Yiga Clan
Just as aasimar can become fallen aasimar, so too can the Sheikah fall from grace. Some may become tempted by the pursuit of power. Others may become mercenaries in the selfish pursuit of coin. On one occasion, though, hundreds of Sheikah walked away from Hylia's light, forming their own rival clan: The Yiga.
Founded during the Age of Clocktown roughly 1700 years ago, the Yiga Clan swore loyalty to the Demon King. They were no longer content to be the "protectors of civilization." They grew weary of society and royal dramas. They wanted to be the unseen rulers -- an invisible hand that would force kingdoms to obey their commands.
Though few have seen members of the Yiga Clan in action, there are rumors that they still exist, hellbent on destroying the Sheikah and striking down the innocent when they least expect it.
Structure
The Yiga Clan is ruled by a single Grandmaster. Various lieutenants then lead the clan's warriors directly in battle and in clandestine operations. They are allegedly still structured much like the Sheikah, albeit with more power shifted to the grandmaster, and share many of the same combat tactics.
They maintain hidden settlements in the same way the Sheikah do, as they are equally unwelcomed in Hegemony territory.
History
The Yiga Clan was instrumental in the destruction of Clocktown and the other settlements in northern Verden. Acting in the name of the Demon King, they misled many leaders of Clocktown and tempted them with promises of power -- saying lesser known politicians finally had a chance to rule over the remnants rather than languish in obscurity. They corrupted the giant mechanized guardians the Sheikah had put in place to destroy Luna Majoris long before it impacted Clocktown. A carefully constructed defense unraveled, and Clocktown was subsequently destroyed.
This act unintentionally resulted in the creation of Malice, a new and highly infectious substance. The Yiga briefly reunited with their Sheikah cousins to contain Malice in the aftermath of Clocktown's destruction, after which they once again parted ways.
The Yiga Clan remains active in the historical record as little more than a glorified gang of highwaymen and thugs: attacking caravans, stealing treasures, hoarding wealth in far-off caverns, doing battle with their old rivals. In fact, they've factored into over-the-top adventure novels about ancient treasure vaults and ruins more than they've intervened in modern politics in a meaningful way.
Their current status is largely unknown, though one should not forget their dangerous origins. All it takes is one glorious opportunity -- or one glorious new leader -- to bring them back from obscurity with a bang.
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