FROSTBITE

• Type: Energy Stimulant (Illegal Drug)
• Origin: Developed by Zhang "Venom" Langley
• Availability: Exclusively on the Black Market, distributed by Jane Mendoza Gang operatives

Frostbite is a potent stimulant originally created for illicit distribution in the Beta Age by Zhang “Venom” Langley, who later became the Head of the Department of Drug Operations at the Jane Mendoza Gang. Frostbite is widely sought after in demanding environments like the Dark Side of VOI 700 D, especially among miners of the Federal Copper Mine and the Federal Courier Service’s express riders who endure extreme physical strain. While Frostbite provides immediate energy and pain suppression, it comes with high addiction potential and severe side effects.

• Stimulant Boost: Instantly awakens the user, offering the full benefits of a long rest (full hit points, removal of exhaustion).
• Pain Suppression: Numbs pain for 1d4 hours, allowing the user to ignore injuries, though it doesn’t actually heal wounds.
• Duration: Active effects last approximately 8 hours.

• Aggression: Users become irritable and aggressive. For 1d6 hours, they incur a -2 penalty to Charisma checks due to heightened agitation.
• Addiction: With each use, the user must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 15). A failed roll indicates the development of a physical dependency. Over time, repeated failures lead to compulsive use and a psychological dependency.

• Recommended Dose: 3 drops on the tongue
• Overdose: More than 6 drops leads to extreme agitation, causing a -2 penalty to Charisma and Wisdom for 1d6 hours due to heightened irritability and aggression.

• Instant Alertness: Upon taking Frostbite, the user gains the benefits of a long rest, restoring all hit points and removing any exhaustion.
• Pain Tolerance: For 1d4 hours, the user can function normally despite injuries, ignoring pain-based penalties.
• Aggressive Side Effect: For 1d6 hours, a -2 penalty applies to Charisma checks, reflecting the user’s increased irritability.
• Addiction Roll: Each dose requires a Constitution saving throw (DC 15). On a failure, the character becomes physically dependent on Frostbite, needing it for daily functioning and facing withdrawal symptoms without it.

For characters who are dependent, missing a dose of Frostbite results in the following symptoms:

• Physical Weakness: A -2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity checks.
• Mood Instability: Further reductions in Charisma as irritability and mood swings worsen.
• Exhaustion: The character begins to suffer levels of exhaustion if deprived for over 24 hours.

Frostbite adds a layer of tactical choice and risk for players who may benefit from its short-term effects but must manage its addictive nature. Use Frostbite’s presence to introduce moral dilemmas, manage risk-reward situations, or explore the psychological toll on characters under stress.

• Human economy and black market in the Gamma Age
• Jane Mendoza Gang
• Federal Courier Service
• Dark Side