Neverwinter (novel)

Neverwinter is the second novel in the The Neverwinter Saga series by R.A. Salvatore. "With the last of his trusted companions having fallen, Drizzt is alone—and free—for the first time in almost a hundred years. Guilt mingles with relief, leaving Drizzt uniquely vulnerable to the persuasions of his newest companion—Dahlia, a darkly alluring elf and the only other member of their party to survive the cataclysm at Mount Hotenow. But traveling with Dahlia is challenging in more ways than one. As the two companions seek revenge on the one responsible for leveling Neverwinter—and nearly Luskan as well—Drizzt finds his usual moral certainty swept away by her unconventional views. Forced to see the dark deeds that the common man may be driven to by circumstance, Drizzt begins to find himself on the wrong side of the law in an effort to protect those the law has failed. Making new enemies, as his old enemies acquire deadly allies, Drizzt and Dahlia quickly find themselves embroiled in battle—a state he's coming to enjoy a little too much."

Summary
Barrabus the Gray assists the citizens of New Neverwinter in defending the city from attacks by the Ashmadai serving under Valindra Shadowmantle, to whom all control of the Ashmadai has been transferred to. In return, the grateful citizens rename Neverwinter Bridge the "Walk of Barrabus" in honor of the Shadovar. Barrabus then encounters Drizzt Do'Urden and Dahlia Sin'felle, who are out on a quest to kill Sylora Salm to crush Thay's power in the region. Drizzt recognizes Barrabus as Artemis Entreri and believes he is being tricked by a magical fiend, as Entreri should have died over half a century ago.

Barrabus proves he is Artemis by stating that Jarlaxle had betrayed him to the Netherese tiefling Herzgo Alegni and by bringing up concepts of their fights and the cautious topic of Catti-brie. Barrabus informs Drizzt he is alive because after Jarlaxle betrayed him, Herzgo Alegni submitted him to the sword Charon's claw (known simply as "Claw"). This put Barrabus fully under Alegni's control and the only way for him to die is if Charon's claw is destroyed or if Alegni releases him from its service, which he believes killing Salm will do.

Barrabus assists Drizzt and Dahlia in killing Salm and heads off to return to Alegni. The killing of Salm transfers all power of Thay in the region to Valindra Shadowmantle, however, it also splinters the Ashmadai into two sects. One sect sticks with Thay and the other diverges into its own plans for Neverwinter. Dahlia then goes on a personal hunt to kill Herzgo Alegni.

Main characters

 * Drizzt Do'Urden, drow ranger
 * Dahlia Sin'felle, elven warrior of Thay

Supporting characters

 * Barrabus the Gray/Artemis Entreri, human shade
 * Effron the Twisted, tiefling warlock
 * Herzgo Alegni, tiefling leader of the Shadovar
 * Jestry Rallevin, servant to Sylora Salm
 * Sylora Salm, leader of the Ashmadai
 * Valindra Shadowmantle, lich

Minor characters

 * Andahar, unicorn
 * Brother Anthus, a monk
 * Arunika, succubus
 * Ben the Brewer, an herbalist outside Luskan
 * Beniago, assassin and second of Ship Kurth
 * Boofie McLaddin, guard in Luskan
 * Draygo Quick, Netherese lord
 * Furey, historian of Ship Kurth
 * Jelvus Grinch, guard in Neverwinter
 * Klutarch, advisor to Ship Kurth
 * Korvin Dor'crae, vampire
 * High Captain Kurth
 * Hadencourt, a malebranche
 * Hartouchen Rethnor, a High Captain
 * Meg, a farmer's wife
 * Sovereignty Ambassador, an aboleth
 * Stuyles, a farmer-turned-bandit
 * Szass Tam, lich leader of Thay
 * Therfus Handydoer, wizard and second of Ship Rethnor

Mentioned characters

 * Athrogate
 * Argyle, Effron's mentor
 * Borlann the Crow, former High Captain of Ship Rethnor
 * Cadderly Bonaduce
 * Catti-brie
 * Innovindil
 * Jarlaxle

Locations

 * Neverwinter
 * Luskan
 * Neverwinter Wood: Ashenglade

Creatures

 * Aboleth
 * Lich
 * Malebranche
 * Mummy
 * Umber hulk
 * Vampire
 * Zombie

Artifacts

 * Cracker and Whacker
 * Charon's Claw
 * Dread Ring
 * Kozah's Needle