Crossbell

Crossbell State (クロスベル, lit. "Crossbell Autonomous/Self-governing Province"), formerly known as Crossbell Province (クロスベル), is a landlocked, self-governing demilitarised buffer state located in western Zemuria. It is bordered by Erebonia to the west and by Calvard to the east.
== History ==
The history of Crossbell is incredibly complex. Located historically at the convergence point between the Erebonian Empire and Calvard Republic, the city has been site of an extraordinary number of battles between various groups of people.
=== Origins ===
With its geographical position along a route between Erebonia and Calvard, Crossbell became an important trade centre in West Zemuria. The wars from the Dark Ages continued during the Middle Ages, laying ruin to whatever had become of the city of numerous occasions.
From c. S.600 to S.1130, ownership of the area changed at least five times. The territory was a province of Erebonia when it was proposed to have a tributary state established, over which both nations would gain suzerainty. Both nations agreed to the proposal and Crossbell was established.
Crossbell became the heart of Zemuria's international economy. Crossbell became the test site for the Epstein Foundation's Orbal Network, a direct data connection between orbal computers within Crossbell and with Leman. Despite Crossbell's growth and its interest to gain a more global point of view, the state's chances for proper sovereignty remained low.
=== Declaration of Independence ===
After a brief referendum, Mayor Dieter Crois declared Crossbell's independence on 23 October S.1204 and subsequently had the IBC freeze the assets of both Erebonia and Calvard. Dieter Crois assumed office as president and held an inaugural speech at the Orchis Tower.
Immediately after the speech, the 5th Armored Division of Erebonia's Imperial Army and Calvard's Republic Air Force invaded Crossbell, only to meet complete annihilation through the means of Ouroboros developed Aions. In the process, Garrelia Fortress was wiped out by Aion Type-α, powered by the Sept-Terrion of Zero.
The independence did not last long, as Henry declared Dieter's declaration of independence invalid, coupled with him being overthrown by the Special Support Section and arrested for treason. 
=== Imperial Occupation ===
Meanwhile in Erebonia, the nation was dealing with a civil war, but around the same time Dieter was arrested, the Imperial faction finished absorbing the remnants of the Noble Alliance and set to invade Crossbell. Within a single day and without bloodshed, Crossbell City fell. On 14 January S.1205, recently re-appointed Mayor Henry MacDowell signed a treaty with Erebonia and forfeited Crossbell's autonomy; the state became Erebonia's Crossbell Province once again. In February that year, newly appointed Governor Rufus Albarea announced that Crossbell would merge with Erebonia. With the power of Valimar, opposing forces from Calvard were easily stopped at the eastern border, ensuring that Crossbell would be kept by the Imperial Army. Rufus kept the economy afloat and life was said to be reasonable.
=== Full Independence ===
After the Great War ended, Rufus was arrested for his actions during the conflict. His Imperial Defense Force personnel that remained in Crossbell City refused to comply with his orders to stand down, as they were unsatisfied with the war's swift end and reparations to Calvard. In S.1207, the SSS and Crossbell Guardian Force launched a coordinated attack on the remnants, with the SSS defeating their leaders on the top of Orchis Tower and their secret weapon. The leaders surrendered after their weapon was destroyed and the other forces quickly followed suit. With the backing of the Septian Church, Crossbell was able to gain independence. Although it was still an Erebonian province at this time, the Imperial government granted it a degree of autonomy that essentially amounted to a de facto end of the occupation.
Before Henry could sign the documents formally declaring Crossbell's independence, the ceremony was interrupted by Rufus and his newly formed Ebon Defense Force. He declared himself the Supreme Leader and took over the country by force, armed with new technology that had never been seen before. During the events of the game, it is eventually discovered that the Supreme Leader was a fake created by a malfunctioned Elysium. Various factions in the Empire, such as Class VII, work with Crossbell's groups and successfully overthrow the Supreme Leader, his EDF forces and the mastermind behind the events. With peace finally restored, Crossbell quickly recovers from the occupation and Henry resumes the independence ceremony, allowing Crossbell to flourish as its own nation.
== Geography ==
Crossbell is located in western Zemuria. It is landlocked, bordered by to the west by Erebonia, separated by the Erebonia operated Garrelia Fortress; on the east, it is bordered by Calvard. In the centre of Crossbell lies its capital, Crossbell City, which is technologically advanced in contrast to the few surroundings villages, except St. Ursula Medical College in the south. Southeast of the capital lies Lake Elm. Mishelam Resort and Mishelam Wonderland is built south of it on the banks of the Marshland of the Blue.
To protect itself from external threats, Crossbell makes use of natural defenses in addition to two gates. In the west, across from Garrelia Fortress and the adjacent ravine, stands Bellguard Gate; it is protected in the east by Tangram Gate, built amidst the Tangram Hills, and the Cyre River, which flows alongside Crossbell's eastern border into Calvard. 
