Kazad Kol

Practically the only civilized people tough enough to make their homes in the Giant's Highland were the dark-haired Stonepike dwarves. They were Hill Dwarves that made their home in the great walled fortress city of Kazad Kol. Built into the rocky green hills, Kazad Kol can be seen looming over its vast farmlands and ore pits from the river near the edge of Giant’s Highland. They are mainly miners by trade, exporting a great deal of coal and ore to surrounding countries. The Dwarves regularly war with ogres, giants, and dragons over land and resources, as well as fending off attacks from various other aggressive denizens of Giant’s Highland. Stonepike Dwarve train Gryphons which elite soldiers ride into battle, as well as using them to fend off and hunt harpies, wyverns, and dragons. The Stonepike dwarves have a strong hatred of the "savage races," as well as many of the fearsome beasts that they encounter in Giant's Highland.

The population of Kazad Kol is mostly dwarves, but there are small enclaves of humans, halflings, and gnomes within the walled city. The surrounding farmlands are also made home by mostly humans and halflings.

The Gnomes in the city are often employed as tinkerers and engineers who help design and maintain some of the more technologically advanced machinery and infrastructure. The Dwarves make use of advanced sewage and fresh water systems, mechanical elevators, and steam powered machinery, all of which was originally designed by Gnomes.