Plasma Pistol (Fallout 3)

The plasma pistol is a powerful energy weapon sidearm in Fallout 3.

Background
The plasma pistol has five tributary energy arcs connected to a central cathode, which functions as a point of focus, or the barrel. The energy is projected forward, probably by a electromagnetic propeller built around the cathode. The propelled energy forms a plasma pinch; though rather slow, the pinch carries high levels of both thermal and kinetic energy. Naturally being a science fiction weapon, the science behind it isn't completely sound, but nonetheless the weapon is based upon scientific principles.

Sometime before the Great War, a prototype plasma pistol was stolen from the federal government by an organization called Quaere Verum. The pistol was later taken by Aliens.

Characteristics
It fires superheated bolts of green plasma. The plasma pistol uses a semi-automatic firing action along with sixteen shots from an energy cell. Despite its good damage, the plasma pistol suffers from the same problems of the plasma rifle.

Upon firing the weapon, a large green burst of plasma is created which partially obstructs view. The plasma bolts travel slower than conventional bullets, which can miss if not properly aimed. As such, it is best to use plasma weapons at mid-range or in V.A.T.S.. Other than these problems the plasma pistol is a good sidearm for the energy weapon enthusiast.

The plasma pistol can be useful for clearing areas with gas leaks, since the plasma bolt can be used to ignite the gas from a safe distance.

A fully repaired plasma pistol can blast 400 bolts, exactly 25 full cells, before breaking.

Locations

 * The plasma pistol can usually only be found being carried by Enclave officers. Officers can be found with most groups of Enclave soldiers, although solid locations for them include Deathclaw Sanctuary and Raven Rock.
 * The Broken Steel add-on adds several more locations where plasma pistols can be found;
 * Enclave Hellfire Troopers carry the plasma pistol as a sidearm.
 * Split Jack may wield one in the side quest Protecting the Water Way.
 * One is a part of the requisition leftovers given by Scribe Bigsley after completing the Protecting the Water Way quest.
 * One can be found in full condition in Fort Bannister on the table in the same tent Paladin Jensen is tied up in.

Variants

 * MPLX Novasurge (Mothership Zeta add-on) - The prototype version of the Enclave's plasma pistol that was produced before the war, the Novasurge is about three times as powerful as the normal plasma pistol and is even more powerful than A3-21's plasma rifle. However, it is twice as heavy and uses twice as much ammunition per shot as the regular plasma pistol.

Appearances
This plasma pistol appears only in Fallout 3, replacing the Glock 86 plasma pistol from previous Fallout games.