Dwarfen Sapboats
These odd boats are mainly used by dwarf merchants to secretly move their goods up and down the tree, using the secret pathways known only to their kind. Sapboats are shaped like long acorns, with pointed oars that are used to pole and paddle along the xylem and phloem of the world. The exact method of their creation is a closely guarded secret.
Sapboats are generally used for quickly transporting small loads of valuable materials like metals, animal organs, or sensitive documents and messages. By using the vascular system of Arboreus itself, the dwarf crews can transport these risky materials with little risk of piracy, port interference, or worst of all- tolls and taxes.
When a dwarf crew goes rogue and turns to illegal trade, they make for perfect smuggling vessels, utilizing the secrecy of their make and methods of transport. This also makes them highly sought after for people on the run.
Propulsion
Sapboats mostly rely on the pull of Arboreus's currents pulling water up or down the trunk. However, when the boat needs to change directions or get unstuck, it is pushed along with stout poles that can be extended from portholes in the hull.
Armor and defense
When at port, the sapboats appear to be a skiff, with shallow bottoms and goods stacked high. But the secret of sapboats, and their true value, lies in the armored tops. When affixed, the canopy seals in place when the boat enters the vascular system of the world, forming an airtight ovoid hull. With the top in place, the humble sapboat becomes a toughened capsule. The hull of a sapboat is quite thick, about a foot of carefully waxed and smoothed wood, and strong enough to survive long drops where the secret rivers give out.
Width
about 20 feet
Length
30-50 feet
Height
about 20 feet
Complement / Crew
Up to 10 dwarfs
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