New Neverwinter

Jewel of the North

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The art in this document is brought to you by various artists of whom I had no cooperation with
personally, but they have been credited after each picture with a link to their work and/or profile. If you
are interested in their other works simply click the link and hopefully that should take you to the right
place.

This creation named New Neverwinter is a mix between the Wizard of the Coast’s creation as well as
plenty of homebrew made by me, Philip Johansson. I have tried to incorporate all the information that
Wizards have produced about the city and I have then filled the gaps where needed. For transparency I
have put this symbol “*” next to titles to show that it has made by me. If you wish to remove my work
and simply play with what Wizards have made for the city, then simply look for the titles with the
symbol next to them and skip them. Otherwise, I truly do hope you enjoy my interpretation of this city
and all that it has to offer.

I started on this project due to being a Dungeon Master for a group currently playing through a
combination of the Lost Mines of Phandelver module as well as the Dragon of Icespire Peak module. I
noticed a distinct lack of information regarding the enormous city that is close to where these modules
take place. I hope that my work can help some of you other Dungeon Masters to fill your world, whether
it is a production of your own work or if you are following Wizards modules.

I would like to thank every one of the creators of the art and information I have used in this document
as well as you, the reader, for taking your time to read through my work.

Made by Philip Johansson.

Template Created by William Tian

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Introduction 1
Overviews 1
Story 1-2
History 2-3
Life in Neverwinter 4
Nobles 4-5
Merchants 6
Guards 7
The city 8
Politics and leadership 8-9
Happenings and activities 9-11
The districts 11
Protector’s Enclave 11-23
River District 24-28
Blacklake District 29-37
Beggar’s Nest 37-44

App. A: Monsters 45-70

App. B: Magic Items 71-72

Sources 73

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Welcome to New Neverwinter, chasing after its
old title: the jewel of the north. A place who has
undergone many hardships and pushbacks is
resurfacing in the north as one of the most
promising, adventurous places to be. In general,
it can start out wherever you choose, as it’s
designed to be used in a large spectra of level
ranges. The players will find themselves in a city
with four vastly different districts, under the
management of the Lord Protector
Neverember. This is to be a hub for adventure
filled with politics, dungeons, interacting with
hundreds of citizens and most importantly of
all, a gathering place for an endless amount of
plot hooks of your own choice.
New Neverwinter is a Dungeons & Dragons
adventure designed for characters of levels as
low as 1 up to as high as 20. The idea for this
adventure is to be friendly to Dungeon Masters'
own interpretation of the city and what
happens there, while also filling it with enough
material to run it as close to the book as you
want to. It is also easily usable with official DND
5e material that takes place in Faerün at around
the same time (around 1490 DR). My personal
recommendations would be Sword Coast
Adventurer’s Guide, Waterdeep Dragon Heist,
Lost mines of Phandelver and The Dragon of
Icespire Peak.
An overview
The idea behind this section is to bring you, the
Dungeon Master, an understanding of not only
how to run the city but also why it is in its
current state.
1. Story Overview
New Nevewinter is a city delving adventure for
the party to make a big impact on the world
they play in, with actions that have the
potential to change the direction the city will go
in. The plot for this adventure can be
summarized as follows:
The city of Neverwinter is back on its feet and is
sprawling with individuals who come to take
part in its potential. Merchants, traders,
adventurers and opportunists are swarming in
daily. This is meant to be the customizable part
of the adventure. Anyone can be there!
Lord Protector Neverember is seeking the aid of
adventurers for multiple reasons: stabilizing the
guard, keeping the increasingly populated city
fed, mapping out and clearing the sewers
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populated by wererats, proving his legitimacy to
the throne and keeping the Waterdhavian spies
away from his precious city.
Neverember’s attempt to create stability in
Neverwinter is in danger from multiple
directions and from multiple sources. You can
join either of them or fight them all. Will you be
the Lord Protectors saviour or his demise?
2. A historical overview
The city of Neverwinter has a long history of
having to endure terrible losses and setbacks.
This section of the adventure is supposed to
give you, the Dungeon Master, an
understanding of what kind of city Neverwinter
is and who its residents are. It also gives an
understanding of what the residents would talk
about and what creatures/groups would be apt
to put in it or in its vicinity.
87 DR
The city is founded by the sun elf hero Lord
Halueth Never. The city was continuously
besieged by orcs during several centuries to
come. It managed to defend itself with the help
of the gold dragon Palarandusk, who was forced
to flee after adventurers attacked its house in
Neverwinter at 940 DR. After that the city was
left under its own protection which it struggled
with.
1329 DR
The popular adventurer Nasher Alagondar
became ruler of the city of Neverwinter. His rule
brought prosperity to the city until the year of
1372 DR. In that year, the disease known as the
Wailing Death killed most of the city's
population. It resisted even magical healing and
by the town a cure was found, the casualties
were catastrophic. When Lord Nasher died, his
son, Bann Alagondar founded the Alagondar
royal family that continued to rule Neverwinter.
1385 DR. The Spellplague affects the city, even
if the direct effect was in a distant land. Some
buildings were affected by the aberrant magic,
such as Castle Never gaining a malevolent
sentience and the ability to reshape the
corridors at will. The Cloaktower was sent to
the Far Realm. The docks district became
earthmotes, including the land on which the
tavern Moonstone Mask was built on. To this
day it’s a floating mote of earth, bound by a
shaky bridge and chains. Lastly it formed a small
plagueland in the Underdark below
Neverwinter.
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1451 DR
Mount Hotenow erupts and destroys most of
the city. This was caused by an adventuring
party who awakened the primordial Maegaera
and a great chasm was torn through the south-
eastern sector due to the ensuing earthquake.
This party consisted of five individuals, one of
them being Valindra Shadowmantle, who is still
active in the city from the shadows of the
graveyard. Through the rift springs numerous
beasts of different origin, causing the military
and people of the city to defend their city daily.
This year is also the year that changed the ruler
of the city of Neverwinter, as the Lords of
Waterdeep decided to put a Waterdeep noble
in charge.
1467 DR
City is taken over by Dagult Neverember, Lord
of Waterdeep. He proclaimed to be a
descendant of Neverwinter’s former rulers and
thus the rightful “Lord Protector” of the
city. He is responsible for the rebuilding of
Neverwinter to its former glory and starting the
New Neverwinter initiative.
1485 DR
The Chasm was magically sealed; proving
Neverember’s efforts to rebuild the city
successful. However, it almost bankrupted the
city. It took almost all they had from the city’s
coffers and trading with Waterdeep and other
cities resumed. Slowly it was restored as a
centre of civilization in the North.
1492 DR
This is the current year, most of the former
catastrophes are a faint memory to most
inhabitants but the strength and endurance of
the people are burrowed into their backs.
Ingenuity, craftsmanship and a strong willpower
have crafted the people into a force to be
reckoned with. Neverember is putting all he has
into making Neverwinter his crowning jewel,
since he’s been released of his duties as Lord of
Waterdeep.
Any of these happenings can be used to
introduce characters or groups of your
choosing. By doing so you are not only making
the campaign your own, but unlike doing so on
a whim you will have a lore reason for shaping it
the way you do. Perhaps you introduce the
actual heir to the throne. Perhaps the chasm’s
magic sealing is disrupted by someone who
desires to bring out the creatures of its depth.
Perhaps Lord Halueth Neverwinter is
resurrected as an undead by the necromancers.
The choice is up to you!
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 3. Nobility
There aren’t many noble families in
Neverwinter which is interesting, but the ones
that are there have all been a core in the ruling
of the city and their rise or demise have
determined who sits on the throne. Currently
most of these noble families are wildly reduced
in numbers and the only one with large
influence is the Lord Protector himself. This
could change if any new evidence came to light
however, at your own disposal. There is also the
possibility of using any powerful Waterdhavian
The picture depicts the emblem of Neverwinter.
families as they’ve been a great influence in the
Credits: Wizards of the Coast
city before.

Life in Neverwinter Alagondar

The Alagondars family ruled Neverwinter during
To broaden the depth of the inhabitants and
a brief mandate. The family was founded by the
their lives in Neverwinter I thought I would
descendants of Lord Nasher Alagondar after his
break them down into categories and give some
death, who was considered the first patriarch of
information about each category. Another
the family. According to some conflicting
reason for me adding this is that it gives the
records, Nasher Alagondar, king of Neverwinter
players a solid background upon creating their
in the late years of the 14th century, had a
eventual characters who can originate from
bastard son named Vers Never, who left
Neverwinter. A reason for a noble character to
Neverwinter and settled in Waterdeep,
be called into adventure could be based around
marrying Mirtria Ember and founding the
that the Ashmadai cult are targeting and
Neverember family. The Alagondar line of kings
looking to puppeteer the wealthy people of the
and queens ruled their city fairly and were
city in hopes of gaining more influence.
loved by their subjects, until the Lords of
Waterdeep put Hugo Babris in charge of the city
at around 1451 DR. The family of Alagondar
disappeared after the Mount Hotenow

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eruption. It is believed all of them died when
Castle Never got hit by the pyroclastic flow, as
their spirits haunted the place after their
deaths. According to unconfirmed sources,
Dagult Neverember was a descendant of Vers
Never.
The symbol for the sons of Alagondar.
Credits: Wizards of the Coast
Babris
The Babris family is mentioned extremely few
times in the lore overall. The only family
member that has been recorded was Hugo
Babris who was the ruler for less than a year
during 1451 DR. It is said he was a weak ruler
who was manipulated as a puppet during his
short rule. Nowhere does it state if he survived
the Mount Hotenow eruption.
Tschavarz
The Tschavarz can trace its roots back to a
junior branch of the Alagondar dynasty, giving
them one of the strongest claims to
Neverwinter’s throne in the city today. Elyne,
the young female human in her early twenties,
is the last remaining member of the family line
and has shown little interest in ruling. Dagult
Neverember refers to her as his cousin and has
invited her to his court on many occasions. She
runs a fencing school out of an old warehouse
in the docks, adjacent to a ruined brewery. Her
passions lie not in politics, but in the safety of
her fellow citizens and in quenching the undead
threat.
Neverember
The Neverembers were originally a noble family
that lived in both Neverwinter and Waterdeep.
This family rose to prominence when Dagult
Neverember became both the Open Lord of
Waterdeep and Lord Protector in
Neverwinter. However, in 1489 DR Dagult
Neverember’s enemies conspired to have him
replaced as Open Lord and exiled from
Waterdeep. These days Dagult Neverember
focuses solely on Neverwinter and restoring it
to its full glory, while harbouring nothing but
hatred for the people that exiled him from
Waterdeep. For this reason, there is hidden
conflict between the two cities which results in
a cold war of sorts, with sending spies and
covert operatives to sabotage each other.
The only other current member of this family is
Dagult’s son Renaer. He is quite distant to his
father as since he lost his mother, he inherited
the entire family’s extensive property holdings.
Which he has been taking care of whilst his
father spends his time at the palace.
An illustration of Dagult
Neverember in his younger
days.
Credits: Wizards of the Coast
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4. Merchants it can be used as a plothook for any number of
quests where the heroes must help a person
Merchants and crafters have been and are once
who is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
again becoming the core of the city that is
Perhaps the NPC is being pressured to join or
destined to be known as the “Jewel of the
close their store?
North”. It is the central trading and crafting hub
of the north, meaning that the craftsmanship is
The merchants were primarily located in the
detrimental to not only the city surviving but
River District before, but due to the unsafety of
flourishing. New Neverwinter has a place for
the district most of the older merchants moved
any type of craftsmanship and any person
their establishments over to the Protector’s
willing to make his or her mark on the trade.
Enclave. Many of the popular ones can be found
The merchants’ villas along the river are surely
in or near the Seven Suns Coster Market.
being occupied once again at a rapid pace.
Many of the new merchants are taking the
opportunity of land being up for grabs in the
Beggars’ Nest district for free in hopes of being
able to stay in the city for the foreseeable
future.

Crafters and salesmen of every kind are settling

down in New Neverwinter. This is a perfect
opportunity to bring in some other cultures of
Faerün to the city to make it the diverse city it is
supposed to be. A food stand from Zakhara, a
tavern with music from Cormyr, a stylist from
Calimport, a gunsmith from Waterdeep or
perhaps a clothier from Calimshan.

Much like the nobility in the city, the Ashmadai

cult are seeking to influence the wealthy Credits: Fantasy Pics Inc

merchants of the city. This can be used as either

the reason for a person to start adventuring or

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5. Guards shadier side of Neverwinter’s Underworld such
as the Dead Rats and the Thay. The other
faction, the Graycloaks, are named after the old
The guardians of the city of Neverwinter are
Neverwintian militia and are diplomats in most
unnaturally spread out from different groups.
matters. Putting pressure on Lord Neverember
The current overseers of safety are local militia
to give the people more political powers, but
made in each district by the very same people
their efforts have been met with small amounts
who were unhappy with how ruthless the
of success as their name is dragged through the
guards had treated the inhabitants before. The
dirt because of the Nashers more violent
Lord Protector is actively looking for
efforts.
experienced adventurers to train these local
militia and then fade out the old guard. At the
Prior to all these groups an organisation named
start of Neverembers rule the protectors of the
the Graycloaks, named after the grey cloaks,
city were primarily made up of Mintarn
they wore, protected the city as Neverwinter’s
mercenaries who quenched any possibilities for
only police force during the 14th century DR.
rebellions or naysaying with force against the
They disbanded after the destruction of old
then new regent. There are few of this group
Neverwinter but have given inspiration to the
left, as Dagult Neverember wishes to forge
faction of the sons of Alagondar.
long-lasting ties with the population and forego
the violent ruling he once used.

DM Notes: Guard diversity

The sons of Alagondar are a group of nationalist
As the guards are not one united faction
fighters who slowly have begun enjoying the
through all four districts of the town, you can
reign of the Lord Protector. They are slowly
sell the diversity within the guards with
integrating with the local militia and have also
describing the guards wearing drastically
expressed interest in training them. The sons of
different uniforms and clothing. The Mintarn
Alagondar are split up into two main factions:
dressed in plated armor, the militia in makeshift
The Nashers are made up of the younger
armor with cheaper weapons and so on.
members of the group led by Arlon Bladeshaper
who claims to be a descendant of the
Neverwinter Nine. This faction is in moments
seen as extremists and ally themselves to the

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The city
This section is meant to describe all the needed
information about each district, its factions and
inhabitants.
As per maps found in the Swords Coast
Adventure guide (pg. 52) or online, the city is
roughly divided into four main districts or zones.
These zones essentially run-in contrast to each
other as their inhabitants and features differ to
a substantial degree.
6. Politics and leadership
In the past 30 years Dagult Neverember has
invested heavily into the rebuilding of
Neverwinter through a movement named the
New Neverwinter Initiative. This all occurred
following the death of the previous ruler Lord
Nasher Alagondar, leading to several
cataclysmic calamities for the city. Laying in
ruins, Neverember bought in help from several
sources, paying for almost the entire venture
personally. Eventually the city began to be
restored to its previous state, at which point
Neverember claimed himself Lord Protector, a
role created by himself. This created a few
political issues, with some factions disputing
this position, claiming the possibilities of
tyranny and oppression. It has been rumoured
that Neverember has been paying off or killing
legitimate heirs to the throne of Neverwinter,
although rumours of this are scarce and
unfounded. Neverember hasn’t helped the
rumours however, as he has imparted heavy
taxes on the nobility and imparted strict laws
governing the formation and running of Guilds.
Neverwinter acts as part of the Lords Alliance,
with Neverember taking a proactive role in
delegating regional tasks to appropriate
contractors.
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The Lord Protector doesn’t stoop to politics as 7. Happenings and activities
he thinks it would be foolish to portray himself
as the city’s magistrate. He has delegated this
As Neverwinter has steadily recovered from the
role to the dwarf called Soman Galt, the
cataclysmic tear which ran throughout the
appointed Mayor of Neverwinter. Galt was
south eastern city districts, many factions and
usually described as a cold and distant person.
individuals have flocked to the city to try to
Usually lost in thought and mumbling to himself
establish a foothold in one of the most
but able to show an astonishing concentration
promising regions in the known world. With
capacity when he had to focus on something.
surrounding lands rich in natural resources, the
What is less known about him is that he is a
ideas of trading, crafting, protecting, thieving,
puppet of the Abolethic Sovereignty. His role in
exploiting, praising and praying, have people
their operation is to inform his masters of any
travelling from all over for a piece of the action.
event of importance and to influence the
Now with the giant chasm sealed and vacant
government of Neverwinter in ways that would
land up for grabs, many merchants &
be beneficial to the aboleths.
individuals are marking plots of land to call their
own.
Through the Lord Protectors leadership,
currently Neverwinter has been rebuilding ties
Work can be gained here as a labourer or skilled
and connections with trading partners from
craftsman. The inns are already overflowing and
around the area such as the dwarves, gnomes
with new visitors arriving daily a food shortage
and various human settlements. Although the
is beginning to develop. Rangers and farmers
trade is essential for the rebuilding and stability
vie to supply food stock for decent coin, as
of the city, the goal is to return it to the artisan
brewers and abbeys rush to supplying their own
hub which it was originally famous for. The
wines, ales and meads. Bards have arrived to
drive for skilled artisans, scholars and magical
sing cheer for the taverns at night, turning
practitioners to take up residence in the city has
decent trade feeding from the excitement and
been great, drawing attention from
vigour of the opportunistic folk hoping to create
professionals in surrounding regions.
a fortune. Rogues and pickpockets have
followed the masses to capitalise on the
business and the lack of suitable law
enforcement. Following the rogues and

9
pickpockets, sell swords and guardsmen of
many varieties have come along to protect rich
merchants or to sell their services to protect
lots and claims. All this in turn means that the
docks are becoming active and popular once
again.
Neverember’s rule was made sure with
aggressive guards in the Mintarn Mercenaries.
This has been the case for many years but the
public calls for a more lawful way of doing
things and are looking to create a more
respectable, local guard organisation. Since this
has yet to happen however, the districts and
neighbourhoods are currently organizing their
own makeshift militias. The Lord Protector does
not wish for conflict with the militia and his
soldiers of Mintarn and is looking for capable
adventurers to train the militia so he can slowly
wither out the Mintarn soldiers.
The Sons of Alagondar have begun to volunteer
as replacements for the Mintarn mercenaries
currently patrolling the streets. If Neverember
can get them in line with his goals it will be a
way for him to draw the nobles to his side and
invest in the city. Perhaps for Nobles homes so
they stay, and the city prospers.
As the Chasm is closed, much land in the
Beggar's Nest is now up for grabs. It is possible
for adventurers to seize this opportunity before
all the spots are taken. Some buildings are yet
to be taken, but there are also empty plots that
they can set up in. The merchants' villas along
the river are also being claimed and restored by
people who have heard of what Neverwinter is
starting to become once again. New stores and
workshops open by the tenday, and workers
without training offer their services to gain any
type of employment and experience. The
Ashmadai have been targeting these
newcomers and pressuring them to side with
them.
The Lord Protector wants to map out the
sewers to drag out the last few rebels and
wererats. This is a perfect gate-way quest to
introduce the party to the Lord Protector as
well as the Blue Lake District. If that is not
something that the party shows interest in then
the city needs a steady supply of food, as its
population is steadily growing in number
without a chance to recuperate. This can be
done by protecting the current providers as well
as trying to make new connections outside the
city.
Crown of Neverwinter - stories say it shields the
wearer from the extremes of heat and cold and
marks the person the true heir of Neverwinter.
A false heir is allegedly burned by frost and fire.
With the rumours of its existence coming back
10
up to circulation, it is an important plot piece to
make sure the favour comes to one choice of
the players’ choice.
Tip: If you are looking for a random events table
for enemies, I would recommend you look at
the district you are in and look at it’s figures of
power. Use the NPCs mentioned in Appendix B
depending on the level your party is at.
If you are looking for events to happen in the
city, it would be sensible to use any type of
shop discounts day, an interesting
guest/company arriving in the docks, a festival
for Neverember or a culture-based parade
based on what culture is dominant in your
version of New Neverwinter.
Depicting the crown of Neverwinter
Credits: Wizards of the Coast
The districts
This section will delve into the districts and their
points of interests. I have tried to make each
location detailed whilst still up for
interpretation, with suggestions for
characteristics and descriptions.
8. Protector’s Enclave
Protector's Enclave was highly taxed police
state of Lord Neverember. Beyond Protector's
Enclave, it was common for monsters to roam in
the city of Neverwinter. Unlike most of the city,
this specific part of the city has not needed
much rebuilding. Lord Neverember as a Lord
Protector rules this city from a modest villa. This
area lies in the west-most part of the city. Thus,
it was protected from the Volcanic eruption
which largely affected the eastern part of the
city causing the chasm to appear.
The region consists of many nobles who did not
leave the Neverwinter city even during
Cataclysm. Whatever opposition still exists to
Lord Neverember is usually behind closed doors,
as he has gone from an iron-fist, highly tax
taking leader to someone who is usually spoken
of well. He has managed to stabilize a city that
was on the verge of ruin. Years back people
would call him by a nickname in poor taste,
namely Lord Pretender - which was openly
punished by force by the General Sabine's
Mintarn Mercenaries. Now the general public is
on Neverember’s side which makes for a more
enjoyable walk amongst the streets of the
Protector’s Enclave.
One of the factions, the 'soft' faction of Sons of
Alagondar - the Greycloaks, works subtly in this
11
region. Their base of operations is a secret
meeting place somewhere in Driftwood Tavern.
This region is under strict control of General
Sabine who commands the Mintarn
Mercenaries. Administrative duties are handled
by the dwarf mayor, Soman Galt. The Lion sign
of Neverember is a recurring theme in the
Enclave. However, his coat of arms from
Waterdeep (a scepter made of water where the
top is an ember of flame) is never displayed in
this region in order to win the trust of citizens of
Neverwinter. Because of the trade from
Waterdeep, the market of the Protector's
Enclave is one of the best.
This district hosts most of the sites that drag
both the citizens and the tourists attractions.
Examples of them would be hosts the House of
Knowledge, the Hall of Justice and links to the
North of the city via the three famous bridges,
the Sleeping Dragon, Winged Wyvern and
Dolphin Bridges. Mainly a segment of economic
and governmental importance, this area is
heavily policed and houses almost all
Neverwinter’s vast array of shops and
marketplaces. The famous Moonstone Mask
tavern, accessed via teleporter, is also a popular
tourist destination for this area. This zone also
features a bank, auction house and guild
registry.
Protector’s Enclave from the Neverwinter game.
Credits: Wizards of the Coast
Driftwood Tavern
As soon as the characters happen upon this
building, read:
Infront of you stands the Driftwood Tavern, a
three-story building decorated with curious
and relics of Neverwinter before its first fall.
Upon entering it you notice old statues
decorating its corners, ornate doors pulled
from the wreckage that could also be used as
fine tables.
This buildings old interior is a common
discussion topic of the patrons that this is a
proper and good way to honour the past of the
City of Skilled Hands.
Its services: drinks, meals and rooms are quite
expensive as it caters to the richer clientele.
Ordering something usually comes with a lesson
from Madame Rosene, the owner, about the
past of Neverwinter.
The owner, Madame Rosene, is a female human
in her mid 70s who is also the leader of the
conservative faction of the Sons of Alagondar,
the Greycloaks. Has long white hair that goes
down to her chest, wears a golden necklace
shaped like a vase with green jewels on it.
Wears finer dresses with a sash by the hips
where she puts the money into a pouch. She is
12
kinder to the older folk, for they might have
been there to see Neverwinter in its old glory.
This is also a hidden base of operations for the
Greycloaks, where they have meetings.
Most of the clientele tends to talk about the
past of the city, as it is seen as something filled
with honor in this establishment. Tip for things
your players can overhear:
Patrons to taverns tend to have a common
topic of discussion, the origin of the city's name.
This discussion tends to have three different
theories:
Theories
The city’s founder, Lord Never, defended
against an attack of orcs. The name, Never’s
Winter, changed over the years to simply
become Neverwinter.
The prestigious gardeners can keep the city’s
gardens in full bloom, even when a heavy
winter hit.
The Neverwinter River is heated by fire
elementals underneath Mount Hotenow. This
produces a warmer climate around the city
and its surrounding geographical features.
The river and Neverwinter Harbor do not
freeze over even in Winter.
Grand Emporium
Upon entering the building, read the following:
Grand Emporium is a modest one-floor
building made from bricks and wood. The
insides front is decorated with a large orange
carpet up to a wooden counter in the middle
of the room. Behind the counter are numerous
cages of varying sizes.
This store sells pets, both normal and magical.
Some of the larger ones, as well as some
magical ones are kept in the back. Any
interested clients can follow the owner to the
back. The Grand Emporium is run by a red-
skinned female tiefling in her early 30s, named
Brimine. She is a kind-hearted soul, especially to
animals and exotic races. She talks to animals
with a baby voice.
The animals sold here are put into three
categories: The first category are the animals
kept in the front.
1) The normal pets sold in the front. These are
the stereotypical pets: dogs, cats, owls, snakes,
reptiles.
The other two categories are kept in the back.
2) Rare and sometimes large pets: Ox, wolves,
falcons, cockatrices and more.
3) Magical pets such as a baby gryphon or a
displacer beast. There are plenty of generators
13
out there that can make this very descriptive
and amusing to the players! If the characters
ask Brimine about the magic pets, she will take
out her favorite and say the following:
A small fire elemental vanished from the plane of
fire shaped like a black cat, leaving black ashen
tracks everywhere it goes. It can be commanded to
summon its tiny fire powers to explode, damaging
everything around it, but like most cats, is
temperamental and difficult to control or
command. She ends her presentation with looking
at it and saying with a baby voice: But you’re just
the cutest, aren’t you?
If the characters ask her about its origins, if they
pass a persuasion DC of 10, she will tell them
that she found it during an expedition near
Mount Hotenow. She would go back in search
for its kin, but rumor has it that the volcano is
under a fire giants dominion. Asking other
people, they will learn with incraments that this
fire giant is known as Gommoth, who leads a
sect-like group of fire-worshipping creatures
and he has proclaimed himself as the king of
Hotenow (linked in monster appendix).
Credits: Wizards of the Coast
Order of the gauntlet
An unassuming building within the Protector's
Enclave, hosts a faction outpost for the Order of
the Gauntlet. A prime place to gather
intelligence or help on several matters, the
faction also offers a few jobs and quests for
well-intentioned adventuring parties.
DM Notes: The quests
If neither of your plothooks, be them subtle or
extremely obvious, do not bite then this is an
excellent quest hub for the characters to get to
learn the city and its surroundings. I will write up
a few quest examples under here, for different
levels and situations, to give an overview of how
the organization works and what they would
require the characters help with.
The order of the gauntlet is primarily made up
of paladins and clerics of gods and deities that
believe in order through faith and punishing the
evil. The popular ones are Tyr, Helm, Torm and
Hoar. When individuals or creatures break the
laws, agreements or codes of conduct the Order
is quick to act, waiting for no one to give
permission. Their overall goal is to smite evil,
enforce justice and enact retribution.
Even though they might at first seem like a
violent bunch, the Order of the Gauntlet values
both friendship and camaraderie extremely
14
high. To many of the members, the comrades
around them are a second family whom they
share a bond with like siblings would.
Quest example (1): Agriculture
The farms and windmills outside the city walls
are under constant risk of poaching and violence
and since we do not have the manpower to hold
order inside the walls yet, it is difficult justify
sending anyone outside the walls. Will you help
us adventurer? – Baern “Reckoning” Broodfist,
the dwarven marksman devoted to Helm.
The quest requires the group to stand guard by
the windmills and wheatfields outside the city
for 4 days, they will receive lodging by the local
farmers who welcome their protection with
open arms. At any of the nights the farms are
attacked by local bandits. The reward is 50g.
Quest example (2): Masonry
We have had sightings of undead managing to
slither their way through the wall of
Neverdeath. This must be the work of those
necromancers, perverting our dead and forcing
us to fight them. We need an escort with our
masons, so they can repair whatever crack there
is in the wall while you hold off the undead. Will
you assist us? – Yevelda, the half orc paladin of
Tyr.
The quest is an escort mission, the group needs
to hold back the undead for a few hours while
the masons rebuild the structure and puts up
some support beams. The attackers can be a
mix of skeletons, perhaps they are led by a Thay
necromancer, depending on the party’s level.
The reward is 100g.
Quest example (3): Elimination
Champion! You have proven yourself capable to
us and this city numerous times and we are
forever thankful for it. However, as you well
know, the threats occur again and again. We
have gained valuable intelligence that one of
the Thay higher members, known as Jawbone,
has recently shown herself outside the walls.
Last spotted near the most eastern part of the
Protector’s Enclave. Will you join us and deal an
everlasting blow to the forces of evil? - Baern
“Reckoning” Broodfist, the dwarven marksman
devoted to Helm.
This, unlike the other two examples, would be a
quest where the adventurers would need to
prove themselves to gain the Orders trust. You
join a bulk of Order forces and fight against a
Thay lieutenant. If Jawbone is confronted, she
will summon undead forces to aid her. The
reward for the quest would be 300g and
whatever the lieutenant has on her, including
her weapon.
Depicts the symbol of the Order.
Credits: Wizards of the coast.
15
Hall of Justice
DM Notes: Rumors
Located on a cliff overlooking the Sea of Swords
If the characters question people about the
on the north bank of the Neverwinter River
vaults, most citizens will tell them that the vaults
near its mouth. It is built from stone, iron and
are rumoured to be haunted and popular myth
wood and is beautiful to look upon. It is built in
says that the city’s honoured dead will rise to
enormous proportions, to the point where
slay any who disturb their rest.
giants and dragons would have enough space
for rest. Mildly decorated with several rooms
for daily routines and worship.

Previously the seat of government in the city of The ironclad defense *

A building who’s sole use is the recruitment of
Neverwinter. Lord Protector Neverember took
new peacekeepers. This job was formerly run by
residency at this building before during the
the Mintarn Mercenaries who were hated by
construction of “New Neverwinter”. Once
the public for being excessively violent to
Neverwinter had settled after the chasm and its
anyone who expressed their dislike to the Lord
various problems was gone, Neverember gave it
Protector. They faded in popularity and
back to the followers of Tyr which was one of
therefore in numbers. As a result, the four
the reasons why Neverember was more liked
districts have created their own militias to
and seen as a worthy leader.
wander the streets to keep themselves safe.
Now the Lord Protector wishes to make peace
Used as a place for legal proceedings and high
for all and has instructed the Mintarn
crimes, the hall is frequented by several
Mercenaries to leave their posts. He is
devotees of Tyr and Torm.
therefore in need of experienced adventurers
to educate and guide the newforming city
Hall of Justice Vaults can be found beneath Hall
watch composed of mostly inexperienced but
of Justice. There is a series of vaults, crypts and
faithful people of the public.
storage chambers where many of Neverwinter’s
nobles, heroes and treasures are kept. It dates
This building is a plain stone house with
back hundreds of years.
numerous employees of the mayor who gives
fills out forms for people who wish to be part of

16
the cities defense as well as instructors to teach
the new recruits.
Credits: Wizards of the Coast
Manycoins bank
A modest stone building where the entrance is
formed as a large arc. It is protected by four
guards, two on the outside and two in the
vaults on the inside. The two on the inside are
sleepyheads who tend to sleep on the job, as
they are usually not overseen. Manycoins Bank
offers storage for anyone who is willing to pay
for their services. Opening a bank vault is 5 gold
per month and will accommodate its size
depending on what the people want to store in
there. There is a cellar under where there are
more storage places.
The bank is currently staffed by two female
humans named Kala Holt and Amber Lill for
regular bank services. They are both
professional, tight-lipped and lawful. Amber
tends to snack on almond nuts which drives
Kala crazy.
DM Notes: Cultural immersion
A tip to make the bank feel alive is having
multiple customers standing in line who are
trading in different currencies for the common
silver and gold coins. I would recommend using
this googling “Currencies of the Forgotten
Realms” and using a large variation of them in
both the bank and in the shops. Neverwinter is
supposed to be the central trading hub of the
north after all.
Moonstone Mask
The Moonstone Mask is a five-storey building.
The first floor is a dining room, lit by a huge
hearth and by lanterns hanging from the sides
of the grand staircase. The next three floors are
soundproof rentable rooms. The fifth floor is a
festhall. The roof has a platform for winged
steeds and flying ships.
A legendary tavern which floats on an island of
land high in the sky above Neverwinter itself.
This establishment apparently floated away
during the spell plague and can now only be
accessed via flight or a teleportation circle
found below in the city. This Tavern is reputable
for its discretion and rare wares. It is run by a
half-elf named Liset Cheldar who runs the
Moonstone Mask with a wink and a smile (she
17
loves flirting, some say that’s how she owns the
joint even though her claim to it was unclear).
The staff is composed only by females wearing
glowing, moonstone-trimmed masks and sheer
black gowns. They never revealed their true
identities. They also wear magical amulets that
protects them against mind-reading and mind-
controlling magic and lets them send mental
messages among the wearers of other amulets.
The chefs, however, are all male.
Sage’s Shop
This humble building used to be a library with
rows of shelves handled by the former shop
owner, Bradda the Sage, but has a new owner
who has remodelled the purpose of the
establishment. The books on the shelves are
still there, but at the back of the room is a
counter where the new owner Poltar Sagcrath
stands. He is a male Dragonborn, red dragon
scales for skin and wears a long grey robe with
silver details. Tends to shrug and scoff at others
work and is very confident in his own. He can
enchant items and is a leading figure for doing
gemstone tattoos.
He has all his valuable materials and equipment
locked into a magically sealed coffer which
contains a bag of holding under the floor behind
the counter, which he accesses by removing
one of the planks. He never picks it up when he
sees that the customers are there, unless it is to
impress a person of high stature who he
believes rivals his own skill in magical
capabilities.
Seven suns coster market
The Seven Suns Coster Market is essentially the
cornerstone of tourist attractions for the
everyday traveller and even the more rare,
experienced adventurer. A stone floor on a
large open hall decorated with beautiful silk
hanging by the open roof from wall to wall. The
walls, fine yellow clay, are decorated by expert
craftsmanship of every kind, paintings,
weapons, armours, and whatever you want to
use as centrepieces to draw in the players’
interest. This is a fantastic place to use as a hub
for many of the artisans and merchants to not
only show their work but also to study the
opposition and learn from each other.
DM Notes: rotation
The inhabitants, as well as visiting artisans, can
apply for a spot in the market by seeking an
audience with the mayor Soman Galt in his office
near the Hall of Justice. This also means the
wares and merchants you can find there are
rotating. If they are not in the market, then they
are most likely in their shops or have travelled
home to wherever they came from.
18
This market functions as an auction house at
night, when the general population is home,
and the serious bidders are there for the single
purpose of buying unique items of high value.
This auction is driven by an older human male
referred to only as “Al-Sahmi”, a tanned and
well-groomed man. He is a no-nonsense
individual and demands respect, order and
silence during the auction. Anyone who disturbs
his ideal environment will be escorted away by
the guards.
Seven Suns Coster Market in the Neverwinter game.
Credits: Wizards of the Coast.
Shaundakul Stables
Highly reputable establishment where they
offer guaranteed protection for mounts. It is
run by a female human named Menhet and her
mother Maat. It is mostly used by nobles and
adventurers as the services and qualities are
high-end but far from cheap. When they enter
read the following:
As soon as you enter the stables you notice a hint
of soothing incense covering the whole area. It is
an aroma that reminds you of summer flowers and
fresh salt water. You assume that this is a soothing
factor for the animals.
5gp per night and they are treated with the best
food, drink and care there is. Whoever enters
the stables area instantly notices a hint of
subtle yet soothing incense covering the area.
Wylie´s Wondrous Bazaar
A store outside the Seven Suns Coster Market
that deals with scrolls and rarities of all types,
run by Wylandar “Wylie” Ilmarin. While Ilmarin
is the proprietor of the Bazaar her clerk Rhix, a
kobold, handles the packaging of items and
receiving the money. Ilmarin does not accept
any trades, she is only interested in coins and
gems, primarily diamonds. She will give a
discount if the player offers diamonds as part of
the bargain.
House of Knowledge
A temple devoted to the god of knowledge,
Oghma, this building can be found at the end of
the Dolphin Bridge. Visitors to this temple are
often gifted with various gifts of knowledge
provided by the clerics operating the temple.
19
It’s been rebuilt since the Spellplague, but the
inner sanctum is kept under lock and key.
Mysterious and somewhat forgotten knowledge
lies in there, along with it’s guardian Atlavast
who has not seen the light of day for years. He’s
been continuously cataloguing and fixing the
order of the inner parts of the library, as it was
shaken into chaos previously. The rest of the
temple is open for the public and the city is
sprawling with shrines for other deities.
The House of Knowledge will gladly receive any
donations for rare literature but depending on
what it is can also spend a large amount of
money to add it to their collection. Adding to it
is not unheard of – but it is a special occasion
that is celebrated by the priests and the reward
is usually that you receive a piece of knowledge
that you are after. This can be through a direct
boon from Oghma herself – or given limited
entry to the inner sanctum if the person is after
learning about a specific topic that is kept in
there.
Neverdeath
A cemetery consisting of two wide, roughly
square areas of the city, and surrounded by a
wall of stone and wood, Neverdeath was the
burial grounds of Neverwinter. This was once a
respectful area that has been left in the
shadows. It was named from a common
blessing given over the dead. If the city
remained in summer, it was believed that the
dead would not turn into undead. This place has
been used for necromancy before however,
numerous times. This has created a general fear
of the undead and people now get cremated
instead. The Lord Protector has sealed the gates
to the graveyards, and it is considered the
largest problem yet to be dealt with. As the
adventuring party has proved themselves with
other tasks, exploring and cleansing it is an
excellent task for a high-level mission.
It’s filled with mausoleums and statues, often
overgrown with withered grasses. Anyone who
trespasses gets attacked by the undead
(commanded by the Thayan sorceress Valindra
Shadowmantle). She uses the graveyard to
bolster her forces. There are multiple
underground areas that are entered via the
mausoleums and crypts.
DM Notes: Customization
Feel free to be creative and build it up to be as
large or as small as you need it to be, the
underground area of the graveyards. These can
function as multiple dungeon-delving
experiences, or it can function as a potential
target for graverobbing for family heirlooms.
Personally I think it depends on how central the
necromancing Thays are to your campaign.
20
Day and night
The main activities in this district are during the
day – the main night activity in Protector’s
Enclave would be the auctions that take place in
the Seven Suns Coster Market. The rest of the
district is heavily patrolled during nighttime to
prohobit theft from the various establishments.
This districts’ factions
The faction you will notice the most in
Protector’s Enclave is by far the militia and
guards of Neverwinter, including the
Greycloaks. They roam the streets and protect
the buildings of the district.
The second largest influencencing faction in this
district are the Thay, that reside primarily in the
two graveyards. It is rare for them to move
outside of this district but if there’s something
in it for them they will. Otherwise their
presence will be noted mostly if the characters
approach the graveyard and go in there.
Let’s take a look at the factions and who they
are.
Sons of alagondar
Nationalist Fighters – Originally opposed to Lord
Protector Neverember and this vision for
Neverwinter, this group was initially established
as a rebel group, designed to agitate the
hierarchy for self-governance. As Neverember
has begun to prove himself worthy, the Sons
have begun to integrate themselves into the
martial operations of the city. Taking up guard
posts, city watch and regional patrols this group
is now entrenched in the defense and
prosperity of the city. Whether this integration
will be used to disrupt the current stability
within the city is yet to be seen. Some guess
that the Sons of Alagondar have infiltrated the
organizations to gain know-how of city
operations, picking weak points at which to
strike at. Alagondar was a royal family that
ruled Neverwinter after Nashers death, until the
Ruining.
Thayans
Necromantic Casters – led locally by Valindra
Shadowmantle (wizard lich and upper member
of the group) Thay’s interests and influence are
more widespread than given credit for.
Stumbling across this faction will require
specific cunning and infiltration to survive their
watchful eye. The Thay are interested in a relic
hidden deep in the Neverwinter Woods called
the Dread Ring. This ring along with others is
used to channel ancient and primordial magic
to be used in a ritual to turn their leader into a
god.
Valindra has recently sought to restore the ring
for her master, but with ultimate motivations
for herself. In turning over stones to gather
21
more information on the Thay, it has been
rumoured that the Thay are responsible for the
cataclysmic tear in Neverwinter as their ritual to
promote their leader to godhood, tearing
asunder the landscape. This information could
be very handy in convincing the upper
commanders of Neverwinter to move against
the Thay.
An illustration depicting a Dread Ring.
Credits: Keith Foyston
Valindra also has plans of her own succession.
She has discovered the source of power for the
Meta perspective
Dread Ring is an ancient black dragon who lays
This is the trade district of the city and
dead under the ruined Dread Ring. Valindra
should be viewed as such. The master
plans to reanimate the dragon to her bidding,
creating a new dragon flight and forging her artisans, crafters and merchants tend to

own path to power and destruction. The
Thayans are responsible for animating dozens
of bodies from Neverwinter and having them
march into the forest and work on the Dread
Ring. Along with this army of undead, Valindra
has secured a group of dragon cultists
unknowingly aiding her goal of reanimating the
dragon. Valindra has essentially blackmailed the
cult into helping due to taking a dragon ring
from their leader, a grave embarrassment for
operate here. The people who shop will
vary from the more common crowd who’s
saved up a sum of money throughout the
years with a specific goal in mindto the rich
nobles who are looking for the latest find
for their evergrowing collections, whatever
it may be.
While the trading hub is a big part of the
district, Protector’s Enclave is also the

the dragon cult. The cult works inconspicuously
to stall and prolong the Thayans advancement
in the hope to regain the ring and destroy
Valindra.
classic good versus evil stereotype. The
living against the undead, life meets death.
It is more nuanced than that at depth, with
political escapades and the slowly growing
feeling of unjustice from the other districts
towards it. Mount Hotenows eruption and

22
the spellplague. In general, it hit the other Random happenings in this district
districts much more than the Enclave. What d100 Outcome
01-10 Gossip is spreading!
you put more pressure on should be based Someone has left an
incredibly exotic
on the crowd you are forming it for, your
mount at the stables. It
players interests and comfort. On the next must be a very
experienced
page there is a table for random actions adventurer or beast
that might take place during this district. I tamer.
11-22 A group of undead are
will make one for every district. terrorizing the streets,
there must be an
opening in the
Neverdeath wall
somewhere. It must be
clogged up or they will
keep coming out.
23-45 The rumors are that
there will be an
extremely expensive
An illustration of how a festival in the item at the auction
diverse city of Neverwinter could look like. tonight.
45-70 There is a 25% sale in
Credits: Sandara
one of the stores
today.
71-85 A festival is getting set
up throughout the
district in honor of the
Lord Protector or one
of the noble families.
86-100 The mayor is pleading
for adventurers to
gather at his manor.
There is a problem
outside Neverwinter
that is causing
transports to not
arrive. Someone needs
to investigate it.

23
9. River’s district
The River District is the northeast district of
Neverwinter and was named after the
Neverwinter River. The houses built in this
district were described as sturdy, and although
they were not ostentatious compared with
those in the Blacklake District, most were large
enough to have held a family of six or eight plus
servants. The River District also had many
towers of different forms and styles, earning its
moniker of the "Tower District".
Before the destruction of the city in 1451 DR,
the River District was inhabited by the bulk of
the merchant class of Neverwinter, alongside a
few nobles and wizards.
After the eruption of Mount Hotenow, the River
District was inhabited mostly by the poor and by
xenophobic people. A group of orcs from Many-
Arrows seized a big portion of this district,
making it almost impossible for Dagult
Neverember's forces to reclaim the River District
while the orcs lived there. They were forced out
approximately 2 years ago.
Previously the hub of magic users in the city, the
area was deserted and then overrun by orcs.
Currently this area is essentially seen as cursed
or haunted to most of the residents. Most don’t
stray outside in this district after the sun has set.
Ancient magical infused structures such as the
Shard of Night, The Fallen Tower and the Cloak
Tower currently dominate the area imposing an
air of mystery and danger. Not many honest
people operate within this area.
The Board laid bare
A small restaurant. It offers a selection of fresh
fishes and meat cooked in a variety of sauces,
as well as fried vegetables and potatoes. It
offers no alcohol and caters to a calm dining
experience. The prices for such dishes were
surprisingly low – people are unsure of how.
There are rumors that they are magically
producing the ingredients, some say they are
smuggled in. There is no apparent owner, the
personnel are an older female Tortle chef called
Lim and a Warforged waiter referred to as
Bellows.
The Cloak tower
A tower occupied by wizards under the
leadership of “Many-Starred Cloak” that
assisted the Lord Nasher during his reign. They
disappeared during the Spellplague and only
their cloaks remained. Rumors say that the
cloaks are alive. Some who are familiar with the
arts of arcane speculate that the wizard’s souls
might have been imbued into their cloaks
somehow. There is a general interest to delve
deeper into this theory but with it’s dangers it
has not been done so far.
24
The characters should see this tower as soon as
they enter the River’s district, this is a
description that follows that happening:
You noticed this building from afar, but now that
you have entered the River’s District you can get a
closer look at it. A large stone tower with
enormous roots that climb up on the sides of it.
Near the middle of the building, parts of the tower
have separated from the building itself and are
floating next to it. Some of them pillars, some
statues, multiple stones are almost static in the air,
hovering.
It was briefly occupied by Many-Arrows orcs but
was purged out of Neverwinter 2 years ago with
the help of former groups of adventurers. One
would assume that there might be some former
traps laid by the orcs, but most definitely
arcane wards and puzzles left by the wizards.
DM Notes: puzzles or fights?
This is an excellent area to implement different
equipment depending on your party
composition and what they have taken an
interest to. Staves, wands, scrolls and more are
good if you have casters in your group –
otherwise this is a perfect opportunity to add
some rare books and scripture that can be
added to the Temple of Knowledge.
The fallen tower
This tavern was once the site of a local wizard’s
tower. Around 170 years ago the Arcane
Brotherhood stormed the tower causing a fight
and subsequent explosion shattering the tower.
The inn has been constructed from the
remnants of the tower and hosts a reputation
for the various illusionary mages being hurled
from the sky. A grim reminder of the events of
the pass. Run by the orc Vagdru One-Ear and is
known as a neutral zone for all forces. Anyone
who breaks the peace there is beaten senseless
by the bouncers as well as most of the patrons,
as it is seen as breaking a vital tradition.
Docks
The Docks District of Neverwinter comprised
the western quadrant of the city, between the
Protector's Enclave and the Blacklake District
and was named for being the location of the
commercial docks of the city. This was one of
the seedier parts of the city, the centre of the
smuggling trade as well as more respectable
commerce. Much of Neverwinter's original
wealth and influence was thanks to its position
as one of the few ports on the Sword Coast
North.
During the Spellplague of 1385 DR, the Docks
District was hard hit by the wild magic. Chunks
of land broke away and rose into the sky,
forming earthmotes. The surviving residents of
25
the district quickly adapted to their new
situation, connecting the low-floating motes to
the shore with ropes, chains and bridges.
The eruption of Mount Hotenow in 1451 DR,
however, proved to be disastrous for the Docks.
It destroyed the foundations of these bridges
and the changed currents swamped whole
areas of the port with tidal waves, leaving the
docks a rotting ghost town. Only a few fishers
and the occasional pirate ship made port during
the next years.
When Dagult Neverember began to rebuild
Nevewinter years later, he made rebuilding the
Docks District a top priority. He hired engineers
and loggers and ordered them to shop any
usable tree in the Upland Rise to be used to
rebuild the docks. By 1479 DR, most of the
Docks District was fully rebuilt and operational,
once again the heart of commerce of the Jewel
of the North.
The Neverwinter Docks illustration from the campaign of
Lost Mine of Phandelver.
Credits: Wizards of the Coast.
DM Notes: The Docks
New ships come and go on a daily basis and is a
fantastic way to go to introduce new NPCs and plots
to keep the city fresh. I recommend using this as an
opportunity to introduce cultures, races, food and
items that the players haven’t seen before. I will
attempt to encourage my players to look around in
the docks once in a while, perhaps there are ships
carrying interesting cargo or from an exotic place.
The port crevice *
A tavern under the management of a social and
uppity male gnome in his younger years. When
asked what his name is, he just giggles. It is a
popular tavern to visit for passing sailors which
means that it is a prime area to listen in to
rumors and tall tales of the high sea.
Underwater dungeons, krakens and unexplored
treasure – everything a land dweller can dream
of.
If the characters stay at this tavern for more
than one night, they start noticing that one of
the patrons sit at the exact same spot every
night. That patron is a raggedy looking orc who
keeps to himself. Unbeknownst to anyone, this
is the last Many-Arrow Orc in Neverwinter. He is
there on a scouting mission in hopes of finding
an opening for his clan to invade Neverwinter
once more.
26
Day and night
The River’s District, unlike the others, is
affected less by the day and night cycle just like
you would except. The main activity is the
harbor which operates at all times – just like the
ships that dock and sail at any and all hours of
the day. While traveling through the district, be
it morning or midnight, one would find people
walking about at all times.
DM Notes: Nighttime
If there are any players that are interested in
nighttime activites but don’t have a specific goal, it
would not be a bad idea to hint that people are
moving to and from the direction of the docks. There
will be plenty of honest work – as well as shady
figures out in this district which should fit all
characters’ interests.
This districts’ factions
The faction you will notice the most in
Protector’s Enclave is by far the militia and
guards of Neverwinter. They patrol the area and
focus on the docks, making sure that no one
that brings ill-will to the city docks at the
harbor. Other than that it’s mostly smaller
groups of adventurers and mercenaries that
have been hired by the various ships for
protection.
Many-arrows orcs
Once a dominant force to be reckoned with
who invaded Neverwinter by the order of King
Obould XVII, now reduced to a single scout
remaining in the shadows. They mainly had
power in the River district but now hold out in a
tavern by the docks called The Port Crevice
Meta perspective
Unlike the former district, this one has not lived
a life of luxury for a long time. Just recently
released of the grip by the orc invasion along
with the Spellplague that hit it hard about 100
years ago.
The has created an overall sense of unrest in
the general population of the district, but it
comes with a duality. The constant activities at
the docks, the earthmotes that are flying above
it, the magical and mysterious towers create
unrest while also attracting people to visit and
be in awe. This creates a distinct tell for two
different types of people who can be spotted
there. The ones struck in awe, filled with
excitement and joyed to be there tend to be
short-time visitors. The contrast to this are the
families and people who have lived there for a
longer time, who knows the struggles they have
been through.
This has created a persona for the citizens who
are required, out of necessity for income, to be
27
kind to visitors while deep down they tend to Random happenings in this district
hold a grudge and a withheld anger at the d100 Outcome
01-10 A man claims to have
people who marvel at something that has
entered the Cloak
caused their families pain. This can be Tower and says that
there is treasure laying
roleplayed as open yet grumpy citizens.
about, if only someone
could help him get past
the traps.
11-22 An illusory image at the
Fallen Tower changed
last time and showed
something new, people
gossip that it is
something yet to come.
One of the factions
intend to break the
truce and strike when
people are relaxed.
23-45 A new trade ship at the
A screenshot of the Moonstone Mask and a flying docks needs help with
earthmote in the Neverwinter game. transporting extremely
Credits: Wizards of the Coast. fragile wares.
45-55 A fisherwoman by the
docks claims that she
saw a giant sea
creature only a few
miles out. Apparently,
its luminescent
properties lit up the
base of the ocean and
there was an
underwater temple.
55-75 A large ship is heading
out the next day, it is a
transport ship to a
distant land. They will
bring passengers for a
small fee.
76-85 The mysterious orc in
the Port Crevice has
smuggled with him a
large group of orcs and
have taken over the
Port Crevice.
86-100 A strange ship is
blocking the way into
and out of the docks.

28

10. Blacklake district
On the other side of the three magnificent
bridges lies the north western area of the
Bluelake District. Home to Castle Never and a
literal blue lake, this section of the city features
most of the traditional noble estates. This area
has been politically unstable in the past and
many of the inhabitants may be seen to still
harbour a resentment for the Lord Protector
Neverember. This area has been rumoured to
have had a serious wererat problem in the past,
sightings recently however, have been met with
some scepticism. Notable points of interest in
this section include the Alchemist's Lab, the
Blue Lake as well as various blue blood estates.
Once an area populated primarily by Nasher
rebels who were fighting against the Lord
Protectors, it is now shared by both the Nashers
and the Ashmadai. These two factions
sometimes clash, mostly in the shadows but
occasionally in the open. The Ashmadai’s leader
Mordai Vell resides within the Vellgard Manor.
The Ashmadai are sending in agents to the
rebels as well as the guards forces.
If that weren’t enough, the wererats roaming in
the sewers sometimes emerge during the dark
to steal and cause havoc. They are however
doing this with great stealth, as they have been
hunted before. When there is a risk of being
exposed, they back off and run back in the
sewers.
In general visitors who know better tend to stay
away from this district, as it’s mainly a living
area for shady characters apart from the
cheerful, local Alchemist.
Alchemist’s lab
Alchemist's Lab is a point of interest located
between The Tatters & Lakeside area in
Blacklake District. This is run by female human
called Hazel, whose main profession is being an
alchemist. When they meet her read this out
loud:
Before you stand a short female human with
amber eyes, light brown curly hair that goes
down to her shoulders with a big smile. She
has what seems to be welding goggles on her
forehead and some soot on her cheeks and
neck. She greets you with a hearty, energetic
“Hello, hi!” and stretches out her hand.
Hazel the Alchemist has been restlessly working
to remove the waste from the lake. This was
previously caused by the ash and debris from
the eruption of Mount Hotenow combined with
filth and rubbish from vagrants. These vagrants
29
temporarily lived in nearby ruined houses
before Neverember started restoring the city.

Hazel has been studying the sludge in the lake.

Although her findings were inconclusive, she
suspected that the sludge had somehow
become composed of something else beyond
what she had expected. It had strange, almost
magical properties, although where such
properties could have come from is a mystery.
An illustration depicting wererat-filled sewers.
She has, with great effort, removed all the Credits: Marco Gonzáles

sludge at the top of the lake. Revealing again

the clear and beautiful blue water. At the Nasher warehouse

bottom of the lake, however, still lies a thick This building is the main headquarters for

layer of mysterious sludge. Nashers in Blacklake District. It is guarded by

rebels outside the building who are trying to
keep a low profile to trick anyone who tries to
The sewers
snoop.
Hiding in the unmapped sewer system around
the Blue Lake is an increasingly large gang of
Upon entering the building, it is made to seem
wererats following their one-eyed leader, Rsalk.
like a normal stone and wood warehouse with
They are interrupting the flow of wares being
barrels and crate stacked upon each other. At
transported at night, sneaking up from the
day it is mostly empty of people, but at night
gutter to ambush whoever walks by. It is said
there are numerous rebels who are active in it.
that they store all these stolen merchandise in a
Looking around in it, with an investigation DC
vault of their own making somewhere in the
15 you find a hidden hatch that leads to a
sewers. If left unattended, it will turn away
tunnel. This tunnel will lead to The Flickering
people from populating in the Blacklake district.
Ember.

30
The tatters
A living quarters for what seems to be ordinary
people. Under the surface it is controlled by the
Nasher rebels however and going there usually
ends with you being jumped by a thug out in
the open. Locals stay clear of this area. This is
their main living quarters.
When a character enters this area, read this out
loud to them:
You get an uneasy feeling when entering this
area. In general, it does not seem to be much
activity here, but looking around you can see
people look at you through their windows.
When you look back, their gaze disappears,
and the windows are empty. You can feel your
every action be thoroughly inspected from
afar. Based on the few rumors you have heard
since you got here, you are unsure of how safe
it would be to stay here.
The flickering Ember *
A shop who sells general goods. This shop is in
charge by an older human man called Horst.
The goods are a front for weapon-laundry in
connections with the Nashers. Horsts own
secret agenda is being an influencer to the
militant group enough to gain information
about Drow and sorcerers, to track them down
and punish them.
During his upstart as a merchant he was
seduced and in turn robbed by a young drow
sorcerer name Valanthe. She disappeared
shortly after with his possessions, but his anger
has only grown over the years. If given the
opportunity to strike a drow, sorcerer or worst
of all, a combination of the both, he will have
troubles holding himself back as his hatred has
not be sated. If the characters of your players
happen to be drow or half-drow then he will
send people after them. If neither of them are
drow and happen to learn this fact about him,
he will pay them for any information about the
whereabouts of possible targets.
The Flickering Ember has a passageway under
that leads to the Nasher Warehouse. A DC 15
Investigation check reveals it.
Vellgard Manor
The manor was flanked by metal gates and an
inner wall that could stop a small army. The
manor in itself is a large 3 story stone building
with a large garden. Mordai Vell inherited the
manor after the eruption of Mount Hotenow, in
1451 DR, when all his human relatives died in
the cataclysm. He then repurposed the manor
to use it as the headquarters of his Ashmadai
cell.
31
The beached leviathan
This infamous tavern is a 3-tiered building
which overlooks the seas to the west. Often
frequented by criminals, smugglers, slavers,
sailors and merchants, this tavern is a prime
place for exciting rumors or gossip. As well as a
prime place to be mugged, killed or simply
beaten, should you stick out among the typical
folk. It was built in and around the refurbished
wreckage of the pirate ship Leviathan.
It is run by a staff who are well built, very vocal
and do not mind a bit of violence.
Credits: Forgotten wiki.
Castle never
Castle Never was the stronghold and home of
the rulers of Neverwinter before the
destruction of the city in 1451 DR. The Castle
was heavily damaged by the eruption of Mount
Hotenow.
The interior of Castle Never was, as of 1479 DR,
a battle zone, as various factions vied for its
control. The most important factions were that
of the beholder Talgath, and Valindra
Shadowmantle and her Thayan forces.
Recently the Lord Protector Dagult Neverember
had announced plans to recover and restore
Castle Never, in hopes of bringing prosperity to
Neverwinter. If the party were to succeed this
and report the findings to Dagult Neverember,
they would be handsomely rewarded. Clearing
it will be impossible by stealth and will require
great strength. Dagult is worried that the
necromancer is trying to resurrect Lord Halueth
Never and use him to their advantage.
However, the dangers of the Castle (infested by
monsters even before the cataclysm) stopped
any faction from getting control of the place.
The castle was also a common destination for
adventuring bands that wanted to try their luck
braving the dangers of Castle Never in search of
glory and treasure. In it there are two
noteworthy areas:
32

