Why do dwarves chop down trees?

[Infiniti2000]

Durkon aside, why would a dwarven settlement go somewhat far afield to chop down a bunch of trees? What uses would dwarves have for a lot of wood, such that they would risk war with the elves inhabiting that forest?

I have several ideas already in mind, but do not want to cloud any other creativity and I'm willing and able to get new ideas on this. I asked about dwarven lumberjacks in another forum, with the expectation that players might encounter them. The players didn't engage them at that time, but are choosing to do so now. Since this is a semi-sandbox campaign, now's when I need to start fleshing out the reasons for them chopping down trees!

 

[Ahnehnois]

Dwarves like fires. Gotta burn something.

It is possible that dwarves do something analagous to strip mining and simply need to clear trees away so they can dig for metals and gems. If there's risk of angering natives, the riches beneath could be very valuable (diamonds, adamantite, etc.).

Some nefarious entity could be influencing the dwarven leadership in a purposeful attempt to incite violence (or the dwarves are just being mean); maybe the wood isn't even that important.

Maybe something is forcing the dwarves to the surface so they're clearing space/constructing a fort.

Maybe the dwarves are near the sea and they're building ships for some reason (or contracted to build ships; dwarves are great craftsmen but not sailors).

 

[Pbartender]

Charcoal for forges, in regions that don't have nearby coal mines.

 

[Infiniti2000]

Charcoal...didn't even think of that! That fits in nicely with almost every other idea I have.

Building ships...another good one. In my case, though, it'll be air ships.

 

[Sunking]

Easy trees look down on dwarfs and evrything that looks down on a dwarf will be cut down

 

[Turtlejay]

Charcoal is about the best answer, but I still have a contribution. . .

The ancient enemy of the dwarves live in or around trees, and the clear cutting is a scorched earth policy intended to drive them out. This doesn't have to be elves, it could be fairies or lemurs.

Jay

 

[Animal]

why dwarves need wood? haven't you played Dwarven Fortress?
on a more serious note, wood is a commonly used resource. you use it for furniture, certain crafts and tools, doors (yes you don't make all that of metal even if you're a dwarf - it's much more expensive and time consuming). plus just imagine how much wood you need for mining - timbering walls, carts, handles for picks, etc. you could probably use other materials, but wood is way cheaper and lighter.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Not only would an all metal hammer be heavy and expensive, it would conduct heat like nobody's business- not so good for the blacksmith.

 

[Relique du Madde]

Rail spacers for their mine carts and reinforcement beams for their tunnels.

 

[kyrand]

Two words: Axe Handles.