Archives of Nethys

Pathfinder RPG (1st Edition) Starfinder RPG Pathfinder RPG (2nd Edition)

Armor | Shields | Weapons
Artifacts | Augmentations | Creature Companions | Computers | Hybrid Items | Magic Items | Technological Items | Traps
Manufacturers (Augmentations) | Manufacturers (Weapons) | Other Items | Special Materials


Advanced Melee | Ammunition | Basic Melee | Grenade | Heavy | Longarms | Small Arms | Sniper | Solarian | Special
Critical Hit Effects | Special Properties | Weapon Accessories | Weapon Fusions


Arc Caster

Flanked by large handles, an arc caster bristles with capacitors and antennae that release more energy than it can realistically control. While many shock weapons have a chance to arc to a second target on a hit, the arc caster is designed to achieve that feat on every shot, and particularly well-aimed strikes can sometimes arc twice. The storm and tempest models feature improvements that build upon the capabilities of static and aurora arc casters. Since there is little way to control which creatures are struck on the subsequent arcs, arc casters are generally used only by solo combatants or those with little regard for their allies’ well-being. More rarely, party members may take particular precautions against electricity damage, such as with a resistant armor spell or an electrostatic field armor upgrade, to protect themselves from an ally wielding an arc caster.

Shock Weapons

Shock weapons emit powerful electrical blasts that can damage and potentially stun enemies. Ranged versions use a low-power laser to direct these weapons’ electrical arcs. Electrical blasts can also leap to adjacent targets, making the weapons well suited for stunning groups of enemies. In general, tempest shock weapons are the most powerful, followed in descending order by storm, aurora, and static shock weapons.

Arc Caster, Tempest

Source Starfinder Armory pg. 45
Level 17; Price 262,000
Hands 2; Proficiency Heavy
Damage 10d6 E; Range 80 ft.; Critical second arc 4d6
Capacity 40 charges; Usage 5
Bulk 2; Special first arc 4d6, unwieldy

Arc Caster, Static

Source Starfinder Armory pg. 45
Level 1; Price 375
Hands 2; Proficiency Heavy
Damage 1d8 E; Range 60 ft.; Critical second arc 1d6
Capacity 20 charges; Usage 2
Bulk 2; Special first arc 1d6, unwieldy

Arc Caster, Aurora

Source Starfinder Armory pg. 45
Level 5; Price 3,160
Hands 2; Proficiency Heavy
Damage 2d6 E; Range 60 ft.; Critical second arc 1d6
Capacity 40 charges; Usage 2
Bulk 2; Special first arc 1d6, unwieldy

Arc Caster, Storm

Source Starfinder Armory pg. 45
Level 11; Price 25,600
Hands 2; Proficiency Heavy
Damage 5d6 E; Range 80 ft.; Critical second arc 2d6
Capacity 40 charges; Usage 4
Bulk 2; Special first arc 2d6, unwieldy