Tatharian Calendar

The Tatharian Calendar is a unified system of timekeeping introduced by Icaghor to bring order to the city of Tatharia and its surrounding regions. It begins with a key event in Tatharia's history and is currently in the year 409 T.C., running parallel to a second calendar that marks the sealing of Magic 1530 years ago. Widely adopted within the Tatharian territories, it aligns important religious and agricultural dates, facilitating both governance and daily life, and has become a cultural treasure over Time.

Structure and Symbolism

The Tatharian Calendar is an intricate system designed to structure Time into a harmonious blend of Celestial, religious, and cultural significance. Each of the 12 months contains 30 days, divided into three 10-day weeks known as Platinum, Crystal, and Queen. These names reflect the societal reverence for precious materials and regal authority. The calendar carefully aligns the rhythm of daily life with significant constellations, mythic events, and divine patrons.

Months and Their Significance

1. Dracones

   The month of Dracones is marked by the appearance of a constellation resembling a Dragon, symbolizing strength and transformation. It is a time for new beginnings and ambitious projects.



2. Aranea

   Named for the spider-shaped constellation, Aranea represents weaving and craftsmanship. This month is a reflection on creation, innovation, and the importance of interconnectedness within the empire.



3. Orcus

   Orcus, represented by a skull in the night sky, is a month of reflection and remembrance. It is traditionally associated with honoring ancestors and contemplating mortality.



4. Lotus Primus

   The lotus flower constellation marks a period of spiritual awakening and inner growth. It is a month dedicated to purification and renewal.



5. Transgressus Gladios

   The crossed swords of Transgressus Gladios herald a month focused on martial pursuits, defense, and the settling of disputes. It is a time of heightened military activity and strategic planning.



6. Venatio

   Depicted as a hunting bow, Venatio is a month tied to harvests, hunting, and preparation for the cold months. It celebrates self-sufficiency and bounty.



7. Nautae Vae

   The lightning bolt-shaped constellation, Nautae Vae, symbolizes danger at sea and the unpredictability of fate. It is seen as a month of caution, particularly for sailors and travelers.



8. Rotam

   Rotam, shaped like a wheel, represents the cycles of life, destiny, and commerce. It is a time for reflection on past actions and planning for the future.



9. Imperatrix Quietem

   Known as the Queen's Rest, this month, symbolized by a fan (or pillow), is a time of rest, contemplation, and royal celebrations. It is often a period of peace, free from military or political unrest.



10. Lotus Secundus

    A second, larger lotus flower constellation marks another period of spiritual reflection, but this time with an emphasis on collective growth and societal prosperity.



11. Horarium

    Represented by an hourglass, Horarium is a month of timekeeping and diligence. This is when debts are settled, projects are completed, and order is restored before the end of the year.



12. Spiritus

    Spiritus, defined by two bright stars of unequal brightness, reflects the duality of existence. It is a month of contemplation on balance and opposites in life—light and dark, life and death.

Weeks and Days of the Calendar

Each of the three weeks in a month—Platinum, Crystal, and Queen—comprises 10 days, each named after a divine figure or concept important to the Tatharian people:

1. Aleday

   Named for Alessandra, the Sun Goddess, this day is dedicated to vitality and clarity, symbolizing light and energy in all endeavors.



2. Elday

   Dedicated to Eolande, Alessandra’s Golden Sword, with which she cuts through the night to bring day.



3. Banorday

   This day honors Banor, the god of civilization, and focuses on societal duty, law, and governance. It is a day for civic and communal duties.



4. Ketenday

   Ketenday is named for Ketenem, the Dragon-God of the land. It is a day associated with grounding, stability, and matters related to the earth.



5. Zixday

   Although vaguely linked to the God of Reasoning, Thalorium, the origin of Zixday’s name is somewhat elusive. It is a day devoted to logic, study, and intellectual pursuits.



6. Akaday

   Shrouded in mystery, the origin of Akaday is lost to history. It is often seen as a neutral day, used for various purposes depending on local custom, ranging from rest to celebration.



