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The [[Olmakhan]] are a tribe of [[charr]] named after [[Olma]], the first [[Olmakhan Sandshifter|sandshifter]]. They fled from the [[Flame Legion]] before the eventual [[Charr rebellion]]. They now live in the village of [[Atholma]] in [[Sandswept Isles]].

== History ==
=== Early history ===
The Olmakhan tribe started out as a [[warband]]. Instead of joining the rebellion of [[Kalla Scorchrazor]], they fled the [[charr]] homelands. They feared that the insurgency of Kalla was doomed, like other minor insurgencies before, and saw it as a continuation of a long cycle of violence and fighting between the Charr<ref>[[A Flight from Flame]]</ref>. Throwing off the caste system and the taboo on [[magic]], they were able to make their escape from [[Ascalon]]. The trek led them along the [[Shiverpeak Mountains]] south towards the [[Crystal Desert]], where they founded the village of [[Atholma]] by the coastline in  1121 <small>[[Mouvelian calendar|AE]]</small>. During the five year exodus their warband slowly changed into a tribe, led by a [[Council of Five|council of five elders]]. One of the charr who first established the tribe is said to be [[Olma]], and she is also the namesake of the tribe.

=== Modern developments ===
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[[File:Atholma.jpg|thumb|300px|The current home of the Olmakhan, [[Atholma]].]]

In 1219 <small>[[Mouvelian calendar|AE]]</small> the awakening of the Elder Dragon [[Zhaitan]] caused a [[Rising of Orr|cataclysm]], later dubbed as the Great Flood by the Olmakhan. Their homeland was transformed into an archipelago and many members of the tribe died. However, the Olmakhan managed to rebuild and thrive again.

The [[Inquest]] proved to be a major challenge to the Olmakhan after they founded a complex in the [[Sandswept Isles]] called [[Rata Primus]]. In order to research the [[Scarab Plague]], the Inquest kidnapped members of the Olmakhan tribe and used them as live test subjects. One of such captives was [[Boticca]], a stormcaller who managed to escape from the Inquest with the help of the [[Pact Commander]]. Grateful for the help, Boticca brought the Commander and their friends, [[norn]] [[Braham Eirsson]] and [[gladium]] charr [[Rox]] to speak with the tribe's elders. Shortly after, the Inquest sent a raiding squad of [[golem]]s to the village to capture more test subjects and kill any who refused. [[Elder Narn]] died protecting his fellow elders and Boticca from [[Mark II Beta Exterminator Golem]] much to everyone's shock. After the golem raiding squad had been destroyed, the Olmakhan gathered to honor Narn's passing while the elders decided to pledge the tribe to Boticca and the Commander's cause. With the help of the the Pact Commander's [[Dragon's Watch]] [[guild]], the Olmakhan launched a [[The Charge|counterattack]] on the Inquest complex.



== Culture ==
[[File:A Kindness Repaid loading screen.jpg|thumb|300px|The Council of Five welcoming visitors.]]The Olmakhan's separation from the [[High Legion]]s and dislike of violence has diverted their culture from other charr. Since they're not a warfaring tribe, there have no [[warband]]s or [[gladium]]s. All of the Olmakhan have a role in their society and are given a sense of belonging. The core dictum of their lifestyle is peace with nature. They live maintaining balance with nature, and survive by fishing and farming. They also hunt, mainly at a part of the isles called [[The Hunting Grounds]].

They utilize [[skimmer]]s and magic and do not use the [[fahrar]] system of raising cubs. Instead they form families that take care of their children, who are taught how to hunt, fish, and play<ref>[[Unfinished Field Report]]</ref>, including games such as "Sand Monsters and Heroes". The cubs are also taught how to use magic and some can already summon sand elementals. They are also seen performing duties such as [[Mount up and help Fenn wrangle the panicked marmoxes!|tending marmoxes]].

