A compact chemical defense sprayer the size of a large lipstick tube, dispensing a pressurized stream of synthetic capsaicinoid compound at ranges up to 3 meters. The Vapor delivers an incapacitating chemical agent that causes immediate, severe eye pain, temporary blindness, respiratory distress, and skin irritation lasting 30-45 minutes. The synthetic formulation is 5 times more potent than natural capsaicin and includes a UV-fluorescent dye that marks the attacker's skin for 72 hours, allowing identification by law enforcement.

TESSERA sells the Vapor as the lowest-escalation self-defense option — a chemical deterrent that incapacitates without injury, identifies the attacker for later apprehension, and fits in a pocket or keychain holster. The weapon has become ubiquitous among civilian populations who want protection but are uncomfortable with firearms. At Φ45, it is the cheapest branded defense product in GLMZ.

The Vapor's most significant limitation is its vulnerability to augmentation. Targets with sealed eye protection, respiratory cyberware, or chemical-resistant dermal augmentations are minimally affected. This creates a self-defense gap: the people most likely to threaten civilians — augmented criminals — are the people least affected by the Vapor's payload. The weapon works well against unaugmented attackers, meaning it is most effective against the least dangerous threats.