{"data":{"id":19227,"title":"Portfolio: WiDoW","rsi_url":"https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/comm-link\/spectrum-dispatch\/19227-Portfolio-WiDoW","api_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-links\/19227","api_public_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/comm-links\/19227","channel":"Undefined","category":"Undefined","series":"Portfolio","images":[{"id":26463,"name":"source.jpg","rsi_url":"https:\/\/media.robertsspaceindustries.com\/weozjmuuh3hwh\/source.jpg","alt":"","size":843046,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","last_modified":"2019-09-19T15:49:32+00:00","api_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-link-images\/26463","similar_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-link-images\/26463\/similar"},{"id":29892,"name":"CloudImperiumGames_StarCitizen_Klim.jpg","rsi_url":"https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/media\/91xhwxh8t9f6er\/source\/CloudImperiumGames_StarCitizen_Klim.jpg","alt":"","size":472331,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","last_modified":"2018-12-13T17:57:49+00:00","api_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-link-images\/29892","similar_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/comm-link-images\/29892\/similar"}],"images_count":7,"translations":{"en_EN":"This portfolio originally appeared in Jump Point 10.4.\nOn a moon in the Stanton system sits a nondescript outpost that few know of and even fewer have visited. At least that was the case until an error caused the automated processing facility inside to sell its product at a drastically deep discount. Those who noticed tried to keep the glitch a secret, but word quickly spread through the system\u2019s underworld. Soon the outpost, by then better known as \u201cJumptown,\u201d became a warzone with outlaws fighting for access. These brazen battles garnered enough attention that the issue was even discussed during a Senate hearing focused on rising crime rates within Stanton. So what drastically discounted, high-priced, and always in-demand product drove people to fight over the processing facility? WiDoW, a synthetic opioid that has become one of the most prominent recreational drugs in the UEE. It\u2019s also one of the most dangerous. Not only for the devastating and tragic impact it has on those who fall under its spell but for the lengths some will go to profit off it.\n\nWiDoW is a highly processed and highly illegal narcotic that is injected directly into the bloodstream. Its evocative name derives from one of the prominent side effects of extensive use: the drug\u2019s viscous, ink-black consistency can stain the user\u2019s veins, creating web-like subcutaneous patterns. A Class A substance that is illegal to possess and distribute inside the UEE, WiDoW produces extreme feelings of euphoria alongside providing pain relief and anti-anxiety effects. It\u2019s also highly addictive and damaging to the Human body. Repeated use can lead not only to the telltale black markings but eventually collapsed veins, various liver and kidney diseases, heart conditions, and more.\n\nThe widespread availability of WiDoW is in part due to it being relatively easy to produce, which allows everyone from multi-system criminal syndicates to individuals to manufacture and sell it. While the production process is easily replicable, potency can vary greatly depending on several factors including quality of ingredients, cleanliness of equipment, and temperature fluctuations during processing. Some longtime users even claim that not knowing the potency of a dose is part of the thrill for them. While the WiDoW found today is completely synthetic, the substance has organic origins that shaped its initial image as a relatively safe and extremely exclusive designer drug.\n\nFLOWER POWER\nWiDoW\u2019s rise to prominence is a beguiling mix of fact and fiction. Several details are well-established while others are lost in the haze of history, half-truths, and top secret classification. Its story begins with the discovery of the Oso system in 2861. The breathable atmosphere and lush biosphere of Oso II made the planet the primary target for government survey teams. Yet, upon the discovery of the Osoians, the most advanced developing species ever encountered by the UEE, Oso II was put under the protection of the Fair Chance Act. A strict lockdown was enacted that would prevent its lush and varied biomes from being thoroughly explored. Still, one early survey team that was already exploring the tropical region before the lockdown did manage to collect a handful of unique native plant samples.