Who are the water barons?

[Ulrik]

Who are the water barons? I haven't really understood who they are in the game.

Also, the starting characters that say "Allows access to the farmer's markets", what difference does that make? I haven't experienced being excluded.. I think.

[Jon Gun]

I could be wrong, but I don't think they've really been implemented yet.

[Ashex [Fenris]]

I assume from what I've read from flavor text and things of that nature, something possibly from character creation info. Water Barons are people who are vastly more wealthy and powerful and hold positions as chiefs because of all the pure water they have access to. Since it's also used as a currency, they gain vast ammounts of wealth and power in the wastes, which is why the Gem-Encrusted weapon modification greatly increases the value of the weapon and gives you Faction Rep with the Water Barons.
But to my knowledge they exist in flavor and lore only - don't think there are any currently in the game.

[Syzy]

I think that they're kind of like the water traders in fallout, they're the dudes who have the means to produce and store vast amounts of water, and they also seem to be traveling traders.

[Mehukannu]

The wandering dromad merchants are possibly the only ones part of that faction right now.

[Ulrik]

dromads have their own faction though

[Stellar]

I don't think they're implemented as NPCs in the game. I have never met anyone who had faction or reputation connection with the Water Barons.

[Begbie]

The water baron faction and their features aren't in the game yet.