This is a story of the likes you may have heard before.
A story to captivate your imagination.
A story of a young orphan who came from nothing…but had the heart of a hero.
A story of adventure, perils, and love.
A story of a great looming evil…and the warriors who stood against it.
A story filled with Magic.
There is a mystic land called Esper. A land of magic and astounding natural phenomena, great kings and swift thieves, of valiant knights saving princess, and common folk who had contentment and peace in honest hard work as they provide for their families and aid their communities.
Long ago the peoples had no hope, they still lived in caves, fighting each other for territory and food. That was until a monk came to them and presented to them a great gift.
Magic.
The man showed Esper awe inspiring and frightening things, he could make lakes out of nothing, raise mountain ranges, conjure great infernos that could never be quenched, and command great storms of wind and lightning. But that was not all he showed the peoples, he taught them many things, and gave them teachings on how to be more than themselves and live their lives with love and kindness. Because magic was the gift that all can share.
The Monk became known as the Sage of the Six Paths. For he taught that there were three paths to the light and three to the darkness.
But unfortunately there were some races that believed that magic should only belong to them, and never-ending wars were fought, countless lives had been lost to senseless violence. The Sage warned them of their greed, that it would attract the darkness, and as he prophesied a great calamity fell upon the world. A monstrous beast, who's only description was that of a nightmare that drove those who saw it mad, none could stop it no matter how brave or strong.
The beast's dark and foul essence was said to corrupt any living thing and turn it into a demon…if not kill it entirely.
To this day there is great debate to how the beast of calamity was finally stopped. The High Elves believed, of course, their goddess Kaguya smote the beast.
Some believed that all the races banded together, and through the combined might of all their magics opened a portal and drove the beast into the abyss.
Those who worship the sage believed that he was the one who had saved them…but at the cost of his life.
There is one more theory, however. Some believe that a foreigner, a woman, had defeated the beast with her wit and strange magic. She also had command of her own beasts, eight great beasts, some even believed that she was a beast herself in mortal form. But most do not believe this woman and those who do are seen as heretics.
And so, after facing such a great terror, the peoples in all of Esper decided that there was enough fighting. And this lasted for a time. It was agreed that, even though some did not like it, magic was for those who could wield it. Some could with great talent, some had none at all, but the many peoples of the lands knew that magic was as helpful…as it was dangerous.
And these are the races of Esper.
The Elves, envied for their eternal youth, and born with the greatest magical ability of all. Among the elves there were three breeds in a great empire ruled under The High Elves, they were wealthy and commanded great political power, indeed their very own Emperor was hailed and worshipped as being a decedent of the elven goddess Kaguya. But many High Elves are vain and arrogant, finding themselves superior to all races. These beliefs led to a great and terrible crimes against almost all the other races. Crimes that had led to many wars.
The High Elves were just the ruling class, and even then, there were levels based off of how close to the throne the bloodlines were, but there were others.
The Wood Elves, people of the forest and the most peaceful in the Empire, and worshipers of the spirits of the wood. They based their magic on nature, using the gifts given by the plants, trees, and animal spirit guides. They also were not happy under the rule of the High Elf Emperor, during the Second Great War the Wood Elves made a move to break away from the rest of elf kind. But the High Elves were insulted, they already had a disdain for Wood Elves they did not worship Kaguya, and now they would dare defy their rule, so the emperor decreed that nature magic was forbidden and that the wood elves were to leave their forest homes. The wood elves fought in a civil war, but lost, thankfully they were the friendliest of the Elf breeds and were given asylum by the Human kings, so now many lived in human cities. Unfortunately this meant they lost their connection with nature and thus their magic, they came to be known as Common Elves. Most live unimpressive lives now, either farming or as merchants, but they were hard working and still hoped that one day they could return to the forests.
And there were Dark Elves, they were feared by many, even their own people. Legend had it that they were descendants of a joining between a High Elf…and an unknown race called The Infernal Descendants. The Dark Elves were fearsome warriors, many a story of soldiers witnessing a Dark Elf in action on the battlefield went from one extreme to another, the most ruthless gaining red glowing eyes, those who earned their eyes were called Drow. Tt was because of their ferocity and thirst for blood that they made the bulk of Elven armies and gladly pledged their lives to their emperor. But it was their Rogue class warriors, stealthy assassins, who were the most feared. Many other races trained their own Rogues, but few could beat a Dark Elf in the shadows. The only downside was that Darks elves, due to their constant use in war, were a dying breed until they were split into two houses. The Uchiha and the Fūma. The House of Uchiha, as a show of good faith was allowed to relocate to Konoha, however the Konoha branch of the Uchiha was just about wiped out by one of their own. No one knows why.
