Virre Voyager

The nimble but bulky river barge that travels up and down the Virre River, moving goods between Teller Town and Lake Meralde. Moving downstream, it brings gems, furs, goat cheese, dyes, dried mushrooms and other forest and mountain resources. Moving upstream, it brings trade goods from other lands, although rarely, plus grains, vegetables both in season and dried, and items manufactured in the town.
Other barges and river boats travel the Virre , but the Voyager is the only one to make the long and difficult passage clear to Lake Meralde. As such it is a welcome site to the inhabitants of Spinify Village who make the half-day walk down to the lake. The few individuals who live near the lake also appreciate its arrival.
This is a very versatile craft, with two removable masts that could be lashed to the top of the small cabin/wheelhouse area. The masts and sails were used in the early parts of the voyage upriver when the ocean winds were favorable. When the winds died and the long poles were brought the crew would bring out the long poles and begin the ardous process of walking from stem to stern over and over again, pushing the craft upriver.
While slow, progress was usually steady and during the summer and autumn the currents were such that it was possible to travel nearly as quickly as a walking man. Oars were also stowed on board, but could only be used when the river was wide enough.
The ship has a draft of about 3 feet with a retractable keel when the waters were most shallow and the sails were not in use.
People at both end of the VeeVee's voyage enjoy its arrival as it brings items for sale or trade that are not available otherwise.

Power Generation

None.

Propulsion

Sails, poles and oars on upstream voyages. River currents on downstream ones.

Weapons & Armament

None, save the weaponry of the persons on board.

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Nickname

VeeVee, Voyager

Beam

15 feet

Length

50 feet

Complement / Crew

Generally 6 people, the captain, the mate, and 4 crewmen

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

3-4 passengers if they are willing to work poling the barge.