'RIP' Guns
Rapid Induction Projectile guns, or ‘RIP’ guns for short, dominate the area of Pact conventional kinetic weaponry.
RIP guns function by using a distinctively bulky linear projector sleeve to accelerate ferrite-cored penetrators to hypersonic speeds.
Neither feat is in itself remarkable; the unguided, so-called penetrator rounds lack sufficient mass and velocity to breach zeo armor unless they hit a weak spot. The linear accelerator is simple and efficient, but nothing out of the ordinary.
What stands out about the RIP series is the sheer rate of fire it is capable of sustaining. With low recoil, a minimal heat build-up, and virtually no moving parts, RIP guns are capable of a blistering rate of fire for potentially hours at a time, subject to ammunition availability.
The simple ammo itself is easily manufactured and can even be field-sourced from any suitable metal scrap. While the RIP gun suffers limited penetration, it’s often the case that the sheer number of rounds fired either finds–or makes–a weak point to exploit.
RIP guns are often seen in the hands of support elements. At least two variants exist at this scale: a Mini-RIP gun used as a primary armament and a RIP pistol used as a secondary or defensive armament.
Whether the zeoform-sized RIP gun gave rise to the Mini-RIP or vice-versa is frustratingly unclear. Most likely, both applications have seen a parallel evolution over time with innovations from one being applied to the other after suitable up- or down-scaling.
One of the most respected analysts, known both for highly detailed breakdowns and post-engagement evaluation as well as more informal “pop” texts is “Drew Chambert” (a nom de plume). Little is known about this writer except it is evident they are or have been a zeo designer, possibly even a pilot at some point, and have some quite deep connections into both Pact and GuardCorps operations. Their writings and audiocasts are available across all one hundred heliospheres to a greater or lesser extent.
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