Chrysalis Unbound

Description

Adventure Summary

A new street drug called “Chrysalis” is sweeping through the lower levels of the station, giving users a shared psychic high before plunging them into a coma. The PCs must trace the drug’s origin to a rogue scientist, navigate corporate intrigues, and confront a necrovite who plans to use the nanite network to create an undead army.

Background

Dr. Xyrene, a brilliant ikeshti biologist, developed Chrysalis nanites to create a telepathic bridge between species, funded by OmniCorp. When the corporation demanded a weaponized version, she fled to the derelict Spire habitat ring. Unknown to her, the Spire housed the sealed tomb of the necrovite Vorkal. Residual necromantic energy corrupted the nanites, linking the network to the Negative Energy Plane. Vorkal’s consciousness infected the network, turning victims into potential void zombies. Those who collapse become his puppets, waiting to rise. OmniCorp wants to retrieve the nanites for profit, while Xyrene seeks to undo the corruption.

The Hook

The adventure begins in the bustling Apex Market. A random vendor suddenly screams about “the chrysalis opening” and attacks a nearby shopper with a cybernetically enhanced fist. The PCs can intervene. After he’s subdued, he collapses into a comatose state. Station security arrives, but an anonymous benefactor (or a representative of a rival corp) contacts the PCs through their comms, offering 1,000 credits each to investigate the source of this new drug. Alternatively, a skittermander named Tik approaches them, begging for help to save his employer “Dr. Xyrene” who is in danger.