The World of Teréth End

Many calendars are used on Teréth End. Some racial calendars (i.e. Dwürden... ) have been used since the earliest ages, while others (i.e. Uren... ) are comparatively young. The oldest Uren record is the Lyrasti calendar which in 653 DR (Dekàlan Reckoning) is well into its eighth millennium (7789 LR). Most historians borrow from more this system.

Dekàlan Reckoning has measured time since the Old Empire's collapse in 7136 LR. Historians, nobles and other traditionalists still use the Old Empire's calendar (HK) to measure time backward to its Dekàlas' roots in 5891 LR (accepted as the year the first High King was crowned at Tor Tremendum).

Days and Weeks

The Old Empire calendars divide each month into 28 days. Each month is further divided into two weeks with two weekend days at either end, creating four day weekends. When referring to the month as a whole, these days are Monthturns and Midmonths. When referring to the days of a week, the days are named individually.

Following is a table of names used for the days of the week. Each column details how the names for these days have changed over the years.

Table 1. Days of the Week*

	Dekalan	Old Othic	Othic	Jadthari
1**	Aldèru	Aldendor	Alidor	Aldor
2**	Kandru	Kandor	Kandor	Kandor
3	Malàru	Malandor	Malidor	Malor
4	Amru	Amrandor	Amdor	Amor
5	Wodènru	Wodendor	Wodindor	Wodor
6	Ildèru	Ildendor	Ildor	Ildor
7	Irúnru	Irundor	Iridor	Irulor
8	Rothru	Rothdor	Roedor	Rodor
9	Sudúru	Sudendor	Sudidor	Sudor
10	Taléru	Talendor	Talidor	Talor
11	Padéru	Padendor	Padidor	Pador
12	Berdéru	Berdendor	Baridor	Berdor
13**	Virénru	Virendor	Viridor	Virinor
14**	Palìnru	Palindor	Palidor	Palinor

* Linguistic progressions exist between Dekàlan, Old Othic and Othic and Dekàlan and Jadthari.
** Days 1, 2 and 13, 14 are always weekend days in the Dekàlan Calendar.

The idea of ten-days of work is believed to have originated from the ten laws of the Eshàtan. The idea that "ten" is a perfect, balanced and whole number is perpetuated throughout Dekàlan culture.

Mechnical Timekeeping

In addition to calendars, clocks have been used with varying success. The first mundane clocks are believed to have been the water clocks of Viray Syldar. From western Terèthor, the secrets of clockmaking moved south into Juduth and Kirydis before appearing in the Dekàlan lands that would become Panath. By 600 AR, a great water clock was constructed in Panath that would run until the Dekàlan invasion of 114 AR, though some place the date of its failing (the feeding spring dried) as 117 AR, the year Ismir was martyred at Lanàdus.

The first mechanical clock is believed to have been constructed in Prais circa 490 HK. The workings of this clock filled a castle donjon and was kept running by shifts of wheel-walking slaves that worked day and night. The clock's time was displayed on three faces that indicated minute, hour, and day of the month. A later modification to the Prais Clock included an animated turret where moons revolved on metal arms to display phases and eclipses.

Mechanical clocks did not appear in Dekàlas until the following century when the Rothic priests returned from Kirydis with secrets of the new clockmaking. The Kirydian clocks were oddities in the Dekàlan Empire since magical clocks had existed for centuries. Construction of the Iron Clock was completed in 554 HK. The large faced timepiece was mounted above the main gate of the Southern Keep at Kre Dulnar. Unlike the slave-driven clock of Prais, the new Othic clock needed turning only once daily, a duty given to Rothic acolytes. By 625 HK, smaller timepieces were designed and soon became a "required" accessory among the wealthy classes throughout Dekàlas.

Dekàlan Zodiac

Astrology is the study of the movement of heavenly bodies and their effect on people lives. Many believe that the "sign" or "sphere" one is born under determines things about one's life and powers. These "spheres" are in turn modified by the phase of the moon, and other celestial factors. Those born as a comet races across the sky may have powers that others born on similar days do not.

Mamra

Woad

Nuléun

For reasons that are not clear, not everyone seems to be affected by the state of the celestial sphere. With few exceptions, the faithful of Sudul however, seem both blessed and cursed by celestial "signs". Some attribute this anomaly to the god's astral influences, and the belief that the Dreamlands exist near the ethereal.