\n\nScientists informally named one of those uprooted plants \u2018nightspiral,\u2019 due to the flower\u2019s vibrant multi-colored swirls set against its dark petals. Government scientists studied the plant but struggled to propagate it, and with Oso II off limits, a return trip to understand its natural environment was out of the question. Instead, scientists crossbred the plant using a variety of techniques, including grafting and genetic modification, only to discover one variant produced seeds containing alkaloids. Investigations into the seeds\u2019 medicinal potency and intoxicating effects were done but still remain highly classified. Still, at some point in the process, someone saw the potential and seed samples disappeared from a research facility.\n\nRumors of a new injectable opioid called NightNight first spread in late 2867. It quickly gained a reputation as the fashionable drug du jour, available only to the ultra-elite with underworld connections. NightNight\u2019s popularity only grew when rumors spread that the powerful opioid was not addictive. While this rumor would eventually prove tragically false, it\u2019s believed that most early users avoided falling under the drug\u2019s spell because of its limited and exclusive availability.\n\nAs demand skyrocketed, production lagged behind. New plants produced relatively few seeds and processing NightNight became an expensive, time consuming, and extremely meticulous process. It\u2019s believed that underground chemists worked on a completely synthetic version for years before perfecting the process in 2879. If the stories can be believed, the chemist who cracked the formula sold the secretive process for an exorbitant price to several gangs around the same time and then vanished. Whether that story is apocryphal or not, the manufacturing process spread widely around the UEE within a year.\n\nTHE DARK WEB\nThe first synthetic version of NightNight made its way through the circles of the rich and powerful. Now quick and easy to produce, the drug\u2019s reach rapidly expanded to those who\u2019d been desperate to try but unable to acquire it. Of course, few knew the version they paid the premium price for was completely synthetic and not quite like the original drug.\n\nAs availability rose, so did use rates. What was once a monthly habit for an elite few suddenly became a daily habit for a growing percentage of the population. It wasn\u2019t long before the repercussions of overusing the synthetic variant became readily apparent. The seriousness of addiction was publicly highlighted when the plight of socialite Khali O\u2019Brien made headlines in 2880. Friends of O\u2019Brien leaked stories to the press expressing concern for her sudden and dramatic weight loss and the shocking appearance of black veins on her neck. Paparazzi hounded her every move and, after layers of concealer failed to hide the black veins, O\u2019Brien took to wearing black scarves and turtlenecks. This prompted one gossip columnist to label her the \u201cBlack Widow,\u201d an evocative term that stuck as black, web-like patterns appeared on more users. This condition and the drug\u2019s now completely synthetic nature prompted government officials to classify it separately as WiDoW to distinguish between it and the earlier non-synthetic version, with the unusual capitalization originating from the common spectrum and comms shorthand for the drug: \u201cWDW.\u201d\n\nDespite clear adverse effects and skyrocketing addiction rates, many users in the late 29th century still believed WiDoW to be relatively safe when compared to other opioids. This false conviction, alongside the drug being widely available, led the UEE government to declare WiDoW as \u201cone of most significant public health issues of the 30th century\u201d and designate it as a Class A narcotic. While billions of credits have been poured into Empire-wide information campaigns, rehab facilities, addiction counseling, and more, WiDoW remains as popular and profitable as ever; a fate drug experts expect won\u2019t change unless something drastic happens culturally, economically, and politically.","de_DE":"Dieses Portfolio erschien urspr\u00fcnglich in Jump Point 10.4.