12.3.5 Cyrene, Oceanus' Gate

Founded by Cyr Ruminic and Enna Ministrickle as a refuge and place of peace, this tradition has evolved in the face of threats and wars brought to her people. In the closing months of 976 AF, Cyrene embraced the coming Tide to become the first landwalker city to be blessed by the Sea and drawn into the unfathomed depths. Submerged but unconquered, Cyrene has been reborn: not as a haven of reactionism or isolation, but as the Crown Jewel of scholarship and culture within the Thalassic Empire of the God-Emperor Neraeos.

Rejecting the stagnation of apathy, Cyrene now seeks to seize its place upon Creation's stage, meeting challenge and hardship alike with the grace and fury of the onrushing Tide. Embracing the mandate of the Sea, her people strive to embody their Passions in an unwavering acknowledgement of their Purpose. Glory is not inherited; it is earned in the daily pursuit of a better self.

Within her walls can be found three Houses that, together, exemplify the best of what Cyrene encompasses. Dutifully guarding her shores and streets, the proud members of the Vashnarian Shield act as the first blade and last bastion against all who would threaten the Imperial Reaches. Elevating the spirit of Cyrenians through artistry and creation, the Virtuosi reinforce Oceanus' Gate as a renowned font of culture. Carrying the currents of the Imperial Reaches into distant lands, the Discurean Outriders hone their skill in exploration and scholarship as the vanguards of Cyrene's outward reach.

With an ethos firmly grounded in decency and the rule of law, citizens espouse consideration for their peers and exercise tolerance for individual pursuits. Though mindful of her roots, Cyrene has recognised the need to change, embracing her role within Creation as a herald for onrushing Oceanus. Just as nothing may hold back the Sea, Cyrene rises to a challenge and defends against her foes, she does so as a united and indomitable force.