=== Places ===
* Crossbell City
* Armorica Village
* Mainz
=== Locations ===
* Crossbell Cathedral
* Tangram Gate
* Bellguard Gate
* St. Ursula Medical College
* Mishelam
* Ancient Battlefield
* Stargazer's Tower
* Moon Temple
* Rosenberg Studio
* Crossbell Police Academy
* Reinford Military Factory
=== Map ===
== Government & Politics ==
=== Governance ===
As an autonomous state under suzerainty of Erebonia and Calvard and therefore not an actual state, Crossbell is governed following a state-like government system. Although Crossbell has the right of self-government as long as it is granted by Erebonia and Calvard, it does not hold state sovereignty. The highest authority in the state is jointly shared by the Mayor and Speaker of the Diet. Crossbell's mayor and the members of its parliament are directly elected through the means of democratic voting. Some of the heads of states include.
* Henry MacDowell (Mayor S.1189 - June, S.1204; interim mayor January, S.1205 - February, S.1205; reinstated as Mayor March, S.1207)
* Dieter Crois (June, S.1204 - December, S.1204; styled himself as President from October onwards, overthrown and arrested for illegally expanding his power)
* Rufus Albarea (February, S.1205 - September, S.1206; Erebonian-appointed Governor General, arrested and repatriated to Erebonia proper prior to the end of the occupation for his role in the Great War)
Mayor: The highest-ranking official in Crossbell along with the Speaker of the Diet. This position is elected by the citizens of Crossbell in a democratic process. The mayor is responsible for both the city's administration and foreign affairs. When Henry MacDowell decided not to seek re-election after first stint as mayor, the position was temporarily held by Dieter Crois. Following a failed attempt at independence and the Crossbell Campaign, Crois would be deposed and MacDowell would fill in as a provisional mayor.
Crossbell Diet: The highest legislative authority in Crossbell. The Diet is responsible for creating, debating, amending, and passing laws and policies that govern the state. It’s highest position - the Speaker of the Diet – shares the highest power in the government with the mayor. The Diet is composed of elected representatives who are chosen by the citizens of Crossbell. Given its suzerain status, the Diet is defined by two opposing factions: the Imperial Faction and the Republican Faction. Each faction supports Erebonia or Calvard respectively.
Previously, the position of Speaker of the Diet was held by Hartmann. Despite being expected to hold a position of neutrality as acting Speaker, Hartmann also served as the leader of the Imperial Faction. Following Hartmann's deposal, the position was then temporarily filled by Henry MacDowell before he would return for his second stint as mayor. The leader of the Republican Faction is Representative Campbell. 
Other Government Institutions: 
* General Affairs Department:
** 1st Division: In charge of the management and administration of Orchis Tower. The head of the division is Chief Moletto.
** 2nd Division: In charge of the management for the Crossbell Diet Building and reception hall within Crossbell City Hall. They also are responsible for managing the relocation efforts for the new City Hall building. The head of the division is Chief Clipp.
* Financial Affairs Department: Responsible for drafting the city's budgetary plan as well overseeing government spending.
* Residential Affairs Department: Manage resident registration and track citizen residential status within Crossbell City.
* Transportation Division: Oversee the entirety of the orbal bus system in the state.
* Urban Development Division: Oversee city planning and new construction projects within the city such as buildings and roads in accordance with Crossbell's Urban Development Plan. Members also go out to survey daily traffic volume in Central Square in response to the recent surge of orbal car ownership in the city.
* Mishelam Management Division: Oversee the management and planning of future construction projects in and around Mishelam Wonderland theme park and Lakeside Beach.
==== Government changes during Imperial Occupation ====
In January S.1205, Crossbell would officially become the Imperial Province of Crossbell. As such, the position of Governor General of Crossbell would replace that of the mayor. The Crossbell Diet would also be dissolved and new representatives would be selected to serve in the Empire's Central Diet in accordance with its Eight Metropolis Plan. 
Governor General: In February S.1205, Rufus Albarea would be appointed as the first Governor General of Crossbell and one month later, announce Crossbell's merger into Imperial territory, formalizing its annexation as a province outright. The governor general acts as representative of Crossbell in the Imperial Government, oversee the local administration, taxation, and law enforcement. 
==== Current Government following Full Independence ====
In March S.1207, Crossbell would once again become an autonomous state with the Holy City of Arteria serving as suzerain. With the office now reinstated, the current mayor is Henry MacDowell.
=== International Relations ===
Although on amicable terms with other smaller nations such as Liberl, Leman, and Remiferia, Crossbell has historically had a complicated relationship with its two neighbouring superpowers. With both countries exercising a large amount of influence on the state, Crossbell was practically powerless to stymie corruption. Remiferia, through its medical businesses, and Leman, though the Epstein Foundation, maintain strong presences in the state and have good relations with the government.
Some citizens remarked on the positive changes annexation had brought for the state, but most were for their own independence which was eventually regained following more strife. International relations seem to be improving from present time onwards.