\nAuf einem Mond im Stanton-System befindet sich ein unscheinbarer Au\u00dfenposten, den nur wenige kennen und noch weniger besucht haben. Zumindest war das so, bis ein Fehler dazu f\u00fchrte, dass die automatische Verarbeitungsanlage im Inneren ihre Produkte mit einem drastischen Preisnachlass verkaufte. Diejenigen, die den Fehler bemerkten, versuchten, ihn geheim zu halten, aber das sprach sich schnell in der Unterwelt des Systems herum. Schon bald wurde der Au\u00dfenposten, der inzwischen besser als \"Jumptown\" bekannt war, zu einem Kriegsgebiet, in dem Gesetzlose um den Zugang k\u00e4mpften. Diese dreisten K\u00e4mpfe erregten so viel Aufmerksamkeit, dass das Thema sogar in einer Anh\u00f6rung des Senats er\u00f6rtert wurde, bei der es um die steigende Kriminalit\u00e4tsrate in Stanton ging. Welches drastisch verbilligte, hochpreisige und stets gefragte Produkt trieb die Menschen dazu, um die Verarbeitungsanlage zu k\u00e4mpfen? WiDoW, ein synthetisches Opioid, das zu einer der bekanntesten Freizeitdrogen in der UEE geworden ist. Es ist auch eine der gef\u00e4hrlichsten. Nicht nur, weil es verheerende und tragische Auswirkungen auf diejenigen hat, die in seinen Bann geraten, sondern auch, weil manche alles tun, um davon zu profitieren.\n\nWiDoW ist ein hochgradig verarbeitetes und illegales Bet\u00e4ubungsmittel, das direkt in den Blutkreislauf injiziert wird. Der vielsagende Name leitet sich von einer der auff\u00e4lligsten Nebenwirkungen bei \u00fcberm\u00e4\u00dfigem Konsum ab: Die z\u00e4hfl\u00fcssige, tintenschwarze Konsistenz der Droge kann die Venen des Konsumenten verf\u00e4rben und netzartige Muster in der Unterhaut erzeugen. WiDoW ist eine Substanz der Klasse A, deren Besitz und Vertrieb in der UEE illegal ist und die extreme Euphorie ausl\u00f6st, aber auch schmerzlindernd und angstl\u00f6send wirkt. Es macht au\u00dferdem stark s\u00fcchtig und ist sch\u00e4dlich f\u00fcr den menschlichen K\u00f6rper. Wiederholter Konsum kann nicht nur zu den verr\u00e4terischen schwarzen Flecken f\u00fchren, sondern auch zu kollabierten Venen, verschiedenen Leber- und Nierenerkrankungen, Herzproblemen und mehr.\n\nDie weite Verbreitung von WiDoW ist zum Teil darauf zur\u00fcckzuf\u00fchren, dass es relativ einfach herzustellen ist, so dass jeder, von kriminellen Syndikaten mit mehreren Systemen bis hin zu Einzelpersonen, es herstellen und verkaufen kann. Der Herstellungsprozess ist zwar leicht reproduzierbar, aber die Wirkung kann je nach Qualit\u00e4t der Zutaten, Sauberkeit der Ausr\u00fcstung und Temperaturschwankungen w\u00e4hrend der Verarbeitung stark variieren. Einige langj\u00e4hrige Konsumenten behaupten sogar, dass die Unkenntnis \u00fcber die St\u00e4rke einer Dosis f\u00fcr sie einen Teil des Nervenkitzels ausmacht. Obwohl das heutige WiDoW vollst\u00e4ndig synthetisch ist, hat die Substanz organische Urspr\u00fcnge, die ihr urspr\u00fcngliches Image als relativ sichere und \u00e4u\u00dferst exklusive Designerdroge gepr\u00e4gt haben.\n\nBLUMENKRAFT\nDer Aufstieg von WiDoW ist eine bet\u00f6rende Mischung aus Fakten und Fiktion. Einige Details sind bekannt, w\u00e4hrend andere im Dunst der Geschichte, der Halbwahrheiten und der streng geheimen Klassifizierung untergehen. Die Geschichte beginnt mit der Entdeckung des Oso-Systems im Jahr 2861. Die atembare Atmosph\u00e4re und die \u00fcppige Biosph\u00e4re von Oso II machten den Planeten zum Hauptziel f\u00fcr die Untersuchungsteams der Regierung. Nach der Entdeckung der Osoianer, der fortschrittlichsten Spezies, auf die die UEE je gesto\u00dfen war, wurde Oso II unter den Schutz des Fair Chance Act gestellt. Es wurde eine strenge Sperre verh\u00e4ngt, die verhindern sollte, dass die \u00fcppigen und vielf\u00e4ltigen Biome gr\u00fcndlich erforscht werden konnten. Einem fr\u00fchen Erkundungsteam, das die tropische Region bereits vor der Abriegelung erforschte, gelang es jedoch, eine Handvoll einzigartiger einheimischer Pflanzenproben zu sammeln.