Sand reader

The sand readers live in the Whispering Sands learning the secrets of the sands from birth. They are a specialised group from the inhabitants of one of the largest oases on side the desert closest to The Hollow Expanse.
To qualify as a sand reader they must learn the secrets of navigating the ever changing sands, surviving during the different seasons with each wind, and the locations of the oases where they can rest and refill their water when travelling. Only the most dedicated students succeed, as the desert is a harsh master.
Sand readers are identifiable by their mismatched clothing, as these are seen as a history of where they have been and what they have experienced. They add items or patches of fabric as a reminder of their story.

History

Sand readers are all from the remains of one of the tribes who refused to bow before Horaeri, The First Emperor and join the Fenixian Empire, instead choosing to leave the The Hollow Expanse and travel into the desert.
The tribe suffered when first in the desert, as it is a very harsh environment. But they learnt to live there and the survivors thrived in their own fashion. Soon, they found many of the secrets to travelling the sands, always searching for new places beyond the horizon to visit. While there is a home base at an oasis close to the The Hollow Expanse, those with the skills, continue their nomadic existence exploring the sands and the countries which border it and are known as sand readers for their ability to read the sands.

Relationship with the Empire

Early on in the history of the Fenixian Empire a group of sand readers brought traders from beyond the Whispering Sands. What they didn't realise was that this was an advance party looking to take over the The Hollow Expanse. A larger party of soldiers followed their tracks a few days behind ready to attack when they left the desert.
Due to a combination of the seasons changing to Zaydael bringing a desert storm on them, and the crystal wielding guards employed by the families, this invasion didn't suceed. The sand readers protested their innocence, but their free entry to lands controlled by the empire was restricted.
The emperor insisted that outside traders could not be brought into his lands. Instead he had an outpost built at the edge of the Sleeping Peaks. The sand readers could visit there, and if members of their party had items to trade, they could light a fire to alert the city. They are only allowed further in if summoned.

Current situation

The families have no interest in lands beyond their borders, so they mostly ignore the sand readers. They are considered to be mysterious and dangerous. Given the restriction on entry to the empire lands, sand readers are an unusual sight in the City of Fenixia. None have been summoned in years.
The sand readers, and their whole tribe, are happy about this, as they have the whole of the desert and the lands beyond to explore. While their initial displacement into the desert was a tragedy for many, it is now considered to be a blessing in disguise as they would never have learnt to read the sands if they hadn't been forced out of The Hollow Expanse.