For years the elves have desired dominion over all races, denouncing the lessons of the Sage, but thanks to the rise of The Five Great Elemental Kingdoms and the Warrior Villages they lost much of their power. Despite their arrogance even they knew they could not take on the whole world…even though had tried in the past. They still from time to time test the limits of the treaties, the Purge of the Fae nearly sent the world into another war of the races.
The Humans, the most numerous out numbering all the others with massive armies and great cities that could stretch for miles. A race who's short lifespan drove them to great ambition for the many…or just themselves. Most of the other races found it hard to trust them as their hearts were the most fickle and the only race that were not united by one government, many saw how the Humans would argue and fight with each other constantly, but the Human's Council of Kings wanted nothing more than peace and strived for it. Even among other races, there were many stories of Human men and women being champions for justice, not just for their own, but for all mankind. The Humans had the least magical power, with only one in ten being born with the power, and even they were rarely ever stronger than just a common magician. So they focused on their bodies and minds. So much so, some could do feats that even magic couldn't, super men with lightning speed and bodies hard as steel. Or Psychics that could read or manipulate minds. They also had the firmest grasp on the apothecary arts and could make some of the most effective potions and elixirs.
Their cousins, The Dwarves, looked no different from Humans…save for their much shorter stature and burly frames. Much like Humans, Dwarves didn't live that long, and like their cousins they made the most of their short lives. But Dwarves had come into their own by focusing on ingenuity and invention. The Dwarves are masters of the forge, crafting weapons the like no other could make. Because of this they were obsessive miners, constantly digging for more materials to make their crafts better. And so, the Dwarves had made their homes in the mountains deep into the stone. The Dwarves also had the best relations with Humans because of their common ancestry and this had always led to a fruitful bond, but Dwarves were also very competitive and tended to see their cousins as rivals. Dwarves also had their own brand of magic, unlike their cousins there was not any in Dwarven culture who manifested magic whatsoever. Much like the Orcs and the Beast Men. Thus the famous Stone Scholars created Rune Magic, enchanted formulaic script that could do almost anything.
The Orcs were decedents of Elves who were corrupted by the dark energy of the calamity beast but were strong enough to survive its evil influence. The Orcs believed themselves to be the strongest of all races, for their ancestor's strong will against the darkness, as well as their immense strength and durability in proportion with their huge muscular frames. Many believed them to be barbarians for their constant need to fight and prove their strength, they were tested against the Elves when the Elven armies tried to eradicate the noble warrior race, the Orcs do not have magic, nor do they have great numbers…so they beat the Elven armies on pure brute strength alone. This was a great humiliation for the High Elves and one that would never be forgotten.
The Beast Men, humanoid beings that had animal like features, no one could really say how they came to be honestly, it was common belief that the High Elves had captured Humans and forced mutations on them, High Elves claimed that they were a barbarian race they Rescued from a far-off land. Either way Beast Men were their slaves until freed thanks to the courage of one woman, but the arrogant nobles still looked down on the non-magical Beast Men seeing them more as creatures then people. There was rumor of a few breeds of certain animal types that could use magic but the eleven nobles claimed this was heresy and myth. None the less Beast Men now lived among humans peacefully for over a century, and even found ways to create their own magic with the help of magic capable animal partners, special tonics and pills, and enchanted armaments.
The Fae, or fairy folk, winged beings with superb magical control. There was a legend that the Fae were once human and had been blessed by a forest goddess who stole moonlight, giving them delicate wings and the gift of flight, some even had the ability to grow and manipulate crystals, a common conductor of magic. With this ability they could suppress and absorb magic. The High Elves didn't like this. They hated the Fae even more when they out shined the best High Elf mages in the wars with their healing magics, Fae had the best manna control of all races, and their unique White Magic was the greatest weapon against darker magics. The High Elves accused the Fae of heresy and witchcraft and began a campaign that would be known as The Purge. They slaughtered the gentle winged people and stole their white magic, claiming the Fae stole it from them. No Fae had survived…as far as anyone knew.