Each season contains six starsigns, establishing a 24 symbol zodiac within the four elements: marus, phlogostra, nol, and Terèth. Many of the zodiac signs were adopted from Panathan constellations used to map the stars, and retell ancient stories and legends. After 193 HK, more signs were adopted from prophetical Jadthari sources and applied to constellations of the northern hemisphere. It would not be until 744 HK that the Council of Lanàdus would adopt the full range of zodiacal spheres used to this day.

Since both Lanàdus and Jadth are equatorial, many of the constellations appear in the lower limits of the night sky to northern observers. Sailing by the stars also becomes a problem, as most early celestial maps were designed by Jadthari navigators who rarely plied the northern seas. Circa 920 HK, Iri Macar, an Ezmiri priest of Path finished construction of an elaborate starchart entitled Astra Ecathora which remains the reference astrological work. During the Taldàna-Ezmir War from 218-230 DR, the Astra Ecathora was lost, though since then pages of the manuscript have surfaced from Oth to Azàlari.

Exceptions to the starsigns are moonsigns. Moonsigns are zodiacs that appear under a fullmoon within a zodiacal arc. The most common moonsign is that of Taleis the Cat. Anyone born on a non-mooncusp fullmoon (Mamra or Woad) during the arc of Adalya, is Taleis. Other moonsigns appear in conjunction with eclipses and anniversaries (i.e. decennially, centennially, and millennially). Thurkan the Apprentice arrives within the arc of Berl inside the full cusps of Mamra on each decennial anniversary of the destruction of the First Temple of Roth (242 HK). When detemining moonsigns, the true full moon must show within the range of a given starsign for cusp dates to count outside of the starsign's reign.

Example: Regarding moonisgns, if Mamra is true full on the 14th of Aldruan (Agnadthana), it's cusp does not count toward the 15th (Berl). But, if Mamra were true full on the 15th (Berl), it's cusp would extend into the 14th (Agnadthana) when determining moonsigns based in Berl.

Starsigns

Marus (Spring)

Amarad 1-14 Tethin (The Infant) Icon of the Panathan Cycle, the infant is ripe with symbolism. Portrayed as a nude standing baby holding the handle of a small sword in one hand, with a dead bird hanging from the other. The newborn represents the re-birth of the year and the arrival of gods from the Eternal Tree of In'Orol. The sword is the might of the Dekàlan Empire while the bird is both foe and feast. Those born beneath Tethin may acquire and advance in one cross-class skill as if it were a class skill. (Skills: (Any) +1).

Amarad 15-28 Thar'Maral (The Three Ladies) This starsign depicts the goddess Amra and her consorts Dalàsia and Tacal. During the Amarad midmonth when the constellation takes its proper place in the heavens, Taldàna holds a four-day celebration in honor of the goddess. On the last night of the celebration, the feet of statue of Amra are covered in wildflowers. Amran faithful born beneath Thar'Maral are considered blessed, and may enter the Amran priesthood (Dalàsian and Tacalan cults do not require this). (Skills: Heal +1, Diplomacy +2, Disguise +1)

Maran 1-14 Galera (The Wargalley) A sailed galley, the sign of Galera has evolved considerably from its simple Jadthari origins. Originally a tribal canoe symbol, the constellation now depicts an early Dekàlan wargalley. The wargalleys were a feared image throughout the Dekàlan Sea, representing the Empire's might and inexorable push into new regions and shores. Later, the name Galera referred only to the black dragongalley of the High King (see Gallerae). Ships that are "christened" beneath Galera are believed to never stray. (Skills: Craft (Shipmaking) +2, Knowledge (Geography) +1, Profession (Sailor) +1, Swim +1).

