Ox Barge

These large, flat bottomed vessels are made explicitly for hauling goods upriver, and people back downriver. They are shallow drafted, timber-built and able to haul from fifty to up to two-hundred tons at a time. They do this using an ancient technique combining teams of oxen, and polers to keep the barge off of the bank of the river. They hoist a small sail to help when the weather is fair for it, but for the most part it is the brute force of the teamsters that get the job done all day.

The barges will travel seven to ten miles per day, sometimes less, but the teamsters that run them know what they are doing, and handle each and every interruption with both practiced ease and a large sledgehammer.

Power Generation

The barges are drawn by teams of water-bred oxen.

Propulsion

The barges are drawn by swapped-out teams of water-bred oxen. The teamsters pay very special attention to their charges' feet to make sure there are no problems that could cause one of the the oxen to fall lame.

The teamsters' oxen draw the barge from the side of the river, using a special harness, while the bargemen use poles to keep the vessel off of the banks of the river. The entire process takes dedication and teamwork.

Weapons & Armament

The barges have no weapons, per se, unless they are custom mounted for some reason.

Armor and defense

There is no need for any armor on one of these "water mules". They are purpose-built for one job; hauling cargo. They are quite sturdy, in and of themselves, and can serve as cover if bandits start shooting at them or the like...but in general, the riverways are safe due to Kingdoms patrols.

Nickname

Plodding Paddy, Water Mule

Price

12,000 GP

Rarity

common

Width

~22'

Length

~55'

Height

8'-14'

Weight

14 tons

Speed

1-2 knots

Complement / Crew

3-6 bargemen, 4-8 teamsters

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

50-150 tons