Neverwinter is a multi-racial city-state sitting on the northwestern Sword Coast of Faerûn, regarded as the most cosmopolitan and civilized city in all of Faerûn. The city is a member in good standing of the Lords’ Alliance.
As of 1370 DR, Neverwinter was a cultured city, and even merchants from Amn and Calimsharn considered it a civilized place. The Neverwintans avoided conflict and controversy, known as a quiet, mannered, literate, and hard-working folk with great respect for law, order, and the property and happiness of others.
After the destruction of the city in 1451 DR, the Neverwintans showed a new facet: stubbornness and determination. Many survivors remained in the city, demonstrating the resolution to rebuild Neverwinter to its former glory.
Infrastructure
Before the eruption of Mount Hotenow, Neverwinter was a picturesque city laid out roughly in the shape of an eye, with the Neverwinter River marking a long axis. Among its most prominent features were three spectacular carved bridges: the Dolphin, the Winged Wyvern, and the Sleeping Dragon. Its lamps of multi-colored glass, precision water clocks, exquisite jewelry, and magnificent gardens earned it the name “City of Skilled Hands.”
After the Ruining, the city was almost entirely destroyed. Of the three bridges, only the Winged Wyvern remained functional. Much of the southeastern quadrant collapsed into the Chasm, which continually spawned plaguechanged horrors. The Chasm was magically sealed around 1484 DR.
History
The first settlement in the area was an elven city known as Illefarn, which eventually gave way to Eigersstor, the first multi-racial settlement, later called Neverwinter. In 1467 DR, Dagult Neverember claimed himself the rightful “Lord Protector” and began the New Neverwinter movement, investing heavily in rebuilding the city. By 1486 DR, his efforts proved successful.
During a short period in 1486 DR, the city faced the attempted assassination of Baron Rikkler from Bryn Shander, the massacre caused by Grothgar, and the near-destruction of Neverwinter by a malfunctioning flying mage tower. All of these disasters were at least partly prevented by the presence of the Seekers, who earned the titles of “Protectors of Neverwinter.”
Industry
Neverwinter’s true assets were its importance as a center of craftwork, learning, and magical innovation. It traded mostly with Waterdeep, and in 1481 DR began a trade alliance with the dwarven hold of Mithral Hall.
Defences
As of 1372 DR, the city had a standing army called the Graycloaks — 400 archers and spearmen. By 1479 DR, the army was known as the Neverwinter Guard, composed mostly of Mintarn mercenaries hired by Dagult Neverember.
Demographics
Population approximately 27,000. As of 1479 DR, the city became more cosmopolitan, with eladrin and tieflings common sights among citizens alongside humans, half-elves, and a sizable delegation of dragonborn mercenaries.