Kloss

Kloss
Subdivision type:	Canton
Capital:	Kloss (city)
Population:	1,606,004
Largest Cities:	Kloss, Mors
Local Leadership Title:	Deputy
Local Government:	Grand Council
Current leader:	Werner Von Roust
Local language:	Lac Glaceian (official)
Local Religion:	The Alpine Temple

Kloss (Arminian: Closs) is a canton in northwestern Lac Glacei. Its capital is the city of Kloss. The region is considered the former heartland of Cranda, and the city of Kloss was once the seat of power for the Kings of Cranda.

History

Kloss began as one of the founding states of the early Crandish Republic around 1317 ASC. Prior to that the earliest inhabitants were from the Royal Isle of Aquaria, who had a major settlement called Oceana near the site of what would eventually become the city of Kloss. Aquaria once held sway over much of the lands surrounding the Clear Sea and, according to legend, once had a magnificent city as its capital on an island centrally located in the Clear Sea. This city was sunk in some early cataclysm and the Aquarians founded a new (albeit lesser) capital on the eastern shores of the Clear Sea. Another cataclysm finished off the Aquarian state and various tribes started to organize into tribal states; among them the Klossen. Originally situated further east along the shores of the Clear Sea, internecine warfare caused the Klossen to migrate south, pushing the Saksens and Balduvii further west. Eventually the settled at the base of the Clear Sea around the Koniglich Peninsula. The ruins of Oceana, once a thriving island metropolis, had sunken into the sea. But nearby the Aquarians had cleared land and left ample resources for the Klossen to build a new settlement. Kloss soon positioned itself as the primary state within Cranda, with the city of Kloss serving as the palatial home of the Kings of Cranda, remaining as such even during the union with Arminy. After the collapse of Arminy, Kloss fell under the sway of Gralus and became part of Novatainia. It would remain a Gralan possession for several centuries before being liberated by Lac Glacei during the events of the Kloss Proclamation (see Military Operations of Lac Glacei). The Klossen, welcoming the return of their brethren Lac Glaceians, were quickly granted the status of a canton within the Grand Duchy and accorded the rights thereof. The canton has quickly become a major trading portal, giving Lac Glacei a significant coastal frontage on the Clear Sea and opening up new trade routes for commerce from Meckelnburgh, Jaaland, Senya, the Hexarchy and other northerly states.

The Temple of Oceana

The Temple of Oceana predates most Micran civilizations and goes back to the Royal Isle of Aquaria, some seven-thousand years ago. It is built from the highest tower of the former city, now completely sunken beneath the waves. The tower steps still lead down to the rolling waves, continuing on down into the depths. On a clear day one can see the roofs of the sunken city deep in their watery graves. The purpose of the temple seems to have been to worship Oceana, the Goddess of Aquaria, and was likely built as an appeasement since legend says it was her wrath that sunk the city. The decrepit temple remains even today, occupied by a few devout worshippers who claim to be descendants of the Aquarians.

The Temple of Oceana