Lasgun

The lasgun is a continuous-wave laser projector and probably the most widely carried hand weapon in the Imperium, usually made up as a pistol or a rifle. It fires a constant narrow beam, and on some models the nozzle can be adjusted to change the width and spread. A replaceable cell cartridge powers it, and the intensity is adjustable, the highest setting being the Maxibeam. Sizes run from small handheld models through long field weapons to heavy armoured mountings, and the cutteray, essentially a short-range lasgun, does duty as a cutting tool and a surgeon's scalpel. Under the Faufreluches the weapons were often ornate, with scrollwork set into handles of exotic wood. Many soldiers and assassins still preferred a knife or a sword, partly because a blade passes safely through a personal shield.