Calendar

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There are naturally numerous calendars in use throughout Vala, though major empires have ensured the spread of their own dating systems, which have since become commonplace among the cultures influenced by those powers. In Altea, the most recognized calendar is perhaps the one used by the Gallian Empire, used not just in its colonies but also by its major trading partners. The Gallian calendar is called the Tavian Calendar, after the erudite Tavias the Scholar, emperor of Gallia from 184 to 199 IR. Tirias is credited with founding the College of Keepers and reforming the calendar to better accord with human-centric conceptions of time, replacing the old maedi calendar inherited from the Azlan. In the Tavian or Imperial Calendar, dates are indicated with IR, 'Imperial Reckoning.' The count begins from the ascension of Irud to the throne of Aldan, first of the Gallian kingdoms. Dates before Irud's ascent are denoted with a minus, though the date itself is expressed in speech as 'before the empire' or 'before the liberation.' Thus, -2500 IR, the purported beginning of the Night Wars, is 'two thousand, five hundred years before the empire.' 
The Tirian Calendar is used throughout the north, with minor variations. Nations that trade with Gallia also use the calendar, though in tandem with their own dating systems. Those cultures far outside the Gallian sphere of influence often still recognize the calendar and even make use of it on occasion, though only as an auxiliary to their own calendar. The cultures of Devana and Tsaiyun of course know very little of this calendar, just as most Alteans know almost nothing of Devana and Tsaiyun, save that one continent is populated by angry orcs, and the other by angry elves. 
=== Days === 
There are seven days in the week, and each month consists of four weeks. The days are as follows: Turnday, Pathday, Hallday, Tradeday, Graceday, Saltday and Vowday. 
Turnday: The first day of the week, so named as it is the 'turning' of time. It is the day of rituals and magic, and the ideal occasion to begin new ventures. 
Pathday: The day when journeys should be undertaken. Caravans generally try to depart on Pathday, as it is the day most sacred to Orm. 
Hallday: The third day, midweek, is traditionally the time when rulers and lords would open their halls to their subjects, where they might bring forth petitions. It is the day often reserved for judgements and court gatherings.
Tradeday: Many markets are held on this day, and Hyal is said to be most active in bestowing his fickle fortunes. Thus, merchants try to hold all their business on Tradeday, to increase their chance of profits. 
Graceday: This is a day of blessings and mercy. On Graceday criminals are pardoned and charity is bestowed by temples and prominent individuals. 
Saltday: The sixth day is the day of cleansing. In Gallicia, for example, the use of civic bathhouses is free on Saltday. Houses are cleaned and clothes washed, and rituals of purification are also held. 
Vowday: The final day of the week is dedicated to the gods. It is the day when pledges to temples and deities are renewed and when all gods are most receptive to requests for aid. Breaking a promise or lying on Vowday is believed to bring retribution from Rheas himself. 
=== Months ===
There are 12 months in the Imperial Calendar, each consisting of 30 days. As there are 365 days in a year, there are five 'extra' days that are placed in the 'unfortunate time' of Infeliza. Every four years an additional day is added to Infeliza. There are two names for each month, a classical and vulgar one. The classical name is the original name chosen by Tirias and his astronomers, who intended a different god to be honored each month and so secure divine blessings for the nascent empire. The vulgar, or popular, month names developed later as the calendar spread beyond the imperial court to the common folk. The classical names are largely known only to the educated, while the common month names are known throughout northern Altea. It should be noted that the month names reflect the observations of climactic conditions made in ancient Aldan. While the months broadly accord with the seasonal shifts in northern Altea, they are less accurate in other parts of the continent, and indeed, the world. The names are conventional, and folk outside the empire use the names expediently, not literally. The names of the months follow, with the classical name given in brackets: 
Highhunt (Cervanis, Stag Month)
The year begins with Highhunt, when rituals sacred to Veres are held. As god of life and fertility, Veres' blessing ensure that the year will be a fruitful one. The classical name refers to the Forest Father, whose symbol is the stag. In Highhunt, the Fiarra and werewolves end the Wild Hunt, returning to the Abyss, and the influence of Rakith, the bestial Scion of werebeasts, is banished for another year. 
Seagift (Marinus, Sea Month)
Cold rains fall in Seagift, sent by the mercurial Mulkarth. It is a bad time to sail but a good time for vegetation, which begins to emerge from its winter sleep. The classical month naturally honors Myrmex, who is most preoccupied with protecting those who ply the stormy seas during this period. 
