The Architecture of Fal’Addas is not constructed nor built, instead the buildings themselves were sung and grown into place over the course of centuries.
Long ago the elves developed a magic that allowed them to quite literally ‘sing’ the trees into a desired shape, this was how most of Fal’Addas came Into being and how it is expanded today. This method of construction, if it can be called that, has given the city a rather unique appearance. Instead of standing out and apart from the forest around it Fal’Addas itself blends I to the grove. Many of the buildings are connected to massive roots or huge tree trunks and most of the walkways within the city are in fact branches from the trees themselves. Everything within the city is connected, all linking to the single largest tree within Falwood; Fal'Addareth.
The way that Fal’Addas is built is a reflection of the Elven belief system. Everything is connected and roots back to nature. The city itself has no impact on the forest around it, and hundreds of trees grow around and throughout the city itself. The elves have blended their society seamlessly into their environment, and when one walks through the city it is as though they are walking through the forest itself.
Birds, mammals, and even some of the more peaceful reptiles of Falwood can often be seen wandering or settling somewhere within Fal’wood. The entire city scream of peace.
Uniquely, despite the outward appearance of sung wood, the inside of the buildings within Fal’Addas are as regal as the greatest halls of
Alliria. Within the great tree of Fal'Addareth the halls are stunningly luxurious, the sung wood grander than any that Humans or Dwarves could ever hope to produce. The magics of the elves run strongly through these buildings, and when walking inside even the most common Inn it is difficult not to be overwhelmed by the wondrous craftsmanship that can be found in almost every single corner.
The Gates – Though not a walled city, Fal’Addas is ringed by hundreds, if not thousands of massive trees. This makes it nearly impossible to enter the city without first knowing the proper path. Most Elves know half a dozen different ways into the settlement, but outsiders rarely even know one.
For those coming to visit Fal’Addas there is a convenient road through Falwood which leads directly to the main entrance. The Gates of Fal’Addas have no doors, instead it is an open space between two gigantic wooden statues. These sculptures are a supposed depiction of the founders of Fal’Addas, the first tree singers. It is said that any who mean the city harm will be unable to set foot through the gate, a fact that has been proven to be true again and again.
Powerful magics ward the entryway into Fal’Addas, a measure that was put into place centuries ago and is renewed nearly every year. The Elves ensure at all times that their city remains safe and protected, and the Gates are one of the best ways for them to do this.
The Commons – Though Fal’Addas is mainly populated by Elves the residents have long since come to understand that their city was not originally designed for other species. Ever the pragmatists, the elders decided that they would dedicate an area of Fal’Addas specifically for those of another species that would come to visit.
This section of the city was sung into being nearly a thousand years ago, but is quite easily the newest part of the settlement. Buildings within the Commons resemble those of other species far more. Instead of being inside a tree or a part of the roots they appear to be houses grown out of the ground itself. The insides are warmly lit and decorated with well crafted furniture. Every part of the Commons is neat and orderly, set exactly in the right way with nothing where it's not supposed to be.
For most who come and visit Fal’Addas the Commons become a home away from home. Many compliment their hosts on just how comfortable the Commons are, and how much care the Elves have taken to ensure that their guests feel at home.
Fal'Addareth – At the very center of the city lies Fal'Addareth, a large, branching tree that dominates both the horizon and the cityscape of Fal’Addas. It can be seen from anywhere in the settlement, and it is thought that every building, every part of the city is linked back to the roots of the great tree itself. For the Elves and Fal'Addas, the tree is the center of it all. For millennia it has served as the nexus of the Elven government, knowledge, and as a formidable fortress.
The
legends around Fal'Addareth tell that the first Elf was born between the roots of the great tree, brought into existence by the will of nature itself. This of course may not be true, but it is the origin of the great importance of the tree to the Elven people. Even without this story one can tell at a glance why the tree is so sacred. Fal'Addareth stands several dozen stories tall, its bark is as thick as the largest stone, and between its branches nestle Elven homes, meeting halls, and memorials that have been there for more than an age. The significance of the tree cannot be understated, both to the elves and to Fal’Addas itself. Within the halls of the great tree one can find mysteries that even the Elves themselves have forgotten about.
More than once during the great wars of Arethil the city and Fal'Addareth have been threatened. Each time however the Elves managed to hold fast in the great tree, using it as a powerful stronghold and bastion to fight off the invading forces.
For most Elves Fal'Addareth is a landmark of their species. It is something to be treasured and looked after. When it is spoken of in conversation it is always with a sense of great pride and joy. Most Elves would willingly lay down their lives for Fal'Addareth.
Fal'Tiereth – The only stone structure in all of Fal’Addas is Fal'Tiereth. A huge stone obelisk that stands directly before the main gate of the city itself.
Standing at nearly ten stories tall the obelisk towers over anyone that walks besides it. Hewn from a single grand stone, Fal'Tiereth is inscribed with thousands upon thousands of names, each that of an elf that has died in defending their species. These names decorate all sides of the obelisk, carefully carved with golden letters that seem to emit a soft glow when exposed to the right light. The names reach nearly halfway up the side of the obelisk, a mark to how many have sacrificed themselves through
the ages.
Only those who die in the service of their people may be inscribed upon Fal'Tiereth, and it is an extreme honor to be placed upon the obelisk. Those who distinguish themselves in particular have their names carved in black, the writing standing out among the gold.