The Aetherial Calendar is a complex and mystical timekeeping system used in worlds strongly shaped by magic and cosmic influence. It is defined by its precise structure, its alignment with three moons, and its cultural significance. Because of its reliability and harmony, it is highly valued by scholars, mages, and priests alike.
Years are counted from the Shattering, the night Malnaar broke free and tore the world apart.
The present year of the Die Überlebenden campaign is 1052 a.S.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 1100 b.S. | Malnaar's imprisonment by the coalition; the Gul'durak forge his chains |
| 0 | The Gul'durak are murdered; Malnaar breaks free, Quer'ta burns, the Shattering |
| 400 a.S. | The Purge; the first significant stirring of Karn'tharaël |
| 1020 a.S. | The Fall of Emberdeep; King Kald dies; Thrain Ironfist becomes the first elected First |
| 1052 a.S. | The present day |
There are no leap years, as 528 is a multiple of 8. Thus, every year begins on the same weekday, making the calendar especially stable.
The 12 months bear poetic and mystical names tied to cosmic forces:
Each month consists of five full weeks and four additional days. Odd-numbered months always begin on Auro'dae, while even-numbered months begin on Drak'dae.
The 8-day week is structured as follows:
The heavens are dominated by three moons, whose cycles form the foundation of the Aetherial Calendar:
All three moons begin in synchrony with the new moon. This results in recurring, magically significant patterns:
The Triple New Moons are regarded as sacred and are often marked by rituals, prophecies, and celebrations. Many cultures align their religious ceremonies, agricultural cycles, and even political assemblies with these days. The predictable cycle allows for long-term planning, granting the Aetherial Calendar a central role in cultural and spiritual life.
The year 1048 a.S. began on Auro'dae. The 11 Triple New Moons of this year fall on the following dates (Month, Day):
These days are considered the most significant events of the year for many traditions. Because every year begins on the same weekday, the same dates hold for every year, including the present year 1052 a.S.
The Infernal Weekdays are not translations of mortal day-names but titles: conceptual labels used by infernal beings to mark time by role, power, or ritual function. When demons interact with mortals there is a direct 1:1 mapping between the Aetherial weekdays and these infernal titles. Within infernal domains, however, timekeeping may follow different interval logics (cycles of flames, power phases, or title-centered references).
| Aetherial day | Infernal title | Literal translation | Pronunciation (guide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auro'dae | Ish'qel | The Prime | ish-KEL |
| Sol'dae | Vorr'ek | The Scar | vorr-EK |
| Wis'dae | Keth'ar | The Cleaver | KETH-ar |
| Man'dae | Byn'dak | The Binding | BIN-dak |
| Drak'dae | Ash'nihr | The Ember | ash-NEER |
| Um'dae | Hul'azor | The Hollow | hul-AH-zor |
| Ley'dae | Ve'lith | The Veil | veh-LITH |
| Nex'dae | Ner'oth | The End | NER-oth |
Native infernal chronologies can differ from the Aetherial model. Common variants include:
In many infernal domains, especially within the Ash Dominions and the courts of Gehennath, time is reckoned by the Cycle of Seven Flames, a native 7-day chronology used for rites, authority rotation and power phasing. Each Flame governs a single day (a Flame-Day) and confers specific ritual properties and ambient effects. When interacting with mortals, Flame-Days can be displayed alongside the Aetherial or Infernal weekday labels; within pure infernal space, Flame-Days are primary.
| # | Flame Name | Infernal Title | Typical Effects / Lore | Ritual Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flame of Dominion | Ishar'kaz | Strengthens command & summoning potency; minor boost to leadership & compulsion magics. | Council proclamations, opening of war campaigns. |
| 2 | Flame of Chains | Vhor'kal | Binding magic gains rigidity; pacts and bargains bind deeper. | Treaty signings and binding oaths must be performed on this day for maximal effect. |
| 3 | Flame of Cleaving | Keth'zar | Martial verdicts and destructive rites are sharpened; sacrificial augury stronger. | Execution sentences, martial tribunals, and blade-blessings. |
| 4 | Flame of Ash | Ash'nihr | Purging and refining energies: curses are thinned, and alchemical transformations progress faster. | Cremations, purificatory rituals, alchemical runs. |
| 5 | Flame of the Hollow | Hul'azor | The veil between worlds thins; spirits are more easily compelled or perceived. | Necromantic parley, spirit-binding, reconnaissance into other spheres. |
| 6 | Flame of Veil | Ve'lith | Illusion & concealment magics peak; secrecy and stealth rites succeed. | Espionage councils, secret oaths, and dedication of hidden shrines. |
| 7 | Flame of the End | Ner'oth | Closure and finalization; endings made absolute, great seals and final rites favored. | Final binders, terminal pacts, concluding campaigns. |
Cycle mechanics: