Ambrosia

"The only known vaccine against the 'Gray Death.' Unfortunately, it is quickly metabolized by the body making its effects temporary at best."

- Description of Vial of Ambrosia Ambrosia is a vaccine created by multibillionaire Bob Page for the Gray Death. A single dose (20cc) will temporarily cure any individual who uses it, and will provide up to 48 hours of immunity to the virus. After 48 hours, if the individual does not continue using the product, they will once again be at risk of contracting the Grey Death. Ambrosia is currently the only known vaccine for the Grey Death and is solely produced and monopolized by Page Industries.

Design
Ambrosia is described as a "non-organic compound containing eutactic components". The Ambrosia vaccine consist of ROM modules which attach themselves to the Grey Death nanites. Like the Grey Death, it can only be manufactured nanotechnologically with a Universal Constructor. For that reason, it's only available in small quantities, meaning that only the richest and most important individuals can afford to buy it.

In-game
The beginning of Deus Ex involves the UNATCO agent JC Denton recapturing several containers of Ambrosia which were stolen by the NSF in an attempt to "give it back to the people". The NSF attempted to ship a sample of Ambrosia to Hong Kong, with the hope that Tracer Tong would be able to reverse-engineer the vaccine and produce it independently.

A vial of Ambrosia can also be found by the player and given to Stanton Dowd later in the game.

Behind the scenes
The name "Ambrosia" is one of many symbolic names taken from Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Ambrosia was the food of the gods, which gave them immortality. It is Page's intent to use the Gray Death virus and Ambrosia to create the "City upon a hill". The phrase "City upon a hill" refers to a model society and is a reference to the Bible, Matthew 5:14. From the New International Version:


 * Now when [Jesus] saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.... You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds."

Gallery
Ambrozja