The peoples of Mythea measure time not merely as the passing of days, but as part of the Eternal Dance that governs all existence.
Every season reflects one of the great cycles of life:
Desire.
Growth.
Achievement.
Reflection.
Ending.
Renewal.
Though different cultures maintain local traditions, most kingdoms follow a common calendar known as the Calendar of the Eternal Dance.
A standard year consists of:
12 Months
4 Seasons
365 Days
The year begins during the festival known as the Dance Eternal, celebrating the first meeting of Vorathys and Vespera.
Most historians date events according to:
A.E. (After the Eternal Dance)
This marks the legendary beginning of recorded civilization.
Associated Deities:
Vorathys
Vespera
Seleneva
Spring represents:
New beginnings
Romance
Discovery
Possibility
Many marriages occur during this season.
Trade and travel increase dramatically.
Associated Deities:
Thalorien
Varric
Elysir
Summer represents:
Prosperity
Learning
Ambition
Achievement
Most major trade fairs occur during summer.
Military campaigns traditionally begin during this season.
Associated Deities:
Red Harvest
Khaldur
Aureth
Autumn celebrates:
Harvest
Mastery
Leadership
Accomplishment
Many guild ceremonies and promotions occur during autumn.
Associated Deities:
Ashen Hand
Veiled Depth
Velvet King
Winter represents:
Memory
Mystery
Endings
Introspection
Many scholars consider winter the season of wisdom.
The first month.
Associated with beginnings.
The Dance Eternal is celebrated during this month.
Named for Seleneva's Silver Threads.
A favored month for weddings.
The season of planting and growth.
Bloomtide occurs during this month.
The first great month of summer.
Trade activity reaches its height.
Named for prosperity and abundance.
Day of the First Coin is celebrated.
Associated with celestial observation.
Festival of Falling Stars occurs during this month.
The beginning of autumn.
Farmers celebrate successful harvests.
Associated with craftsmanship and mastery.
The Great Forgefire is held.
A month associated with rulers and governance.
Many political assemblies occur during this period.
The beginning of winter.
The Night of Hidden Truths often occurs during this month.
Named for the Ashen Hand.
A time of remembrance and reflection.
The final month.
Ashfall Remembrance occurs here.
The old year is symbolically released before the Dance Eternal begins anew.
Most cultures recognize seven days.
Associated with beginnings.
Associated with relationships and diplomacy.
Associated with labor, growth, and nature.
Associated with trade and business.
Associated with learning and scholarship.
Associated with craftsmanship and industry.
Associated with family, rest, and celebration.
Most communities divide the day into four traditional periods:
Beginning of activity.
Midday.
Evening.
Late evening and darkness.
Larger cities often use bells, water clocks, or mechanical timepieces.
Dwarven engineering has produced some of the most accurate clocks in Mythea.
Scholars commonly divide history into five broad ages.
The earliest legends and myths.
Rise of the first kingdoms and civilizations.
Formation of major nations and noble houses.
Expansion, discovery, and trade.
The modern era.
An age characterized by:
Exploration
Adventure
Discovery
Political intrigue
Relic hunting
Cultural exchange
Many scholars believe another great age is approaching.
Several astronomical events are recognized throughout Mythea.
Annual meteor showers.
A particularly bright full moon associated with Seleneva.
A moonless night linked to the Veiled Depth.
A rare lunar eclipse associated with prophecy and change.
Most Mytheans believe time itself reflects the Dance of the Divine Courts.
Desire becomes action.
Action becomes achievement.
Achievement becomes legacy.
Legacy becomes memory.
Memory inspires new desire.
Thus the cycle continues.
Thus the Dance Eternal never truly ends.
And so long as it continues, Mythea endures.