DM Notes: Castle Never
While it is possible that the characters would know
of Castle Never by looking around, the Vault and
Neverneath are two locations the characters would
only know about through rumours. This is something
that you can set up during a late night at a tavern or
something other adventurers would talk about
amongst themselves.
They are both mysterious and not general
knowledge at all. The content will require a higher
leveled party.
An illustration depicting Castle Neverwinter’s ruins.
Credits: Chris Dien
Neverneath
Also known as the “Endless Maze”, Neverneath
was the magically protected catacombs of
Castle Never, built to maintain the structural
integrity of the castle and to protect the buried
corpse of Lord Halueth Never. After the
Spellplague of 1385 DR, however, the wild
magic altered the magic ward, giving it a
malevolent sentience and the ability to reshape
the corridors of Neverneath at will. The ward
bided its time before trapping anyone who
dared enter in a corridor inside an infinite
magical loop full of deadly traps and animated
statues that attacked anything that moved.
Vault of the nine
The Neverwinter Nine, bodyguards of
Neverwinter’s kings and queens before the
destruction of the city were buried in a
magically sealed crypt in the depths of Castle
Never. The general population speculates that
there is great treasure in the vault, and rumors
claim that the Neverwinter Nine are still alive
down there, protecting whatever is down there.
In this vault there is rumored to be a item of
great value. An old folks tale that has been
resurfacing a bit more again about the Crown of
Neverwinter - stories say it shields the wearer
from the extremes of heat and cold and the
deciding factor if you are heir to the throne of
Neverwinter. A false heir is allegedly burned by
33
frost and fire. With the rumours of its existence
coming back up to circulation, it is a deciding
factor who will sit on the throne.
In summary, Castle Never truly is the
centerpiece of the district. A large castle under
constant conflict of multiple factions, that lead
into a maze that changes and tries to murder its
visitors that in the end lead to the vault of the
nine. This vault with guardians that never rest.
Day and night
In general Blacklake District is most active
during night. The honest people that live in this
district are at work during the day, usually in
another district, and shut and lock their doors
at night. The darker side of the district are
seemingly asleep during the day whilst they are
incredibly active during nightfall.
Weaponsmuggling, transporting goods and
spying on eachother are everynight activities.
This districts’ factions
The largest faction in the area the Nashers.
They are thugs in broad daylight, operating near
the docks but also by the living quarters of the
district. They tend to cause a ruckus quite often.
The second largest faction you will notice the
most in Blacklake are the Ashmadai. While they
primarily run from the shadows, their grip on
the district is noticable even in public. People
are always afraid of someone overhearing their
public conversations.
Another faction that resides in the area are the
Wererats down in the sewers. Sometimes they
show themselves at night but it’s been a long
time since someone saw them with any
evidence.
There is quite a lot to digest in this district, so
let’s take a look at the each of the factions
individually.
Nashers
They take their name from the legendary Lord
Nasher Alagondar, who led victoriously the city
against the invasion of Luskan. Their symbol, a
minotaur head slain by a sword, remembers
one of Nasher's battles when he defeated the
minotaur alone, killing him by putting his sword
into the beast's eye.
They are a violent faction of the anti-
Neverember resistance group known as the
Sons of Alagondar. Their leader, Arlon
Bladeshapper, took their control after the
violent death of the Sons previous leader
Cymril, claiming to be a descendant of one of
the Neverwinter Nine, Nasher's personal guard,
and so the most rightful claimer of the throne.
This is the main reason why they are in this
district, as they are fighting over power of
Castle Never that houses the tomb of the
34
Neverwinter Nine. Proof of his descendency is fanatical sect led by tiefling Mordai Vell and the
there and if left up to him, nothing will stop him more power-hungry sect led by dwarf Favria.
from entering that tomb. Mordai is responsible for the cult becoming a

Of the rebel factions, the Nashers are among shady manipulative powerhouse. Favria’s

the most vicious in their methods. They seem followers are essentially thugs and loyal only to

more like a gang than a movement, and often their own section of the cult.

clash with other rebel factions over their

methods, having no qualms about using rioting, The cult is hard to infiltrate and eliminate, it

assassination, theft, and sabotage as weapons works on a tiered system with everyone

against Neverember, no matter how many unaware of other cult members' identities due

innocent civilians are hurt by their actions. to masks etc. Mordai has begun to push the
guilds agenda further recently by marking
buildings and bodies with the symbolism of
ashmadai
Asmodeus. This is beginning to create some
Corpses have been found at sporadic moments
form of fear and panic in the populace
spread out within the 4 districts in the city of
especially around the tower district.
Neverwinter. They all have one thing in
common, a marking on their chests. It is
The cult is constantly trying to recruit new
rumoured to be the work of a secret society –
money into their fold, targeting nobility and
The Ashmadai. They are well connected, its
merchants especially those with abundant
members are burrowed deeply into every
wealth. When together and performing rituals,
organisation in Neverwinter. They come from
they have the power to summon Devil’s, imps,
all walks of life, poor, wealthy, dwarf, elf, man
burning devils etc. These summoned devils are
and woman. They all have 3 main traits, a
bound into a human body, usually an unwilling
tendency towards arrogance, the worship or
candidate from a poorer area of the land.
fear of Asmodeus (God of Indulgence,
Mordai is a favourite subject of the Lord
essentially god of all demons and devils) and a
Protector Neverember and the two often spend
curious brand found on their chests. They seek
time together. Ultimately the aim is to remove
to control Neverwinter either directly or via
Neverember from Neverwinter and return him
blackmail and intimidation, yet they currently
to Waterdeep where they can control him to
lack the muscle to directly oppose the current
have power over both cities.
ruler, so they currently operate in the shadows.
There are two main sects to the cult, a less

35
Dead rat Thieves’ guild Random happenings in this district
Operating from the sewers around the Blue d100 Outcome
Lake and its surrounds the Dead Rats are 01-15 The Wererats came out
the sewers last night
predominately made up of wererats. Their and kidnapped
leader is a one eyed wererat named Rsolk. someone. A family
member is in distress
Being an offshoot of the thieves’ guild in and begs for help,
Luskan, the leaders of the guild hope to use bring them back.
16-30 Hazel claims that
Neverwinter as a hub for criminal activities all something happened
throughout the Swords Coast. This guild works in the lake the last few
days, something is
in direct opposition to all but defunct Sons of making sounds from
Alagondar, corroding the nationalistic ideals of the bottom of it.
31-45 The Nashers are out on
the group in favor of a lawless chaos more the streets, attempting
to claim it officially, by
suited to a rogue’s opportunistic nature.
force.
46-60 Devilspawns have been
DM Notes: Base of operations seen at night lately, the
Ashmadai seem to
Normally I would recommend the Beggar’s Nest as a
become more active
base of operations as most of the area is up for lately.
grabs, but if your characters are of questionable 61-80 A ragged crew is
currently staying at the
morality, this district would have its values as well. Beached Leviathan and
There are less guards and more manuvering if their has spread a rumor
about something
alignments are towards the lawless and evil side.
exciting.
81-100 Last night a group of
adventurers went into
the Castle Never in
hope for treasure and
never came back.

36
Meta perspective
This district can be summarized as the classic
war between guilds situations. Multiple factions
fighting over control that are currently at a
stalemate due to their powers and resources
being at somewhat similar situations. Neither of
the sides have taken any larger losses in terms
of power, items or higher seated members of
their faction.
This will be decided and changed by three
possible factors. The first one being that one of
the factions get closer to one of their goals:
wererats increase in numbers to the point
where they overrun the sewers and the district.
The Nashers receiving an artifact capable of
proving their leaders descendancy from the
Neverwinter Nine. The Ashmadai connecting to
Asmodeus to the point where either he is
summoned or his top brass.
The second option being that they, for either
reason, decide to ally between themselves.
Either two of the factions or all three, and
instead of fighting over the treasure and spoils,
divide it by themselves and take the fight to
Neverember instead.
The third being that your characters, the
adventurers, affect the balance of power
through either aiding or wounding one of the
factions. Overall, this will be decided by lack of
action over time or the characters actions.
Beggar’s Nest
When Mount Hotenow erupted, the
earthquakes caused a rift in Neverwinter's very
foundation, creating a festering pit where the
Spellplague began to accumulate. It was not
long before the Chasm began to vomit out foul
creatures - Plaguechanged beasts and hellish
monstrosities that defy description - and the
defenders of Neverwinter had to hastily build
new fortifications to hold them back. The top of
the Chasm is now filled with water and has
become a lake, the people unsuspecting of the
potential danger underneath.
The bottom of the Chasm is a pitted wasteland
of twisted and shattered rock. Spellplague
energy flares from the ground and the walls
seemingly at random threatening to douse any
unlucky enough to be standing nearby. It is
eerily silent, except for the raspy berating and
the echoing footfalls of the plaguechanged
creatures. If one also listens closely, however,
something else can also be heard: the entire
landscape hums with energy, pulsing as though
it were itself a living, breathing creature.
To the south eastern corner of the city,
previously ripped apart via cataclysmic volcanic
activity now essentially lays bare. People have
rushed to the area to stake claims of land and
begin to build homes, businesses and futures for
themselves. These peoples are focused on their
37
own pursuits and will commonly be looking for was sealed, Neverember ordered the Wall to be
building components or goods to stuff new torn down. Now the materials from this wall are
stores full of. being distributed to the people who claim a plot
of land in the district, to help stabilize the area

Fort precipe as quick as possible. This is free of charge.

Once the fortified manor of Roderick the Wary,

The Phoenix Bridge *
a wizard renowned for his paranoia, Fort
The Phoenix Bridge is a newly built piece above
Precipice stands as a crumbling bulwark
the chasm that is now filled with water. It is
between the unsuspecting people of
made to identical in importance and
Neverwinter and the Plaguechanged horrors of
appearance from the three bridges that in from
the Chasm. Once the center point of the
Protector’s Enclave. The phoenix itself
defenders against the Plaguechanged creatures,
represents rebirth and new potential, the exact
it is now a defensive outpost for the district as
feeling that the Lord Protector wants to send
well as the way down to the abyss of The
out to the district that is forming a new identity.
Chasm. There still resides a few Spellplague
It is made out of stone and by the ends on both
monsters at the bottom if it and if the area is
sides are two medium-sized statues like a
explored it will lead to the Underdark.
phoenix rising up into the sky.

The wall
It is one of the few always guarded places in the
The Wall was built with stone, wood, and other
Beggar’s Nest, which forces the shady figures to
materials taken from the debris of Neverwinter.
take the long way around the water instead.
It stretched from the Neverdeath graveyard to
This makes walking along the waters, at night, a
the House of Knowledge and the Neverwinter
shaky endeavour. It is one of the places where
River. Much of the Wall was made up of former
one can get robbed, or catch someone in the
manors, towers, and even one of the Guard
act of thievery.
Barracks of old. It was big enough to even soar
over the other buildings of the city. The
Neverwinter Academy
outposts across the Wall always had at least ten
The Academy was a premier fighter and mage
guards watching them, and groups of soldiers
college that existed before the events of the
and mercenaries constantly patrolled the Wall
spell plague. The remnants of the building
to one end to the other, day and night. During
remain, perhaps waiting for someone to invest
the decade of the 1480s DR, after the Chasm

38
the time and money to reforming the academy
to its former glory. Sometimes during the night
voices and chanting can be heard from the
ruins. The Lord Protector is aware of this and
intends, in the future, to rebuild it after all the
other projects are done. If one were to take
lead on this project and rebuild it, you would
gain great favor with him.
Seers manor *
One of the few manors from the Arcanist
quarters that was not impacted by the chasm. It
is currently uninhabited, and the Lord Protector
has plans to give this residency to as a token of
gratitude to anyone that accomplishes one of
his impactful plans for the city. There has been
a few uninvited visitors that made their way
into it at times but have been driven out by
guards doing their routine visits. If the
characters gain access to the building, read this
aloud:
As you open the once locked gates you see
before you a house of potential. The interior,
while dusty and undecorated, can be whatever
you wish for it to be. You walk around the
house and find that it has three stories, the
lowest one being a large open cellar with one
window that let us you see through the back.
Overall, there is plenty of rooms in the house,
not counting the cellar there are eight rooms.
Their purpose will be up to you.
You cough a bit, as the dust has stuck itself in
your nose and throat, but thereafter take a
deep breath. A good feeling swells inside of
you as your mind takes you to one single place
that you have not thought about in a long
time. “Home”.
DM Notes: Living quarters
I intend to give this out to my players as a plothook
to stay in the city once they are there. The reason
why they will be gifted this house is because the
dragon that has tormented the nearby region,
Cryovain from the Dragon of Icespire Peak module,
has finally been slain. The dragon has been
murdering patrols, stealing valueble transported
goods and disrupting trade and life in general.
Shining Serpent Inn
Been rebuilt after its former destruction. The
Shining Serpent Inn was and is one of the most
popular inns in Neverwinter. The inn is the
largest of Neverwinter, four stories tall, with
several flights of wooden stairs running down
the back. Albeit expensive, the inn is held in
high regard. The suites are pleasant, but also
bare. The inn also provided fluffy robes for
guests to wander about in, embroidered with
the silver serpent logo to discourage theft.
39
Stonehammers *
Located on the outskirts of the Beggar’s Nest,
close to the river. A weaponsmith who migrated
from Citadel Abdar, in the far north, has set up
shop in Beggar’s Nest and has been building up
a clientele for the last three years. Very efficient
in the arts of making and refining weaponry, his
one problem is acquiring the materials he needs
for his signature make. The owner, nicknamed
“Truesilver” Stonehammer, is one of the few
dwarves to craft weaponry made from mithral
for all races, not only dwarves. This has made
him quite unpopular with other dwarves, which
can sometimes be seen by angered and
sometimes violent customers coming out of his
smithy.
“Truesilver” gets consumed by his interest if
either of his guests come in donning anything
made of mithral. If the guests are looking for
work, he will share his story of having to search
for mithral deposits himself, as no dwarf will
back his endeavors. He will pay handsomely if
the guests retrieve any ore, bars or items made
from mithral they would consider getting rid of.
An illustration of “Truesilver”.
Credits: Unknown artist
Archaic Links *
The archaic links is an area shaped like a
roofless dome in the middle of the Beggar’s
Nest. This is a religious meeting place for
worshippers of all deities. This area has no
walls, but the dome-shaped figure is comprised
out of shrines for numerous different deities. Be
they well-known and worshipped like Corellon,
the creator of Elves, or lesser known as Mielikki,
the goddess of forests, who was sometimes
prayed to before a trip to the forests like
Neverwinter Wood in hopes of not getting lost.
The shrines are made in various ways; statues,
carvings, hanging talismans, altars and small
temples.
Run by no one yet handled properly by almost
all. This is a place of serenity and reflection,
with little noise being made. Causing a scene
will surely make you an enemy of the people
quickly.
Vista marketplace *
Referred to by the locals as just “Vista”, this is a
place of gathering for people who intend to sell
their goods or buy others. It is far away from
being as organized or protected as Seven Suns
Coster Market in Protector’s Enclave, but it has
plenty of charm and variation in the goods that
people display there. Numerous travelling
merchants come by to open shop there over
40
the day. There can also be some redeemed
artisans and merchants who sell their goods
there as they are waiting for an opening in the
Seven Suns Coster Market.
This is an excellent place to sell knickknacks,
trinkets, materials, random book collections
and whatever else may peak your adventuring
interest. This would also be the place where the
shady merchants will hide in plain sight and
disappear but a day later after a large sale. I will
give two examples of merchants I will use in my
world:
Example Merchant (1): Decorations
Come, come here hero! That is what you are,
yes? I could see it the second you came into my
vision. The stoic pose, broad shoulders, the
serious brows upon the chiseled head that lays
upon your magnificent body. The only thing
missing is something that makes your clothing,
nay, image, stand out more. The final touch, so
to say. Please, let me be the lucky person to put
the crowning jewel on to this masterpiece that
is you – Garan Dumont, stylish male human.
Garan is a human embodiment of a peacock. He
also full heartedly believes anything he says to
his customers, which can lead to some
humorous interactions when he does not
understand why his customers are laughing at
his way of speaking. He sells the pieces of
clothing that most do not consider, which he
finds outrageous. His specialties include
shoulder pads, cloaks, feathers for hats, pocket
watch, belt buckles and fashionable gloves. He
tends to sell his wares for a lower price if the
customer is as excited as he is.
Example Merchant (2): Deceit
Greetings, traveler! Are you on a journey or
search for anything in particular? I will bet you
anything in the world that I have something for
just you – Tippletoe, the charming female
gnome.
What seems like a charming, innocent halfling is
an experienced crook who knows just how to
sell her wares. She managed to get a hold of a
necklace that lets her cast illusion magic on
objects. She uses this as an opportunity to sell
completely empty books, but she uses illusion
magic that makes the reader conjure up the
text in their mind based on what they desire.
This can be picked up on by a detect magic spell
or simply dispelled. If neither of these are done
however, she will sell pricey books where the
content will simply fade away after a few hours.
After she sells a book, she always changes
location. So far, she has only sold her wares in
smaller towns, now she is trying her luck in a
large city in hopes of making a large sale to
“some schmuck”.
41
Day and night
This district has a, in general, relatively normal
cycle as to what happens during the day and
night. During the day the inhabitants are out
and about, browsing at the Vista and also
traveling to the other districts. Another
common activity during the day is also
rebuilding, repairing and building on the
plotlands in the district. This is the district that
DM Notes: Potential
Now this is a personal opinion more than anything,
but the reason why the Beggar’s Nest is my favorite
district is the possibility for anything to be there.
After the chasm broke the district into the mess it is
right now, it is a place full with potential. People
from all over the world are swarming to this district
and populating it quickly. This is an excellent place to
have multiple cultures worshipping different dieties,