Maran 15-28 Wurdus (The Drowning Man) The original image of the Drowning Man is attributed to many historical figures that were claimed by the sea. Wurdus I was a High Lord of Candal, who upon realization of the terrible madness that had caused him to kill his family, pitched himself from a high cliff above the Nyr Wurdus. Following his suicide, five witches were tried and executed for placing the curse upon the High Lord that had driven him to his misdeeds. Those born under Wurdus gain a +2 bonus to their Constitution checks to avoid drowning. (Skills: Innuendo +1, Jump +1, Swim +1)

Orid 1-14 Zultayan (Bloodling Ocean Monster) A Lanatian image, Zultayan is an aquatic behemoth that swallows ships and islands. The image of the Zultayan varies widely as no reliable accounts of the monster exist. Some sages believe that the creature may be a Bloodling. The Zultaya, in ages past, were believed to be the armies of Zultayan; they deny this. Most ships that disappear at sea are credited to the monster's eternal hunger. Zultayan babes that are born blind are believed to have unerring navigational abilities, and often command a high price in the slavers' markets. (Skills: Intimidate +1, Swim +2)

Orid 15-28 Pri (The Fish) A Jadthari sign, the fish has beautifully flowing fins and golden scales. Legends tell of sailors lost at sea who were led back to land by these golden fish. Thought to be benevolent water spirits, the Pri are a welcomed sight to sailors and fisherman. Any that kill a Pri, it is told, will never find shore again. The sign represents promise, hope, and charity. Those born under the sign of Pri, who abstain from eating fish or fish products for their entire lives gain one retry when a 1 is rolled while trying to Intuit Direction. (Skills: Intuit Direction +2, Swim +1)

Phlogostra (Summer)

Flald 1-14 Esseyne (The Child) Icon of the Panathan Cycle, the child is a symbol of youth, vitality, and promise. A slim youth in a plain tunic, Esseyne is usually portrayed in a mischievous or carefree manner. The name belongs to the legend of one of the Hundred Gods that never grew to adulthood. Panathan faithful born beneath Esseyne who forego all weapons, gain +1 skill rank every level. Additionally, Esseyne-born pilgrims who make the danger-fraught journey to the Shar's center are believed to receive a long forgotten knowledge. (Skills: Escape Artist +1, Innuendo +1, Perform (Any) +1)

Flald 15-28 Pagana (The Burning Woman) The heretic was a Candalan figure, dragged to the stake and burned by Dekàlan forces for witchcraft. Pagana is believed to have been a priestess of some ancient cult, who like thousands of others who refused conversion, were rounded-up and killed during the conquest. Her story is different however, as she was able to summon the old gods to intervene on her behalf. Pagana stepped down from the stake as her fetters burned away, sheathed in the fire of her execution. Striding through the streets of Candal, she sought out the invading Dekàlans with her fiery touch. The image of Pagana represents strength through adversity. (Skills: Alchemy +1, Escape Artist +2, Intimidate +1)

Eren 1-14 Urzyel (Demon) The Shroud presented an outline of demonkind for the Council of Lanàdus, listing the head of the infernal heirarchy as Urzyel. Urzyel is not Zyrrn or Dekàlan, but borrowed from Lyran mythologies, and the belief that the outer-worlds are ruled by horrible monsters that prey on mortal souls. Though less powerful than any one of the Dekàlan gods, it was surmised that the corruptible human heart granted Urzyel vast powers over Man. Those born under Uryzel are watched carefully, for too often madness blossoms within them. (Skills: Bluff +1, Disguise +1, Innuendo +1, Sense Motive +2)

Eren 15-28 Samad (Bloodling Dragon) In the distant Land of Wurm rose the first creature, and she claimed the world for her own. Above the gods battled onward, and from their blood rose more creatures of every shape and size. Samad flew through the world breathing fire on the newborn invaders, but even she could not kill them all. In the end she withdrew to the land of her creation, and her children have been hated and feared for all time since. (Skills: Intimidate +2, Spellcraft +1)

Tolth 1-14 Anthus (First High Lord) Anthus I founded the fledgling empire that would come to rule the Dekàlan Sea. The First High Lord, Anthus led the first armies onto the shores of Terèthor, and probably died from wounds sustained in the Battle of Anugth. The constellation that bears his name depicts a kneeling figure with arms upraised, the scene of his return to Lanas with news of victory. The sign of High Lord Anthus I is not adopted by other cultures. The Acentrans depict Tolth's first sign as a Dekàlan-Dirimoran soldier, bearing a beam across his shoulders as he marches to his crucifixion. Cohorts and followers hired under this sign (see Leadership) tend to be more loyal than those gained at other times. (Skills: Diplomacy +1, Knowledge (History) +1)

