Melo Boats

Written by invadersforever

The Melo are Dragonborn that live along the southern coast and in Gix Aria. They are fishers and divers who have utilized boats for centuries, possibly dating back to the The Draconic Empire.
There are two main types of Melo boats: reed, and wooden. The first Melo boats made were reed, and that remains the most common form. Wooden boats are rare and expensive, though they can be made larger and more durable.
Reed boats are made by bundling reeds tightly together with ropes. They take a lot of reeds to make, but reeds are abundant at the river delta where this boat style is thought to originate. Other materials were used as the Melo spread out from the river deltas. Reed boats are typically smaller, only accommodating one to two rowers and a handful of passengers and cargo. They are used primarily for transport of goods and people, though some use them for fishing. They are best for the rivers, as they aren't as stable in the oceans.
Wooden boats were initially made in a very similar way, in places where wood was more abundant. However, it was discovered that larger and more steady vessels could be made out of wood. Now, there is a market for these boats as the dragon blessed wish to travel further, dive deeper, and transport larger quantities of goods to and from Gix Aria. Wooden boats are made through special carving techniques that hook pieces of wood together. As the technology gets more advanced, those who can afford wooden boats also like to decorate them with Krigi Dyes.

Boat Making

The construction of reed boats has been a part of Melo culture as long as there has been a Melo culture. It isn't a job really, it's just something people do. Parents teach their children, and everyone knows how before they are adults. As more outsiders come to the Melo's lands, their Melo friends will often teach them boat making. 
By contrast, the ways of making wooden boats are heavily guarded secrets. Very few people know how to build them, and those people are all craftsmen or craftsman apprentices. The boats are extremely valuable, and craftsmen who build boats are well paid. 
There is a degree of skepticism towards the newer wooden boats within Melo society. Many don't feel as safe with a boat they can't repair. Several cite that the craftsmen get even richer from being the only ones who can fix the boats. Still, wooden boats allow for larger hauls of rarer, bigger fish. As the Melo people sustain a dragon that's in direct competition with Naerdras, wood boats are beginning to look like a necessity.

Propulsion

Both types of boats are propelled by rowing, though the bigger wooden boats sometimes have small linen sails. It takes roughly 1 to 6 rowers, depending on the size of the boat.

Nickname

Reed Boats, Bundle Boats, Barges

Rarity

Reed: very common; Wood: rare

Length

3 to 5 meters

Complement / Crew

1-5 people, depending on size

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

1-10 passengers, or cargo of similar weight