Alkor Centaris
Son of Liberty
Image Source: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Amatsukaze-Final-174956235
Intent: Melee weapon option for infantry.
Development Thread: If necessary.
Manufacturer: Balmorran Arms
Model: Balmorran Energy Blade Type 1
Affiliation: Open Market
Modularity: None.
Production: Mass-Produced.
Material: Durasteel, energy emitting components, plasma battery cell.
Classification: Energy Sword.
Size: One or two handed.
Length: 1.2192 m
Weight: 2kg.
Special Features: While the weapon itself is not highly resilient, while the blade is engaged it can parry other sources of energy, like lightsabers. Due to the weapon having weight, it is more easily learned by someone without the Force than it's Lightsaber relative, and affords a much more deadly offensive option in close quarters. The heated blade can cut through substances not highly resistant to energy breakdown fairly quickly. Since the blade is not weightless like a lightsaber, the two are not interchangeable in style and thus the weapon is not fit for similar uses, such as redirection of blaster bolts. It is not able to deal with projectiles well, and should be utilized only against an enemy who is fighting in close combat. The weapon is intended to round out an arsenal, rather than as a substitute for a firearm.
Strengths:
+Relatively Lightweight construction: Due to the make, the blade is fit for a more mobile close range combatant. This allows for quicker parries and dodges in potentially dangerous situations than a comprable physical blade. Because infantrymen are generally not heavily armored, it lacks the weight behind it that a more fortified fighter might favor.
+High Grade Energy blade: Unlike a lightsaber, the energy sword has a tangible length from which emitters project a blade. The weight involved, and the advantages from being able to apply force and momentum to achieve similar if not more effectual means.
+Useful in a pinch: Forget your welding tools? Yeah, most people do when they're in a combat situation! No matter, just pull out the BE Type 1 and go to work! It doubles as a blowtorch, a tool for cauterizing wounds, and even cutting through those pesky blast doors! It is not nearly as efficient as a lightsaber at the final act, as it has a single power output and lacks the vesatility to increase in heat. It is roughly half as effective for searing through metals.
+Steady Energy Flow: The first iteration of the blade has a consistent energy flow that cannot be changed, so as to conserve energy usage.
Weaknesses:
-It actually is weighted: Don't expect to go around flaunting this thing like an actual lightsaber. You can use it in combat against one and it will afford you a defense, but it is not as fast and it can't be redirected on a whim. It requires less spatial awareness, but more training to become competent with and years to truly master.
-Haha, you thought you were gonna stop a bullet? Surprise!: If you try to go Jedi on blaster bolts with this thing, you're gonna have a bad day. You might get lucky once or twice, but it's not deft enough for those precision movements. Stick to soldiering, soldier.
-Specialized weapon: It serves a finite number of purposes, one of which is single combat. The support utility of the blade is limited to cutting, burning, and fusing metal.
-Finite Power Supply: You get a day or two of use out of a battery cell before you need to replace it. Fortunately, this is cumulative and people generally don't keep their weapon running for that long. Still, if you were to run out of juice on the battlefield, it would take a dangerous amount of time to change out the cell and you would have to find cover while you made the switch. It's a good idea to keep apprised of energy levels at all times when you're kitted with one.
Description: Illyns Phaygus was approached by several investors about arming people with a non-ranged option for combat. Because war is profitable, and because the demand suddenly existed, the Technarch was quick to comply with the wishes of his cash cow.
After several weeks of close study of lightsabers and several varieties of vibroblade, the engineers at Balmorran were able to synthesize a working prototype. This blade was the lovechild of a tangible blade and energy weaponry, and it added a powerful armament to the arsenal of anyone who decided to add it to their loadout.
Perfect for Non-Users of the Force, this weapon is the closest thing to Lightsaber one of them will ever wield without someone teaching them how to use one, and even then, it's far safer. It is speculated that Goran Beviin once noted when he was teaching Jaina Solo, it's different when you have the weight of a blade in your hand. You are more aware of where it is and more conscious of your movements. It has more power behind it than something weightless.
