Neverwinter (city)

Brief History
The city of Neverwinter, founded in 87 DR, is also known as "the City of Skilled Hands" and "the Jewel of the North."

In the words of the famous mage Elminster, "Neverwinter is a friendly city of craftsmen, who trade extensively via the great merchants of Waterdeep; their water-clocks and multi-hued lamps can be found throughout the Realms. Neverwinter gained its name from the skill of its gardeners, who contrived to keep flowers blooming throughout the months of snow -- a practice they continue with pride" However, that is but one explanation of how Neverwinter got its name.

Other accounts state that the Neverwinter River, heated by fire elementals beneath nearby Mount Hotenow, makes for a perpetually warm climate in the immediate vicinity. Yet another explanation has it that Lord Never, the city's founder, made a stand there against the orcs, after which the place came to be known as "Never's Winter."

The city withstood the Spellplague in 1385 DR. Much of the city was destroyed, however, following the eruption of Mount Hotenow in 1451 DR, wherein a great chasm was torn through a part of the city.

After some political upheaval, the Red Wizards of Thay took control of the city. Ashmadai were allied with Thay, but became a major power when Sylora Salm died in 1463 DR. During this time, the Ashmadai ruled unchallenged in the city and the only surviving bridge, Winged Wyvern, was renamed Herzgo Alegni.

In 1467 DR, Dagult "Dagger" Neverember, a hard-drinking, eloquent, and impressive lion of a man and Open Lord of Waterdeep, decided to take control of Neverwinter. He collected Mintarn Mercenaries instead of his army from Waterdeep and captured Protector's Enclave. Rather than declaring himself a Lord, he instead dubbed himself a Protector of Neverwinter and called upon citizens to rebuild the city to its former glory. Today, the Lord Protector manages the affairs of the city alongside his administrative Mayor, Soman Galt (a dwarf) and his trusted General Sabine, who commands the Mintarn Mercenaries.

The story in the game begins somewhere in 1478 DR or 1479 DR.

In Game Description via Character Origins in Character Creation:

Neverwinter is home to a hardy and creative people who have rebuilt their city in the wake of the eruption of Mount Hotenow. While still a shadow of its former glory, the city shows why it is called the City of Skilled Hands.

Important Locations

 * Protector's Enclave
 * Moonstone Mask
 * Winged Wyvern
 * Neverdeath
 * House of Knowledge
 * The Wall
 * The Chasm
 * Cloak Tower
 * Shard of Night
 * River District
 * Blacklake District
 * Vellgard Manor
 * Castle Never
 * Docks

Demographics and Factions

 * Neverwinter Nobles
 * Adventurers and common refugees
 * Mintarn Mercenaries
 * Ashmadai Cultists
 * Graycloak
 * Nashers
 * Dead Rat Gang
 * Thay
 * Netherese
 * Abolethic Sovereignty
 * Bregan D'Aerthe
 * Harpers
 * Many-Arrow Orcs

Surrounding Region

 * Neverwinter Woods
 * Vellosk
 * Xinlenal
 * Conyberry
 * Sharandar Ruins
 * Dread Ring
 * Thundertree
 * Crags
 * Morgur's Mound
 * Whispering Caverns
 * Mount Hotenow
 * Helm's Hold
 * Ebon Downs
 * Icespire Peak
 * Rothé Valley
 * Blackdagger Ruins
 * Pirates' Skyhold
 * Fisher's Float
 * Luskan Ruins
 * Port Llast Ruins
 * Old Owl's Well(Abandoned)
 * Gauntlgrym
 * Leilon(Ruined)
 * Mere of Dead Men
 * Waterdeep