Rations
Item Details
Weight: 2 lb.
Cost: 5 SP
Category: Consumable
Duration: 1 day of food
Special: Prevents malnutrition
Description
Rations consist of travel-ready food designed to provide adequate nutrition during extended journeys. This preserved food includes a variety of items that won't spoil quickly and can be eaten without preparation.
Contents
A typical day's rations includes:
Preserved Proteins
- Jerky: Dried and salted meat strips
- Hard Cheese: Aged cheese that travels well
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or other protein-rich nuts
- Dried Fish: Salted and smoked fish portions
Carbohydrates
- Hardtack: Dense, long-lasting bread substitute
- Dried Fruits: Raisins, apricots, or other preserved fruits
- Trail Biscuits: Compact, nutrient-dense baked goods
- Grain Cakes: Compressed oats or barley
Seasonings and Extras
- Salt: Essential for health and food preservation
- Dried Herbs: Basic flavoring for bland foods
- Honey Sticks: Natural sweetener and energy source
- Tea or Coffee: Dried beverages for morale
Usage
Rations consist of travel-ready food, including jerky, dried fruit, hardtack, and nuts. See "Malnutrition" in "Rules Glossary" for the risks of not eating.
Survival Importance
Malnutrition Prevention
- Daily Requirement: One ration per day prevents malnutrition
- Energy Maintenance: Provides calories needed for adventuring
- Health Sustaining: Contains basic vitamins and minerals
- Performance: Well-fed characters perform better in all activities
Emergency Situations
- Backup Food: When foraging fails or hunting is unsuccessful
- Weather Protection: Reliable food source during storms
- Time Sensitive: When there's no time to hunt or gather
- Urban Environments: Food source in areas without natural resources
Preparation Methods
No Cooking Required
- Ready to Eat: Most components edible without preparation
- Water Addition: Some items improve with hydration
- Cold Weather: Items remain edible even when frozen
- Hot Weather: Designed to resist spoilage in heat
Enhancement Options
- Cooking: Hardtack can be softened in stew or soup
- Seasoning: Local herbs can improve flavor
- Combination: Mix with foraged foods for variety
- Hot Drinks: Prepare tea or coffee for comfort
Storage and Preservation
- Dry Storage: Keep away from moisture to prevent spoilage
- Temperature: Store in cool areas when possible
- Pest Protection: Seal against insects and rodents
- Organization: Rotate stock to use oldest rations first
Economic Considerations
- Cost Effective: Cheaper than eating at inns daily
- Bulk Purchase: Buying in quantity reduces per-day cost
- Trade Value: Acceptable currency in remote areas
- Emergency Reserve: Worth having extra for unexpected delays