Lightning Weapon

A lightning weapon, also known as by other names such as arc gun and static cannon, are energy weapons which use static electricity.

Overview
Ranged lightning weapons can operate in two distinct ways. The first method is to simply propel a stream of electricity out towards the target. With no way to lock onto the target, this crude method of attack is best used in close range to guarantee a hit. The more sophisticated method is for the weapon to generate an ion charge on the target and then firing, assuring that the target will be hit. This method is far more reliable at longer ranges, but takes a moment to charge. Melee weapons generate an electrical charge that is released upon impact. Electricity-based weapons are capable of striking multiple targets at once, and can take on multiple roles depending on their charge. Lower charges are used for non-lethal uses such as incapacitating infantry or inflicting pain during interrogation, though this does bare the small risk of accidentally killing the victim. Progressively stronger charges can severely injure or kill groups of infantry at a time. The maximum charge of most lightning weapons produces a powerful bolt of lightning which can damage or outright destroy armored vehicles. Electricity is extremely effective against Energy Shields due to their raw output of power.

Being that they utilize pure static electricity, electricity-based weapons tend to consume energy very quickly, especially with higher charges, necessitating the use of multiple and/or larger batteries. Another potential issue, especially in the case of less advanced lightning weapons, is their unpredictable nature. A weapon's ability to strike multiple targets can be as much of a threat to friendly forces as it is to enemies, and care must be taken to prevent incidents of friendly fire. Unpredictability also makes it unreliable at longer ranges; the maximum charge can hit a target several hundred feet away, but the bolt will more often than not veer severely off course, limiting the weapon to being used in short and medium-range engagements. These drawbacks are generally not the case for the Orion Dynasty of the Margan Empire, which has mastered the use of electricity-based weapons.