SMAR

Overview and History

Standard Multipurpose Assault Rifle is the weapon of choice across the whole Imperial Military. Creation of SMAR was prompted by the ambition of Surendra Khan II to simplify the logistics of the Great War by replacing all diverse small arms in the Imperial military by one standardized model that can be used across all battlefields and combat encounters. Of all prototypes that were delivered to the court, SMAR was the one to win the competition as at the first glance it was combining both the aspirational technological elegance of the Imperial aesthetics with simplicity and ease to produce.

To the Imperial Monarch and his advisors SMAR was first presented as the ultimate solution for every combat encounter:

• An integrated suppressor made it comfortable to handle in enclosed environments.
• Rifle’s body was much lighter and shorter compared with its competitors.
• An easily detachable magazine with space for 60 bullets was perfect for prolonged engagements.
• Integrated multipurpose digital scope could provide every soldier with low-light capabilities, high grade magnification and a rangefinder.

Basically, SMAR was a semi-stealthy precision rifle with capacity of a machine gun, and affordable multipurpose precision optics.

Surendra Khan II was impressed by this miracle of the Imperial engineering, and by the Imperial Decree SMAR was approved for mass-production. First exemplars were adapted by the elite battalions of the Imperial Navy and did not see much action outside of few boarding operations against enemy vessels. Regardless, positive reports about rifle’s performance convinced the Imperial command to proceed with Monarch’s decree and adopt SMAR across all Imperial forces.

Use and Shortcomings

Prolonged use in conflicts across the whole Empire have unraveled few glaring issues with SMAR:

• The rifle was very prone to malfunction when used in sandy or muddy environments. The integrated suppressor was causing frequent misfires if not properly maintained, and cleaning of it was impossible without specially designed tools.
• It took only 109 shots of sustained fire to cause permanent heat damage to the barrel.
• Lastly, the electronic optical sights, while being extremely versatile were also very sensitive to mechanical damage and uncomfortable to use for inexperienced soldiers.

Because of all above mentioned problems, Imperial troops are used to call this weapon for “shmara” which also means “whore” in Darian speak.

Sources

Imperial Informatorium