A compact and rod-shaped food ration that slightly narrows at one end, it is designed to be a combat food ration and emergency writing tool. It is infused with animal proteins, vegetables, and grains to provide the user the basic nutrition required to live and be active. It first reached store shelves in early YE 46.

Year Introduced	YE 46
Class/Nomenclature	NRM-N1-1A
Designers	Nepleslian Research and Manufacturing
Manufacturer	Nepleslian Research and Manufacturing, Advancer Enterprises
Fielded By	Fujiko Development Corporation
Pricing	25 KS per pack of 6

The conceptualization of Xenolite rations can be traced back to the Kennewes Offensive in YE 29. During the Greens assault on the Reds, the Reds swiftly faced severe logistical challenges in supplying their forces with adequate nutrition. A lead logistician, Major Haruto Kiyoshi, observed the difficulties in transporting and preserving traditional food rations in the swamps of Kennewes when their infrastructure was destroyed.

In YE 45, the Fujiko Development Corporation collaborated with Nepleslian Research and Manufacturing and Ryu Keiretsu to initiate the development of a new type of ration. Dr. Lena Vasiliev, a food scientist at Advancer Enterprises, led the project with a clear objective: to create a ration that was compact, nutritionally complete, and versatile under various environmental conditions. The team embarked on rigorous testing, experimenting with different formulations to achieve the desired balance of nutrients, flavor, and shelf-life.

The form factor was chosen for its ease of packaging and handling, particularly in confined spaces such as combat vehicles or cramped field encampments. Simultaneously, Chef Akira Tanaka, a culinary consultant from the Yugumo Corporation, was tasked with developing a range of flavors that could cater to the diverse palate of the Nepleslian forces. This led to the creation of flavors like Tomato Beef, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Spicy Tuna Roll, each meticulously crafted to ensure variety and prevent flavor fatigue.

The first field trials occurred in YE 46 as part of the SOS Coalition. Xenolite rations were distributed among the 1st Fujiko Expeditionary Unit for testing in real combat scenarios.

Xenolite rations are made from a base gel consisting of various gelling agents like agar-agar, carrageenan, and xanthan gum. These gels are then fortified with animal protein isolates, healthy fats, vegetables, and grains to create a balanced nutritional profile. Each Xenolite rod is color-coded and flavored to represent different types of meat and additional ingredients.

Xenolite rations, with their diverse flavors, can be innovatively used in complex meals and as bases for soups, adding both nutritional value and unique tastes. In complex meals, they can serve various roles: as a protein-rich filler in casseroles, imparting distinct flavors like Chicken Tikka Masala to a rice casserole; as a key component in stir-fries, where, for example, Szechuan Beef Xenolite could elevate a vegetable and noodle dish; or as a creative filling in stuffed vegetables, with options like Pork and Beets Xenolite in bell peppers. They can also enhance salads as a topping, bring a twist to sandwiches, and add an unconventional touch to pizzas, like using Peking Duck Xenolite for an innovative pizza topping. It is common for Nepleslian Reds to use only use Tex-Mex Chili and Beans or Tomato Beef xenolite rations in this manner however.

Xenolite rations can also be transformed into flavorful bases or thickening agents. Dissolving a Coconut Fish Curry Xenolite in hot water can create an exotic broth base, while blending a Mushroom Risotto Xenolite can contribute to a creamy texture in soups. These rations, when diced, can add heartiness and depth to chunky soups, such as incorporating Hunter's Venison into a vegetable soup. They also adapt well as additives in ramen or noodle soups, like adding Yamatai-Styled Fish Mix to seafood ramen, or enhancing stews with a distinct flavor, as seen with Tex-Mex Chili and Beans in a Southwestern-style stew.

Xenolite rations have a shelf life of approximately 25 years, more if stored in cold storage.

Each Xenolite rod is vacuum-sealed in a durable, food-safe wrapper that is color-coded for easy identification. The wrapper also contains a QR code linking to nutritional information and potential recipes. These packages are then placed into larger bags that serve various purposes such as field rations, emergency rations, etc.

Currently Xenolite Rations are available in 15 distinct flavors detailed below:

Created to remind Nepleslian Reds of the hearty and thick beef stews they prefer to eat,the red Tomato Beef Xenolite Rods have a savory and smoky taste, with tomato undertones and a nutty quinoa finish.

This gold-colored Xenolite Rod features a comforting blend of mildly spiced chicken, complemented by the sweetness of corn and the earthy, grainy notes of millet. It offers a nutritious and homely taste experience.

Combining the sweet and salty essence of ham with earthy beet notes and a malty barley finish, this pink-colored Xenolite Rod offers a unique and satisfying flavor blend.

This rod presents oceanic flavors and umami richness from seaweed, paired with the subtle nuttiness of brown rice. Its blue color symbolizes its marine-inspired taste profile.

With a gamey venison base, this violet-colored rod introduces a sweet and slightly bitter purple cabbage taste, rounded out with a robust, earthy buckwheat undertone. Its violet color hints at its rich and deep flavors.

Mirroring the rich and creamy flavors of a classic Chicken Tikka Masala, this orange red-colored rod combines aromatic spices with the nutty flavor of Basmati rice and the mildness of cauliflower, presented in an inviting orange-red hue.

This dark red Xenolite Rod captures the spicy and tangy essence of Szechuan sauce, balanced by the crispness of bok choy and the floral aroma of jasmine rice, offering a bold and flavorful experience.

Offering a creamy, rich tomato and butter sauce flavor with aromatic spices, this rod is complemented by the earthiness of spinach and the nuttiness of millet, encapsulated in a creamy orange color.

Emulating the sweet and savory flavors of Peking sauce, this rod balances the mild onion flavor of scallions with the nutty, chewy texture of wild rice, all in a dark brown presentation.

Featuring a creamy coconut milk-based curry with aromatic spices, this rod is accented by the unique texture of okra and the nuttiness of brown rice, presented in a light green color.

This deep red Xenolite Rod offers a rich and smoky chili flavor with hints of cumin and spice, complemented by the earthiness of red kidney beans and the sweetness of corn.

Balancing sweet and savory teriyaki sauce flavors with the mild bitterness of spinach and the nuttiness of quinoa, this rod provides a delightful taste experience in a brownish-orange hue.

Capturing the essence of a spicy tuna roll, this rod combines oceanic flavors with a spicy kick, complemented by the refreshing taste of cucumber and the stickiness of sushi rice, all in a light blue color.

Evoking smoky barbecue flavors with a hint of sweetness, this rod balances these tastes with the earthy notes of collard greens and the mildness of millet, presented in a dark brown color.

Offering a creamy, umami-rich mushroom flavor complemented by the slight bitterness of asparagus and the starchy comfort of Arborio rice, this rod is a delight in a cream-colored presentation.

Additional items included with the Xenolite rations:

• Digestive enzyme tablet: For aiding digestion.
• Flavor Enhancement Packet: A small packet containing spices or condiments allows users to personalize the flavor of their ration to suit their taste, making the meal more enjoyable.
• Energy/Electrolyte Supplement: A sachet of energy drink powder or an electrolyte mix that can be added to water for maintaining energy levels and hydration during prolonged activities.
• Compact First-Aid Kit: A basic first-aid kit including items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.

Demibear created this article on 2023/10/14 19:14. The Xenolite rations were created to offer a unique and immersive experience for roleplaying scenarios involving the Nepleslian Reds. They serve as a practical, high-calorie food source that can be easily integrated into various storylines, adding depth to the setting. All images are created by demibear with midjourney.com.

Approval Thread: https://stararmy.com/roleplay-forum/threads/xenolite-rations.71471/#post-443881