Gnome Mushroom House Construction - #InternationalGnomeWeek

One of the classic stereotypes of the gnome is that they all live in mushroom homes.  As we all know, gnomes are just as happy in a giant tree hollow, buried stone huts, or a house of modern construction. And mushrooms aren't the only living matter that they can nurture into a viable abode.  In fact most areas don't offer the environment to grow gargantuan stools capable of being hollowed out and inhabited. 

For the average gnome, a mushroom house is a sign of attainable status.  It does last slightly longer, with less maintenance than your average thatch or branch hovel, and some can hold multiple families with some sense of privacy. 

Certain mushrooms are picked for their alchemical reactions and are highly sought after. While certain types of fungus can be poisonous to other creatures, the average gnome has built up generations of tolerance to any toxins.

The construction of traditional gnome mushroom homes, and similar building materials, is usually the the sign a gnome or community has risen above abject subsistence poverty.  Mushroom houses are a result of noted Mycologist scholars, in direct competition with certain schools of surviving magic (the myconomancers), both using gnome alchemists to provide safe, sustainable, and sturdy construction materials.  

Mushroom houses require minimal maintenance, are well insulated, and, if the right breed is selected, can actually expand with the gnome's family.  

The main drawback, especially in this volatile period of gnomish history, is that the gnome homes are susceptible to small arms fire and explosions.    A simple artillery barrage can flatten a mushroom village.  Even the Germans consider utter destruction of the mushroom village to be a heinous act and to be avoided at all cost.

Mushroom homes are durable, but don't survive combat