Sudland Riverboat

On the Dragon's Eye River between Southport and Daskar, and on other rivers of Sudland, the Bridge Keepers and Ferrymen's Guild operate riverboats that carry cargo, trade goods, and passengers.
Most all of the cargo and trade goods carried between Daskar and Southport is carried by the riverboats. At any time, there are hundreds of riverboats being pulled up the Dragon's Eye River from Southport and floating down the river from Daskar. The riverboats are pulled upstream by ropes hitched to ox or mule teams walking along a towpath running alongside the Dragon's Eye River next to the Dragon River Road.
At Handali, the towpath from Southport ends, and the ox and mule teams are changed for fresh teams that pull the boats upstream to Capitol Ferry. From there, they are rowed or sail across Daskar Lok to the docks at Eastport, Middleton, or Westport in Daskar.
At Handali, the boats must cross the mouth of the Handali River where it flows into the Dragon's Eye River. A series of rope pulleys have been set up there to tow the boats past the Handali River. After the crossing, another towpath proceeds from Handali to Capitol Ferry, so the river boats are hitched to new ox or mule teams to pull them north.
Riverboats are long and low, with a shallow draft. They are usually not very wide, so that they can maneuver in shallow waters along river banks, pass under bridges easily, and be rowed when they are not being towed. They are constructed with seats and oar stations for oarsmen, and they usually have flat bottoms with fairly high, straight sides to improve stability and cargo capacity. This makes them look somewhat like barges, but the pointed prow and rowing stations differentiates them. Some of the larger riverboats are fitted with a simple mast and sails, so they can be sailed across Daskar Lok.

Propulsion

The riverboats of Sudland are usually propelled by oars; however, on some rivers, such as the Dragon's Eye River between Southport and Daskar, the riverboats are towed by ox or mule teams from a towpath running along the riverbank next to the Dragon River Road. Some larger riverboats are outfitted with a mast and sails.

Manufacturer

Bridge Keepers and Ferrymen's Guild

Owning Organization

Bridge Keepers and Ferrymen's Guild

Rarity

Riverboats are common in Sudland

Length

Variable, but typically from 25 feet (7.5 meters) to 60 feet (18 meters)

Complement / Crew

Usually from 4 to 8, a master, a deckhand or quartermaster, and oarsmen

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

Varies, but up to 20 passengers and several tons (tonnes) of cargo