Unlike more conventional directed energy weapons, a Heavy Gauss Cannon does not deliver a cutting beam or pure bolt of electromagnetic force or subatomic particles. Instead it emits an emerald, lightning-like molecular disassembling beam capable of reducing flesh, armour and bone to almost nothing. In the case of more powerful Gauss weapons, this process occurs so rapidly and completely that the emerald beam of energy may appear to punch through its target, though it may be more accurate to think of it as "digging" its way through armour and flesh. It is said to be extremely painful to be shot with a Heavy Gauss Cannon, and victims die as much from the systemic shock of the assault as the damage caused by the beams.