Jidai

"We are among the last of our kind. My heart is filled with sorrow at the poultry legacy that remains to us" -Grand Master Kurokuma of the Jidai.

The Jidai are the remnants of a nearly extinct people. They are currently a largely nomadic race, with no place to call home.

History
Once a proud and prosperous race, the Jidai became involved in the politics of Hamezfishirr, in particular, the then newly formed Aelfruain Empire. After serving effectively, they were gradually assimilated into the Empire, and slowly brought into submission under Aelfric the Conqueror. Seeking to end this submission, a young Jidai named Byakuya created a movement to oppose Aelfric, to break from his control. His attempted coup d'etat failed, however, and Aelfric responded by using them as an example, razing their nation of Jidai Geki to the ground, killing most of them in the process. Those who remained fled to wherever they could.

Race
The original people that made up the Jidai culture were a race of ancient Elves, more powerful and long-lived than their modern counterparts, being unable to age, or die from natural causes. Due to Aelfric's actions, only a few continue their existence into the current era. Those who are raised into the Jidai culture are typically lesser Elves, Half-Elves, or, in extreme cases, other races entirely.

Culture
The Jidai culture is only carried on through a few people, mostly descendants of the original race, and mostly wanderers. A few groups of them have managed to establish themselves as bodyguards and spies to kings and emperors. Others wander the world as the most sought after and renowned mercenaries. They are often trained in one of three ways; The Way of the Shadow, followed by thieves and assassins, The Way of the Blade, followed by warriors, and The Way of the Spirit, followed by users of magic.

Trivia

 * The Jidai are based on the genre of Wutai, which is in turn based on the genre of Jidai Geki. Wutai is a genre focusing on Asian, largely Japanese historical fantasy. This results in those of The Way of the Shadow being expies of ninja and those of The Way of the Blade being expies of samurai.