The Barovian Calendar

The Barovian Calendar was created long before Strahd von Zarovich brought down mists and permanent skies that have persisted for centuries. The origin of the calendar is only remembered thanks to the presivation of works in tomes held by The Church of the Morninglord .

The Moon of Shadows

In the realm of Barovia, the calendar is intricately linked to the movements of a mystical celestial body known as the Moon of Shadows. This enigmatic moon casts its ethereal glow upon the land, influencing the passage of time and shaping the months of the year.
The Moon of Shadows is no ordinary moon but a celestial phenomenon unique to Barovia. Its silvery light possesses an otherworldly luminescence, veiled in a subtle haze that adds an aura of mystique to the night sky. Barovians believe that the moon holds a profound connection to the spiritual energy of their realm.
As the Moon of Shadows completes its lunar cycle, the people of Barovia mark the transition of time. Each month bears the name of a natural or mystical element, reflecting the moon's influence on the land. From the tranquil Mistwake to the frosty Snowbane, the moon's changing phases imbue each month with a distinct atmosphere.
The Moon of Shadows waxes and wanes, its brightness fluctuating throughout the year. During its full phase, it bathes Barovia in a gentle, silvery radiance, casting elongated shadows that dance across the landscape. The night becomes a canvas of ethereal beauty, where the moon's glow enhances the eerie and mysterious nature of the realm.
As the moon reaches its crescent phase, its light diminishes, enveloping Barovia in an aura of subtler shadows. The nights grow darker, and the land assumes a more somber and introspective ambiance. Barovians often hold sacred rituals and ceremonies during these phases, seeking guidance and solace under the moon's watchful gaze.
The Moon of Shadows not only shapes the calendar but also influences the magic and supernatural occurrences within Barovia. Some believe that certain creatures and phenomena are more potent or attuned to the moon's phases, and practitioners of the arcane arts pay close attention to its cycles for their spellcasting.
For the people of Barovia, the Moon of Shadows represents a connection to the spiritual and supernatural realms. Its ethereal presence illuminates their nights, instilling a sense of wonder and awe. In a land shrouded in darkness, the moon offers a glimmer of hope, reminding the inhabitants that even in the deepest shadows, there is still light to be found.
Thus, the calendar in Barovia revolves around the Moon of Shadows, its ever-changing phases guiding the passage of time and weaving a tapestry of lunar magic and enchantment throughout the realm.