Map of the village of Wittgendorf
Wittgendorf is an Imperial village located in the Reikland that lies on the west bank of the River Reik, about a mile from Castle Wittgenstein. It was once thriving, but the arrival of the warpstone-spawned "warp storm" that rained down upon the castle as a result of the foul experiments of its ruling Lady Magritte brought a dramatic decline in its fortunes.[1a]
The village's wharf is rarely used these days, as river traffic avoids the village and castle. Road traffic is almost non existent, and anyone travelling from Kemperbad to Nuln either goes by river or uses the road on the eastern bank.[1a]
History[]
Two years ago, a terrible and unnatural storm raged over Castle Wittgenstein. There was no rain: just a howling wind, and lightning flashes leaped from the castle to the sky. This was followed by a week of "black rain."[1a]
From that time on, the few crops that still grew became twisted and discoloured. The grass and trees became warped and sickly, and the animals and people began to develop mutations. There were reports of two-headed cattle, green-coloured sheep, and all manner of diseases among the peasants.[1a]
Though the villagers do not know it, this was a "warp storm," a storm tainted by the power of warpstone, the result of Lady Margritte's experiments with her ancestor's supply of that magical material. While this event might have given others pause, the widespread effects of the storm only heightened the noble's certainty that this fell material was a sure path to sorcerous power.[1a]
Although it is still inhabited, Wittgendorf has the appearance of a ghost town. The streets are choked with debris and rank vegetation, and many of the buildings are in ruins. Half-starved dogs (and some emaciated people) roam the streets looking for food, frequently attacking each other in a ravenous madness.[1a]
The current population comprises some 30 beggars, with about the same number of brow-beaten peasants and farm workers, plus a dozen or so degenerates who have taken to cannibalism. This last group has its lair at the abandoned temple of Sigmar.[1a]
The rest of the population of the village either fled or formed a band of outlaws in the woods, while other unfortunates were carried off to the castle for Lady Margritte's insane experiments. All of the remaining villagers live in fear of the castle and its inhabitants, with the sole exception of the village physician, Jean Rousseaux.[1a]
The locals are wary of strangers, fearing that outsiders may bring the wrath of the Wittgensteins down upon them. Most of the villagers know of the outlaws in the forest, and many are sympathetic to their cause, but they will not tell outsiders about them until they have proven themselves worthy of aid.[1a]
If asked about the castle and its inhabitants, the remaining villagers will warn any outsiders to stay away for their own good, and for the good of the village, with arguments along the lines of: "Leave us be, if you've any decency. Things are bad enough, and you'll only make them worse."[1a]