There was, however, one last race that once roamed the lands…but you could hardly call them people.
There were once decedents of a cult, of what race no one knew, that willingly corrupted themselves and consorted with demons believing the calamity beast was to restart the world and create a better one, a perfect Utopia. They were simply called Demons; this was because it was hard to tell them from Humans or Elves…until it was too late. They were vicious, cruel, and sadistic beings. The Demons had strange and grotesque powers, like regaining strength by drinking blood or eating the raw flesh of another sentient being, they could turn people into monsters controlling them, they could even extend their lifespan by consuming souls. They had Witchcraft, dark and macabre magic that used sacrifices of blood, flesh, and souls as its fuel. There was even a legend that they still knew the corruption spells and could turn anyone into one of them if willing.
The threat of the Demons was great, and it was The Council of Kings had agreed to combine their efforts and fight against them, less the darkness return, and all be lost. This would lead to three great wars the came to be known as The Shadow Wars. For men great men who had achieved great victory in these became known as Shadows, men born of light that lived in the dark.
The Dwarves of course were with the Humans. They had massive war machines, weapons worthy of myth, but the most impressive of all were the invention of summoning contracts. Rune magic that allowed the user to teleport legendary magical beasts to aid them in battle.
The Orc tribes joined for the glory of fighting in the endeavor itself, but they still wanted to be compensated. Orcs were always unmatched in the mercenary business. However their request was…interesting. Orcs were predominately female ruled under a matriarchy and many males will surlily perish in the conflict. Orcs are also the only race that could breed with other races without the aid of magical or apothecary intervention, whatever males from the other races came out alive after the conflict, they would be sent to the plains of the nomadic Orc tribes to be to an Orcish bride. But it was determined that it was not practical or fair to have good men fight just to be forced into marriage as soon as they are done and never return home, so as a compromise the Dwarves offered to teach the Orcs Rune magic and even allow them to sign summoning contracts. The advocate of the Orc chieftains, the Orikaa Warrioress of the Green Orcs Kūgā, was pleased with this as they had no natural magical ability outside of breeding with races that did. and even then, it was almost nonexistent. She accepted but still asked to give her offer out and see if there were any willing.
Only Human men seemed to show any interest, but there were a great number of them, Kūgā herself took a husband and her grandson became a hero of the second war.
The still forest dwelling Wood Elves wanted to be allowed to join, they made excellent scouts and archers, they wanted to be seen as their own people away from the arrogant High Elves, and the vicious Dark Elves. The First Great War would be a good chance to prove themselves. The High Elves weren't happy with this and many believed that this is what led to them driving The Wood Elves from their forests.
The Beast Men joined when an Elf woman from one of the High Noble Houses came to the Council of Kings. Mito was from the House of Uzumaki, the only house of High Elves that did not look down on other races and wanted to live in harmony with everyone. She told the Human rulers the plight of the poor people, the kings of Human men were outraged by this, Humans believed in freedom and personal rights above all else. To force another as their slave, even to pay a debt, was blasphemy against everything they believed in. A Human man by the name of Hashirama took notice, he was from the Senju, a noble clan that was related to royalty that was known for their great military leaders. Touched by Mito's kindness Hashirama fell in love with her, she would the same for him when she saw how friendly he was with the Wood Elves, they would wed and have a few children before the second war.
Coincidentally Hashirama's own son would agree to marry one of the Orc warrioresses.
The High Elves eventually came to Gracefully offer their help; however they were met with confrontation, especially by the Orcs who had just recently defended their lands from them, but they relented seeing the need for strong Mages. But the Elven lords were appalled and insulted that the Humans would demand they free their slaves, and also disgusted that one of their own had instigated it. However too much was at stake for the Elves to withdraw. If the Demons succeeded the world would end. The High Elves begrudgingly freed the Beast Men in accordance with the treaties, and the Beast Men were overjoyed for their freedom, and swore to fight alongside the others to the bitter end. Beast Men now lived among Humans, taking the name Demi-Humans, unfortunately many had come under some stigma much like Common Elves.
