Neverwinter

Neverwinter has a population of about 23,200 at last count and is also known as the City of Skilled Hands and Jewel of the North. It also serves as the origin of the phrase "by the clocks of Neverwinter", used when one is solemnly swearing, a reference to the precision of its timepieces. The erudite travel writer Volo (among others) credits Neverwinter as the most cosmopolitan and the most civilized city in all of Faerûn. He regards this as quite a reputation, considering the breadth and variety of the continent.
The name of the city has its origin in that even though the town is situated in the cold north of Faerûn, the Neverwinter river that flows through it is heated by fire elementals living under the nearby Mount Hotenow in the Neverwinter Wood. The heat given off from the river creates a permanent warm climate in the immediate area; without the elementals, the river, and subsequently the city's water supply, would freeze over.
The city is ruled by Lord Dagult Neverember , an aging man, though by his ambitions you wouldn't know it. He grew up in Neverwinter, and started the New Neverwinter movement to rebuild the city after Mount Hotenow's eruption, claiming himself to be a descendant of Neverwinter's former rulers and thus the rightful "Lord Protector" of Neverwinter. He successfully funded the movement and gained the loyalty of Neverwinter's populace, who after the reconstruction crowned him Lord Protector of Neverwinter.
In addition to its unnaturally warm climate, Neverwinter is a rather picturesque city. It founds such sights as its three spectacular, intricately carved bridges: the Dolphin, the Winged Wyvern and the Sleeping Dragon. Under these, the waters of the Neverwinter River cascade over small, gentle waterfalls as they course into the city's bustling harbour. Neverwinter's magnificent gardens (the phrase "the City of Skilled Hands" refers to Neverwinter's accomplished gardeners) ensure the warm winters are colourful and the summers are rich with fresh fruit. The city is replete with beautiful and ingeniously designed buildings, many of which are famous in their own right, such as The House of Knowledge, Neverwinter's tall and many-windowed temple of Faelstahd. In addition, the reputations of such unique taverns as The Moonstone Mask and The Fallen Tower reach far beyond the Neverwinter's walls. These elements generally make Neverwinter a distinctive city. It is also famous for its important slave market.
The city is a member in good standing of The Lords' Alliance and Lord Dagult has ensured that the city is well defended, both physically and magically, against attacks or infiltration from Luskan, Neverwinter's warlike rival. Maps of the city, which has a maze of meandering streets, are not distributed, as part of an effort to thwart Luskan spies. Some merchants in the city do however sell such maps, often over a black market.

Demographics

A majority of Half-elves and humans, and a minority of dwarves, dragonborn, eladrin, tieflings, orcs and half-orcs

Government

Free market, Lordship

Alternative Name(s)

City of Skilled Hands, Jewel of the North

Population

23,200

Inhabitant Demonym

Neveren or Neverwintian

Owner/Ruler

Dagult Neverember

Characters in Location

• Dagult Neverember