World

World of Age of Gezo - Continents
The world of Age of Gezo is complex and fascinating.

The story takes place around four key continents.
 * 1) Shinobi no Tairiku- The Ninja Continent
 * 2) Kishi no Tairiku - The Knight Continent
 * 3) Taiyo no Tairiku - The Sun Continent
 * 4) Yuki no Tairiku - The Snow Continent

Shinobi no Tairiku
The Shinobi no Tairiku is more commonly known as the Shinobi Sekai, from the lore of Naruto. Divided into four large provinces, the Shinobi no Tairiku is home to the art of Ninshu, a combat style that revolves around the usage of chakra, molding this energy through handseals. The people of the Shinobi no Tairiku hold geography similar to that of ancient-day Japan, with their culture being remarkably similar as well.

Those on the Shinobi no Tairiku had to develop a means of combat though. Through the practice of Ninshu, a deadlier variant, known as Ninjutsu, was developed. Chakra, called by different names in other continents, was the medium by which Ninjutsu would be cast, generally calling upon the Elements to inflict pain and suffering upon those unfortunate enough to be at the end of a Shinobi's rope.

In the Shinobi no Tairiku, concepts such as natural energy and moon energy are coined by the term chakra just the same as the elemental forms are. Kekkei Genkai, Bloodline Limits, are accessible to particular Clans or people who have descended from bloodlines. For example, the Yuki Clan from the Mist Village is capable of utilizing the Ice Kekkei Genkai, a fusion of two elements as its basis --- Water & Wind. The Senju Clan of the Leaf Village holds the Wood Element, fusion of Water & Earth, and so forth.

Commonly termed are 'clans', groups of shinobi who have eloped in order to preserve their Kekkei Genkai as well as their clan's secrets. It can go beyond a Kekkei Genkai, such as Hiden Ninjutsu, which do not require inter-breeding amongst the clan in order to maintain the purity of the genetic bloodline. Hiden Ninjutsu can be taught to anyone, but the methods of teaching a Hiden Jutsu are harder, and are exchanged between clanmembers usually in secrecy.

Varying locations around the Shinobi no Tairiku hold different seasons due to its size, though it holds four seasons year-round. Culturally, it is akin to Japan.

Kishi no Tairiku
The Kishi no Tairiku is located east of Kirigakure no Sato, on a large island in the center of the Taiyo no Tairiku, Yuki no Tairiku, and Shinobi no Tairiku. It is the centerpoint of all the affairs and is the international stronghold of the Kingdom of Knights. Those who come from the Kishi no Tairiku are rigorously trained in swordplay and generally lack a fundamental understanding of Ninshu; though if they are taught by one from the Shinobi no Tairiku, they are able to channel chakra.

The Kishi no Tairiku, similar to the Taiyo no Tairiku, refer to the combination of spiritual energy and physical energy as Essence. Essence, another name for Chakra, is the more commonly coined term on the Eastern Hemisphere. The Kishi no Tairiku is also the most advanced out of the continents. The Land of Technology borders the Island that the Kishi no Tairiku stands upon.

Once named Torishima, the land has been renamed to Arcadia. The illustrious Astraea Family, Vanderbilt Family, Baron Family, Hakujou Family, and Vermillion Family originate from the Kishi no Tairiku. Instead of clans, the Kishi no Tairiku prides themselves on the nobility, and the types of training that they can afford for their young soldiers.

Kekkei Genkai is a term that little people of the Kishi no Tairiku actually understand. However, the term 'Kakkou', referring to Blessing, is a common term, in the sense that the Vanderbilt Family, blessed with Runic Echoes, and the Astraea Family, blessed by the Sword Meister, are spiritually blessed by their predecessors. Their blessing is passed down via a mother figure for a son, and a father figure for a daughter on a spiritual level. Unlike Kekkei Genkai, it is gender specific by which a blessing can actually be passed down, as only opposites can be passed along. Similar to a Kekkei Genkai, a blood link must be established.

The Kishi no Tairiku is approximately the size of the Land of Fire, making it geographically, the smallest continent out of the four. It is normal, in that it holds four varying seasons, and is culturally akin to Europe.