7. Keraday

   Keraunee, the Dragon-Goddess of the sea, is honored on Keraday. This is a day associated with the ocean, storms, marriage, and the forces of nature.



8. Sarday

   Named for Sardior, the Crystal Dragon-God, Sarday celebrates clarity of mind and heart. It is a day for introspection and emotional clarity.



9. Tiaday

   Honoring Tiamat, the wicked Queen of Dragons, Tiaday is often regarded as a day of caution, treachery, or ambition, depending on the observer’s allegiance.



10. Bahamuday

    The final day of the week is dedicated to Bahamut, the Dragon-God of justice and protection. It is a day for mercy, fairness, and safeguarding the weak.

Bellatorious: The Leap Year Period

Every four years, a unique 4-day period called Bellatorious is held between the end of Venatio and the beginning of Nautae Vae. This intercalary period is dedicated to the warriors of the realm, marked by tournaments, martial games, and feasts celebrating valor. It serves as a symbolic moment to honor those who protect the realm and serves as a time for citizens to reflect on personal and collective strength.

Purpose

The Tatharian Calendar was conceived as a tool of both governance and cultural unification, deeply entwined with the ambitions and legacy of Icaghor, the founder of the Tatharian Empire. As an enduring system of timekeeping, it was designed to cement the authority of the Empire, ensuring its stability and continuity through a standardized structure of temporal measurement. At its core, the calendar reflects a desire for imperial cohesion, aligning administrative efficiency with the empire's cultural and religious rhythms.
In the centuries before the unsealing of Magic, the Tatharian Empire, like much of Rolara, lacked access to advanced magical means. Icaghor understood that in an era without magic, the key to sustaining the Empire's power lay in order and law. The calendar, therefore, was an essential pillar of this order—an organizational tool that allowed for precise coordination of military campaigns, tax collections, and regional governance, all tied to predictable Celestial cycles.
Additionally, the calendar symbolized a divine mandate. Icaghor’s reign and his monumental achievements, including the union of the Tathar tribes, were reflected in the very structure of the calendar. Key imperial dates, festivals, and events tied to religious observances served not only as markers of Time but as reminders of the Empire’s sacred history and its connection to celestial forces. By linking the rhythm of daily life to the movements of the heavens, Icaghor ensured that his people lived in harmony with both the divine and the political authority of the state.
Importantly, the calendar also served as a bridge to the future. Anticipating a world that might one day witness the return of magic (as it did in Year 400 T.C.), Icaghor’s calendar was designed with the foresight necessary to adapt to shifts in power and reality. As a result, it endured as both a practical system and a cultural artifact, even as the fabric of Rolara changed with the reintroduction of magic.

Historical Details

Background

The Tatharian Calendar was born from a period of immense upheaval, marking a pivotal transformation in the history of Rolara. Prior to its implementation, Time was measured by the reigns of monarchs and dynasties of neighboring kingdoms, a chaotic system born of the dark age that followed the extinguishing of the Stars of Power. This epoch saw the collapse of civilization's order, with scattered kingdoms defining time through fragmented power structures.
The calendar’s establishment, tied closely to Icaghor’s unification of the Tathar tribes, symbolized the dawn of a new age—one of imperial order and cohesion. It marked not merely the founding of the Tatharian Empire, but the triumph of Icaghor's vision of an enduring state, with a standardized reckoning of time that transcended local dynasties and tribal conflicts. It did not signal the end of a particular war, but it did mark the end of disunity, the subjugation of smaller, disordered principalities, and the centralization of power under a single imperial banner.
Culturally, the calendar represented the Empire’s dominance over time itself, shaping the daily lives of its citizens by aligning key events—both political and religious—with the Celestial cycles. Politically, it functioned as a symbol of Icaghor's authority, enshrining the imperial narrative as the foundation for how time, power, and history were measured. This calendrical system was also a tool of subjugation, effectively binding conquered peoples and former rivals to the imperial system of governance, erasing their previous methods of timekeeping and replacing them with the imperial norm.
In this sense, the calendar did more than measure time—it served as a contract, defining the relationship between the Tatharian Empire and its subjects. Through its meticulous record of years and events, it reinforced the centralization of power, unified distant regions, and ensured that the empire’s legacy would be immortalized in both history and ritual.