Tolth 15-28 Lurdurun (The Pillar of Flame) An ancient image of pre-Dekàlan origin, the Pillar of Flame was the favored image that deities would chose when they appeared to mortals. A lurdurun therefore, is a channel through which mortals learn about the eternal mysteries. One of the few reported stories of a Dekàlan god appearing to a mortal occured in 312 HK when Path's lurdurun instructed the high priest Ta'ul Mafur to begin building the Halls of Panath. Mafur returned from his Shar retreat burned from head to toe, bearing the words of the all-knowing Path. (Skills: Gather Information +2, Spellcraft +1)

Nol (Autumn)

Lanal 1-14 Luros (The Man) Icon of the Panathan Cycle, Luros is depicted as a strong adult man. Originally a nude image, many astrologers of the Late Empire increasingly armed the figure with classic armor, helmet, shield, and sword. The man represented maturity, responsibility, and the strength of form and character; the ideal Dekàlan. Ironically, the historical Luros was a hero of Anugth, martyred during the First Expansion by the Lanatians. (Skills: Profession (Any) +2)

Lanal 15-28 Nathal (Ancient Sky Deity) An indelible eidolon of an old man twisted backward as he gets tossed by the winds. On ancient Terèthor, Nathal was believed to be the master of the winds, sky, and storms. Unlike other deific figures, Nathal is never portrayed with control of his elements and powers, but rather as a frail old man at the mercy of his purview. (Skills: Balance +1, Jump +2, Tumble +1)

Vulune 1-14 Sordoreul (The Birds) An ancient symbol depicting three birds flying in an obtuse V. In Dekàlan myth, the birds are messengers with news that Ruun had escaped the hoary shades of Draun's demesne. In the Ummoni legend, Irul released the birds so that the world would know that Ruun now stood beside him. Angered by this, the Fisher of Souls moved all the warriors of that realm to the isle of Nuth, where they could never escape. (Skills: Handle Animal +1, Intuit Direction +2)

Vulune 15-28 Adalya (Weaver of Time) An old woman with flowing silver hair knits a tapestry draped heavily across her lap. At the bottom of the tapestry rolls a kitten named Taleis who unravels the tapestry from one end as it is woven at the other. Adalya's origins lay within Candalan fairy tales. The story involves an elderly man who seeks out an Elve woman to turn back time so that he can save his beloved from drowning in a river, many years before. Touched by his dedication and love, Adalya searched the tapestry and pulled out a single thread that ended with blue. The man returned to the bridge and found his young beloved, standing on the bridge where she had fallen unaged. The young woman holds the old man who dies exhausted in her arms. In later renditions of the story, Adalya is pictured as an old Human woman, rather than an Elve. (Skills: Craft (Weaving) +3, Decipher Script +1)

Druur 1-14 Jar En (Minions of Sudul) The Jar En are fantastic dreamland creatures of varying shapes and sizes. These dream spirits are thought to be chaotic phantasms but Sudul priests believe that they serve very specific duties to the Dreaming God. Jar En occur most commonly in the Dreamland jungles of Jadth, where skeptics attribute the sightings to hallucinogenic blossom drifts. The constellation of Jar En is an amorphous cluster of stars. Those born beneath Jar En are believed to be able to come and go through the veil of Jadth without resistance. (Skills: Alchemy +2, Move Silently +1, Use Magic Device +1)

Druur 15-28 Dramadis (Sword of Irul) A short Ummoni sword, the starsign is often depicted as an elaborate weapon embedded with precious gems and sometimes held aloft by a gauntleted hand. The Ummoni perceive the Sword of Irul as an unadorned weapon, sheathed in the Blood of the Countless. Priests of the War God explain that the gauntleted hand is inappropriate, for Dramadis need only be commanded by Irul before it would enter the battle on its own. It is said that Draun was displeased with the weapon, and cursed that it could never take a life. Thereafter the sword could only maim in battle, and created the terrible Headless. Aware Iruli faithful may benefit from an additional +1 to their attack rolls during one combat under Dramadis. Additionally, Iruli priests may receive an additional AoO per round (limited per the Combat Reflexes feat) in that same combat. (Skills: Craft (Weaponsmithing) +2, Tumble +1)

Terèth (Winter)