The Olmakhan are a secluded tribe, not used to having outsider visitors, and it is rare for the Council to give audiences to strangers<ref>[[A Kindness Repaid]]</ref>. When [[Ewyn]] and his friends travelled outside [[Sandswept Isles]], they made sure not to tell people where their home was located, as the Olmakhan desired to be alone with nature.

While the Olmakhan appear to know of metallurgy, they use it mostly for making fishing and farming equipment, construction and defense, not for warfare. Some time after the [[Rising of Orr|Great Flood]] an [[The Iron Whale|airship]] fell from the sky on Atholma. The Olmakhan refashioned it as a meeting hall for the [[Council of Five]].

Many Olmakhan appear to be adept at the use of magic, and seem to favor healing and elemental magic. They can create powerful sand elementals and protective shields for defense. It is said that the first member of the tribe to become a sandshifter and teach the others was [[Olma]].

The Olmakhan seem to be open to same-gender relationships. When a charr [[Pact Commander]] visits Atholma, both female and male Olmakhan are heard admiring them, regardless of the Commander's gender. A couple of two female Olmakhan, [[Cadell]] and [[Nerys]], visit the [[Festival of the Four Winds]], and speak of planning to start a family.

=== Olmakhan society ===

The Olmakhan are ruled by the [[Council of Five]], which consist of five elder members of the tribe, who are elected. They are responsible for governance, lawmaking, and protecting the tribe from various threats. For example, when the [[djinn]] [[Zohaqan]] caused storms which threatened all life on [[Sandswept Isles]], Elders [[Elder Rhona|Rhona]] and [[Elder Yowen|Yowen]] led a scouting party to [[Cove of Zohaqan|his cove]] in order to stop him. 

The Lorekeepers are important members of the tribe, guarding history, legends and songs of their people. They also support their fellow tribe members in mourning. The current Lorekeeper is [[Lorekeeper Rhosan|Rhosan]], with an apprentice named [[Apprentice Lorekeeper Aeron|Aeron]]. Rhosan is seen training a scribe, instructing them to copy all the scrolls written by the Olmakhan in the past years, making sure their history doesn't get lost.

The lifebinders, currently trained by [[Elder Gawr]], are taught to dedicate their lives in the tribe's service. They learn healing magic, which they believe to be a power borrowed from nature<ref name="Elder Gawr">[[Elder Gawr]] As Lifebinders, we spend our lives in service to the village. The magic to heal wounds is much like the threads that knit us together. We weave our powers -borrowed from nature—to protect, nurture, and restore. Lose the self to serve the tribe. Only then can you mend that which is broken.</ref>.

The Olmakhan tribe values magic and even cubs are taught how to use it. Members of the tribe who utilise sand magic are called [[Olmakhan Sandshifter|sandshifters]]. They can summon powerful sand effigies. The first sand shifter is said to be [[Olma]]. Those who specialise in summoning thunderstorms are the [[Olmakhan Stormcaller|stormcallers]]. One of their members is [[Boticca]].

Warriors and hunters of the tribe who are taught to use swords are [[Olmakhan Earthstalkers|eartstalkers]]. They perform various duties such as guarding the entrances to Atholma and hunting. 

Dawnwalker



=== Religion and beliefs ===

The Olmakhan believe that death is a part of nature's cycle and grief is an important part of the living. In order to help with the grieving, the Lorekeepers [[Lorekeeper Rhosan|Rhosan]] and [[Apprentice Lorekeeper Aeron|Aeron]] teach their tribe members traditional songs such as "The Good We Do In Life". The Olmakhan bury their dead and mourn them in a cavern called [[Skycavern Burial Grounds]]. The hermit [[Ewyn]] has also built memorial mounds for his fallen friends near his home.

The villagers conduct [[Participate in the celebration dance!|ritual dance]]s in the [[Ritual Grounds]], lighting up bonfires on the island.

== Members ==
{{member list}}

== Books on the Olmakhan ==
* [[A Flight from Flame]]
* [[Southward Progress]]
* [[Of Maelstroms]]

=== References ===
<references />
{{Living World Season 4 content}}
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