Starhelm Calendar

The Starhelm calendar was created in the 23rd year of Haven by the Dwarves of Forgehome, to facilitate the organization of contracts, deals, and trade, as well as to keep track of events, holidays, and yearly customs. It was used extensively across Haven and became a mainstay of tracking time and the seasons.   The triumverate of Dwarf, Halfling, and Human were responsible for the naming convention of the calendar and each season has a month named for each of those three lineages. The Dwarf has the first month of the season, followed by the Halfling, and finished by the Human. The year starts with the Vernal Equinox, followed by the three spring months, the Summer Solstice, followed by the summer months, the Autumnal Equinox, followed by the autumn months, and lastly the Winter Solstice, ending the year with the winter months.   The Day of Mourning, which represents the rebirth of the world is technically outside of the calendar and exists to both begin and end the calendar year.   Following is a list of holidays and important dates. The calendar follows an orderly rule of days and months, dividing equally across the year, into 30 days each. Each month follows the same pattern, including number of days, moon phases, and the equinoxes and solstices are equally placed every 3 months. The only exception is the Day of Mourning, which occurs after the last day of the year, and before the first day of the Vernal Equinox.    

Day of Mourning

(Golden Moon – year’s end/beginning)   The day after the last day of the year and before the first day of the year is marked as the Day of Mourning. This day is technically not part of the calendar year and stands as both the beginning and the end, and neither. This represents the rebirth of the world and also each coming year. On the Day of Mourning one is expected to be somber and reflective. No business is officially conducted, no contracts signed on that day are valid, and no declarations of war are recognized. Typically, the Humans and their allies following this calendar respect that day, but other races may heed it no mind. The Day of Mourning is always marked by a Golden Moon.    

Vernal Equinox

(New Moon)   The Vernal Equinox is a day where many fairs, trade moots, festivals, and celebrations occur, particularly in the east. Lutien's Vale celebrates heavily on the Vernal Equinox, and many oaths of friendship are renewed or declared on this day. The Nomads of the plains typically refrain from any combat during the Vernal Equinox thought it is not strictly forbidden. They use this time to reestablish boundaries, friendships and trade agreements.  

Day of Life

(New Moon, Forgelight 1)   The Day of Life marks the creation of the Founder Races and their walk out of the Womb of Humanity. The Day of Mourning marks the creation of the races, but the Day of Life celebrates their departure from the Womb of Humanity. While the Founder Races celebrate quite heavily on this day, many other races will also take advantage of this day to celebrate. There is great recognition that the Founder Races paved the way for the world to be populated and most respect that fact, even if it is begrudgingly. Each Founder Race celebrates differently and according to their own culture. Even within the same race there may be differences depending on the region they are in.  

Day of Falling

(Full Moon, Rainshine 16)   The Day of Falling is a day that all the races (excepting Elves) celebrate the arrival of the Elves to Aerith. Most races will give a gift or some recognition to a nearby Elven settlement and host parties in their honour. The origins of this holiday was initially for the other races to bond and communicate with the Elves. While that still remains true, the modern Day of Falling has just turned into a day to drink, feast, and have a good time. The Elves are gracious and put on a good face for their neighbours, however, for them this day is a somber one. It is a day of remembrance and reflections on the actions that lost them their wings and forced them to the land of Aerith. Typically, after the celebrations are finished Elves will retreat back into their homes and meditate in solitude. Many will go out on raiding parties targeting known Fallen settlements. If no Fallen can be found these Elves will quench their anger on other dangerous or marauding creatures.   Similarly, The Fallen also go on a major offensive on this day. Most Fallen abandon their typical calm and controlled demeanor and fight more barbarically. Their curse reasserts itself quite strongly on this day and The Fallen are forced to endure incredible pain to their body and psyche.  

