Another group that left the Andalou Plain during the Dark Ages to migrate to the desert fared much better than those who were forced to flee for their lives.

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Though the western desert is hot and arid, water flows endlessly down from Mt. Thrace in the north, feeding many a lush oasis. In places, the area nearest the river is thickly forested, with a rich ecosystem.
The scorchingly hot weather of the desert formed an effective barrier against barbarian incursions, allowing the Omari to grow in safety. Over many years their civilization matured, discarding superficialities. Gazing at the sky, looking down at the earth, they gradually developed a religion centered around the blue moon, Caeruluna.
First there was Caeruluna, then all other life. All else shall pass, but Caeruluna lives eternal. This is their highest credo.

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Long before the desert tribes gathered at the Twin Oases to found the Principality of Omar, worshipping Caeruluna had already become one of their fundamental beliefs. Thereafter, as titles like Grand Duke and Royal Highness were established, they were bestowed upon their bearers by the high priest, as if he had the power to delegate secular matters to them.
Issues of politics, production, and trade were all managed in an orderly fashion by royal family, their officials, and the common people without disturbance to the church.
Meanwhile, the church's attention was focused on deeper exploration of their faith. As more ancient ruins were discovered and the blue crystal runes were decoded, the entire continent felt the effects.

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But the shifting balance of power between the church and the royal family inevitably led to conflict.
During his reign, Grand Duke Ulmu was much loved by his people, indirectly weakening the influence of the church.
Saddam, the High Priest of Caeruluna, could not stand by and watch the Grand Duke's power grow. Falsely claiming that Ulmu consorted with heathens, he staged a coup with the help of the royal guard and forced Ulmu to abdicate in favor of his incompetent younger brother.
The next year, Ulmu retook the throne, aided by the king of Veck. Saddam fled and went on to instigate turmoil among the Karstenites and others, ultimately leading to a massive battle between multiple powers.
Though the war resulted in heavy losses, the peace that followed allowed Omari culture to expand its reach far and wide via trade networks. Many church elders and other believers traveled among the kingdoms proselytizing for their religion and simultaneously spreading knowledge of blue crystal runes.

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In turn, the thinking of a new age influenced Caerulunism. Different peoples' differing creation stories caused much consternation within the church.
The undeniable discovery of Ymirus mech frames among ancient ruins was a major blow to the teachings of Caerulunism. The question of whether to allow certain rare imported goods such as hallucinogenic blue crystal tobacco became the subject of much controversy within the church.
This and various other disputes ultimately led to the Great Schism. One of the resulting sects was a group of warrior monks specializing in assassination. Some suspected that they included the remnants of Saddam's followers.
Another such sect was a coven of witches whose worship centered on runic chants. They traveled widely with merchant caravans, seeking the Ancient God of antediluvian times; others saw them as heretics. 
Of even greater concern to Omar were the bandits calling themselves the Reptilis tribes, who came and went in the borderlands, raiding travelers on trade routes. For a kingdom whose lifeblood was trade, these bandits posed a serious threat.