Taiyo no Tairiku
The Taiyo no Tairiku is located to the east of the Kishi no Tairiku, and is approximately the same size as the Shinobi no Tairiku. It is considered one of the two large domains of the world, as it rivals the size of the main powerhouse that is the Shinobi no Tairiku. People here practice martial arts religiously in their army, and soldiers in the army often times utilize weapons or Essence.

The Taiyo no Tairiku is home to the Yatogari Family, the Bostar Family, to most Lycanus, and acts as the origin of the Senzaemon Family. They are home to the foundation of martial arts, as well as unique variations upon it. The art of Shaolin comes from the Manila Country, while the art of Baguazhang and other arts originate from the Chugoku Tenku region. Furthermore, the Taiyo no Tairiku boasts the strongest army, as well as a unique style of utilizing Essence.

Unlike other continents, the Taiyo no Tairiku has developed a unique way to channel their Essence, which revolves around the style upon which they breath and move. They act as one with nature, enabling them to utilize elements that they are attuned with better than most. They do not rely on handseals. While their techniques are much more lackluster in comparison to those who gravitate towards Ninshu, their combat centers on what the Shinobi no Tairiku would refer to commonly as Nintaijutsu, an art that is generally molded after years of training.

It is approximately the size of the Shinobi no Tairiku, with a longer-lasting history, making it the strongest continent. The seasons revolve around Spring, Autumn, and Summer. This country is generally the hottest in comparison, averaging 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Culturally, the Taiyo no Tairiku holds in esteem elements of China and Southeast Asia.

Yuki no Tairiku
The Yuki no Tairiku is located to the north of the Kishi no Tairiku, and is home to Vetur, the Land of the Cursed. As a continent that only knows snow and no other season, their people are hardened to the cold, giving them a natural and innate resistance against the cold. Denizens of the Yuki no Tairiku are known as 'Cursed', for upon death, the Veturians will revive and continue the fight, if only for a temporary amount of time in a shell of the former man they once were.

The Yuki no Tairiku is home to necromancers, as well as the Veturians. The Veturians are a proud group of soldiers who are unable to utilize Essence or Chakra in any form. As a result, they rely on their fists and their Curse in order to get ahead of the game.

The continent is known for its frigid temperatures, constantly at 10 degrees Fahrenheit, equivalent to -12 degrees Celsius. It is not culturally akin to any country.

1. Hi no Kuni

 * Located in the midst of the Shinobi no Tairiku between the Mizu no Kuni and Raiton no Kuni
 * Represents the most northeastern region of the Shinobi no Tairiku, ever since its expansion into the Land of Rock and subsequential takeover.
 * One of the largest superpowers historically, but has waned in pedigree in comparison to the powerful Mizu no Kuni.
 * Commonly known for the Uchiha Clan, Uzumaki Clan, Aburame Clan, Senju Clan, Senzo Clan, Nara Clan, Yamanaka Clan, Akimichi Clan, and Sarutobi Clan.
 * Origin of Kung Fu.

2. Mizu no Kuni

 * Located in the southeast region of the Shinobi Tairiku.
 * An archipelago, the Mizu no Kuni is a rich land with the best cuisine when it comes to seafood.
 * The dialect of the Mizu no Kuni is akin to Ainu, which can agitate those of the Raiton no Kuni.
 * Many of the citizens of the Mizu no Kuni hold sharp fangs. The reason why may be due to a close relationship with the sea and its many mysteries.
 * Home to the Hoshigaki Clan, Hozuki Clan, Yuki Clan, and the Kaguya Clan.

3. Raiton no Kuni

 * Located in the northwestern region of the Shinobi Tairiku.
 * A land filled with mountains galore, the Shinobi of the Raiton no Kuni are hidden amongst these cliffs. They train religiously in the field of lightning.
 * Due to a hotter climate in the Raiton no Kuni, many are tanned or dark-skinned.
 * The Raiton no Kuni is home to the Regalado Clan, the Senninka Clan, and Sound Ninjutsu.
 * Nintaijutsu originates from the Raiton no Kuni as well.
 * Many speak in a Kansai-ben Dialect.