Day of Duty

(Waning Gibbous, Springtime 8)   The Day of Duty marks a day to celebrate those who serve others or ideals over themselves. Individuals who are part of the military, the church, or the bureaucracy of governing bodies take this holiday to heart. Ironically, this is a day that these people take off of work to recharge and reconnect with themselves or their families. Most government business is shut down that day, many churches have limited services, and soldiers and guards relax and reflect on their duties. The city of Avandar has a large celebration in honour of these people, held in the evening, while Essillion lets their people relax, wind down, and gather their strength for the remainder of the year. The Paladins of Curceon treat this day as a holy day, spent in reflection of their duty to others and to their god. Many new Paladins cite their oaths on this day, and the week leading up to it is filled with tasks, rituals, reading, and preparation for their upcoming ceremony. Upcoming priests of Vocerix will also choose this day to confirm their allegiance to their god.  

Summer Solstice

(New Moon)   The Summer Solstice is a time of great celebration and joy. It is held in the summer months so the weather is most often favourable for many outdoor events. Parades, festivals, tournaments, and contests of skill and strength are held across all of Starhelm. Many couples choose the Summer Solstice to get engaged or have their weddings, while others just like to reaffirm their love and connection to each other. Many babies are conceived on this day.  

King's Birth

(Waxing Crescent, Hammerfall 23)   King’s Birth is an Essillion holiday, commemorating the day the Starshields became the monarchical family. Previous to this the ruling of Essillion was run by the Duke of Essillion. After the Fractioning, when Essillion thought it was the last surviving Human city, the Duke of Essillion was promoted to king. As the king in Starhelm City was destroyed when that city fell, it was important for the Humans to have a king to look up to. A formal ceremony is held on The Mount on this day, with most of the citizenry in attendance. Numerous smaller ceremonies are held throughout the city celebrating kings past and present.  

The Day of Fractioning

(New Moon, Brightdays 12)   This somber day is not a celebration by any, with the possible exception of the Witch Queen (as much as she can celebrate anything). The day the continent of Starhelm, and many would say the world, was changed forever, is one of reflection, contemplation, and atonement. While many people are low and sullen, there are an equal number who have cause to celebrate their life. In reflection on those they lost, they can be reassured that life goes on. No official celebrations or festivals take place on this day, but some will have quiet parties in their homes or at private functions. Babies born on this day are said to be blessed with good luck, as they have the spirit of life and the will to move forward.  

Wave Song

(Waxing Gibbous, Sungrace 15)   The Wave Song is a special ceremony performed a few days after The Day of Fractioning to celebrate when Mirriam appeared at Avandar. The Wave Song of Mirriam was crucial in allowing Avandar to survive the cataclysmic events of the Fractioning. By her grace she was able to feed the citizens, and eventually thrive on their island. A large celebration is held down at the harbour, with one special priestess of Mirriam chosen to perform the Wave Song in honour of their god. The selected priestess is said to be favoured by Mirriam until the next annual Wave Song is performed.  

Day of Sorrow

(Waning Crescent, Sungrace 20)   The Day of Sorrow commemorates the loss of the entire Avandar Council. A freak accident led to the death of every member, throwing the city into chaos for a brief time. Typically, the council will make many big decisions on this day, making sure to recognize the service and sacrifice of past council members. The Council Hall is open to all that day and the people have the opportunity to voice their concerns or seek assistance. The Day of Sorrow culminates into a large banquet at the Council Hall, where many citizens can mingle and enjoy each other’s company.  

Autumnal Equinox

(New Moon)   Similar to the Vernal Equinox, the Autumnal Equinox gives rise to many festivals, fairs, and trade. Many areas prepare for the upcoming winter and ensure their trade agreements are in place to stock their larders before the weather becomes too difficult. The barbarian tribes of the north tend to seek long term shelter during this time, while the ones in the south are prone to harvest anything they have sown.  

Annual Changing of the Guard

(Full Moon, Calmanvil 17)   Though the guards at Brightwave will rotate often, once a year they make a spectacle of the event. Military parades and processions can be seen throughout the fortress city, banners held high, and trumpets blasting often. The Council of Avandar is always in attendance, along with many of the more prominent merchants, and affluent citizens. Even some nobles and royalty from Essillion will come down to observe the changing of the guard. The two cities take this opportunity each year to reconnect and discuss their plans of communication and trade for the upcoming year.  