Aldruan 1-14 Agnadthana (The Elder; Teacher) Icon of the Panathan Cycle, Agnadthana is an ancient and cruel woman who sits with a sagely owl upon her head. Lady Winter, as she is sometimes called, is responsible for the dying world. Perhaps more interesting is the evolution within the Panathan Cycle of an infant, to a boy, to a man, and finally to an old woman. Early Dekàlans referred to Agnadthana as gender neutral, though later Declanas (9th Century HK) refer to her (and all icons of the Panathan cycle) as hermaphrodites. She is the patron of the childless, and mother of orphans. There are few that admit to being born beneath Lady Winter's gaze, and those that have been are often hidden until Berl swings into the night sky. Aware Panathan faithful benefit from an additional +1 to Knowledge rolls during Agnadthana. Additionally, Panathan priests receive an additional +1 to Fortitude saves versus Cold. (Skills: Alchemy +1, Appraise +2, Concentrate +1, Decipher Script +1, Knowledge (Any) +1)

Aldruan 15-28 Berl (The Anvil) The constellation of Berl has been interpreted differently throughout the regions of Dekàlas. In 744 HK the High Queen, carrying a scroll presented her by the Council of Temples, assigned the star cluster as Berl in honor of the completion of Kyrm Oryroth. The anvil, symbol of Roth, is the sign of crafters and makers. The 15th and 16th of Aldruan have traditionally become festival days, celebrating local crafts. In some areas the festivals have involved into a time for gift exchanging; provided the giver created the item themselves. Aware Rothic faithful benefit from an additional +1 to Craft rolls during Berl. (Skills: Appraise +1, Craft (Any) +2, Disable Device +1, Open Lock +1)

Sharak 1-14 Sulyel (Dekàlan Hero) A hero surrounded by many tales, Sulyel is most famous for his battle with the bloodling Sharak. Believed to have been a slave soldier, Sulyel earned his freedom on the battlefield. Following Ruun to Ummon, he encountered Sharak. Sharak demanded the lives of twenty soldiers but Sulyel declined. The two fought a wide-ranging battle, until all of Sulyel's weapons had broken against Sharak's body. Calling his riders forward, Sulyel commanded them to encircle the monster, entangling its legs with grapnels and ropes. Sulyel dodged and taunted the mighty Sharak, distracting the elemental titan from the operation below. Finally, he lured the monster off-balance and the titan toppled, falling into rubble. (Skills: Ride +1, Use Rope +1)

Sharak 15-28 Sharak (Bloodling Earth Monster) The Mountain King was a massive creature that guarded the Snaking Pass. Legend tells that when Sharak smashed the mountainsides with its rocky fists, boulders would rain to the ground. From this debris the Horks were born. Sharak ruled the pass, demanding tributes from all those that would cross his mountains. Those that could not pay were devoured. Sharak represents primal strength and guardianship. Shields and wards bearing the truesign of Sharak gain a +1 bonus. The use of Sharak's truesign by non-elementals angers surrounding elementals. (Skills: Intimidate +1, Profession (Miner) +2).

In'Orol 1-14 Tarras (First God) Dekàlan mythology tells of a mysterious being named Tarras, who was able to speak with the Eternal Tree. Tarras appears nowhere else in the legends except where the tree is involved, prompting many to believe that Tarras and Dru'Irigrim are the same. Tarras is portrayed as a crying elderly man with a heavy wooden staff. The staff bears leaves appropriate to the season. The sign of Tarras represents communication, empathy. Tarras is revered as a nature deity and sometimes associated with Woad. Those born beneath Tarras are not soon forgotten. (Skills: Diplomacy +2, Listen +1, Sense Motive +1)

In'Orol 15-28 Dru'Irigrim (The Eternal Tree) Image of the eternal tree which stood at the place named In'Orol, at the beginning. The tree is the lost mother of all gods, bloodlings, and mortals alike. Mentioned only in the creation scriptures, Dru'Irigrim is the oldest element of the Dekàlan mythology and was probably adopted from earlier beliefs. The tree represents many things. Some see the tree as life, motherhood, and family. Others see the tree as stability, the binder of cycle, the beginning and the end; its roots holding the world together. In the Panathan Cycle, the elder man climbs the tree and descends as an infant, reborn. Those born beneath Dru'Irigrim are believed to live longer. (Skills: Climb +1, Knowledge (Nature) +2, Wilderness Lore +1)

