Dalek Plasmic Cannon
A single beam of pure destruction that turns flesh to ash in an instant.
The Dalek Plasmic Cannon is the lethal heart of every standard casing, transforming a simple mechanical appendage into a projector of instantaneous annihilation. Colloquially stripped down to the ominous 'gunstick' by terrified survivors and the Doctor alike, this apparatus channels raw electrical fury capable of vaporizing flesh, metal, and stone in a heartbeat. It is the physical manifestation of Dalek philosophy: engineering refined to its most brutal efficiency, where a single telepathic command from the mutant within translates instantly into total extermination.
- Affiliation
- Dalek Empire
- Primary User
- Dalek Mutant (via casing interface)
- Weapon Type
- Directed Energy / Plasma Discharge
- First Appearance Context
- Introduced in the series debut with the Daleks' initial attack on Skaro and Earth
Lore & Background
From the ash-choked battlefields of early Skaro to the cataclysmic Time War, the Plasmic Cannon has remained stubbornly unchanged—a rigid testament to the Dalek refusal to accept anything less than 'perfection.' Its firing sequence is a sonic signature of dread: a rising, teeth-gritting whine that climbs to a shriek before snapping into a sharp, cracking discharge. While specialized variants exist—such as the heavy breaching cannons on Imperial Guards or the modified armaments of Supreme Leaders—the standard Plasmic Cannon remains the universal icon of Dalek aggression, its unvarying design mirroring their unyielding ideology.
In Their Own Story
Silence in the corridor was shattered only by the rhythmic clatter of metal against grating. The Doctor froze, fingers hovering over a console that stubbornly refused to yield. Behind him, the hydraulic hiss of a casing pivoting cut through the air. A single red eye-lens swiveled into view, glowing with cold, calculated malice. 'EXTERMINATE,' the voice rasped, devoid of mercy. Before the Doctor could retreat, the manipulator arm snapped forward. The gunstick emitted a high-pitched whine that escalated to a scream, followed by a blinding flash of violet light erupting from its tip. The air instantly reeked of ozone and burnt stone as the beam struck the wall, leaving nothing but molten slag where the door had stood seconds before.
Reader's Guide
Though primarily wielded by the standard drone, the Plasmic Cannon system is adaptable to the hierarchy of hatred. Heavy-duty iterations are mounted on larger war machines, capable of breaching planetary fortifications, while compact variants equip reconnaissance units for stealthier eliminations. Regardless of size or rank, the cannon's function remains absolute: it is the primary instrument of Dalek doctrine, programmed to identify any non-Dalek entity and execute it without hesitation, negotiation, or error.
Did You Know?
- The weapon is frequently referred to by characters in the series simply as a 'gunstick' due to its cylindrical shape and attachment to the arm.
- The distinctive sound effect of the cannon firing was originally created using a mixture of electronic noises and a modified musical instrument, becoming one of the most recognizable sounds in television history.
- Daleks can fire their weapons even when their manipulator arms are damaged or missing, as the weapon system is hardwired directly into the casing's control matrix.
- In some storylines, the energy discharge has been shown to have a delayed effect on certain alien species, causing them to disintegrate slowly rather than instantly.