Wedged between Lake Lhespen and the Lhespenbog on the west and the Landrise on the east, this stretch of rocky crags dominates the southern half of the plains of the Shaar. Worn down from eons of exposure to the relentless winds that scour the region, these mountains are home to colonies of perytons, wyverns, and manticores. These creatures fly out over the flat grasslands to hunt, making the whole region around the mountains a dangerous place for the unwary.
The Rathgaunt Hills also support a large settlement of gnomes. In the heart of Sevenstones Hill, a prominent, tor whose rounded peak overlooks the caravan route to the north between Shaarmid and Kholtar, these gnomes have established a heavily fortified abbey known as the Shield of the Rathgaunt Hills. Manned by the Cult of Gaerdal, which numbers some 200 warriors and priests who venerate Gaerdal Ironhand, the abbey serves as a bastion of defense. The members of the cult tirelessly strive to keep the mountains safe for all gnomes in the area and to keep caravan traffic flowing. Led by Shield General Martak Ironwall (LG male gnome paladin 8/divine champion S of Gaerdal Ironhand), the gnomes have recently smoothed over some points of friction between themselves and the gold dwarves of the Great Rift. This new, more amicable relationship has led to a pact of mutual assistance and defense between the two regions.