Barge End

== Overview ==
A merchant stop near the end of the Strait's chain of islands, hiding in the shade of the Chelonii Atoll's coral wall. The town of Barge End floats on the water, composed of hundreds of retired ships that are chained together and anchored in place. 
A beautiful mix of pirate flags, Rumidian colours, and other symbols from all the free seas flap in the wind above Barge End, strung between the few masts that have been left on some of the ships. Though it's past its prime now, in its heyday, many would make a special trip to the town towards the end of their ship's life.
Like all the stops on the Strait, Barge End is famous for a few particular products. The kelp forests that grow on the seabed below the town is renowned for its flavour, preservative properties, and versatility. Many types of fish also thrive among the seaweed, making fishing both an enjoyable pastime for the locals, and often a fairly easy way for them to turn a profit during the merchant season. 
== History ==
Hundreds of years ago, a collection of sailors realised their ships were approaching the end of their lives. Being followers of the Old Ways, rather than consigning their ships to the cold sea floor, they decided to take what money they'd made on their travels and make Barge End, a community where their ships could stay afloat and they could stay with them. Word got out, and others starting heading to the small settlement above the waves. Some people just dropped off their ailing vessels and left them. Some stayed on Barge End themselves. But all the boats were strung together and anchored in place, and the little community eventually grew into a full town made up of boats from all across the world. 
People's attitude to the sea and their ships changed with the passing of time, and eventually the practice of travelling to Barge End to retire a ship was all but forgotten in the world. It's a rare crew now that brings an old ship to expand the floating town. Barge End survives now thanks to its abundant seaweed forests that the locals nurture. While it might not be as glamorous a product as Bisquay's many wines, it brings enough traders to keep the place afloat. The community that live in the town has changed as a result. Many younger folk left, and Reefbeards proved to be particularly good at kelp farming, the dwarves naturally being hardy enough to hold their breath for great lengths of time, such that they now outnumber any other race two-to-one. Category:The Merchant Strait