Bargee

Bargee is the title given to those who steer the barges down the rivers and canals of the Empire of Dercia.   A Bargee is a river-faring tradesman who operates or works aboard barges that sail on the riverways of the Empire. They play a vital role in commerce, carrying everything from grain and fish to exotic dyes and even soldiers. A Bargee belongs to the commoners, but due to their lifestyle, they are well-travelled and knowledgeable of the area around the rivers, often more than many of their landbound counterparts.  

“Bargee gold is wet twice: once in sweat, once in riverwater.”

-Old Bargee saying.

In major cities, such as Pearlhal or Emitlestar the Bargees might be viewed as coarse people, but they are respected by many due tot their knowledge of the rivers and their role in bringing news from all over the Empire.   A Bargee is typically a very spirituel person who, before embarking, will make small offerings by casting oil, wine or bread crusts into the river while saying a small prayer to their patron deity.   In stories, they might appear as both heroes and tricksters.  

The River Doesn’t Wait

- Old bargee philosoplhy.

  Some bargees believe that the rivers they travel on are alive, or at least the domains of old gods. They will whisper to the river and leave it offerings, believing that treachery, cruelty, or arrogance conducted on the river will always find its way back to them.