The Fae, still alive at the time being before The Purge, had been offered the chance to join. They were reluctant, the fairy folk were a peaceful and never went to war, despite this they were still famous for their Sky Wardens in their own right. Men and women of The Fae that specialized in aerial combat, these were the only warriors who could match and even beat The Elves own Black Riders, who bred giant Raven, Crows, and Hawks as mounts.
And so all the races went to war to fight the Demons.
There were three great wars known as the Shadow Wars. The first war was fought with great success, but tragedy would follow after the battles were fought when Hashirama was killed by his close friend Madera Uchiha. Many accused the elves of treachery, but for once the High Elves were not to blame, Madera's betrayal was due to madness. Many believed he was corrupted by the Demons. The second war was a little harder and Hashirama's brother Tobirama perished, upon which he named a Beast Man by the name of Hiruzen Sarutobi as his successor, this was the first time ever a Beast Man was to be appointed into any kind of power. But it was the third war that birthed the legend of a Hero, Minato Namikaze.
The Human man's exploits were hard to believe but nothing was exaggerated, he was only a mere Rogue scout, but he had magic that rivaled the most powerful of Mages. He summoned mighty toads that were big as mountains, he was a master over rune magic, and was said he could cast a spell with mere thought and strange knife in his open hand. He won the third war almost single handedly, unfortunately this caused the leader of the Stone Warriors of Iwa to get very competitive with Leaf Warriors of Konoha. It was not uncommon for fights to break out between adventurers of both villages. When the Third War was over Minato became the Fourth Hokage of the Fire Kingdom's Warrior village. He tried to stop the High Elves from wiping out the Fairy Folk during the war, but he could not risk war with the elves, and ultimately failed.
And those were the races of Esper.
In these lands stood five great and ancient kingdoms. In each kingdom had one Warrior Village, a place where each nation would build their contribution to the forces that would once again fight the Demons if the need were to arise.
Ignis, The land of Fire. A land covered in lush forests, clear rivers and lakes, and other great naturals recourses. Many had tried to conquer Ignis, and claim it's bounty, but they failed unable to break the Human's never-ending armies. Here is where the first Warrior Village Konoha calls home. After the first war it was agreed that Konoha would be the center point if the other races needed to rally the armies against the Demons once again, and so an Academy was made to train knights whose sole purpose was to fight Demons, this also made a unique mix of all cultures, so all races lived in Konoha.
Ventus, The land of Wind. A desolate and dry desert country, filled with nothing but sand and bandits, the country borders with all the other countries so caravan traders and merchants were crossing the vast desert all year round. The Warrior village of Suna is a place of cut throats and thieves, they train warriors for clients who don't mind taking things into gray areas. Their village trained demon fighters that could handle some of the harshest environments.
Tarra, The land of Earth. A region of great mountains were the Dwarves call home. It is on the border with Ventus and Ignis that are the grassy plains of the Orc nomadic tribes reside. The warrior village of Iwa is known for having the toughest standards, practically turning the warriors into the very stones around them. But it is their forge masters who will arm the armies against the Demons. The Orcs mostly keep to themselves only leaving their tribes to find a mate or take work, Orcs are the only ones of the races immune to Demon venom and had many powerful techniques to fight witchcraft.
Aqua, The land of Water. It was a large island nation surround by many archipelago's, there were some many islands that to this day it is said that not even a fraction has been properly explored and never will be. Here the village of Kiri is the only one of the villages that trains warriors to be sailors.
And finally Voltus, The land of Lightning. This is strangest place, for it is a land of floating mountains, held up by no one knows what. It is here were only the elves live and it is Kumo where they train their armies, like all elves Kumo is filled with prideful and aristocratic warriors trained in arts fit for powerful mages and skilled noble swordsmen. But they are not to be trifled with, indeed the leader of the village is always appointed by the High Elven Emperor himself from the strongest of his generals.
Legend has it though there is another land far to the north where the snow is never ending. It is said that the strange woman of myth hails from, a land of odd customs and clothes, of warriors said to be strong as iron. But all expeditions to the frozen north has ended in failure and death.
And These are the lands of Esper.
A place of wonder, legends, and secrets forgotten to history.
It is also home to the hero of our story, a unique fox boy…with Nine Tails.