Inspiration
 

A special no-prize contest!

The Recon team have just traversed a bend in the River and see this. What have they encountered?

https://tinyhouselistings.com/wp-con...ty-boats-3.jpg

Players on the boat/raft I assume...?

Looks to me like steam/cooling coming from the building.
Steam power?
Basic machinery in operation... Initial thought was industrial revolution level steam powered machinery perhaps.
Steam press, metal working/foundry?

The team is challenged by men in the floating toll booth. They will only lower the chains allowing passage if they surrender what amounts to 30% of good they can see. Failure to pay or threatening the men in the booth will result in the overwatch in the tower to begin firing upon the team. River pirates at their worst.

A shanty. Locals who live and survive on the river.

What is this?

What we have here is a couple of shanty boats; they are secured downstream from an industrial facility.

Why?

The fishing is very good here (thanks to the hot water from the factory).

Who owns the factory?

Ah, now that's where the Recon Team have to ask careful questions (and probably buy some fish)...

Are the people in the factory friendly?

Well, they regularly buy fish...