Wurtbad is an Imperial city and the capital of the Grand Province of Stirland that rests at the terminus of the Old Dwarf Road, surrounded by the Great Forest. By far the largest town in Stirland, its whitewashed walls and buildings and its busy docks and markets tell of a prosperous trading town. By decree of the Elector Counts, all the wine produced in western Stirland must be sold through Wurtbad, earning the town the sobriquet of "the wine capital of the Empire". Traders come from all over the Empire and beyond to bid on next year's vintages, and the Vintner's Guild is an important political force.[1b]
The city is ruled by the Haupt-Anderssen family, in their capacities as Princes of Wurtbad. As they are also the Elector Counts, Wurtbad is a regional centre for government and diplomacy. Innkeeping is a respected art in Wurtbad, with the Golden Eagle Inn being a favourite of visiting dignitaries. The town is also famous for its several hot spring baths, and many of the wealthy come "to take the waters". Because the rich and powerful are often guests, spies and assassins regularly ply their trades here. The Count therefore maintains a vigilant secret police force to prevent embarrassing incidents.[1b]
Unlike the more prominent cities of the Empire, Wurtbad lacks a proper sewer system, leaving waste and sewage to accumulate in the gutters.[5a] Sewers extend only underneath the wealthier districts.[5b]
Even the Dwarfs of Zhufbar avoid Sylvania, preferring the road south to Schramleben and then through the Moot if they wish to travel to Wurtbad.[1d]
Notable Locations[]
Eagle Castle[]
A place of power, it's where the conference after Archaon defeat is held and, for the moment, the Electors of the southern provinces are gathering in Wurtbad prior to joining the Emperor’s court. Their purpose is to reach a common position regarding the fate of Ostland and the power balance between the Grand Provinces. With Ostland and Hochland ruined and Middenland sorely weakened, the Electors see an opportunity to increase their relative power.[1c]
City Hall[]
A large and imposing, if some what time-worn building[2]
Grossweg Bridge[]
A bridge over the River Stir.[1a]
The Golden Eagle Inn[]
A favourite inn of visiting nobles.[1b]
The Seven Candles Inn[]
One of the finest inns of the city.[4a]
Green Squirrel[]
Molly Scrumper a middle-aged Halfling from the Mootland have used the fortune she acquired to retire and buy an inn in Wurtbad, one of her favourite cities. With a mostly Halfling staff, the Green Squirrel has become famous for good service and good food. Although too “common” for the most elite visitors, many courtiers and diplomats stay here on visits. Though retired, this has enabled Molly to “keep her hand in a bit,” and thus she has set up an information-brokering ring for anyone with enough gold crowns to pay her price.[1b]
Temple of Myrmidia[]
During the first wars against the Vampire Counts of Sylvania, Tilean mercenaries flooded Wurtbad seeking employment. The Temple of Myrmidia was completed in 2011 IC as a place for the mercenaries to worship. The domed ceiling is painted with a famous fresco by Leonardo da Miragliano, the brilliant inventor and gifted artist. The fresco was Miragliano's last commissioned work before entering the Emperor's service.[3a]
The temple is poorly kept, and only a single priest maintains it. The columns are crumbling, and the walls are stained from weather. Few mercenaries visit Wurtbad these days, but the temple remains a historic landmark.[3a]
Sources[]
- 1 Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd Edition: Sigmar's Heirs (RPG)
- 2: Warhammer Quest (Video Game)
- 2: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd Edition: The Thousand Thrones (RPG)
- 3a: pg. 166
- 4: Mathias Thulmann: Witch Hunter (Novel) by C.L.Werner
- 4a: Chapter One
- 5: Mathias Thulmann: Witch Finder (Novel) by C.L.Werner
Gallery[]
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