has suffered the most from the different making different food, having different currencies,

disasters and has yet to rebuild to it’s full stories and really mixing it up. This will be your
crowning jewel as a Dungeon Master on New
potential. The nights tends to be quite calm, the
Neverwinter. This is the area that you can fully
majority of the citizens and visitors are indoors
customize according to your party, their interests
and spending time with each other. Inns and
and their individual stories. This is also why most of
taverns tend to be crowded throughout the
the buildings in this district are made by me, as there
entire day. is very little information in general about what
would be here in 1492 DR.
This districts’ factions
The Beggar’s Nest doesn’t have a particular
faction that runs it from the shadows. In general
the guards patrol this area from time to time,
but there aren’t that many powerful figures
that reside in this district in the first place. If
your party decides to settle down here, it is very
likely that you will be the influencal figures of
this district.

An illustration depicting an everyday in the Vista.

Credits: Unknown artist

42
Random happenings in this district equipment as well as
their remains, that
d100 Outcome
need to be peacefully
01-11 There is a disease that
put to rest.
is spreading in
76-80 Mail has appeared on
Beggar’s Nest and due
your residency’s
to the many origins of
doorstep, or inside
its inhabitants, its
your tavern room.
origin is impossible to
There is a numbered
track. The people need
key to a safe in the
an antidote!
Manycoins Bank in
12-23 There is a smaller
Protector’s Enclave.
celebration for a deity
81-91 An individual from a
that causes people to
character’s past will
gather, talk and make
appear in the district at
activities together.
a far-away glance
24-35 A festival is organized
during the day.
by the Lord Protector
92-100 A new settler heard
to welcome all the new
tales of your previous
inhabitants. Food,
deeds and is
contests, activities and
requesting your help is
sales of oddities are
clearing one of the
being prepared.
abandoned houses by
46-57 Someone has taken
the river. Apparently,
over someone else’s
there are dangerous
residence and refuses
creatures in the
to give it back. The
basement or attic.
invader claims that “it
is up for grabs, so
anyone can take it”.
Meddling is needed or
violence will ensue.
58-69 A tribe of goblins have
settled down in a large
house in Beggar’s Nest
and the consensus is
worry, as people have
had poor prior
experience with
goblins.
70-75 Specters have
appeared by the
Neverwinter Academy.
If vanquished, they
disappear and re-
appear the next time. If
talked to, they tell of a
vault under the
academy with

43
Meta perspective
Beggar’s Nest is truly the district that has gone
through it all. The Spellplague and the Chasm
put the district in terror and drove away most
of its inhabitants, by fleeing or being devoured
by whatever foul creatures the Chasm spat out.
The creation of the Chasm itself was also a large
setback for the district, as it basically removed
its other half, the district that was called
Arcanist Quarters that is simply a distant trace if
you visit now. Although these are horrid events,
the people of this district are a dream to be
next to.
So, what remains and who is there? Well, that is
an excellent question and the basis of what we
will look at here. Much like River District,
Beggar’s Nest is split into two groups of
individuals. There are the families that
persevered through the hardships, fought
against the Spellplague monsters by Fort
Precipe and endured when their homes were
broken by the Chasm. These will be easily
distinguishable from the rest. Physically tough
with a “fight on”-spirit that never surrender.
The other crowd are the newcomers. Tales of a
city that is rising once again in importance, they
swarm towards it and find a district that is
almost unpopulated with tons of unpopulated
building that are simply up for grabs? These are
the people who have no direct connection to
the city itself but their excitement to be there.
They bring their past, their cultures,
experiences and dreams. These will be easily
excitable, will gladly share their hopes and
visions with any other newcomer. Slowly
putting their mark on the district, it is becoming
an incredible multicultural area.
This does carry with it some problems; cultures
will always knock heads so to say. There might
be open disagreements between believers of
opposite deities, between previous supporters
of factions who were against each other. There
is also the other perspective, which is my
favorite, which is the pure potential of people
coming together with such vast differences in
their experiences. I believe my favoritism that
will show itself in how much homebrew created
for this district.
44
Depicting multiple religious symbols.
Credits: Wizards of the Coast.
I would like to start this Appendix by saying that I take absolutely no credit for making the majority of
these monsters or their stats. The redditor, Avalassanor, did a stellar job of converting NPCs and
Monsters from 4e to 5e and thus being able to use Wizard of the Coasts fantastic creatures.

I will be linking few homebrew monsters of my own making or official monsters from the 5e Monster
Manual, if you are interested in the 5e monsters I will advise you to go to the already made published
Wizards of the Coast materials. The purpose of this write-up is after all to refresh Neverwinter to a
proper 5e model, and therefore I will only link the updated 5e creatures. I have tried to include all the
relevant ones, and there are some left out. If you feel that there are any that have missed out, feel free
to visit the original homebrew document where Avalassanor has made a stellar job of writing up all of
the monsters from the 4e Neverwinter campaign into his versions of the5e monsters.

P.S. the only 5e creature I have linked in this guide is for the commoner, as this city is filled to the brim
with fishermen, merchants and peasants and you should use that as the standard template for any type
of commoner for simplicity’s sake.

If I were to make any type of recommendations of what you could use from the monsters from the 5e
monster manual this could need some expansion and variation between the devils that the Ashmadai
summon. It also gives a bigger variation depending on your party’s level. It could be anything from the
common imp for the lower levels, to giant summons like the demon gorilla-esque Barlgura.

Appendix A is not sorted by alphabetical sorting but by their faction allegiance. After the Neverwinter
Nine, the featured creatures are stand alone creatures who are not bound to a larger faction of
Neverwinter.

45
11. The factions of neverwinter
Mordai Vell, Patriarch of Asmodeus
Devil worship? In Neverwinter? Why, my pretty lass, I’m afraid you’ve been
misinformed. The Lord Protector does his job well, and I assure you we’re safe from such
things. Now, why don’t you let me pour you another cup of wine? If you’re frightened,
you can sit closer to me. — Mordai Vell

Tall and dark, Mordai has luminous gold eyes even though most tieflings boast red or
black ones. Charisma practically drips from him, setting all around him off their guard.
His obvious wealth doesn’t hurt, either. As the last heir of a noble family (one whose
holdings remained remarkably intact after the cataclysm), he exerts great influence
over Neverwinter’s economy and politics.

Mordai is arrogance incarnate. He pursues whatever interests him, regardless of how

far he must reach. He trusts in his combination of charm, status, wealth, and service to
Asmodeus to gain him what he wants.

Mordai is a smooth operator—charming, rich, and always keen on how he might ally
with new acquaintances and use them. The devil worshipper is generous, appealing, Credits: © Wizards of the Coast
slick, and flirtatious when it suits his purposes. He rarely reveals his true loyalties—and
only to select initiates and high-ranking cultists.

Mordai leads the Ashmadai sect that is more liberal in its interpretation of Asmodeus’s edicts. Its cultists have
little loyalty to Thay (anyone else). Mordai sees even Asmodeus to an end rather than as his master. The cult
leader lies as easily, and smoothly as other people breathe. Dissembling amuses him, and the crafts intrigues
interwoven with truths so well that even his closest allies cannot tell when he intends treachery.

46
Mordai Vell, Patriarch of Asmodeus
In his immeasurable hubris, Mordai Vell decided to beseech the Dawn Titan, Maegera, to forcefully
combine the raging power of the Nine Hells with the might of the slumbering primordial to create a
weapon he wishes to keep for himself. A scepter made in an imaging of the original one, belonging to
the Raging Devil, Asmodeus, however, containing much greater power that would allow him to
challenge even the Dark Lord himself. If he ever succeeded in his plotting, it would spell dark times for
Neverwinter.

DM Notes: Phases of a fight

This NPC, Mordai Vell, is a two-phase fight. That means that once he’s close to being defeated in his first form, his
true strength shows and this second template becomes his new statistics and abilities. He regains all health and
spell slots.

47
Favria, dwarf assassin
If Mordai is the beautiful face of the Ashmadai, Favria represents
its uglier reality—as the whip-scars across her face attest. Born as
a slave to a group of Asmodeus-worshipping duergar, she escaped
as a young adult after orchestrating a riot. Despite the abuses she
suffered under the duergar, she has retained a vestige of her
masters’ tyrannical faith.

Some years later, Favria made her way to Neverwinter in search of

Gauntlgrym. There she found kindred souls in the form of the
Ashmadai. Over time, she intimidated many of the group’s
members into lining up behind her. With the city as a supply base,
she continues to search for the lost dwarven city, which she
intends to find and claim for her infernal master.

But she has other responsibilities as well. Hers is the face the
Ashmadai shows to Valindra Shadowmantle, whom she believes
holds the cult’s coveted sceptre of Asmodeus. Unlike Mordai,
Favria knows what their god’s relic can do. And playing the
obsequious servant doesn’t ruffle her feathers; she’s had plenty of
practice. One day soon, she intends to slit some throats and claim
her prize.

Mordai’s complete opposite, Favria has no patience for the

highbrow dance that nobles and politicians frequently engage in. If
she sees a problem, she picks of it. However, she does recognise
the general value of Mordai’s approach, and she has no desire to
disrupt his efforts, which have gained the Ashmadai many new
cultists and a lot more power. So Favria avoids staying in the city
for long periods. Instead, she has set up camp in the ruins of
Thundertree. From there, she tracks activity in the city and
everywhere the Thayans employ the Ashmadai, such as at the
Dread Ring.

Like their leader, the members of Favria’s sect are brutal and
zealous, preferring to solve their problems with blades rather than
words. They respect the dwarf for her battle prowess and
acknowledge her wits.

48

Credits: © Wizards of the Coast

Branded Zealot
Hotheaded Bully. Branded zealots make up the bulk of
the initiated Ashmadai. They are unyielding in their
drive to serve Asmodeus, drawing power from the soul-
deep brands that mark their nefarious covenants. A
typical branded zealot has little patience and a vicious
temper, making the cultist easy to goad into a fight.
Hellfire Warlock
Sleeper Agent. A hellfire warlock, having proved itself a
dedicated and sinister servant, walks its path with
Asmodeus’s blessing, gaining the ability to wield some
diabolical power. Such a cunning devotee is careful to
conceal the brand it bears. It insinuates itself into
enemy sanctums, where its eventual betrayal can be
both surprising and effective.
49
Fimbrul Devil
Hellcold Harbinger. A fimbrul devil spreads winter
wherever it goes, sapping life from warm flesh. It hails
from Cania or Nessus, the Hells’ eighth and ninth
layers. Foes who survive a battle with a fimbrul suffer
persistent chills for years.
Seared Devil
Burn Those Alive. Resembling a horribly burned
humanoid, a seared devil crackles as it hurls its charred
body at foes. The impact propels a cloud of ash into the
air as the fiend’s stink sends bile up enemy throats.
Jealousy fuels its actions, and it snarls as it races
toward the freshest uncooked bodies.
50
Vizier Devil
Political Infiltrators. While Pit Finds often hold the titles of
Ambassadors in the Nine Hells, it would be unwise for them to
involve their fiendish self in any kind of diplomatic mission on the
Prime Material. Unless, of course, a hostile takeover of a mortal
government was on the agenda. Instead, devils prefer much subtler
ways to corrupt and gain influence over mortals, and thus the Vizier
Devils are the ones to serve as ambassadors, advisors or political
figures among the unsuspecting humanoids, for Vizier looks exactly
like a tiefling, however, its nature and motivations are much viler
and more fiendish. They skillfully infiltrate governments and find
their way to the sits of power, though they much prefer the role of
a grey eminence over that of an overlord, as the latter puts them
under too much scrutiny of the public eye. Their specialty is to
corrupt rulers and nations by fueling the nationalistic spirit and
getting them involved in seemingly noble activities that bear grim
fruits. They divide mortals to conquer them. Vizier devil can hurl
hellfire that forces the weak-minded creatures to follow the dark
whispers of treachery, turning them against their own allies. The
devil can share an insightful advice with their allies to aid them in
battle.