=== Military ===
Crossbell was historically not permitted to have its own standing army, having instead a guardian force for self-defense only. This force operated from the two gates on either side of the state and made use of armoured cars.
=== Law ===
Crossbell features a large police department consisting of different divisions. The Special Support Section was a special division established to help the the reputation of the force and help on a more public level, in a similar capacity to the Bracer Guild. Ian Grimwood formerly held a practicing law firm in the city. 
Crossbell was known to be a hive of corruption and illicit activity because Erebonian and Calvardian immigrants were immune from meaningful prosecution for much of its time as an autonomous state. Two major criminal syndicates, Revache and Heiyue, were known to operate in its borders, as well as the D∴G Cult, working to subvert authority and achieve their own ambitions. Various other criminals with roots in Erebonia and Calvard could also carry out their schemes with little to fear in the way of prosecution because of the political circumstances. This included counterfeit goods salesmen from the Republic and conmen from the Empire. This was no longer the case following re-independence, when these types of criminals could face the full might of the law.
== Economy ==
=== Resources ===
Crossbell produces large amounts of honey from the renowned fields of Armorica Village. There is also a significant amount of mining activity in the Mainz area.
=== Tourism ===
Crosbell has many attractive destinations for tourists, including the world famous Arc en Ciel Theatre, and accompanying casinos and Mishelam Wonderland- with its resorts, lakeside beach and theme park facilities.
=== Commercial activity ===
Crossbell is home to the IBC (International Bank of Crossbell) which sits at the centre of commerce in western Zemuria. The IBC had an enormous amount of financial power, being able to cripple the finances of neighbouring countries should they choose to freeze any assets. Other prominent organisations such as the Epstein Foundation and Reinford Group had offices within the IBC.
Other businesses operating on a local scale include a (former) law office, bakery, orbal and retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, hotels, and bars. 
== Infrastructure ==
=== Science & Technology ===
Crossbell is said to be one of the most technologically advanced places on the continent. The Epstein Foundation conducts regular testing in the city, most notably for the Orbal Network Project and testing of their ENIGMA orbments. The orbal stores such as Genten receive the latest technology from all of west Zemuria.
=== Transport ===
The Transcontinental Railroad crosses through Crossbell horizontally, stopping only at Crossbell Station. Crossbell also has air links via Crossbell Airport. Orbal vehicles are commonplace within the city and a bus service runs around the state.
=== Health ===
Through investment and links with Remiferia, St. Ursula Medical College offers care that is acclaimed and sought after internationally. Cutting edge medical research is conducted in the research lab, and esteemed doctors from Remiferia work here alongside a team of nurses.
=== Education ===
The Septian Church are known to operate Sunday school services in the state. St. Ursula Medical College also offers higher education for medical studies. The Knox Forest also serves as a training ground and school for police officers.
=== Media & Communication ===
News in the state is run by the Crossbell News Service and the publication of the Crossbell Times. They have a branch in the Harbor District.
== Demographics ==
Crossbell has large numbers of people from various walks of life and countries due to its location. There are especially prominent Erebonian and Calvardian diasporas due to both countries' suzerainty over the state. The Erebonian diaspora ballooned from S.1205 to S.1207 due to the Imperial occupation, but the newcomers largely moved away once the occupation was over. The vast majority of its population follow the Septian Church and belief in Aidios. However, the D∴G cult has its origins in Crossbell and practice an alternative religion.
== Culture ==
=== Architecture ===
Crossbell City is a sprawling metropolis with many high rise buildings and modern architecture. Some regions like the Downtown District were left behind by this development, but this was addressed during the Erebonian occupation. Styles from the East are also present in the city due to Calvardian immigration. Notable landmarks include the Orchis Tower, the tallest tower in the world, and Mishelam Wonderland.
There are several sites of archaeological importance such as the Sun Fort, the Moon Temple, and Stargazer's Tower which date back to the Middle Ages. Other smaller sites of interest include the Ancient Battlefield and the Lupinus River Ruin.
=== Arts & Entertainment ===
The Arc en Ciel theatre is the centrepiece of the Entertainment district, and the skills and performance of its actors is known across western Zemuria. Nearby the theatre are casinos and hotels. Mishelam wonderland is a source of entertainment with its theme park attractions, resort facilities and retail outlets. The city also features jazz bars, restaurants and cafes.
The famous sculptor Magnus Hector is from Crossbell, and one of his statues is on display in City Hall.
=== Sports & Festivals ===
Darts is played within the city. The Fisherman's Guild and Imperial Fishing Club both maintain a presence in the city, sharing a branch and spreading the joy of fishing.
=== Folklore ===
Crosbell has a few legends about strange moaning sounds heard near the Ancient Battlefield, as well as the legend of St. Ursula and the white wolf.
== Gallery ==
Crossbell Map(Akatsuki).png|Crossbell Map
Ursula Sandbar Photo (Sen IV).png|thumb|Scenic photo of the sandbar on Ursula Road
== References ==
Category:Countries
Category:Crossbell Locations