\n\nEine dieser entwurzelten Pflanzen wurde von den Wissenschaftlern inoffiziell \"Nachtschattengew\u00e4chs\" genannt, weil sich die bunten Wirbel der Bl\u00fcte von den dunklen Bl\u00fctenbl\u00e4ttern abheben. Wissenschaftler der Regierung untersuchten die Pflanze, hatten aber Schwierigkeiten, sie zu vermehren, und da Oso II gesperrt war, kam eine R\u00fcckreise, um ihre nat\u00fcrliche Umgebung zu erkunden, nicht in Frage. Stattdessen kreuzten die Wissenschaftler die Pflanze mit verschiedenen Techniken, darunter Pfropfung und genetische Ver\u00e4nderung, und entdeckten, dass eine Variante Samen mit Alkaloiden produzierte. Die medizinische Wirksamkeit und die berauschende Wirkung der Samen wurden untersucht, sind aber immer noch streng geheim. Irgendwann erkannte jedoch jemand das Potenzial und die Samenproben verschwanden aus einer Forschungseinrichtung.\n\nGer\u00fcchte \u00fcber ein neues injizierbares Opioid namens NightNight verbreiteten sich erstmals Ende 2867. Es erlangte schnell den Ruf der Modedroge du jour, die nur f\u00fcr die Ultra-Elite mit Verbindungen zur Unterwelt erh\u00e4ltlich war. Die Popularit\u00e4t von NightNight wuchs erst, als sich Ger\u00fcchte verbreiteten, dass das starke Opioid nicht s\u00fcchtig macht. Auch wenn sich dieses Ger\u00fccht sp\u00e4ter auf tragische Weise als falsch herausstellte, geht man davon aus, dass die meisten fr\u00fchen Konsumenten es vermieden, in den Bann der Droge zu geraten, weil sie nur begrenzt und exklusiv erh\u00e4ltlich war.\n\nAls die Nachfrage in die H\u00f6he schoss, hinkte die Produktion hinterher. Neue Pflanzen produzierten nur relativ wenige Samen und die Verarbeitung von NightNight wurde zu einem teuren, zeitaufw\u00e4ndigen und extrem sorgf\u00e4ltigen Prozess. Es wird vermutet, dass Chemiker im Untergrund jahrelang an einer vollst\u00e4ndig synthetischen Version arbeiteten, bevor sie das Verfahren im Jahr 2879 perfektionierten. Wenn man den Geschichten Glauben schenken darf, verkaufte der Chemiker, der die Formel geknackt hatte, das geheime Verfahren zu einem exorbitanten Preis an mehrere Gangs und verschwand dann. Unabh\u00e4ngig davon, ob diese Geschichte apokryph ist oder nicht, verbreitete sich das Herstellungsverfahren innerhalb eines Jahres in der UEE.\n\nDAS DUNKLE NETZ\nDie erste synthetische Version von NightNight bahnte sich ihren Weg durch die Kreise der Reichen und M\u00e4chtigen. Da die Droge nun schnell und einfach herzustellen war, breitete sie sich schnell unter denjenigen aus, die sie unbedingt ausprobieren wollten, aber nicht bekommen konnten. Nat\u00fcrlich wussten nur wenige, dass die Version, f\u00fcr die sie den H\u00f6chstpreis bezahlten, vollst\u00e4ndig synthetisch war und nicht ganz der Originaldroge entsprach.\n\nMit der zunehmenden Verf\u00fcgbarkeit stieg auch die Zahl der Konsumenten. Was einst eine monatliche Gewohnheit f\u00fcr eine kleine Elite war, wurde pl\u00f6tzlich f\u00fcr einen wachsenden Prozentsatz der Bev\u00f6lkerung zur t\u00e4glichen Gewohnheit. Es dauerte nicht lange, bis die Folgen des \u00fcberm\u00e4\u00dfigen Konsums der synthetischen Variante deutlich wurden. Die Ernsthaftigkeit der Sucht wurde \u00f6ffentlich hervorgehoben, als die Notlage der Prominenten Khali O'Brien im Jahr 2880 Schlagzeilen machte. Freunde von O'Brien berichteten der Presse von ihrem pl\u00f6tzlichen und dramatischen Gewichtsverlust und dem schockierenden Auftreten von schwarzen Adern an ihrem Hals. Paparazzi verfolgten sie auf Schritt und Tritt, und nachdem die schwarzen Adern auch mit mehreren Schichten Concealer nicht zu verbergen waren, trug O'Brien fortan schwarze Schals und Rollkragenpullis. Dies veranlasste einen Klatschkolumnisten, sie als \"Schwarze Witwe\" zu bezeichnen - ein anspielungsreicher Begriff, der sich durchsetzte, als die schwarzen, netzartigen Muster bei immer mehr Nutzern auftauchten. Dieser Umstand und die Tatsache, dass die Droge nun vollst\u00e4ndig synthetisch ist, veranlassten die Beh\u00f6rden, sie als WiDoW zu klassifizieren, um sie von der fr\u00fcheren nicht-synthetischen Version zu unterscheiden, wobei die ungew\u00f6hnliche Gro\u00dfschreibung auf die g\u00e4ngige Abk\u00fcrzung f\u00fcr die Droge im Spektrum und in der Kommunikation zur\u00fcckgeht: \"WDW\".