Firstleaf (Aesculis, Oak Month)
The third month is the beginning of spring, the emergence of life after the long cold. Druna begins to dream, and her gnomes work to nurture the roots of the world. The classical name alludes to the trees of the dryads, who are said to favor oaks as their homes, though this if of course mere poetic fancy. Rites to the tree spirits are nevertheless held in Oak Month to coax out sleeping dryads and encourage the arrival of spring. 
Newseed (Corvanis, Crow Month) 
A month of planting and sowing, Newseed is dedicated to Gadri. The classical name refers to all those scavenging animals that ruin fields and steal the fruit of the Sower. Youths wearing masks of grass patrol the fields and scare away birds in a time-honored ritual. 
Greentide (Terraris, Earth Month)
The fullness of spring blooms in Greentide. It is a merry month, and traditionally Carnivalia is held in celebration, a festival dedicated to Azin. A feast of delight and debauchery, it is often the most anticipated part of the year. Many harvest festivals coincide with Greentide, hence the classical name of Earth Month. 
Flamefall (Solaris, Sun Month)
In mid-year spring gives way to summer as Druna sinks into deeper sleep and Huld sends forth his breath as summer winds, warming the world. The classical month name refers to Solaria, the festival held to honor Sol, patroness of the empire. The solemn Solaria greatly contrasts with the excesses of Carnivalia. 
Smokesky (Machaeris, Sword Month) 
Wildfires are common during Smokesky, but the month name also alludes to the wars that often begin in this sweltering month, when tempers are hot and fiery Huld rules. The classical name refers to Kyrene, goddess of war, for this month is considered the most honorable time to begin battles. 
Sunrest (Zeferis, Wind Month) 
Summer gives way to autumn, as Huld sleeps and Xolm dreams the changing of seasons. The classical name refers to the storms that begin during this month, bringing cooler weather. Rainpoles are raised to honor Rukh and her Windsons, hence the classical name. 
Cloudrise (Tempestis, Storm Month) 
Rain is common in autumn, and the sky grows clouded and grey. The classical name alludes to Zarosh, who sends storms to punish evildoers. Rituals are held during this month to propitiate the wrathful deity. 
Oldsong (Vermis, Worm Month)
During Oldsong, as autumn gives way to winter, rituals for the departed are held and former days remembered. The classical month name refers to Mortus, the Worm God, whose Feast of the Dead occurs at the end of Oldsong. The period is marked by the appearance of the Skeleton Waltz, a spectral cavalcade of the dead that dance and cavort through the land, urging the living to come out and join them. People thus light candles and place them outside their doors within carved skulls (often made from pumpkins) to show the dead that a household is not yet under the Worm God's dominion. Thus the Feast of the Dead is also called Candle Night. 
Stillroot (Gelis, Frost Month)
Stillroot is wintertide, when Ymogh sends his frigid breath out from Alba, freezing the leaves off trees and culling weak and old animals. The classical name honors Ymogh as lord of winter. The Frost Fair is held in his name to mollify the grim deity. 
Hearthwatch (Ignis, Fire Month) 
The last month of the year is a time of rest and reflection, folk gathering indoors to escape the chill. The Pyria, or Fire Feast is held to honor Hila and hasten the end of winter and the return of life. The classical month name refers to this practice, which is most common in Brax and Heide, where worship of the Old Ones is still strong. 
Illweek (Infeliza)
Illweek contains the 'blank days' that do not fit into any other month. It is the unhappy time of Infeliza, when demons and devils are free to walk about, for no god or spirit protects the blank days. It is during this period that the Wild Hunt emerges, and folk are careful to remain indoors with fires burning and holy symbols and charms arrayed against the encroaching dark. The end of Infeliza is usually marked by a great feast and general thanksgiving on Clean Day. The name comes from the practice of gathering water and tossing it at doorways or over thresholds to 'clean away' all the evils of Infeliza. People leap into often freezing rivers or splash each other with water in a joyous celebration of the new year, cleaning off any lingering bad luck from the previous year. Veres arrives to drive the beasts back to their forests and the gods once more close the doors to the Abyss. As these days do not 'exist,' children born during Illweek take 30th Hearthwatch as their birthday, though many parents will in fact pick another date to dispel any associations with the unlucky time. 
=== Star Signs ===
The months are associated with certain constellations, which in turn have influence over the days under their auspices. According to the myths, the major gods placed the constellations in the sky to remind mortals of their presence. There are certainly other constellations, but the following are the ones recognized by the Gallian astronomers. 
The Stag (1st Highhunt - 23rd Highhunt)
The Stag is the sign of Veres, who guards against the hungry beasts that emerge from the wintery woods. 
