Translations:Codex: Throbb/1/en

“Some people grew dicks and balls so big they couldn’t move. Can you believe that?” -Officer Penny Inoue, UGC Peacekeepers

History

Throbb did not begin its life as an oft-scorned drug for degenerates and deplorables. The original hope was for an affordable pharmaceutical solution to replace missing genitalia or help those with fertility problems. Xenogen’s scientists succeeded a little too well. Yes, it could grow a penis on almost anyone. Yes, it boosted sperm/spore/genetic-information-paste density to levels that could easily impregnate most mates, but it did so much more than that. Growing or expanding genitalia produced a powerful, psychologically addictive euphoria akin to the feeling of an adolescent discovering his or her first love. What’s more, it also unbalanced the user’s endocrine system in much the same manner as puberty, resulting in a large but otherwise harmless increase in libido. Initial test subjects frequently requested additional doses, citing that “they weren’t big enough yet” or “they could be so much more virile.” The study was shut down, but the problems did not end there. Many who had partaken in the study eventually turned to sex work or wound up arrested for sexual assault. As a result, the scientists were ordered to reformulate the drug in order to minimize the side effects. Any success in suppressing the high or associated nymphomania brought with it a massive reduction in the efficacy of its desired effects. Xenogen had a drug that would push its users into deviancy or a drug that took dozens of doses and achieved essentially the same effect. One year later, the Throbb project was shuttered. Xenogen shares dropped 18.5% in trading due to the news but recovered later in the week thanks to the successful launch of Rainbowtox. Throbb’s synthesis was leaked to the extranet, and now most back-alley chemists can whip up a batch in a few days. Most newer model fabricators and molecule assemblers prevent its manufacture at a firmware level, citing UGC “Deleterious Drugs” statute, section 7, paragraph 4. Hacks to circumvent these restrictions are commonplace and easily attainable.

Method of Application

Throbb requires injection into the area to be affected. Injecting it into non-reproductive areas may result in unwanted growths or bizarre sensitivity.

Legality

The UGC prohibits chemical manufacturing equipment from being sold with the capability to manufacture Throbb, though the chemical itself is not illegal at the Confederation level. 97% of all UGC planets have outlawed the substance in one way or another. Many of the remaining 3% make a brisk trade on sexual tourism, often taxing Throbb heavily to subsidize medical and psychological treatment for addicts.

Known Effects

* Sudden phallus growth.