I had the idea of doing a scenraio where i drop 6 luciferium addicted mechanitors with 4 cryptocaskets and a quest line to get more Luciferium while doing tasks for the off world benefactor which put them in this position. This is similar in theme to your idea.

This is late but why not at a implant that forces a recipient to become a conduit for the dead king. Either something like a range extender or help with like computing power. Or make them take on the strain of overclocking instead of the Dead king