\n\nTrotz der eindeutigen Nebenwirkungen und der rapide ansteigenden Abh\u00e4ngigkeitsraten hielten viele Konsumenten WiDoW im sp\u00e4ten 29. Diese falsche \u00dcberzeugung und die weite Verbreitung der Droge f\u00fchrten dazu, dass die UEE-Regierung WiDoW zu einem der wichtigsten Gesundheitsprobleme des 30. Jahrhunderts erkl\u00e4rte und es als Rauschmittel der Klasse A einstufte. Obwohl Milliarden in Informationskampagnen, Reha-Einrichtungen, Suchtberatung und vieles mehr investiert wurden, ist WiDoW so beliebt und profitabel wie eh und je - ein Schicksal, das sich nach Ansicht von Drogenexperten nicht \u00e4ndern wird, solange sich kulturell, wirtschaftlich und politisch nichts Drastisches tut.","zh_CN":"This portfolio originally appeared in Jump Point 10.4.\nOn a moon in the Stanton system sits a nondescript outpost that few know of and even fewer have visited. At least that was the case until an error caused the automated processing facility inside to sell its product at a drastically deep discount. Those who noticed tried to keep the glitch a secret, but word quickly spread through the system\u2019s underworld. Soon the outpost, by then better known as \u201cJumptown,\u201d became a warzone with outlaws fighting for access. These brazen battles garnered enough attention that the issue was even discussed during a Senate hearing focused on rising crime rates within Stanton. So what drastically discounted, high-priced, and always in-demand product drove people to fight over the processing facility? WiDoW, a synthetic opioid that has become one of the most prominent recreational drugs in the UEE. It\u2019s also one of the most dangerous. Not only for the devastating and tragic impact it has on those who fall under its spell but for the lengths some will go to profit off it.\n\nWiDoW is a highly processed and highly illegal narcotic that is injected directly into the bloodstream. Its evocative name derives from one of the prominent side effects of extensive use: the drug\u2019s viscous, ink-black consistency can stain the user\u2019s veins, creating web-like subcutaneous patterns. A Class A substance that is illegal to possess and distribute inside the UEE, WiDoW produces extreme feelings of euphoria alongside providing pain relief and anti-anxiety effects. It\u2019s also highly addictive and damaging to the Human body. Repeated use can lead not only to the telltale black markings but eventually collapsed veins, various liver and kidney diseases, heart conditions, and more.\n\nThe widespread availability of WiDoW is in part due to it being relatively easy to produce, which allows everyone from multi-system criminal syndicates to individuals to manufacture and sell it. While the production process is easily replicable, potency can vary greatly depending on several factors including quality of ingredients, cleanliness of equipment, and temperature fluctuations during processing. Some longtime users even claim that not knowing the potency of a dose is part of the thrill for them. While the WiDoW found today is completely synthetic, the substance has organic origins that shaped its initial image as a relatively safe and extremely exclusive designer drug.\n\nFLOWER POWER\nWiDoW\u2019s rise to prominence is a beguiling mix of fact and fiction. Several details are well-established while others are lost in the haze of history, half-truths, and top secret classification. Its story begins with the discovery of the Oso system in 2861. The breathable atmosphere and lush biosphere of Oso II made the planet the primary target for government survey teams. Yet, upon the discovery of the Osoians, the most advanced developing species ever encountered by the UEE, Oso II was put under the protection of the Fair Chance Act. A strict lockdown was enacted that would prevent its lush and varied biomes from being thoroughly explored. Still, one early survey team that was already exploring the tropical region before the lockdown did manage to collect a handful of unique native plant samples.