Timeline of Recent Events
Current Year: 1491 DR (Dalereckoning)
This timeline covers major events that have shaped the Sword Coast in living memory. Your grandparents remember the Orc Wars. Your parents remember Neverwinter’s destruction. You’re living in the aftermath.
1371 DR - The Rise of Many-Arrows (120 years ago)
Orc war chief Obould Many-Arrows united the scattered orc tribes of the Spine of the World mountains and launched a massive invasion of the North.
What happened:
- Orc armies swept south, burning villages and besieging cities
- Neverwinter, Luskan, and Mirabar fought desperate defensive wars
- The Kingdom of Many-Arrows was established in the mountains
- Raids became constant for decades
Impact: Hatred and fear of orcs became deeply ingrained in northern culture. Trade routes were disrupted. Thousands died.
1409 DR - The Fall of Many-Arrows (82 years ago)
After nearly four decades of grinding conflict known as The Orc Wars, the Kingdom of Many-Arrows finally collapsed.
What happened:
- Orc leadership fractured after Obould’s death
- Dwarven armies from Mithral Hall and human forces from Neverwinter & Luskan coordinated a major offensive
- Key fortresses were stormed, and the orc heartland was breached
- The kingdom dissolved, and orcs retreated to scattered tribes in the mountains
Impact: The constant, organized threat ended, but deep-seated prejudice against orcs remained. Veterans passed down their hatred, and half-orcs still face suspicion today.
1451 DR - The Ruining of Neverwinter (40 years ago)
Mount Hotenow, a volcano near Neverwinter, erupted catastrophically.
What happened:
- Massive eruption destroyed large sections of the city
- Earthquakes and fire killed thousands
- The city was abandoned for years
- Refugees fled to Waterdeep, Luskan, and smaller settlements
Impact: Neverwinter, once the “Jewel of the North,” became a ruin. Only in the past two decades has serious rebuilding begun. The city is still recovering. Learn More
1467 DR - Neverwinter Rebuilding Begins (24 years ago)
Lord Dagult Neverember of Waterdeep arrived in Neverwinter and began coordinating reconstruction efforts.
What happened:
- Mercenaries and workers hired to clear rubble and rebuild
- New settlers arrived, lured by promises of land and opportunity
- Tensions between “old Neverwinter” families and newcomers
- Slow, steady progress over two decades
Impact: Neverwinter is functional again but not fully restored. Opportunity draws adventurers, merchants, and opportunists. The city is rebuilding its reputation. Learn More
1480s DR - Frontier Resettlement (Past decade)
With Neverwinter stabilizing, settlers began moving into abandoned frontier towns.
What happened:
- Towns like Phandalin (abandoned for decades) are being resettled
- Farmers, miners, and traders establish new communities
- Monsters, bandits, and old dangers remain in the wilderness
- Adventurers needed to protect new settlements
Impact: The frontier is opening again. Opportunity—and danger—abound. Learn More
1491 DR - Now
Neverwinter is thriving again, though still rebuilding.
Phandalin and other frontier towns are growing, but fragile.
The wilderness between cities remains dangerous—goblins, bandits, monsters, and worse.
Adventurers like you are needed to protect trade routes, clear ruins, and solve problems that guards and militia can’t handle.
Your adventure begins here, in this time of rebuilding and opportunity.