Highpass Hold is dangerous to lower level adventurers because of the high level gnolls and orcs that are frequently found just inside either entrance. The orcs control the southern entrance and are more powerful than the gnolls that command the northern entrance. Rarely do the guards venture this far out in order to keep their area safe, so the traveller must either travel invisibly or quickly, or hope that some other adventurers are hunting these creatures to keep the area safe.

The other danger to the zone is a group of NPC's that have set up a camp in a small nook directly out from the gates of the city. They are highly aggressive to any traveller, although for some reason the guards of the city turn a blind eye to their presence. There is also a secret area of bandits that can be found if you swim under the bridge by the Tiger's Roar. These are mostly bandits interested in only their own dealings, and are generally not hostile.

This zone's biggest attraction is as a stopping off point for people travelling from one end of Antonica to the other. Most of the people here are either just passing through or on their way to the Keep for some rare item or spell.

There is also something of an economy here at the foot of the Keep. Out of the six buildings, three of them contain bars (there apparently isn't much to do up here except drink) and there is also good support for a variety of trade skills, especially brewing and pottery, as all the equipment and materials for these can be found here. There are also several good inns in the area.

Coming from Freeport an adventurer reaches Kithicor Forest before passing into the southern edge of Highpass Hold. Out of the eastern edge of Highpass Hold lies High Keep. From the northern edge of the Hold one passes into Eastern Plains of Karana and winds their way down a long, narrow gorge until finally reaches the Plains of Karana.