Vamparc ribbon

The vamparc ribbon is a weapon invented by Jhiaxus. Though they use up a lot of energy, what makes vamparcs special is their ability to drain energon straight from an enemy Transformer's body and use it as ammunition. They may overload if they're not fired quickly enough or absorb too much energon at once.

Fiction

2005 IDW continuity

With Cybertron low on energon and resistance to the Senate growing, Zeta Prime made the decision to employ vamparc ribbons in his fight against those who opposed him. The Senate thought he was going overboard, but he didn't care and had already begun testing them out on insurgents in the city of Nyon. Parasites Zeta went on to equip the giant Omega Destructors with industrial-size vamparc ribbons which they used in an all-out assault on Nyon's citizens. He wielded one of the weapons himself during the attack, using it to defeat Orion Pax and his unit when they turned on him. Purge Zeta then tried to kill Megatron with it when he showed up to save Orion, but Megatron knew the weapon's weaknesses and used several innocent bystanders as a shield, causing it to absorb too much energon and overload. Unwilling to risk a backfire that would kill him, Zeta Prime discarded the vamparc ribbon and retreated. Choices

Zeta Prime's Citadel was also equipped with vamparc turrets, which were used in its defense when it came under attack from both Orion Pax's troops and the Decepticons. Zeta again wielded one of the weapons as he was confronted by Orion and Megatron, but only managed to shoot Megatron once before Orion ripped it off his arm. Overthrown After the Decepticons took over Cybertron and the Autobots fought against their rule, Megatron used a larger version of this called a vamparc annihilator on the roof of the Citadel which he tried to take out the Autobots with. However, Metroplex took out the cannon and the Citadel. Endgame

Vamparc ribbons were amongst a cache of weapons Prowl discovered in the Undergrid, having been stockpiled for use by Zeta Prime's forces. His suggestion they use them against the Decepticons was vetoed by Optimus, who ordered them destroyed. Endgame Prowl kept at least one of the ribbons for a rainy day, however, and would use it to rescue Goldbug from an attack by Cicadacon a very, very long time later. The Dead Come Home, Part 1 Prowl used the same weapon to save Shockwave from Rhinox. Ceremony