Changes

Laser weapons emit a highly focused, high energy beam of light which on impact produces a rapid temperature change on the target's surface, causing vaporisation in the form of a small explosion. The beam itself lasts for only a short duration, creating a searing flash of light and distinctive snap or crack sound as air is ionised. Energy for each shot is stored within a fast discharge generator, taking up most of the weapon's mechanism, and regulates the power of each beam to prevent overpowering and improve reliability.{{Fn|1}} However, some would argue the las weapons are less consistent to ballistic projectile weapons, one point being that the power fluctuates from shot to shot.{{Fn|7}}

Rechargeable power packs feed the discharge generator, each of which usually consist of a highly efficient liquid metal core and vary in size and capacity depending on their usage. Light internal power packs, used in lasguns and pistols, on average are good for forty shots; large crate-sized power packs used in lascannons, in order to maintain maximum power output efficiency, need replacing after every shot. Overpowered laser packs, also know as [[Hotshot Laser Power Pack|"Hotshot"]] power packs, contain a more potent charge but provide less shots than a normal power pack, as well as putting extra stress on the barrel and being more difficult to recharge.{{Fn|1}} An old Guardsman trick that puritanical [[tech-adept]]s would decry as unsanctioned behaviour, is to place power packs dangerously close to a campfire to recharge a few extra shots overnight, while risking damage to internal components.{{Fn|8}}