Moonsigns

Aldruan (varies) Thurkan (The Apprentice) A decennial moonsign, Thurkan reigns only on 10 year anniversaries of the destruction of the First Temple of Roth (242 HK), appearing within the cusps of true full Mamra inside Berl. Recent occurrences of Thurkan have been 562 (10/14-10/16), 572 (10/19-10/21), 582 (10/24-10/26). 592 (none), 602 (none), 612 (10/18-10/20), 622 (10/23-10/25), 632 (none), 642 (none), 652 (10/18-10/20). Any born beneath Thurkan are welcomed unconditionally into the Rothic priesthood. Aware Rothic faithful benefit from an additional +3 to Craft rolls during Thurkan. (Skills: Craft (any) +3)

Vulune (varies) Talèis (The Cat) The moonsign of Talèis appears only on the true full phase of Mamra or Woad under the starsign of Adalya the Weaver. The playful cat which unravels Adalya's tapestry of time. Talèis is the most recognized moonsign within the Dekàlan zodiac. There are few that read the sign as anything but trouble. The temple of Orander requires the killing of babies born under Talèis, for they are believed to be agents of entropy. Many classic villains of Dekàlan folklore have been rumored to be Talèis. It is believed by some that during Talèis, all cat-like creatures are imbued with supernatural abilities to avenge wrongs done to their kindred. (Skills: Climb +1, Disguise +1, Escape Artist +2, Hide +2, Jump +1, Spot +1)

Role Playing

Determination of birth date and zodiacal sign is a simple matter. Roll d12 to determine the Month of Birth, followed by a d30 to determine the Date of Birth (re-rolling 29 and 30). Once the month and date are found, refer to the above list to find a character's governing starsign or moonsign.

Different signs affect characters in different ways, but for purposes of game play, each sign can be said to govern over one or a set of skills. Characters with a particular starsign or moonsign may gain the skill bonuses listed. If the skill is "trained only" they may not use the skill unless a) it is allowed by their class, b) they have training in the skill. Skills gained that are "trained only" remain latent (lat.) until the skill is trained. If more than +3 skill bonuses are listed under a sign, only 3 bonuses may be taken.

Some moonsigns and starsigns refer to the "faithful" of a certain deity. Someone is faithful when they either a) have followed the teachings and principles of a specific deity for their entire lives, or b) a person who has been anointed/confirmed within a specific cult. Adherence to a pantheon does not apply unless the character is a paladin or priest.

Although the above zodiacal signs are Dekàlan, the system may be applied to characters throughout Teréth End.

The World of Teréth End, © 1995-2004, Dennis V. Stanley; Site Design by Three-Headed Baby Studios;
Site content not OGC unless otherwise labeled

Calendars

Here are a list of the most well-known calendar systems

Ancient Reckoning (AR)
A strictly historical calendar that dates backward from the beginning of the High King's calendar.

Before the Wyrm (BW)
A Vulmuran calendar used to reference years preceeding the Reign of Idharaghadi of Samad.

Dekàlan Reckoning (DR)
Calendar adopted following the Fall of Dekàlas.

Emereni Reckoning (ER)
A proper calendar in the Elve tradition, in that it returns to 0 when new ages are entered.

Year of the High King (HK)
Traditional Dekàlan calendar adopted at the coronation of the first High King at Tor Tremendum. This calendar has fallen from favor since the empire's fall.

Lyrasti Reckoning (LR)
The oldest Uren calendar in continued used today. An early calendar adopted by late stone age people. Original records of the calendar remain on menhirs throughout Lyrast.

Year of the Wyrm (YW)
An Acentran calendar measuring the time since the slaying of the wyrmlord Idharaghadi. Illuminated calendars often portray Aracen slaying the great dragon, a legendary event that marks the beginning of the Acentran civilizations.

Moons

Mamra
Color: Green
Cycle: 21+ days
(see Phases)

Woad
Color: Blue
Cycle: 28 days

Nuléun
Color: Violet
Cycle: 336 days

Convergence
Cycle: abt. 41 years
Last: 618 DR
Next: 659 DR