Maybe, of the various Aenean subcultures, the Riverfolks' sounds most attractive although, if I were travelling along the Flone, I would want a communication link with the University.
"'The river flows, flows, flows.... Here is peace.'" (11, p. 167)
The Kuang Shih, Riverfolk, transport goods and (unhurried) passengers, Flone fish, flesh and fibre and handicrafts, receiving industrial products and energy in return. The Jade Gate is accompanied by a tug-drawn, freight-bearing barge, net-spreading trawlers and river pig herders in kayaks helped by an osel. Beyond Cold Landing, the river becomes too fast for the herds. A few crewfolk keep them in a lake, the Green Bowl, where they:
"...fatten on water plants and molluscoids." (12, p. 167)
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I do wonder, however, because of Stirling's comments, how workable would be the culture of the River folk. Wouldn't the advanced technology of the Empire have made their way of life uneconomical?
Well, barging of bulk goods might still be practical. We still use railroads for shipping bulk goods like that.
Ad astra! Sean
We also barge bulk goods on rivers. However the people doing it are not a separate ethnicity.
The antigrav would replace barging & rail for bulk goods movement IF it takes no more energy. If hovering with antigrav takes power but less than a helicopter it will replace aircraft but not rail & water transport for bulk goods.
Kaor, Jim!
I forgot about how large, deep rivers are still used for barging in bulk goods.
I like that idea, using antigrav for shipping/transportation, if and when it becomes practical.
Ad astra! Sean
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