Credits: Wizards of the Coast

51
Ashmadai Garroter
Ruthless Killers. These Ashmadai favor garrote wire as
their most favorite tool of murder. It allows them to
keep their victim close and revel in their frantic struggle
for a breath. They are skilled individuals, and like
snakes hidden in a high grass, patiently waiting to catch
their victims unaware. In case they needed to help
their luck in creating perfect circumstances for them to
strike, garroters carry a brimstone bomb, which bursts
into an obscuring cloud once shattered.
Ashmadai thug
Opportunist Initiates. It never takes much to become a
servant to an ill-idea. Some lose their hope and their
will to live in the face of misery and despair, others are
unwilling to try and work towards their dreams, and
they are always those who were cast out by the society
for whatever reason, whether justly or not. Sooner or
later, they all often seek an easy solution to their
problems, eventually ending up even worse: being
blindly entangled with a devils-worshipping cult, where
their existence means nothing, their soul is craved after
and not even death is the way out.
52
Madame Rosene,
the voice of craycloaks
Madame Rosene and her regulars have filled the inside
of the tavern with bric-à-brac, curios, and relics of
Neverwinter before its fall. The statue from a favorite
fountain stands in a corner. A wineseller’s planter
boxes, filled with flowers, brighten the walls. A knob
and a knocker from a noble’s estate are attached to the
privy door. Ornate doors pulled from the wreckage
make fine tables, and unbroken panes of stained glass
hang overhead as chandeliers, lit by hundreds of
carefully placed candles. Though the decorations have
been salvaged from all over the city, the tavern does
not feel junky, and no one thinks Madame Rosene is
taking advantage of Neverwinter’s fall. Quite the
opposite—the Driftwood is considered a monument to
old Neverwinter, like a dusty painting of a beautiful girl
hanging above the deathbed of an aged noblewoman.

Credits: SYoshiko

53
Arlon Bladeshaper,
The head of nashers
The Nasher faction has begun to see Arlon Bladeshaper
as its leader. Bladeshaper claims to be the great-
grandson of one of the original Neverwinter Nine, and
he has grown increasingly frustrated with the
Graycloaks’ lack of progress on diplomatic fronts.

At first, Arlon Bladeshaper was leery of embracing this

darker facet of what was supposed to be a bloodless
movement for freedom, but the victories the Nashers
have had since allying with the Dead Rats and Thay
have convinced him—for now—that the Nashers see
things more clearly than the Graycloaks. Moreover,
now that Bladeshaper has led his faction through
several bloody victories, he cannot easily back away
from the gory precedent.

Credits: Bruno Gauthier Leblanc

54
Rsolk
Dead Rats are a were-rat led gang renowned for their infamy
in Luskan, the City of Vice, as well, as brutality and
ruthlessness. Just like their animal counterparts, they are
considered vermin feasting on the city’s underbelly. The
Neverwinter’s branch had established its warren in the
shattered sewers of the city, under the Blacklake District.
Gang signs are gouged in the stone walls and serve as
navigation aids for their members, and a warning for the
reasonable adventurers. Their territory is cluttered with
mounds of stolen goods, half-rotted food and trash, crawling
with vermin and pest.

One-Eyed Tyrant. Rsolk is a mountain of a wererat with his

broad-chest and muscular arms, yet he still maintains a
degree of nimbleness and quickness characteristic to his
skittering kin. It comes as a no surprise then with his physical
predisposition he shows strong propensity towards violence
and bullying. He refers to himself as a king of Neverwinter's
Dead Rat Gang, and he seems to be a brute of a king, indeed.
He makes sure that every gang member fall in line and
happily takes on one-to-one challenges from those who are
discontent with his leadership — after all, no one can match
his might. For now, gang seems to be content with his rule, at
least if he delivers result and ensures their continual
expansion.

Backstabbing Allies. Rsolk seized the opportunity that

presented itself with the split among Sons of Alagondar ranks.
He managed to forge a cooperation with the more violent
part of it — Nashers — to ally against Lord Neverember and
now works to usurp control of them to establish trade
alliance with Thay, although, ultimately, he plans to eliminate
them and take over the underbelly of Neverwinter on its own.

Emergency Flush. The sewers provide a perfect and

undisturbed passage throughout the city and are filled with
numerous traps, from portcullises, tripwires, bed spikes and
poisoned darts. Rsolk, the king himself, made sure to equip
his court with a special kind of failsafe — exploiting captured
engineer, he installed a floor trap mechanism that can bring
the lake waters rushing in to cleanse the sewers from its filth
and his opposition with but a pull of the lever.

55

Credits: Paizo
Lord Dagult Neverember
I am more than pleased to offer my services and gold to rebuilding this fine
center of culture and trade. Through our combined efforts, Neverwinter will
be reborn as a bastion of good in the Sword Coast North! — Dagult
Neverember

With a deep-set dark eyes, pumpkin-brown hair and broad

shoulders, Neverember is a handsome and presentable man, often
referred to as 'lion of a man', for his appearance and bearing. Lord
Protector of Neverwinter, is sometimes referred to as a Dagger and
The Pretender, the latter especially favored by his enemies.

Imposed Protector. Dagult Neverember, the Open Lord of

Waterdeep, has declared himself a distant relation of the old rulers of
Neverwinter, and thus claims to be the rightful heir to their holdings.
He has installed himself as Never winter's Lord Protector until the city
is rebuilt and order is fully restored—at which point some people
expect that he will name himself a king.

For the Sake of People and Popularity. Neverember focuses on

maintaining a peaceful peacekeeping force. His previous aggressive
mercenaries are not his way of ruling anymore. He is focusing on
rebuilding the city, maintaining order and trade, and putting silver—if
not gold—into residents’ hands.

Charming Personality. The Open Lord of Waterdeep is a commanding

noble. Big, boisterous, and affable, Neverember treats each new
acquaintance as a friend. Beneath his congenial display, his quick
mind is sizing up everyone in attendance, tallying potential gains or
Credits:© Wizards of the Coast
threats each could offer him. Despite feigning disinterest in scandals
and hints of corruption, he mentally files away each rumour. He
genuinely respects strong, intelligent male acquaintances and flirts
outrageously with beautiful female guests.

A shrewd negotiator, Neverember prefers plain dealing; he is well

known as an economic puppet master, facilitating trade deals that
shock even those involved.

56
General Sabine Wade
So, you started this tavern brawl in defense of the honor of a lady. Do you know
what this so-called lady does for a living? Anyway, Lord Neverember forbids
rowdiness in the city — and the man you laid out is one of my soldiers. So, the way I
see it, you owe me, hero. We can use someone like you on the Wall. — General
Sabine, welcoming her newest recruit.

Sabine is quite a character: some consider her attractive, others respect her for
martial prowess, and there are those who found out the hard way to never cross
her again. She has dark red hair, fair skin and a dagger tattooed on her arm —
whatever was the reason behind getting that one, she keeps it private, however,
one can easily find out that her tongue is just as sharp.

Mercenary Leader. The general is an adept strategist, a spearmaster and an expert

in mounted combat. She is a commander of the caliber matched by the scope of her
demanding position: she is the leader of the Mintarn mercenaries hired by
Neverember to provide protection for the city.

Strict and Effective. Now that the Mercenaries are slowly transitioning to let a fresh
formed peacekeeping force become the new guards, Sabine looks forward to
settling down. She has had an iron grip on her mercenaries and has this to the new
recruits as well, to protect. She does not tolerate rowdiness in the Protector's
Enclave and firmly acts against rebels who infringe city stability. She is frequent at
local inns, taverns and tap houses, but not only because she enjoys a good drink;
she stages a damsel in distress act to con outlaws into a fight she will gladly take. Credits: Johannes Palmblad

57
Soman Galt, Mayor of Neverwinter
Once a great explorer, Soman Galt has atrophied into a weaselly
politician who projects a cold, disconnected presence. The dwarf
stares absently, his eyes seeming to watch something no one else
can see, and he often mumbles to himself. He is capable of rigid
focus, however, when the situation warrants it, and he takes his
work seriously.
Seduced Astray. Rohini, the Prophet of Helm’s Hold, used her
brilliant mind and cunning conversational style to seduce the
dwarf. Fascinated, Galt pressed for more knowledge of her greater
mysteries, and in return an aboleth corrupted his mind. The
mayor’s range of governmental responsibilities allows the
Sovereignty to guide social policy, to know what parts of the Wall
will be best guarded at any time, and to keep watch over the
general goings-on in Neverwinter. Having such a well-placed asset
gives the aboleths a considerable advantage over Neverwinter and
will be invaluable when they decide to move against the topside
vermin.
Powerless Puppet. Galt operates under multiple posthypnotic
suggestions designed to serve the aboleths’ interests, and he pays
covert visits to Rohini for additional conditioning. As such, his
mind has been ravaged repeatedly, which has revealed new facets
of his eccentric behavior and has reduced him to a pallid, sunken-
eyed figure.
Guardian Aboleth. When Galt is in peril, his abolethic
controllers take over. His limbs flail about, and his body
appears to contort and shake in an uncontrollable fit.
Galt is unaware of his abolethic taint and would be
horrified—and possibly unhinged—if he found out about
it.
, others respect her for martial prowess, and there are
those who found out the hard way to never cross her
again. She has dark red hair, fair skin and a dagger
tattooed on her arm — whatever was the reason behind
getting that one, she keeps it private, however, one can
easily find out that her tongue is just as sharp.
Mercenary Leader. The general is an adept strategist, a
spearmaster and an expert in mounted combat. She is a
commander of the caliber matched by the scope of her
demanding position: she is the leader of the Mintarn
mercenaries hired by Neverember to provide protection
for the city.
Strict and Effective. Now that the Mercenaries are
slowly transitioning to let a fresh formed peacekeeping
force become the new guards, Sabine looks forward to
settling down. She has had an iron grip on her
mercenaries and has this to the new recruits as well, to
Credits:
protect. She does not © Wizardsrowdiness
tolerate of the Coast
in the
Protector's Enclave and firmly acts against rebels who
infringe city stability. She is frequent at local inns,
taverns and tap houses, but not only because she enjoys
a good drink; she stages a damsel in distress act to con
outlaws into a fight she will gladly take.
58
Mintarn Mercenaries
Famed All Over the Realms. Mintarn, a medium sized
island in the Sea of Swords, is a well-known neutral
ground for mediations. It has become a popular haven
for criminals, outcasts, and is famous for export of
professional mercenaries. Their skills are second to
none, and they are the most efficient while fighting in
teams, operating almost as if they were of one body
and mind. Mintarn veterans often specialize in one
type of weapon becoming extremely adept in their use.

Credits: Jason Credits: Windmaker

59
The Wall-hardened Neverwintian
Guardians
No matter the age, sex, and martial prowess, countless
Neverans came together to protect their home. Their reasons may
be countless: fighting for better future, good of community,
vengeance, or safety of little siblings and elders they must leave
each day at home — the safety of their beloved is in their hands.

Protect Your Home. When the cataclysm hit Neverwinter,

countless lives were claimed, but the real horror was still to come
for those who were fortunate enough to survive. A gigantic chasm
has opened, tearing apart the south-east part of the city and the
new wave of nightmares flooded the city, as twisted monsters of
unimaginable appearances crawled out of the abyss itself.
Neverwintans gathered mounting defenses against the
aberrations and created blockades where the fights were most
frequent. Some of the present citizens-guardians grew up
defending the Wall and it became almost a sacred duty for them.
Even though Mintarn forces mostly took over guarding the Wall
and consist of three quarters of the current forces, Neverwintians
remain to carry on their vigilant watch. They were hardened by
countless sleepless nights and fierce fights against waves of
monsters. Even though their goal is common, atmosphere among
Neverwintans and Mintarns is tense and takes form of cold
exchanges, glares, competing for the monster kills, shouting
matches or even brutal brawls, although inciters of those seem to
mysteriously disappear the moment things get serious.

Credits: Dongho Khang

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Loremaster Atlavast
A prematurely aged, disheveled and neglected man, wearing a
repurposed potato bag like a robe, with numerous makeshift
patches, tied with an old belt around the waist and with a torn rag
around the shoulders imitating cape, Atlavast could be easily
mistaken for a crazy old beggar.

Knowledgeable yet Disturbed. After the eruption of Mount

Hotenow and subsequent cataclysm, loremasters of Oghma feared
the worst and decided to dedicate one among themselves to
looking after the great repository of maps, book and poems. And
so, sealed within the sanctum of the Temple of Knowledge in
Neverwinter in his early twenties, Atlavast has spent almost three
decades in the empty halls underground, away from the outside
world, attentively tending to studying and cataloging tomes, which
stand in countless rows of ceiling-high bookcases. Quite quickly he
lost the sense of passing time and grew increasingly eccentric and
doubtful in his own faculties, frequently relying on auguries to
decade on daily activities, what and how much to eat from the
food reserves, or how to best reorganise the tomes. Also, he
developed tendency of speaking to himself in an erratic matter,
raising and lowering his voice without a reason.

