Jabal

The Jabal people, known colloquially as "Mountain Dwellers," are an enigmatic ethnic group that resides near the Thrymbarth Mountains within the Kingdom of Set. This isolated community calls their homeland "Jabal's Roost," a rugged mountainous region that lends itself to the people's intense desire for solitude. The Jabal's unique relationship with the Kingdom of Set and their penchant for seclusion lend an air of mystery and intrigue to these mountain dwellers.

Relationship with the Kingdom of Set

Despite their seclusion, the Jabal are officially recognized as part of the Kingdom of Set. They pay tribute to the king in the form of gold and minerals, a pact that has ensured their continued isolation and protection for centuries. Setitian law considers encroaching on Jabal territory without envoy or diplomatic status a capital offense, safeguarding the Jabal's right to solitude.
However, the allure of the Jabal's wealth has not deterred outsiders completely. Intruders, driven by rumors of gold and wealth, have occasionally tried to infiltrate Jabal's Roost. Such attempts are typically met with stiff resistance from both the Jabal and the Setitian authorities, underscoring the importance of the ancient agreement between the Jabal and the Kingdom of Set.

Population and Settlements

The exact population of the Jabal people remains a mystery due to their seclusion. Estimates suggest that it could range from a few thousand to many more. The Jabal's settlements are ingeniously built into the mountains, providing protection from the harsh climate and potential intruders. These fortified dwellings, visible only from specific angles, blend seamlessly with their surroundings, adding to the mystique of the Jabal people.

Interactions with Neighboring Communities

Given their isolation, the nature of the Jabal's relationships with neighboring communities such as the Arshad or the Kingdom of Bhiren is largely unknown. However, the longstanding pact between the Jabal and the Kingdom of Set suggests that they have managed to maintain peaceful relations with at least some of their neighbours. Connection to the Arshad At first glance, the Arshad and the Jabal may seem similar due to their mountainous habitats. However, their cultural, religious, and societal structures, as well as their historical trajectories, have shaped them into distinct societies.

Arshad and Jabal: Similarities and Differences

The Arshad and the Jabal share a common affinity for the mountains, finding spiritual and practical sustenance in the rugged landscapes they inhabit. They both have a deep reverence for nature, and their societies are shaped around the rhythm of the seasons and the bounties and challenges of their terrain.
The Arshad people, historically a mining culture, are known for their expertise in metallurgy and their hierarchical society. They are more outward-looking, engaged in trade and diplomacy with other regions, particularly after their integration into the Kingdom of Set.
On the other hand, the Jabal are more reclusive and deeply spiritual, practicing a form of monotheism centred around a mountain god. Their society values self-sufficiency and isolation, their only contact with the outside world being their tribute of minerals to the Kingdom of Set.

Shared History

While there's no concrete evidence of direct historical interaction between the Arshad and the Jabal, there are folklore and legends that hint at a possible shared past. Some Arshad sages speak of an ancient time known as the Era of the Split Stone, a time of cataclysmic natural events which forced a section of their ancestors to seek refuge deep into the mountains. These people, the tales suggest, could have been the progenitors of the Jabal.
However, these tales are not universally accepted, and there's no archaeological or written evidence to support them. The Jabal, with their self-imposed isolation, maintain their own lore and legends, none of which mention the Arshad. It's possible that if such a connection existed, it was lost to time and the distinct paths the two societies took.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

The Jabal people's culture is deeply rooted in their mountainous environment, which has shaped their way of life and belief systems. They practice a form of monotheism, venerating a singular mountain god believed to rule over all natural elements. This divine entity is said to reside within the highest peaks, leading the Jabal to embark on spiritual pilgrimages to these sacred locations. Their isolation from the outside world has given rise to a unique societal structure that prioritizes self-sufficiency and interdependence. They excel in mountain farming and have developed ingenious methods for extracting and refining gold and other minerals. These skills, combined with a profound respect for their environment, have enabled the Jabal to thrive in their harsh mountain home.

Related Organizations

• Rahnashim

Related Locations

• Jabal's Roost
• Set