\n\nScientists informally named one of those uprooted plants \u2018nightspiral,\u2019 due to the flower\u2019s vibrant multi-colored swirls set against its dark petals. Government scientists studied the plant but struggled to propagate it, and with Oso II off limits, a return trip to understand its natural environment was out of the question. Instead, scientists crossbred the plant using a variety of techniques, including grafting and genetic modification, only to discover one variant produced seeds containing alkaloids. Investigations into the seeds\u2019 medicinal potency and intoxicating effects were done but still remain highly classified. Still, at some point in the process, someone saw the potential and seed samples disappeared from a research facility.\n\nRumors of a new injectable opioid called NightNight first spread in late 2867. It quickly gained a reputation as the fashionable drug du jour, available only to the ultra-elite with underworld connections. NightNight\u2019s popularity only grew when rumors spread that the powerful opioid was not addictive. While this rumor would eventually prove tragically false, it\u2019s believed that most early users avoided falling under the drug\u2019s spell because of its limited and exclusive availability.\n\nAs demand skyrocketed, production lagged behind. New plants produced relatively few seeds and processing NightNight became an expensive, time consuming, and extremely meticulous process. It\u2019s believed that underground chemists worked on a completely synthetic version for years before perfecting the process in 2879. If the stories can be believed, the chemist who cracked the formula sold the secretive process for an exorbitant price to several gangs around the same time and then vanished. Whether that story is apocryphal or not, the manufacturing process spread widely around the UEE within a year.\n\nTHE DARK WEB\nThe first synthetic version of NightNight made its way through the circles of the rich and powerful. Now quick and easy to produce, the drug\u2019s reach rapidly expanded to those who\u2019d been desperate to try but unable to acquire it. Of course, few knew the version they paid the premium price for was completely synthetic and not quite like the original drug.\n\nAs availability rose, so did use rates. What was once a monthly habit for an elite few suddenly became a daily habit for a growing percentage of the population. It wasn\u2019t long before the repercussions of overusing the synthetic variant became readily apparent. The seriousness of addiction was publicly highlighted when the plight of socialite Khali O\u2019Brien made headlines in 2880. Friends of O\u2019Brien leaked stories to the press expressing concern for her sudden and dramatic weight loss and the shocking appearance of black veins on her neck. Paparazzi hounded her every move and, after layers of concealer failed to hide the black veins, O\u2019Brien took to wearing black scarves and turtlenecks. This prompted one gossip columnist to label her the \u201cBlack Widow,\u201d an evocative term that stuck as black, web-like patterns appeared on more users. This condition and the drug\u2019s now completely synthetic nature prompted government officials to classify it separately as WiDoW to distinguish between it and the earlier non-synthetic version, with the unusual capitalization originating from the common spectrum and comms shorthand for the drug: \u201cWDW.\u201d\n\nDespite clear adverse effects and skyrocketing addiction rates, many users in the late 29th century still believed WiDoW to be relatively safe when compared to other opioids. This false conviction, alongside the drug being widely available, led the UEE government to declare WiDoW as \u201cone of most significant public health issues of the 30th century\u201d and designate it as a Class A narcotic. While billions of credits have been poured into Empire-wide information campaigns, rehab facilities, addiction counseling, and more, WiDoW remains as popular and profitable as ever; a fate drug experts expect won\u2019t change unless something drastic happens culturally, economically, and politically."},"links_count":0,"comment_count":30,"created_at":"2023-04-11T21:00:00+00:00","created_at_human":"3 years ago"},"meta":{"processed_at":"2026-04-26 09:38:06","valid_relations":["images","links","translations"],"prev_id":19224,"next_id":19228}}