of combat as a matter of protocol. Though some legions depart from it to use other types of martial combat more suited to their specific variant of weapon.

Some noble families in the Imperium have pioneered entirely new schools of sword play specifically suited to beam-swords. Such as the school of: "Lux Mundi (Light Blade)" which focuses on quick rapid cutting and highly maneuverable combat. Such techniques often appeal to Praetorian's who's armor thrusters give them a significant advantage in maneuverability.

Other schools are kept as closely held secrets to their families. As is the case with the Knight family line. Who practices a school of combat known only to the them as: "Ventus Týr (Wind of Týr)". Outside of these family lines their styles of combat are utterly unheard of, and the techniques or training is often taught to members at an extremely young age, and only from members of the family itself in private.