Day of Horizon

(New Moon, Bountybless 11)   The Day of Horizon commemorates the anniversary of the founding of Avandar. On this day each district in Avandar does something unique and special to them. The Harbour District puts on a fireworks show over the water; the Arcanium District puts on a magic show for the city to enjoy; the Farming District hosts a huge banquet for to the entire city; the Military District does a formal change of the guard at Brightwave; the Merchant District has a large festival; and the Religion District does a lot of charity and volunteer work. Avandar comes alive on the Day of Horizon and many citizens plan all year for that one day.  

Delver’s Day

(First Quarter, Harvestime 9)   Delver’s Day is a time for Essillionites to recognize the mines and the miners as the lifeblood of their city. Many parties are held, and miners are officially given the day off. The entrances to the mines are closed, the only people allowed in are the guardians of the mines as they do they usual patrol. In recognition of their efforts, a miner from each mine is selected to represent their profession, and they are given a special gift from the King himself. It is a great honour to be named and the recipient’s name is recorded in the archives for posterity.  

Winter Solstice

(New Moon)   The Winter Solstice is a time of reflection, family, and a recognition of determination and hard work. Festivals held at this time are more localized, less vibrant, but equally appreciated. Depending on the region, celebrations can be held just indoors, in covered tents, or in grand halls. Most battles will not occur on Winter Solstice though the Fallen do not always hold true to that custom for much of the time.  

The Ascension

(First Quarter, Kinsrest 14)   The Ascension commemorates the rising of the Dragon Lords. Most races simply acknowledge the contributions of the Dragon Lords and respect their place in the world. The Dragonkin, however, celebrate fervently on this day. If possible Dragonkin will go to one of the ceremonial sites to pray and give thanks to Ilbrendar and Drakova, or they will do so at their home. After a day of praying the whole tribe will join together in song, dance, and food, regaling everyone with stories of personal glory, or historical tales of Dragons and their kin. Those Dragonkin who are not with their tribe celebrate with whomever they are with in the same fashion, wherever possible.  

Battles’ Rest

(Birth to Death, Hearthhome 26-30)   Battles’ Rest started as a barbarian tradition and was adopted by the rest of the continent. It lasts an entire week, taking place at the end of Greegis. It is a time for warriors to go home to their families and remember what it is they fight for. During this time people will give gifts, tell stories, catch up with family, and spend most of their time with their loved ones. If someone is unable to be with their family or loved ones, they will spend the week with friends or comrades. If warriors are unable to make it home and are on the battlefield during this time they will not engage their enemy. On many occasions both sides will meet in the middle and exchange gifts, food, and stories. The adherence to not shedding blood is so strong that if either side breaks that tradition, both Curceon and Bruges will aid one another in removing the culprit from the world.   Every five years, during Battles’ Rest a large auction is held in a major city. People of importance from all over Starhelm come together and talk, auction off items, and make deals and friendships. People from Essillion, Avandar, Aspenshield, Brightbough, Forgehome, Shalehaven, Meadowspring, Stonebridge, and Hollow's Point or even the Fallen, and Goblins receive a formal invitation. They rarely show up and although the Witch Queen officially gets an invitation she has never appeared at an auction.    

Winter’s End

(Birth to Death, Wintertide 26-30)   Winter's End is a celebration marking the end of winter, and the promise of a new beginning. It officially ends the last day of the year, and right after it comes the Day of Mourning. Preparations begin early for the coming of spring, and most just celebrate the surviving of another winter. Those that might have found hardship or loss during that time seek comfort in gaeity and festival, or support from the community around them. Many clean their homes, reconsecrate holy places, fix broken or rundown structures, and have large gatherings at noontime with food, drink, and dancing. It is typically a communal affair as not everyone has enough food to spare, and those that can afford it offer their bounty to others in need.   It is a big time for charity, reinforcing social structures, and community-bonding.