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Eventually, Illefarn was divided into three nations, of which Iliyanbruen was the most prominent. The first settlement in the Savage Frontier was an elven city known as Illefarn, a bustling nation after the time of the Crown Wars. Main article: History of Neverwinter Brief History Southeast of Neverwinter stood the monastery of Helm's Hold. The heat given off by the river created a permanent warm climate in the immediate area. It carried its supernatural warmth with it, keeping the river and harbor from freezing up in winter and the gardens green year-round. The Neverwinter River was heated by fire elementals living under the volcano before flowing through the forest and the city. To the east lay the Neverwinter Wood and, at its heart, the volcanic Mount Hotenow.
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Neverwinter stood on the northern Sword Coast, on the High Road between Waterdeep and Luskan, specifically between Leilon and Port Llast.
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Others, however, believed the city was named for its unusually warm climate and how its harbor remained ice-free in the winters. This was also the source of the city's moniker, "the City of Skilled Hands". Others, such as Volo and Elminster, reported the name came from its gardens, for Neverwinter's gardeners were acclaimed throughout the Realms for keeping their gardens growing and flowers blooming even through winter snow.
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Never founded the city, keeping the name, and over the years it was shortened to "Neverwinter". However, human allies arrived just in time and together they defeated the Illuskans. Surrounded by enemies, he chose the site where the river met the sea to make his last stand, naming the place "Never's Winter", believing he would die in the ensuing battle. Some believed the city was founded by a sun elf named Halueth Never, who led the elves of Iliyanbruen against an Illuskan invasion in −10 DR. Ī number of legends explained where the city's name came from, but they contradicted each other. The name "Neverwinter" was the Chondathan translation. The city was originally named Eigersstor, which was an Illuskan word.
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