Windgate
The buildings, which were once the homes of the town's residents, now stand empty and abandoned. The wooden structures, once painted in bright colors, now show signs of wear and tear, with peeling paint and broken windows. The roofs of the buildings are sagging, and the wood is rotting away, creating a sense of decay and neglect.
In the center of town, there is a large, open square, which was once the heart of the community. The square is now overgrown with weeds and vines, and the once-pristine cobblestone paths are cracked and broken. The central fountain, which was once a source of pride for the townspeople, is now dry and cracked, with no water flowing through it.
As the adventurers explore the town, they come across the Grand Mill, which was once the center of the town's logging and milling industry. The mill, which was once a bustling hub of activity, now stands silent and still. The roof is sagging, and the wooden walls are rotting away, leaving gaping holes where the planks have fallen away. The mill pond, which once powered the mill, is choked with weeds and algae, and the water has turned stagnant.
Nature has started reclaiming the town, with vines and trees growing up through the broken cobblestones and weeds sprouting up through the cracks in the buildings. The once-manicured lawns are now wild and overgrown, and the trees that once provided shade for the town's residents have grown taller and thicker, blocking out the sun and creating a sense of foreboding.
Overall, the town of Windgate is a shadow of its former self, a place of decay and neglect, where nature is slowly reclaiming the land. The buildings stand empty and abandoned, the central square is overgrown with weeds, and the Grand Mill, once the heart of the town's industry, now stands silent and still.
Districts
Windgate was founded in 4620 by a group of trappers and loggers and craftsmen who had grown tired of the hustle and bustle of city life in Grimgate. They were attracted to the peaceful valley, with its abundance of natural resources, and set about building a community that would be self-sufficient and sustainable.
Over the years, Windgate grew into a thriving community of roughly 2500 residents, with a bustling economy based on the logging and milling industries. The town prospered, with new homes, shops, and public buildings springing up to meet the needs of the growing population. The town was also known for its annual festivals, which attracted visitors from far and wide and helped to boost the local economy.
However, things took a dark turn in Windgate when one day, all of the townspeople disappeared without a trace. No one knows what happened to them or why they suddenly vanished, leaving behind empty homes, fields, and workshops. The only sign of life was the wind rustling through the trees and the occasional call of a distant bird.
Rumors and legends abound about what happened to the people of Windgate. Some say they were taken by a powerful curse or a malevolent force that still lingers in the town. Others believe that they simply left in search of a better life, abandoning their homes and belongings in the process.
Whatever the truth may be, Windgate remains a ghost town to this day, with empty buildings and overgrown streets as a silent testament to the mystery of its vanished inhabitants.
Architecture
The buildings of Windgate now stand abandoned, their wooden frames warped and twisted by the passage of time. The once pristine white-washed walls have faded and peeled, exposing the dark wood beneath. The windows, now broken and shattered, are boarded up with rough-hewn planks that have been nailed into place. The doors hang off their hinges or have been removed altogether, allowing the wind and rain to blow freely through the deserted rooms.
The streets of Windgate, once bustling with activity, are now overgrown with weeds and grass. The cobblestone roads, once carefully maintained, are now cracked and pitted, with small saplings growing up through the gaps. The central square, once a hub of activity and commerce, now lies empty, its fountain dry and its benches rotted away. The Grand Mill, once the pride of the town, stands silent and still, its massive waterwheel now motionless.
Despite the decay and disrepair, there is still a sense of eerie beauty to Windgate. The ivy and vines that creep up the sides of the buildings and wind around the wrought-iron railings of balconies and windows give the town an almost romantic air. The sunsets, with their warm hues of orange, pink, and purple, cast an otherworldly glow over the town, as if it were a place lost in time.
Overall, Windgate is a town frozen in a moment, a hauntingly beautiful reminder of a time and place that no longer exists.
Geography
Windgate is nestled in a small valley at the edge of the Verdantwood Forest, with the Shadflow River running alongside the town. The valley is surrounded by rolling hills and gentle slopes, covered in thick foliage and tall trees. The river itself is wide and slow-moving, with banks that are rocky and sandy in places, and lined with tall grasses and wildflowers in others.
To the north of Windgate, the hills gradually give way to the high plains along the eastern side of the Cragspire mountains with their peaks shrouded in mist and snow. To the south, the valley opens up into a broad plain, dotted with small farms and homesteads. To the east and North, the forest stretches out as far as the eye can see, filled with ancient trees, hidden streams, and all manner of wildlife.
Despite the town's current state of abandonment, the natural beauty of the valley remains largely intact, with the verdant forest and shimmering river providing a picturesque backdrop to the ruined buildings and empty streets of Windgate.
Natural Resources
Windgate's natural resources are primarily focused on the surrounding forests and rivers. The forests around the town are rich in timber, providing an abundance of wood for construction, furniture-making, and fuel. The river is also a source of freshwater fish, which are a staple in the local diet and can be sold or traded to neighboring towns.
The hills and plains surrounding the town are also suitable for farming, with crops such as wheat, corn, and vegetables growing well in the fertile soil. Additionally, the hills and forests are home to a variety of game, such as deer and wild boar, providing a source of meat for the town.
Overall, Windgate's natural resources provide a diverse range of opportunities for trade, commerce, and sustenance, making it a valuable location for those who seek to live off the land.
RUINED SETTLEMENT
4744 AoU
Founding Date
4532 AoU
Type
Town
Population
0
Inhabitant Demonym
Windgatians
Owning Organization
