Khaifau Mountains

The Khaifau Mountains separate the Erul Steppe to the West from the Belphiath to the East. There are no known passes through them north of the Gates of Gol. The southernmost peak of the Khaifau Mountains is the constantly active volcano Mount Morthar, which stains the snow and ice around it with red and black ash (the so-called 'Blood Snow').   The mountains rise sharply from the frosty plains around the large human frontier town of Samas.  The foothills of the Khaifau Mountains are sometimes invaded by ogres and giants, who wander the frozen mountain passes and descend on the plain in winter on the hunt for any source of food. Of particular note are the giant-kin known as the goliaths, hardy and intelligent folk who have been hunted almost to extinction by humans.   In the middle of the range is a large bowl-shaped valley, where most goliaths and other larger beasts, including woolly mammoths and sabercats, live.   The region is home to many snow-dwelling creatures with sleek and fluffy fur, and trapping for skins is the main industry in the region.  In many places, the icy mouths of caverns gape open, perhaps concealing rich dwarven ruins from a lost age or dragon treasure, for those brave or foolhardy enough to enter.