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


Plasma Ribbon

While analog battle ribbons are the most traditional of such weapons, increased demand for showier displays in recent centuries has resulted in the development of the plasma ribbon. Much like the analog version, a plasma ribbon is a 10-foot-long ribbon about 3 inches wide, though this version is made from impermeable nanocarbon fiber. A series of fine, flexible wires along the edges produces a narrow magnetic field that turns the weapon into a streamer of glowing plasma in use. Student plasma ribbons allow the user to build up proficiency; battleflowers trade up to professional, competitor, and champion plasma ribbons as they become more skilled with the weapons.

Plasma Weapons

Superheated or electromagnetically charged gas becomes ionized plasma, which plasma weapons emit in a controlled blast. Ionized plasma deals both electricity and fire damage, tearing through organic flesh and metal alike. Plasma beams can be projected, as from a gun, or maintained in a steady beam with a powerful magnetic field, as the blade of a melee weapon.

Followers of Sarenrae popularized terms for the different intensities of plasma swords based on the heat they emit. The hottest, deadliest plasma weapon is a blue star, followed in descending order by white star, yellow star, red star, and finally tactical plasma weapons.

Plasma Ribbon, Competitor

Source Starfinder Armory pg. 43
Level 14; Price 74,100
Hands 2; Proficiency Advanced Melee
Damage 3d10 E & F; Critical
Bulk L; Special operative, professional (dancer), powered (capacity 20; usage 1)

Plasma Ribbon, Student

Source Starfinder Armory pg. 43
Level 4; Price 2,120
Hands 2; Proficiency Advanced Melee
Damage 1d6 E & F; Critical
Bulk L; Special operative, professional (dancer), powered (capacity 20; usage 1)

Plasma Ribbon, Professional

Source Starfinder Armory pg. 43
Level 9; Price 13,600
Hands 2; Proficiency Advanced Melee
Damage 2d10 E & F; Critical
Bulk L; Special operative, professional (dancer), powered (capacity 20; usage 1)

Plasma Ribbon, Champion

Source Starfinder Armory pg. 43
Level 19; Price 578,000
Hands 2; Proficiency Advanced Melee
Damage 6d10 E & F; Critical
Bulk L; Special operative, professional (dancer), powered (capacity 20; usage 1)