The Dove (24th Highhunt - 8th Seagift)
The dove with the bleeding heart is gentle Arva's sign. As winter ends, the Maiden is asked to heal and protect those who have suffered through the coldest month. 
The Ship (9th Seagift - 28th Seagift)
The Ship is the symbol of Myrmex, who guides and protects sailors during this stormy month. 
The Moth (29th Seagift - 16th Firstleaf)
The Moth is the sign of Siris, elder goddess of fate. The Moth heralds beginnings and possibilities and so guards the first third of the year. 
The Cat (17th Firstleaf - 7th Newseed)
The whimsical cat is the sign of Jau the Trickster. Fool's Feast, dedicated to the Trickster, is held on 30th Firstleaf, as grim winter gives way to the merriment of spring. 
The Hammer (8th Newseed - 30th Newseed)
The Hammer is the symbol of industrious Bardan. As the days grow warmer and the crops prepared for harvest, tradesmen ask that the Builder will bless their works, which will be sold in the coming harvest fairs. Many guilds host celebrations during this period, and new members are inducted. 
The Plow (1st Greentide - 22nd Greentide)
The plow is the symbol of Gadri the Sower, goddess of agriculture. The 22nd of Greentide is the date of the harvest festival of Carnivalia. 
The Wagon (23rd Greentide - 11th Flamefall)
The Wagon is the sign of Orm, who leads caravans and merchants on their journeys. The days are long and warm and travelers set off on the road, asking the Wayfarer for guidance and protection.
The Crown (12th Flamefall - 29th Flamefall)
The Crown, symbol of rulership, is sacred to Sol, the Empress Sun. Her feast of Solaria is held in midsummer. 
The Horse (30th Flamefall - 13th Smokesky)
Kyrene, goddess of war, sits astride her horse as she rides into battle. The month of Smokesky is the month of war, and the Lady blesses all those who partake in honorable and just combat. 
The Keep (14th Smokesky - 2nd Sunrest)
Noble Rheas stands before the Keep, protecting it from those who would defile its sanctity. The Castellan guards the weak and innocent who suffer during the season of war. 
The Hand (3rd Sunrest - 24th Sunrest)
The Hand is sign of Vasht, elder god of protection. Vasht guards the thresholds of change, ensuring that stability is maintained and summer passes easily into autumn. 
The Hawk (25th Sunrest - 16th Cloudrise)
The Hawk is Zarosh's sign, the raptor that carries the Scourge's thunderbolts. The wicked do not go abroad during this period, for the cyclopes of Zarosh travel the skies as great storms, searching for the guilty. 
The Eye (17th Cloudrise - 6th Oldsong)
The watchful eye is the sign of vigilant Tiber. The Veteran is called on to protect those who will endure the coming dark and cold of winter. 
The Scroll (7th Oldsong - 27th Oldsong)
The Scroll is Issio's sign. The Scholar's Feast, honoring students and teachers, is held during the period, and the College of Keepers traditionally admits new pupils at this time. 
The Wheel (28th Oldsong - 17th Stillroot)
The Wheel, symbol of changes and transformations, is the sign of Mortus. He presides over the Feast of the Dead, which is held at the end of Oldsong. 
The Owl (18th Stillroot - 30th Stillroot)
The Owl is the sign of Ystarte. The days grow dark, and the Mender is said to stride forth at the head of a procession of sorcerers and spirits called the Estantigua. Those who view the 'Ancient Host' are either blessed with mystic insights or driven mad. 
The Flame (1st Hearthwatch - 16th Hearthwatch)
Bhelor is the cleansing Flame, who destroys, purifies and renews. At the end of the year she consumes what is evil and leaves it cleansed for the coming of spring and new life. 
The Cup (17th Hearthwatch - 30th Hearthwatch)
The cup is the sign of fickle Hyal, who sometimes offers sweet wine, at other times bitter gall. At year's end, during Fortunata, the joys and sorrows of the year are tallied, and the Friend beseeched to ensure that the coming year is a good one. Preparations for Illweek are made, and Hyal's blessings are eagerly sought. 
The Stranger (Wandering Star, no fixed date)
The Stranger only appears in the sky at certain times, its arrival impossible to predict. The Wandering Star is feared by astronomers, who know it is a sign of great and often cataclysmic change. The Stranger is the sign of the Other, the Unborn God who will either redeem the universe, or destroy it. Individuals born under this sign are either fated for greatness, or doomed to a dark and terrible end.
Category:Chronology