4. Kaze no Kuni

 * Located in the southwestern region of the Shinobi Tairiku.
 * A land filled with sandstorms and dusty winds that can deter visitors and tourists from the harsh weathers of the land.
 * The sun does not bare as directly as it does on the people of this land, but the dry nature of the land leaves the land hotter than the Raiton no Kuni's.
 * Home to the Sabaku Clan, Puppet Techniques, the Cainhurst Family, Fruhling Clan, Himura Clan, and Shizan Clan.
 * Origin of necromancy.

1. Arcadia

 * Located east of the Land of Water (Mizu no Kuni), west of Chugoku Tenku (Taiyo no Tairiku), and south of Vetur (Yuki no Tairiku).
 * Home to the Astraea Family, Vermillion Family, and Vanderbilt Family.
 * Origin of priesthood.
 * This country values honor above all else. Soldiers are committed to fight and train themselves in an honorable fashion. Swordplay is almost a must in this country, meaning that people are trained in both fencing as well as katana usage.
 * Able to learn both styles of utilizing Essence due to the nature of their Blessings.

1. Vetur

 * Located north of Arcadia in a frigid, snow-based country.
 * Denizens of Vetur are rough and battle-hardy, constantly picking fights amongst each other. Hierarchy is determined by how strong a man is in this society. It is male-dominant.
 * The denizens are cursed by the 'Curse of the Dark King', disabling their ability to control essence or chakra. Thus, the people of this country are forever considered 'Hotblooded', contrary to the nature of their frigid country.
 * Slavery is a concept in Vetur that is exercised mainly on lycanus, for animals are seen as lesser than mankind. Lycanus are constantly discriminated against in Vetur, due to being seen as mutants.
 * Necromancers are hated in Vetur as well. Oddly enough, Vetur's climate differs entirely from the climate of the origin of necromancy.
 * Veturians follow a strength by descent virtue. The strongest will have the right to choose whoever they want to marry. The strongest are also given social status, political power, and their wishes granted by the authorities. Kinghood is recognized by whoever is the strongest in Vetur.

1. Chugoku Tenku

 * Home to the Yatogari Family, Shikki Family, Kishikami Family, and Bostar Family.
 * Origin of 'Blessings' as well as Baguazhang.
 * The foundation of Sword Techniques originate from the Chugoku Tenku region as well.
 * Located on the western side of the Taiyo no Tairiku and closest to the Kishi no Tairiku, it is geographically akin to the Land of Fire and Land of Lightning combined as one in size.
 * Culturally, they have many Toriis like the Shinobi no Tairiku, as in history, the Chugoku Tenku would colonize the Shinobi no Tairiku (much like the Chinese immigrated to Japan to colonize it).
 * They celebrate New Year's in February.
 * The Chugoku Tenku people forbid coffee, and only drink tea. Those who drink coffee are seen as corrupted. This incurs no penalties on them physically, but there is social dissent for preferring crude mud over what they perceive as elegant.
 * Intelligence and wit dictate social status here. Strength is one thing, but wisdom is a greater indicator of one's value in the Chugoku Tenku Region.
 * Rabbit Lycanus originate from the Chugoku Tenku Region, as well as the rare Dinosaur Lycanus.

2. Manila Oukoku

 * Home to the Uptiria Family, the Bomani Family, and the Willis Family.
 * The poorer region of the Taiyo no Tairiku, home to the foundation of Bando (Kickboxing) and the Hon'ou Style of combat.
 * The people of the Manila Oukoku primarily grow grains. They are well known for their famous desserts and pastries. They have a mastery over cooking like no other country does. Denizens of the Manila Oukoku can identify most spices through just smelling them.
 * Kingship is determined through bloodline. Generally, Kingship falls upon the Uptiria Family, considered the noble house of the Manila Oukoku, for the people of the Uptiria Family were the founders of the Manila Oukoku.
 * The sandy nature of the Manila Oukoku causes many of the people to dress in desert garb, but it differs from the Land of Wind's garbs.
 * There are no sandstorms in the Manila Oukoku and houses are in general, rectangular in model.
 * Far east of the Land of Chugoku Tenku.
 * The rare Dragon Lycanus and Phoenix Lycanus originate from the Manila Oukoku.