(Writing by Cheffy)
Some call them archaic, some call them useless in modern warfare, but others fear what will happen if such a device comes into closer quarters with them. Pilebunkers are one of- if not the most- powerful anti-armor weapons in the Galaxy, with the caveat that they are ineffective outside of CQC. These weapons range from lighter (relatively) arm mounted variants, to large carriable systems which can puncture even starship hulls. In general however, Pilebunkers will go through a target in most circumstances they are used in.
Pilebunkers ubiquitously are large anti-armor melee weapons carried or attached to armors for usage in CQC against heavily protected foes. They can take a variety of forms, but usually the default and most known is a cylindrical device that houses a large spike which is sent forward at high speed to penetrate a target within a close distance.
Pilebunkers however aren't very complicated, their designs almost always coming down to a simple system of highly pressurized pneumatics that launch forward a retractable sharpened spike of metal, traditionally made of tungsten or impervium with a rubium tip- though cheaper versions often settle for durasteel, however these often break after only two or three uses.
Traditionally, there are three sizes and general styles Pilebunkers come in.
These Pilebunkers are the most common amongst their kind, able to be attached to the arm of someone with thick, tight straps to maintain its position. This isn't without consequence however, as if they are fired without the assistance of an exosuit, power armor or enhanced durability the force will dislocate and break a user's arm- and in extreme cases, tear it out of their socket entirely if one is too fragile. Light Pilebunkers can pierce through medium armor and below with little difficulty, and in combat roleplay take roughly eighteen seconds (three turns) to recharge to the point where they can be fired again.
Light Pilebunkers weigh twenty kilograms.
Medium Pilebunkers are rarer than their light counterparts, needing to be carried as a bulky two handed weapon, attached to the arm of an actual suit of power armor, or used by some mechsuits due to their weight. These weapons are deadly and terrifying, able to pierce through heavy armor and below with almost no difficulty, and require thirty six seconds (six turns) to recharge to the point where they can be fired again.
Medium Pilebunkers weigh forty kilograms.
The rarest size and style are the Heavy Pilebunkers, massive and cumbersome devices that can only be mounted on mechs or specialized vehicles. These weapons are horrific in practice, leaving massive damage on any target they strike. Heavy Pilebunkers pierce through superheavy armor and below with no difficulty, and in combat roleplay take one minute (twelve turns) to recharge to the point where they can be fired again.
Heavy Pilebunkers weigh a minimum of eighty kilograms.