The Red Drum
Here my drum, see my wares, here are drinks for all to share.The Red Drum was commissioned by Velke Storr and built in the city of Delavnica after winning the architectural plans in a card game. Designed by none other than the famed gnome designer and inventor, Riley Roo Redrunner. Velke saw an opportunity to have his own trading barge that could navigate the dangerous, spring flooded and icy river to Mirno Mar earlier than the others could. Being able to get to the city and back before others could even leave gave Velke a huge advantage, choosing the most profitable wares to trade and having his pick of those to bring back. As Velke approached the city he would bang on his specially designed steel drum to alert the people that he was arriving. When the people heard his drums and finally saw his red barge laden down with trade goods, they all flocked to the docks to see what new items he was bringing them. Upon tying up at dock he would always offer the gathered adults free honey mead and maple sugar candy for the children. Always a joyous occasion. He would then read off a list of his special cargo and display a list of his wares on the dock. Deals would commence on the following day, after everyone could get a chance to gather their own trade goods.
Description
This rather unusual barge is made from a low density wood encased in thin sheets of steel. It is a wide, flat bottomed boat that rests upon four spring cushioned, hollow pontoons that lift it out of the water. One third of the way back from the bow is a small open wheelhouse with a canvas top. From here the captain can steer the ship and beat on the steel drum that was installed to announce his arrival. Along both the port and starboard sides are four fixed seats with pedal wheels that the gnomes use to power the barge. Most of the mechanical workings are housed below deck. At the rear of the ship are three large cages that house the fan blades used to propel the barge. The pointed bow is encased in strong ice breaking steel. Surrounding the available perimeter of the barge are benches and seating for any additional passengers and below deck are where many of the trade goods are kept. They can be accessed by removing several sections of the decking floor. The entire barge has been painted red so that it can be purposefully be seen from far away.Power Generation
The source of power used to run the barge comes from a complex set of interconnected gears, tracks, belts, and chains attaching pedal wheels to the three large fan blades. Eight gnomes sit in chairs behind the pedal wheels and use there feet to pedal and turn the gears. The forward two gnome on each side power the smaller, side fan blades at the rear of the barge and the remaining four gnomes power the larger, central fan also at the rear of the barge.
Additionally, a small amount of the power that is produced, is sent to a battery system of interconnected crystals that store the energy for future use.
Propulsion
The barge is propelled by three large fan blades that push the air through them and move the barge forward across the waters surface. In times of emergency, the battery of crystals can discharge their stored energy and propel the barge for a short time.
Weapons & Armament
There are no permanently affixed weapons on the barge.
Armor and defense
The hull and decking of the barge is made of wood with steel sheeting covering it.
Communication Tools & Systems
The only way to communicate from the barge, besides shouting, is with coded drum beats from the captain's steel drum.
Additional & auxiliary systems
An old mast and sail can be taken from storage and deployed in times of emergencies.
Hangars & docked vessels
Two very small skiffs are tied to the aft deck.
"Is that thunder?" "No the sky is finally clear." "Is it the DRUMMER? Can you see any red upriver?" "I DO! He's finally here! Let's tell Ma." "Wait! You tell Ma. I'll grab your trade stones and run out there. I'll save you a good spot on the dock."
Owner: Velke Storr
Nickname
Often just called "The Drummer" by the children.
Motto
Come one, come all. Everyone can trade. Even the tall and the small.
Rarity
This is a unique one of a kind vehicle.
Beam
15 feet wide.
Length
30 feet in length.
Height
12 feet tall in total.
Speed
Variable, but not very fast.
Complement / Crew
This barge is driven by one captain and powered by eight gnomes.
Cargo & Passenger Capacity
There is about 1,500 square feet of cargo storage below deck and a maximum capacity of 22 passengers above deck.
"Eh Captain, giving away alcohol and candy doesn't sound like a profitable venture." "Oh, but it is my dear friend. It brings a smile to their hardened faces and opens their minds to the wonders that I've brought them." "That's it? Smiles?" "Well, it opens their coin purses too."
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