Jabal Al-Malak (d͡ʒəbəl ælˈmælæk)
Jabal Al-Malak is the highest mountain on the island of Saba. It is part of the Jibal Al-Junun, the mountain range that surrounds the Al-Kubra. It is a volcano, and is known for its frequent eruptions, one every three or four years. Additionally, the mountain belches out clouds of steam and smoke almost constantly, about every twenty minutes or so. The summit features a line of crater lakes, known as gaddhas in Nagari, which are filled primarily by rainfall and snowmelt, and can dry up if there is insufficient precipitation.
Naga legend claims that this mountain was not always on Saba, and was picked up and carried there in the mouth of Vashirak, the god of Saba, to build a wall around the Al-Kubra. When Vashirak dropped Jabal Al-Malak onto the ground at the edge of the Al-Kubra, it shook the island for the length of a moon, and the Jibal Al-Junun rose up during the quakes to encircle the wild place. This trapped many creatures within the Al-Kubra, which became a desert only after the mountains were raised.
Notable Spirits
The mountain is believed to be the headquarters of the Almalayika, a group of devas that live within the Jibal Al-Junan and guard against the inhabitants of the Al-Kubra escaping into the world at large. These spirits appear as great six-winged serpents made of blinding light, with dozens of eyes lining their bodies. Each of the devas claims one of the mountains as their personal domain, and their specific nature and personality can vary wildly. According to Naga legend, the Alamalayika were hatched among the stars, and came to the Great Ring by chance. They were destructive and mischievous, and annoyed the god of Saba, Vashirak. He mesmerized the star-spirits with his gaze, and bound them to the mountains, charging them to guard against incursions from the Jinn and the Ghuls within the Al-Kubra, as well as other more dangerous beings, for he was tired of guarding the place by himself. Many of the Almalayika resent the loss of their freedom, but they have not been able to free themselves from the bindings laid upon them and continue to keep the island safe from the Al-Kubra. However, they are not above tormenting or killing any mortals who wander into their territory, and particularly enjoy to process of driving a person insane.
Geography
The mountain is steep and difficult to climb, especially near the top where the terrain is entirely volcanic scree and sand. Avalanches and landslides are a constant danger, and entire cliff faces have been known to collapse upon trespassers. Those who live near the mountains will warn against attempting to cross them, as the Almalayika are not friendly and will use the natural hazards of the volcano against those who attempt the climb.
Geographic Details
Location: Southeastern RegionLatitude: 6.52 degrees North
Longitude: 22.58 degrees East
Elevation: 10,922 ft
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