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It is interesting
that one of the least understood materials in
Anduruna is also one of the most prevalently used.
Nobody knows where flo-wood originates, or even
how to create more. Flo-wood seeds must be laboriously
mined from the shifting dune sea, where prevailing
ocean currents deposit the floating pods. Where
those seeds come from is a puzzle that eludes
explanation to this day. Better understood are
their convenient properties:
Flo-wood does not need dirt, water, leaves, or
any type of fertilizer to flourish - only light.
Several hours spent exposing all sides of the
seed to daylight will trigger vigorous growth.
When placed within a framework, it will flow as
guided. A single seed of flo-wood can be shaped
into nearly anything. Although each seed can only
produce several thousand pounds of wood, multiple
seeds will seamlessly meld together on a single
frame. The wood excels beyond conventional wood
for resilience and smoothness, making it a veritable
miracle material for construction.
After flo-wood has been in a static shape for
several weeks, it will retain that shape permanently.
Even if the wood is cut or gouged, it will re-grow
the damaged area given enough time. The life force
in flo-wood never ebbs or dies, giving it unending
regenerative abilities. Only specially formulated
chemicals or fire can permanently damage or destroy
flo-wood. Nobody knows how this ‘life essence’
functions: and nobody knows how to make flo-wood
produce seeds.
Light-activated and left alone, flo-wood does
not grow roots, branches, or leaves. It expands
in a perfect, solid sphere that will reach 20-40
feet in diameter. Sawing the sphere open reveals
no secret cache of seeds - just solid wood.
From the prehistoric Sky Road wall to the recent
innovation of telepads, flo-wood is an enduring
part of Anduruna - and an enduring mystery.
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