Verdial Ad Extremis Ration

As verdials are photosynthetic, they are capable of surviving on minimal food reserves so long as they have a surfeit of sunlight and fresh water. At the same time, extreme heat and arid conditions are dangerous to verdials. A verdial ad extremis ration (also known as an AX-ration) is a form of field ration designed explicitly around the unique physiology of verdials.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

An AX-ration is a gallon pack of specially-prepared saline solution which is fed into the body via a pre-implanted veinous port. This port is typically installed in one of the large veins of the symbiote itself, beneath the dermis of the verdial it inhabits, as this both provides the lichen with more immediate hydration and makes excising the implant simpler in the case of port infection (a medical emergency). The AX-ration itself is contained in an insulated backpack and injector assembly which keeps the liquid at or near body temperature throughout the day, aiding in keeping the wearer cool as it hydrates.

Manufacturing process

'General Issue' AX-rations, like those found in service with the Petalcap Vale Customs Authority, are produced by the Ghostleaf Foundation. These genuine articles contain saline solution infused with vitamins and minerals to keep a soldier on-the-go in peak fighting condition. A verdial could hypothetically subsist on these AX-rations almost indefinitely. In a pinch, however, 'bargain' AX-rations can be made from simple saline solution, requiring the wearer to supplement with at least some 'real' food or face malnutrition over long dosing.

Significance

Each AX-ration is capable of sustaining a verdial for a full day in normal conditions and up to 12 hours in the hottest conditions found in the Manifold. A verdial using an AX-ration need not stop to eat or drink and loses his or her vulnerability to dessication and hot weather, though he or she is still vulnerable to the effects of heat-based weaponry (i.e. the MH-2 "Monarch" Mellification Cannon). An individual using an AX-ration will still experience hunger pangs, though these may be safely ignored if the ration has been properly prepared.

Item type

Consumable, Food / Drink

Manufacturer

Ghostleaf Foundation

Related ethnicities

• Vale Verdial

Weight

8.5 lbs

Base Price

10 NGC per backpack housing and injector assembly, 100 NCG per injection port, 2 NGC per ration