Flasher
| Flasher | |
|---|---|
 TBD | |
| Group: | TBD |
| Tech Level | TL–7 |
| Size | TBD |
| Weight | 3.0 kg |
| Cost | Cr800 |
| Ammo | Multiple use |
| Manufacturer | Various |
| TBD | |
Flashers are a largely discontinued weapons technology that disabled humans by exploiting the hardwired nerve pathways in some genetic groups of Humaniti.
A high intensity flash lamp was pulsed in a computer-generated rhythm, and focused by a small parabolic mirror. Many people looking in the direction of the weapon would be overcome by dizziness or nausea, which would pass almost immediately once the exposure stopped. Common use of the weapon was to deploy them in large numbers for crowd control. Certain segments of any population would be tolerant of the effect, but certain ethnic gene pools could be targeted with a specific frequency that affected them more, with numerous recorded uses by repressive governments against ethnic minorities. Expansion of the human gene pool through interstellar travel during the Second Imperium homogenized most populations to the point that flashers can no longer have the severely debilitating effects on select populations that have been historically recorded.
Flashers have a cone of effect 5.0 m wide per 10.0 m of range. The flasher is capable of rendering a person unconscious. The battery pack is good for about 30 minutes of continuous use and can be recharged. The hand-held version weighs 3.0 kg and costs Cr800.
- James M. Ward. Annililik Run (Imperium Games, 1997), 53.
- Greg Porter. Emperor's Arsenal (Imperium Games, 1997), .