Batahus

All you really need to know about the Vildr can be gleamed from a single look at one of their... humble... abodes. Though they're often short and not much to look at from the outside, they're durable, suited to the terrible weather on these blasted islands and a clear example of the resourcefulness of the people. Early settlers used their vessels for shelter, and to this day the practice remains common. Just wait til we get to Augrfjell if you want to see what these folks can turn a truly impressive ship into.

-Barstow Cockburn, Hill Dwarf adventurer

Purpose / Function

Vildr Batahus function much the same as typical houses in most cultures, though the so-called Boat Houses are particularly useful for sheltering inhabitants from the harsh weather conditions that are common in the Kaldrold Archipelago. Families are built here, as many expecting mothers that don't make it to a temple of the Blooming Rose in time are likely to welcome their child into the world from the relative comfort of their own home, and a typical Batahus sees many a hot meal, hours of rest and youthful play in it's lifetime.

Alterations

Early Batahus were literally created with the use of early settlers boats, often being propped up with oars as temporary shelter whenever a party would land at shore at make camp. When the time came to make more permanent lodgings, the Batahus evolved further, becoming a more solid structure of rock, though boats would still be used to cover their openings when large enough.

Architecture

A typical Batahus is made of rough-hewn stones piled upon each other to form walls. A clay mixture is used to keep the stones together, and the inside is lined with material, most commonly woven straw (though linen is used in more wealthy households), to keep the interior warm. The same material is often used to cover the stone floor as well, though woolen rugs or animal furs are also used where possible. The Batahus has gone through a number of evolutions over the years, and it's as common to see a boat shaped roof made of woven straw as it is to see one that was once a boat, though the more important buildings in Vildr society are often made from noteworthy ships (see the Archive in Augrfjell)

Alternative Names

Boat House

Type

House