Cybernephrine

Cybernephrine (sometimes known as nephie) is a substance best described as a digital drug. It is naturally produced as a series of encoded data by self-evolving virtual life forms as a means of regulating programs that define emotional state parameters. However, in organic life forms especially humans, it has the effect of amplifying specific emotions to an extreme extent. The translation from synthetic to organic minds works most commonly through any sort of device such as VR headset that can interface with neural patterns. For it to take effect, all what is needed is for the mind to perceive its presence in the digital realm. While it is legally used for medical purposes and in some districts as recreational drugs, on the black market, it is often used for more nefarious means such as methods of interrogation.

However, what makes cybernephrine dangerous is that in large doses, it can cause permanent brain damage. During the Virtual Wars, it was sometimes used as a method of instantly neutralizing a target by presenting them with such an intense dose that merely perceiving it was enough to overwhelm the senses. As such, it is now considered standard for VR headsets to come with safety features that filter out cognitohazards. Additionally, cybernephrine as a weapon has been banned from wartime use though it still sees a significant prevalence in the underground.

Illegally obtained cybernephrine largely comes groups such as the Aether Cartels whose base of operations are located in orbit of the gas giant Aether. They gather their supply through poaching - that is, they travel to various virtual worlds and abduct virtual life forms in large quantities. More intelligent, more complex life forms are usually the target, including those that pass the Standard Sapience Test.