Working explanation for sonic weapons in X-Plorers RPG

This is just a simple description of sonic weapons in the X-Plorers RPG that I came up with about two years ago, as it is really missing any explanation in the book. Later I found out they are apparently taken from the Star Frontiers RPG, but there they aren't described in any great detail either, so I still think it's relevant.

Here are the description in the game:

Sonic Weapons:
Sonic weapons are merely handles with an
activation switch. When the switch is activated, a “blade”
of concentrated sound extends to the appropriate length
(dagger: 20cm, mace: 50cm, sword: one meter). This is the
standard melee weapon of the future. Sonic weapons
require an EU clip, and expend 1 EU per attack (successful
or not).

Here is my addition:
The weapons sound part is held within a silence-force-field that prevent it escaping beyond the “blade” and also prevent disruption from surrounding noise, but doesn’t prevent any solid matter to pass. This force-field may be fully transparent, but can be of a color chosen by the designer too.
Sonic weapons use little energy when simply on. When the sonic beam is brought into contact with a target the sonic vibrations intensify.
Different types of sonic weapons function differently. Knives and swords have a frequency that tear, rather then cut apart the target of the strike, where sonic maces have a frequency that hit the target with a numbing “bass” force.
Riot control forces are often deployed with sonic maces, force screens and reflect armor.


And there you go. Now it doesn't aggravate me anymore :)


~J