Golden Hills

Golden Hills was a celestial plane in the World Tree cosmology model, and home to most of the gnome pantheon. During the Spellplague, it was set adrift in the Astral Sea and eventually merged with Arvandor. Before becoming its own plane, Golden Hills was a region in the Dothion half of Twin Paradises/Bytopia, according to the Great Wheel cosmology model.

Description
In the Great Wheel cosmology model, descriptions of the Golden Hills varied primarily in the size of the "hills". Some characterized them literally as a group of seven hills nestled in the center of Dothion, the "topmost" layer of the Twin Paradises. But it was also said that Baervan Wildwanderer's oak tree, Whisperleaf, grew on the side of mountain that was joined at the top to another mountain that rose from Shurrock, the other half of the Twin Paradises. Connections to this region were the same as for the Twin Paradises, but it was said that mine shafts in Flandal Steelskin's domain connected the Mithral Forge to digs on other planes, including Acheron, Baator, Concordant Opposition, the Elemental Plane of Earth, Pandemonium, the Quasi-Elemental Plane of Minerals, and Ysgard.

In the World Tree cosmology model, Golden Hills was a mildly good-aligned celestial plane connected to the trunk of the World Tree. Travel to and from other celestial planes could be accomplished via the World Tree as long as the Tree or its servants approved. The usual method of travel was journeying through the Astral plane, either spiritually by astral projection or physically by using plane shift or similar magics. There was a known portal to the realm of Gond the Wonderbringer in the House of Knowledge located somewhere on or under the hill belonging to Flandal Steelskin. Flandal's forges were heated by a portal to the Elemental Plane of Fire, but it is unknown whether this was a one-way or two-way portal.

Seven rolling hills rose from the vast plain, each hill belonging to one of the gnomish deities. Urdlen, the eighth member of the gnomish pantheon, made its lair in Hammergrim. All accounts agree that everything in the home of the Lords of the Golden Hills was suffused with a polished gold hue.

Whisperleaf
Baervan Wildwanderer's realm was known as Whisperleaf. The name was taken from the oak atop the hill, from which Baervan cut his spear of the same name. A cottage sat beside the tree, which, despite its small appearance, was large enough to hold all his petitioners.

The Hidden Knoll
Baravar Cloakshadow's realm was known as the Hidden Knoll. It was full of tricks and non-lethal traps.

The Deep
Callarduran Smoothhands's realm was known as the Deep. Caverns extended far below the hill, which was the smallest on the surface.

The Mithral Forge
Flandal Steelskin's realm is known as the Mithral Forge. The forge beneath this hill was fueled by a portal to the Elemental Plane of Fire. Flandal also maintained a portal to Gond's realm in the House of Knowledge.

Stronghaven
Gaerdal Ironhand's realm was known as Stronghaven. The fortress was the first line of defense for the plane.

Glitterhome
Garl Glittergold's realm is known as Glitterhome. It was the largest of the seven hills, although Garl preferred to spend his time wandering the plane in his role as Watchful Protector.

The Gemstone Burrow
Segojan Earthcaller's realm was known as the Gemstone Burrow. It was home to many burrowing animals as well as gnomes.