Prior to the Spellplague in 1385 DR, Rathguant Mote was part of the Rathgaunt Hills and a gnomish abbey known as the Shield of the Rathgaunt Hills sat on the site. When the Spellplague created the Underchasm, the area surrounding the abbey broke off into a large earthmote. As of 1479 DR the mote was inhabited by only the former gnomish monks who continued to exist as undead creatures.