Could we learn alittle more about the Farfarus elves and Mogdir’s “living architecture”? What kind of trees do they typically use for their homes and how much of the structure is organic? Do they add more typical stone and woodwork to help add structure or aesthetic?
And if their homes are grown from living trees, what else could they make grow from them? Furniture? Tools? Weaponry?
Good questions! There is now a dedicated Faefaras elf article that answers some of this, but I will get into more detail here.
The original Faefaras seemed to prefer a tree called the "Arcadian oak" to grow into homes, because it is a very sturdy and resilient tree that is tolerant to growing in many different shapes.
There are a few different ways the Faefaras make homes out of these trees:
Method 1: Growing. They build a dome out of soil blocks and grow a tree on top of it. Over time, the tree's roots secure the soil blocks into place and create a sturdy structure. The family lives in the roots of the tree, partially underground. This liveable space can expand depending on how far the roots stretch out. The roots are what keeps the structure from caving in, so it's important to stay within their boundaries when digging expansions.
Method 2: Carving. They find an existing mature tree and carve cavities in it where they will live. This has to be done very carefully under the supervision of an expert, or else the tree can become sick or structurally unsound. Botanical spells are used to heal acute damage to the tree and strengthen the trunk as part of regular maintenance. If the tree is not taken care of by residents, it can die. The more cavities it has, the more care it needs to survive.
Method 3: Hanging. Instead of living directly in the tree, residents build houses out of sticks, mud, and straw, and hang them from the tree's branches like ornaments. Rope ladders, bridges, or levitation is necessary to get in and out.
In all of these cases, the Faefaras did not usually add stone or other materials to the structure of their living house. The idea was to make the tree healthy enough to support itself and shape its wood into additional walls if necessary using magic.
Botanical mages can force trees to grow in whatever shape they like. They also use this power for carpentry and weapon/armor forging.
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