History

The Tatharian Calendar emerged during a Time when the concept of a sprawling empire had not yet materialized in Icaghor's mind. Its creation was driven by a more immediate need for order and governance within the city of Tatharia and its outlying territories. Before this system, time was fragmented, measured by the reigns of local rulers and dynasties. The calendar aimed to create a unified framework, enabling effective governance and coordination across regions that were otherwise isolated.
Historically, the calendar symbolized a transition from the chaotic and primitive past into an era of structured governance. It became essential for managing trade, agriculture, and religious observances. The motivation behind its creation lay in practical governance rather than imperial ambition.
There was no revolutionary shift in magical practice, no sweeping edicts like the banning of necromancy, but the document did represent a subtle, profound change in how power and authority were wielded. Icaghor's goal was to standardize the reckoning of time, enabling him to manage his growing influence over the Tatharian region, ensuring both civic order and administrative continuity.
This reformative act didn’t signal the end of a war or the imposition of dominance over neighboring powers but marked the beginning of a more structured and centralized form of administration. It allowed Icaghor to oversee the city's expansion and strengthen the ties between the urban center and its periphery, facilitating trade, agriculture, and law. The adoption of this calendar laid the groundwork for future growth, though the seeds of an empire had not yet been sown in Icaghor's vision at the time.
As Tatharia grew in influence and scope, the calendar eventually came to represent more than just local governance—it became a lasting symbol of Icaghor’s foresight, setting the stage for future developments in politics, culture, and religion.

Public Reaction

The public reaction to the adoption of the Tatharian Calendar was initially met with some resistance, especially from those who had long relied on traditional, locally-specific timekeeping systems tied to the reigns of dynasties. Skepticism arose from both conservative factions within the city and outlying territories, who viewed the calendar as a disruption to established customs.
However, the resistance was short-lived, as the calendar's alignment with important holidays—particularly religious and agricultural events—helped to ease opposition. These holidays ensured that cultural and sacred practices remained intact, giving the new system a sense of continuity with the past. This inclusion was particularly appreciated by farmers and those whose livelihoods depended on the seasons. The calendar provided them with a predictable, unified framework that allowed for better planning of planting, harvests, and trade cycles.
Within a year, the calendar was ratified with wide acceptance. The integration of these crucial dates not only bridged the gap between the old systems and the new but also offered practical advantages that improved life across the region. The public, once skeptical, grew to appreciate the order and predictability it brought to their daily lives.

Legacy

The long-lasting repercussions of the Tatharian Calendar are substantial, and the document is considered a cultural treasure within the Tatharian territories. It serves as a symbol of Icaghor’s foresight and the city’s transition from fragmented rule to structured governance. The calendar established a precedent for creating unifying documents that prioritize practicality, religious inclusion, and cultural sensitivity. Its success in standardizing Time across the region has also shaped future administrative reforms, embedding the notion that practical governance should harmonize with the people's needs and customs.
Far from being a source of embarrassment, the calendar’s success in achieving widespread acceptance within a year cemented its reputation as a monumental achievement in Tatharia’s history. The precedent it set for inclusivity and practical foresight continues to influence governance and policymaking centuries later, making it a foundation upon which future reforms could be built.

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Tatharian Calendar

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Type

Map, Star Chart

Medium

Paper

Authoring Date

1120

Ratification Date

1121

Location

Tatharia Capitolina

Signatories (Characters)

• Icaghor
• Naram-Sin

Signatories (Organizations)

• Pantheobule
• Tatharia Regnum
• Tatharian Empire