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Credits: Han AhReum
Valindra Shadowmantle, The hand of
Tsazz Tam
Valindra Shadowmantle, once a moon elf born in the High Forest,
now a powerful lich, is one of the most dangerous individuals who
skillfully weave complicated tapestries of plots and intrigues with
a thread of means that justify the ends. She never had much
respect for the community valued and shared among the People,
and she would put an individual, namely, herself, above it,
instead. Self-centered and focused on events solely related to her
interests, she acts only if it furthers her own agenda.
Subtle and Deadly. Valindra began her training in arcane arts in
the place of her birth, yet slow progress frustrated her, so she left
for Mirabar, where she manipulated an old wizard to take her as
an apprentice. She murdered him a year later and took his
spellbook and magical items. To say she was simply ambitious,
would be an oversimplification, after all, not many years later she
held the title of Overwizard and Master of the North Tower of
Arcane Brotherhood. Filled with the sentiment of possessing
superior intellect, she is easily blinded by hyubris, falling to a trap
set by her own arrogance: she underestimates her opponents,
often assuming her machinations are beyond their
comprehension, and she considers them dead long before she
could even carry such sentiment to fruition. Still, she prefers to
achieve triumph thanks to her mind, not sheer power, and is
likely to ‘enjoy’ a conversation, before obliterating the more
challenging rivals, resistant to her sophistic and manipulation,
with magic.
Dark Fealty. Since transition into a lich, Valindra became iron-
willed, her ambition has grown, and her methods turned more
ruthless. She had become an ally to Szass Tam from her own free
will, although she has her own agenda, perhaps she even hopes
to overthrow Szass Tam, the lich ruling over Thay, one day. And
one should fear, indeed, what will transpire, when an
unstoppable force collides with an immovable obstacle. For now,
however, she serves, seeks power and binds her time.
Self-assured Immortality. Convinced that her phylactery is
extremely well hidden and secure, she doesn’t falter in the face
of demise in battle, and thus she may act recklessly, bordering on
suicidal, presuming nothing is a threat enough, as her physical
form will reform within tenday. Valindra’s phylactery is thus an
item of great demand among her enemies, and many may wish to
find it, from Ashmadai to Netheresee to Cult of the Dragon, to
mention but a few.
The Rise of the Nine. One of her sanctums are crypts beneath
Castle Never enveloped in webs of unnerving shadows and
echoing with sombre and poignant sounds of the past. The lich
has a great appetite for the animation of the bodies of
Neverwinter Nine, great heroes, who would make for a potent
force. In the meantime, she has her servants carefully prepare
the nine bodies, simultaneously having her minions animate
dozen corpses at a time in Neverwinter’s graveyard, sending
them through Shadowfell to work at the restoration of the Dread
Ring or to join forces battling the Netherese in the Shadowfell
and on the Thay’s front.
Credits: © Wizards of the Coast
The Flight of Undeath. All of that is barely a groundwork for a
more magnificent undertaking: Valindra intends to ‘breathe’
unlife into the bones of a very old black dragon, Lorragauth,
turning him into a dracolich. It had been for his remains seeping
magic into the land, that the Dread Ring had been constructed
where it was, in the first place, as the land was soaked with
arcane energy. Valindra’s ambitions extend far beyond this sole
act, however, as she intends to have an undead flight that will
raise to skies of Faerun one day and destroy all who stand in the
path of Thay. The biggest obstacle in her way, is the state of the
dragon: her intended ritual cannot be used on remains, so she
must either push past the boundaries of magic, alter the
procedure, or find power to resurrect the dragon dead for
centuries, before she can make it into dracolich. And that is
where the Dread Ring or the nearby slumbering primordial,
Maegera the Inferno, come in, offering promise of power that
could alleviate her magic enough to make her ambitions come
true. She has already made one of the most important steps in
the process: she acquired ‘help’ of a local Cult of the Dragon, the
only ones in the region with a knowledge on how to create
dracoliches. She found it easy to coerce those zealots into
cooperation by subduing their cell’s leader, Adimond Kroskas, to
servitude. The moment she got her hand on his symbol of office,
a ring of dragons, he compliantly fell in line. Despite her success
in gaining this workforce, the progress on the ritual is
frustratingly slow and required ingredients turn out to be rare
and even scarce. Other than that, she makes sure to keep her
enemies with their hands full. For once, Thay provides support to
Sons of Alagondar and pushes them towards darker solution,
providing them with weapons, magic and tactical support, making
sure that Lord Neverember doesn’t learn about her people's
excursions to the graveyard. She also sent underling to
investigate the Abolethic Sovereignty presence in her area, as
their significant power and obscured motivations bother her.
Lastly, she manipulates Ashmadai to run errands for her, and
keeps them in the dark about her true intentions, those unrelated
to Thay, not worrying about their loyalty too much —62 after all
they assume, she still hold onto their relict, Scepter of Asmodeus,
and they would do everything to make sure no crack appears on
its ruby and most hopes to get it back for fulfilled servitude.
63
Jawbone
Jawbone is one of Valindra’s many lieutenants, however, she has
been entrusted quite an important role in ensuring constant flow
of animated corpses bolstering Thayan forces. The animation
process isn't limited to one place only, but most of those rituals
are carried on a great scale at the Flesh Factory hidden away
within Dread Ring's ruins. Jawbone is a skilled necromancer
herself, although she prefers when her subordinates title her 'the
death mage', and she mercilessly watches over work of dozens of
minions, scrutinizing their work and punishing for shortcomings
and mistakes. She occasionally hides her misshapen jaw under an
illusion, but it does little good as it doesn't help with her slurring
speech. Most of her teeth on the right side of her jaw have rotted
away except for her magnificently tall husk, and those on the left
are rough and jagged, and most likely doomed to the same fate.

Credits: Jab Jira

64
Praddak
Praddak is an imposing wight, who has been raised in a
powerful ritual by Valindra herself. She didn't do it out of
sentiment, instead, she chose him for the immense martial
prowess he was infamous of, and his commanding presence —
features she seeked for in her lieutenant. Valindra entrusted
him with overseeing the great excavation of Lorragauth's
bones in the Dread Ring.

Reaper in Life and Death. The life of the creature Praddak was
before his animation, driven by dark desire to sever the thread
of life of his victims and grow in his own infamy, had been
snuffed by his slayer, a wayward paladin who was hunting him
for his crimes. His spirit's vengeful screams reached Valindra
before Orcus himself could lay hands on that magnificently
corrupted being. Once returned in unlife, his very need to reap
spirits of the living coalesced into a gloom aura, which seeps
into any weapon he uses to carry out execution of his ever-
consuming desire.

Credits: Pixieunion/Daemonstar

65
Lorragauth, the chained wyrm
Centuries ago, a very old black dragon had made its lair in the
North of the Sword Coast, deep within the dense and ominous
Neverwinter Wood, claiming the Lord Tharnor's Manor as his own.
His name was Lorragauth, also known as 'The Chained Wyrm'.

During his lengthy lifespan, he had managed to amass a great

hoard, as his desire for treasures was insatiable. So when the time
had come that Lorragauth began to feel the inevitability of death
closing on him, he had attempted to destroy all the lands in his
domain. If he was to die, his kingdom was to share the same fate
along him. While carrying out the grim sentence he proclaimed
over his domain, the Chained Wyrm had spotted an amethyst
dragon, Eldenser, trespassing. Lorragauth had lashed out against
older dragon, and soon after had paid the price, as his enemy was
well prepared for the assault and nearly managed to sever one of
Lorragauth wings before the Chain Wyrm had crashed into a
Credits: Fred Hooper
mountainside, dying abruptly.

For many years that came after those events, his corpse tainted
the earth around the place of his death with such a potent magic,
that Red Wizards of Thay raised a Dread Ring atop his remains.

66
The Neverwinter Nine
Some adventurers and heroes are forever remembered in the
annals of history, become a legend, which is passed down through
generations, or give the beginning to a movement, organisation or
tradition — just like the Neverwinter Nine. According to one of the
old tales, before the Neverwinter was founded, Lord Halueth
Never gathered a group of his most loyal guards and gave them
their name. Among the original Neverwinter Nine were: Talven,
Galavren, Floashebel (the only known female of the group),
Thracier (the traitor, according to legend), Shoce, Coneth, N'halien,
Tamper and Slade. Led by Lord Never, the Nine and the Lord's
army prevailed in the war with Illusk, however two among them
perished in the war, one died as a traitor for murdering his fellow
Nine. After Hauleth's dead, he was buried beneath Castle Never,
surrounded by the statues of the original Nine.

Another Time, Another Nine. Lord Nasher Alagondar was inspired

by the legends, so he decided to form a new Neverwinter Nine
when he became ruler of Neverwinter, choosing from among his
most selfless and good-willed men and women. After his death,
the Nine swore fealty to his descendants, the Alagondars. Some
among them were: Nevalle, a handsome man with a chiseled
physique; Melia Ceralle; Sir Darmon; Callum, a male dwarf; Khelgar
Ironfist, a shield dwarf of the Clan Ironfist; and the mysterious he
Kalach-Cha, also titled the Knight-Captain, whose details of great
deeds were better preserved than those related to the essence of
his very person.

Credits: Stephany Nunneley

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Resting Beneath the Castle. The Nine had become celebrated heroes of
Neverwinter after their death, and so their remains were entombed in a
crypt below the Castle Never, known as the 'Vault of the Nine', which is
protected by powerful wards and the Endless Maze, which leads to it,
called the Neverneath. Nonetheless, there are some who wish to claim
those valiant spirits to their dark causes. One such recent attempt was
undertaken by a dragonborn necromancer, Morlanth. Yet another being
who set his eyes upon this powerful prize waiting for the reaping is the
infamous lich, Valindra Shadowmantle.

The Last Guard of the Nine. Descendants of the Lord Nasher Alagondar
knighted a new generation of the Neverwinter Nine, alas, they all perished,
dying alongside their masters during the Ruining of 1451 DR and the
cataclysm that ensued in the wake of Mount Hotenow eruption.

The Inner Vault of the Nine. It is a simple stone chamber sealed tight with
sigil of Neverwinter carved in its great stone doors. Inside, nine marble
coffins form a ring around a throne positioned in centre, which is
emblazoned with a sun, and thus coffins are set to stand in its rays. The
throne and coffins glimmer with dim, warm light, thus illuminating the
chamber, which walls are carved with idyllic depictions of summer and
easiness — in the vault, winter never rains, just as it never did during the
time of the nine heroes entombed there. The Nine bear insignias that
allow them to pass freely through various magical barriers in the castle.
Credits: Mike Lim

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Commoner
Can I assist you in any way, stranger? - Unknown

While some are destined for greatness and

adventure, not all can be heroes that are written or
sung about by the bards.

These are the commonfolk of the universe, the

standard fisherman, merchant, servants, pilgrims,
artisans and whatever else fills your city.

These are the backbone of the city and should

represant the run of the mill individual. Anyone that
stands out in terms of combat experience or arcane
knowledge would differentiate from this
description.c

Credits: Wizards of the coast

69
King Gommoth
Among the numerous caves and tunnels spanning webs across
Mount Hotenow viscera, a hunchbacked fire giant called Gommoth
leads a sect-like group of fire-worshipping creatures as a self-
proclaimed king ever since he got banished by his clan.
Remembering the spiritual ecstasy, which overtaken him and his
followers at the time of the volcano eruption and made them feel
one with fire, now, they put all the efforts into bringing back the
sensation and making sure that it will last without an end. All they
crave is to lose themselves in that ecstatic euphoria they once
tasted and never forgotten.

Fiery King. The fire giant is a violent ruler, hoping to squash any
resistance with force and brutality. Exiled by his people for his
physical imperfection, which was perceived as a weakness,
Gommoth makes sure that none of his subjects even let such
thought cross their minds. He takes insults with lethal seriousness,
allows his anger to motivate his actions and let's his bitterness to
guide him while planning cruel punishments to those who ever
offended him.

Following the Fury. Gommoth, as well as those who follow him:

mephits, fire elementals and salamanders, welcomed among their
ranks a stray soul filled with hatred, vengeance and raging fury.
The newest sect member, or rather fanatic, is a shadar-kai,
Shadovar outcast, Qualthus, who had been crossed and betrayed
by his allies. All he dreams about now, is to take revenge for his
expulsion and burn Xinlenal, which he was helping to excavate, to
the ground and bury them all under a thick layer of ash. A skilled
mage, he has the trust of his fanatic community and it only boosts
his confidence that he can create a proper ritual to stir Hotenow
once more.

Credits: Wizards of the Coast 70

Dragonstaff fragment
Item, rare
A fragment of the Dragonstaff of Aghairon. One out of eleven. Currently in possession of Dagult
Neverember who keeps it in a silk inlaid jewelry box in his home’s bedroom. Besides being of great
monetary value, holding it also gives you +1 to charisma checks to dragons.

This fragment is a part of the top-end of the staff. It’s a golden head of a dragon that is broken by the
belly. Anyone aware of Waterdeeps secrets would know of it’s worth and importance.

Maegera’s gift
Weapon, greatsword, very rare (requires attunement)

Holding the handle changes the size of the sword to fit any sized wielder.
When fully unsheathed the weapon lights up with fire and creates a 30-feet
light around it. When it strikes the enemy, it deals an additional 4d4 fire
damage. If there is another enemy within 5 feet, the blow deals 2d4 to them
as well.

Created by the primordial Maegera that is harnessed to power the forge in

Gauntlgrym, this sword was summoned in the hands of one of Maegera’s
servants, the fire giant Gommoth. With a surprisingly subtle handle, the
golden hilt and crimson red blade stands catches the eye of any observer. This
crimson red blade can only be seen when the blade is not fully unsheathed,
otherwise the flame covers the blade completely.
Credits: Wizards of the Coast

Pendant of loyalty
Necklace, rare (requires attunement)
A necklace currently wielded by Madame Rosene. It gives the wielder +1 persuasion and can grant +1
persuasion to up to four individuals who swear allegiance to the current wielder. If an individual swears
loyalty to the wielder of the necklace, any attack roll against them is made with a disadvantage.

This golden necklace is shaped like a vase, adorned with green jewels on it. Inspecting it gives you a
sense of warmth and friendliness towards the wielder.

potion of liquid armor *

Consumable, rare
When drunk it gives the character a temporary increase of 2 AC for an hour.
One of the products of Hazels experiments with the magical sludge from the lake yielded positive results.
When she mixed it with products it reacted well to it created a luminescent, mercury-esque appearance.
There are bubbles that slowly form at the top of the liquid that when they burst, it creates a ripple that

71
moves at the surface of the liquid.

Potion of fire breath *

Consumable, rare
When the owner puts the liquid in their mouth and then spit it out, the liquid ignites causing breath of
fire. The effect is identical to the spell Dragon’s Breath.
Another one of Hazels experiments that yielded a more combustive and unstable effect. The contents of
the potion is a bright red that constantly springs forth yellow bubbles from the bottom to the top in a
combustive fashion. Staring at it for a few seconds, the small bubbles that break cause small flickers of
flames on their own.

potion of sweet water

Consumable, common
This is also known as simply sweet water, is a liquid that can purify any liquid into a drinkable state. It
neutralizes any poison within a liquid as well.
The visual aspect of sweet water is reminiscent of sea water on a sunny day. Crystal blue mixed with dark
swirls at the bottom. At the top there are white streaks that reminds you of waves.

The crown of Neverwinter

Armor, Legendary
The crown of Neverwinter has a worth of 25,000 GP and the wearer gains resistance
to fire and cold damage. If someone tries to incapacitate the wearer, the effect is
nullified and the creature who caused the effect takes damage in return. It also has
an action effect where a +5 bonus gets added to the next persuasion check.
Lost for since the Ruining of 1451 DR, this has been the object of desire for many.
Wielding it is said to be the mark of the true heir of Neverwinter, as apparently a
false heir to the throne will catch afire with a burst of icy cold upon placing it on
their head. The common theory of its whereabouts seem to be at the secret vault
Credits: Wizards of the Coast
under Neverwinter.

Salve of Undead repair

Consumable, uncommon
A potion used by old necromancers, a salve of undead repair heals damaged undead shells. It also works
on living beings, but the horrid smell usually keeps one away from doing that.
Salve of undead repair is usually kept in small ceramic jars. The salve itself is a goo of green color.

72
Dungeons & Dragons: Neverwinter Campaign Setting (D&D 4E)
The Adventure book for the 4th edition.

Dungeons & Dragons: Neverwinter Nights: the game

https://neverwinter.gamepedia.com/Neverwinter_Wiki

Dungeons & Dragons: Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

The Adventure book for the 5th edition.

Dungeons & Dragons: Wiki

https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Neverwinter

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