Peniche

The Péniche are wooden barges with flat sides and short, rounded bows and sterns. The deck is flat and largely featureless, with simple removable panels that open to a general use hold. Oftentimes, a small cabin will be built toward the stern for the crew of the barge. While the Péniche are used to transport a variety of cargoes, they have become mostly synonymous with apiculture. Many barges include square bee-hives in one or more of the holds, which are opened as the barge slowly meanders down the river, the bees collecting pollen and nectar from the flowers that line the rivers and canals of the Western Realms. These hives are used in the production of honey, mead and Chouchen, which is sold off by the crew as they pass lazily through riverfront communities.
The itinerant nature of the Péniche has made it difficult to regulate them within one Sovereignty, so many are ignored by all but the larger river towns and kept free of noble meddling. This independence and mobile nature has led to the barges being valued sources of gossip and news and they travel across borders along the rivers, canals and waterways of the Western Realms, and they are typically welcomed as they pass through communities. This secondary role has led to the adoption of the Gwenan (Beekeeper's Brooch) as a symbol of messengers, and many will paint the emblem on their barges.

Propulsion

The Péniche move very slowly, mostly drifting along with the current, pushed by shunting poles or drawn by donkeys. Some have rudimentary square sails that can be hoisted to allow for wind travel as well, but this variant is only seen on larger rivers.

Weapons & Armament

The Péniche are typically unarmed, save for whatever small arms are carried by the passengers and crew. Typically, a Péniche crew will possess a single crossbow, a few staves and polearms, and axes, typically low-quality, peasant-made objects.

Armor and defense

The thick hulls of the Péniche and the top cabin prevents most penetration by stones or attacks, but offers little defense against a dedicated attack. With its low gunnels and open deck, there is very little protection from such assaults, forcing either surrender or melee combat.

Nickname

Hivebarge, Beeboat

Manufacturer

County of Touraine (+)

Rarity

Common

Beam

5.05 m

Length

38.5 m

Speed

Very Slow. A popular saying is that the Peniche will not move forward when laden and moves backwards when unladen.

Complement / Crew

1 - 5

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

350 Ton