The displacer field is a rare piece of Imperial tech that teleports you out of danger when you take a hit. It’s a lifesaver, but an unpredictable one, and that’s what makes it so interesting.
What it is
A displacer field is a short-range teleportation device worn as a defensive measure. When you take a strong enough hit, it instantly blinks you a short distance away from the attack.
These things are incredibly hard to make, so they’re extremely rare. Usually only the rich and powerful can get their hands on one. They’re typically built into a necklace, belt, or bracelet.
It’s believed they’re a leftover from the Dark Age of Technology, which explains why they’re so advanced and so hard to replicate.
How it works
The field reacts automatically when you’re hit by a weapon. It doesn’t wait for you to activate it, and you can’t control where you go or how far. You just vanish and reappear somewhere nearby.
You rematerialise with the same momentum you had when the field triggered. That can be just as dangerous as the original hit, since you might slam into something at speed.
On the plus side, there are no known cases of a displacer field dropping someone into solid matter. So it won’t fuse you with a wall, which is a relief.
Risks and limitations
The biggest drawback is the lack of control. You can’t choose to stay put or pick a safer landing spot. If the field fires, you’re going for a ride.
It’s also somewhat unreliable. It might not trigger when you want it to, or it might trigger when you’d rather it didn’t.
And because it’s automatic, it can be tricked. Someone who knows how it works might deliberately trigger it to send you somewhere vulnerable.
Notable users
Inquisitors are the most common users, since they’re exactly the kind of rich and powerful individuals who can afford such tech. Inquisitor Amberley Vail is a known user.
Rogue Inquisitor Ernst Stavros Killian also had one. In one notable incident, Ciaphas Cain shot him specifically to trigger the displacer field, with the memorable quip, “Enjoy your trip.”
Belial, the Grand Master of the Deathwing, has also been known to use a displacer field.
Key facts
- The displacer field is a short-range teleportation device used as a defensive measure.
- It’s extremely rare and usually only available to the rich and powerful.
- It’s believed to be a product of the Dark Age of Technology.
- It activates automatically when the wearer takes a strong hit.
- The user can’t control the direction or distance of the teleport.
- Known users include Inquisitors Amberley Vail and Ernst Stavros Killian, and Belial.
FAQ
Can a displacer field teleport you into a wall?
No known cases exist of a displacer field teleporting someone into solid matter. It seems to avoid that particular hazard.
Who can use a displacer field?
Anyone who can get one, but they’re so rare that usually only the wealthy and powerful, like Inquisitors, can obtain them.
Is the displacer field reliable?
Not really. It activates automatically and you can’t control where or how far you teleport, which makes it risky.