Neverwinter Overview and Sample Gauntlgrym Chapter

Not only has Wizards of the Coast treated us to an overview of Cryptic Studios' Neverwinter, but they've also supplied us with a sample PDF chapter from R.A. Salvatore's Gauntlgrym novel. Since the book will be setting the stage for Neverwinter, it's probably a good idea to familiarize yourself with the characters, locations, and monsters that we'll be encountering:
Neverwinter, also known as the Jewel of the North, or the City of Skilled Hands, for its famous craftsfolk, was named by its founder, Halueth Never. It is said that Halueth Never was pursued to the coast by orcs and chose to make his last stand on the site where Neverwinter now stands. In expectation of his imminent death, he named the site "Never's Winter," and when he survived due to the timely arrival of his allies, he founded the city of Never's Winter, eventually shortening the name to Neverwinter.

The city of Neverwinter is composed mostly of humans and half-elves. It is cultured without being arrogant, bustling without being greedy, and charming without being quaint. The City of Skilled Hands is best known for its craftsfolk who create cunning lamps of multicolored glass, precision water clocks, and exquisite jewelry. The Neverwinter River, its waters warmed by the fire elementals living under the nearby Mount Notenow in the Neverwinter Wood, keeps the water running and the city's famous gardens thriving. The city is also famous for its three bridges: the Dolphin, the Winged Wyvern, and the Sleeping Dragon, all of which are carved into the likeness of their namesakes.