River Barge
The main form of mass transport across the Demon Realm, both of people and goods.
Demon river barges are wide, circular flat-bottomed boats made of metal with clay floors. Bouyancy chambers installed on the underside assist with keeping the heavy boats afloat, though they are built fairly wide to begin with.
To maintain flexibility - both in movement through tigher bends in the rivers and in case of an attacking causing irreparable damange - barges are connected by chains in segmented portions. Passenger barges are often positioned in the front, with barges for goods in the back. They often feature a covered central portion, with high walls around the surrounding deck portion.
Barges that make shorter trips typically have grass woven covers with metal supports, while those that make much longer trips have clay covered portions similar in style to the average demon home.
The smallest barge trains are usually three segments - the foremost segment being attached the the armored waterbirds pulling the barge and having only a woven cover to keep out the rain without hindering the steerman's view around them. This is often the segment used to prepare fish caught during the day. The segment behind is the crew quarters, and the third segment for passengers or cargo. Typically, crew members watch for threats or obstacles from the last segment in shifts. Beyond these three segments are typically more cargo or passenger segments.
Propulsion
River barges are pulled by Armored Waterbirds, usually in pairs. This makes them equally efficient at going both with and against the current - and the massive predators also deter most other aggressive fish.
Weapons & Armament
River barges are equipped with harpoon ballistas on the sides, largely in case of a wild waterbird attack. They are often helpful for dealing with other large aquatic animals.
Armor and defense
Metal makes up the ship, largely due to the wood scarcity in the Demon Realm and being strudier than reeds.
Communication Tools & Systems
Barges usually employ a bagpiper to communicate with other ships while on the rivers, and to signal their approach to familiar ports.
Additional & auxiliary systems
River barges often trawl fishing nets while moving - this cuts down on the rations needed for longer journies.
Rarity
Common
Length
1256ft² per segment
Complement / Crew
5-15
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