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


Hydra Cannon

Rather than firing a single burst of plasma, a hydra cannon generates countless discrete plasma filaments that spread outward in a pattern reminiscent of crawling serpents. The spread of these filaments can be somewhat controlled, allowing a proficient user to avoid hitting a limited number of creatures within the weapon’s area of effect. Python-series hydra cannons offer the least control, while viper-series, asp-series, and cobraseries hydra cannons offer increasingly fine-tuned control over their target areas.

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.

Hydra Cannon, Asp-Series

Source Starfinder Armory pg. 42
Level 12; Price 41,000
Hands 2; Proficiency Heavy
Damage 4d6 E & F; Range 30 ft.; Critical
Capacity 20 charges; Usage 2
Bulk 2; Special blast, shape 3, unwieldy

Hydra Cannon, Python-Series

Source Starfinder Armory pg. 42
Level 2; Price 1,070
Hands 2; Proficiency Heavy
Damage 1d6 E & F; Range 20 ft.; Critical
Capacity 20 charges; Usage 2
Bulk 2; Special blast, shape 1, unwieldy

Hydra Cannon, Viper-Series

Source Starfinder Armory pg. 42
Level 6; Price 4,800
Hands 2; Proficiency Heavy
Damage 2d6 E & F; Range 25 ft.; Critical
Capacity 20 charges; Usage 2
Bulk 2; Special blast, shape 2, unwieldy

Hydra Cannon, Cobra-Series

Source Starfinder Armory pg. 42
Level 19; Price 642,000
Hands 2; Proficiency Heavy
Damage 10d6 E & F; Range 40 ft.; Critical
Capacity 20 charges; Usage 2
Bulk 2; Special blast, shape 4, unwieldy