Water Transport

The barge system of Seregon is a vital part of the city's infrastructure, providing a fast, discreet, and efficient way to travel through its winding canals and cross its mighty rivers. Operated by the Bargemasters Guild, these flat-bottomed vessels serve as both public transport and private hire, offering passengers a means to navigate the city without the congestion of street traffic.

Overview of the Barge System

Primary Mode of Transport: The barges are the fastest way to move through Seregon’s districts, avoiding the crowded roads and bustling marketplaces. The canals interconnect all major districts of the city, and the barges are capable of crossing the wide Lula River through a clever system of downstream transitions.Dinosaurs as Pullers: The barges are pulled by trained dinosaurs that walk along designated footpaths beside the canals. These mighty beasts, usually large herbivores like hadrosaurs or ankylosaurs, are strong enough to move the fully loaded barges with ease. They are calm, reliable animals, handled by expert bargemasters who have worked with them for years.
Barge Routes and Districts: The barges travel throughout all the major districts of Seregon, providing a cheap and efficient method for city residents and visitors alike to get from one area to another. Whether you need to reach the trade-heavy Docks District, the bustling Market Ward, or the prestigious halls of the Civic Quarter, the canals serve as an alternative roadway. Each district has designated boarding docks where barges can be hailed, and fares are collected at the time of boarding.
Fares: Travel on the barges is affordable, making them accessible to most citizens. A trip to any district costs one silver piece per person, referred to as a "shroomie" in local slang. However, for those seeking privacy or protection from the weather, an extra fee applies. A gold piece per person will have the bargemaster raise the canopy, a large fabric cover that shields passengers from rain and prying eyes. The privacy option is popular among merchants conducting secret deals, nobles seeking discretion, and even criminals evading attention.
Confidentiality: The bargemasters' discretion is legendary. Whether transporting someone of importance or a shady individual looking to keep their journey secret, the pilots are trusted to ask no questions and reveal no information. This air of confidentiality has allowed the barge system to become a key resource for people across the social spectrum—from merchants and nobles to thieves and informants.

Crime and the Bargemasters Guild

Despite their essential role in the city's functioning, the Bargemasters Guild is widely believed to be involved in various criminal enterprises. This suspicion is reinforced by the Iron Guard's apparent reluctance to patrol the canals or interfere with the guild's operations, leading many to consider the waterways as outside the law.

Smuggling: The barges are often used for smuggling illicit goods, ranging from black-market firearms and dangerous magical artifacts to banned narcotics like Black Lotus. The guild's deep connections within the underworld help mask these operations, and the waterways are perfect for slipping contraband in and out of the city unnoticed.
Protection Rackets: The Bargemasters Guild runs a protection racket along the canals. Any merchant wishing to move their goods without trouble must pay the guild a fee for safe passage. Those who refuse might find their shipments sabotaged or mysteriously delayed. This practice gives the guild significant control over the flow of trade through Seregon.
Human Trafficking and Secret Holds: There are darker whispers about the guild being involved in human trafficking, using hidden compartments aboard the barges to move captives or slaves. Though such claims are difficult to prove, the guild’s connection to criminal syndicates like the Crimson Slavers makes the rumors plausible.

Barge Pilots and Their Role

Each barge is helmed by a barge pilot, all of whom are members of the Bargemasters Guild. These pilots are more than just navigators of the canals; they are trusted figures in the city's underbelly, known for their discretion and vast knowledge of Seregon's inner workings. Their influence often extends far beyond the barges, as they have their ears to the ground in nearly every district, overhearing secrets, illicit deals, and political maneuverings.

Nicknames: Each barge pilot is known by a nickname, reflecting their personality or reputation. Pilots such as "Snakeskin" Vilmar or "Copper" Gerta are known throughout the city for their reliability and the air of mystery that surrounds them.
Knowledge of the City: Pilots are highly knowledgeable about the city’s layout and can often recommend hidden places, secret paths, or suggest the best taverns, brothels, or black-market dealers. They often know as much as, if not more than, the Walraven Consortium Guide to Modern Day Seregon.

Travel Experience

Passengers boarding a barge will often find a relaxed, yet slightly tense atmosphere. With room for up to 10 passengers on the back of the barge, seating is simple but comfortable, and the journey is smooth as the dinosaur puller walks beside the canal. For those who pay for the privacy canopy, a sense of seclusion envelops the rear of the barge, blocking out curious eyes and the weather. Bargemasters are often quiet or chatty depending on their mood or the tone of their passengers, but in either case, discretion is always guaranteed.

Crossing the Lula River

One of the most remarkable features of the barge system is the ability to cross the Lula River. The barges are fitted with special rigs that allow them to connect to waiting dinosaurs on the other side of the river. Once the barge reaches the riverbank, a quick switch is made to the downstream puller, ensuring that passengers can continue their journey without delay. This crossing system is efficient and coordinated, showcasing the guild's mastery over the city's waterways.