BUILD YOUR OWN WORLD Like what you see? Become the Master of your own Universe!

Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild

The Constellation Cycle

Because there is no moon in the shattered isles, those who reside in the isles use the Vargus Calendar, one that is based on which constellations sits above Primus, the Stalwart Star that remains motionless throughout the year. A constellation cycle takes place over 338 days, going through four seasons that each hold three months each. Every month bears the name of a constellation, and every season holds a Herald, a Lord, and a Lady. The Heralds represent change and shifts in the status quo (Chaos), the Lords represent stability and dependability (Lawful), while the Ladies represent foresight and preparation (Neutral).

The Spring Constellations:

Kalmut, the Thawing Dragon: Holding sway over 29 days, Kalmut is the Herald of Spring, and is depicted as a great dragon rising towards the sky as it comes out of hibernation to start the warming of spring. While there are many legends of ancient wyrms said to reside in the Shattered Isles, none of them seem to be represented by Kalmut. The inspiration for this constellation is unknown   Festas, The Joyous Jester: Holding sway over 29 days, Festas is the Lord of Spring, and is depicted as a jester-like character dancing a jig in the sky. While a jester may seem to make an odd Lord, Festas is said to be an entertainer who lifts the spirits of the people and inspires them to work after the cold months and the thawing of all the snow. In art work, Festas is left ambiguous, and is often depicted as an elf because of this ambiguity. The spring equinox takes place on the 13 of Festas, and is often celebrated win raucous cheer to honor the Lord of Spring. It is said geomancy is more powerful on this day   Gestin, The Field Fairy: Holding sway over 28 days, Gestin is the Lady of Spring, and is depicted as a small fairy with a farmer's hoe pushing the sun so their flowers and crops can begin to grow. Some say that Gestin represents Silen or Janus, but neither Aspect has seen fit to answer if they are part of the constellation or hold any power over it.
 

The Summer Constellations:

Saturna, the Dawn Phoenix: Holding sway over 30 days, Saturna is the Herald of Summer, and is depicted as a large bird with wings spread wide bringing light to the summer.   Tamair, the Bright Queen: Holding sway over 28 days, Tamair is the Lord of Summer, and is depicted as a queen lounging on a throne. The summer solstice takes place on the 14 of Tamair, and is usually celebrated with great bonfire festivals and ceremonies revolving around flame. Pallus has been known to take particular interest in these festivals. It is said that pyromancy is particularly more powerful on this day.   Roshan, the Flame Dancer: Holding sway over 26 days, Roshan is the Lady of Summer, and is depicted as a gladiator twirling chains as he pulls the sun down to bring the shorter days of Autumn.

The Autumn Constellations:

Gallus, the Iron Sentinel: Holding sway over 28 days, Gallus the Herald of Autumn, and is depicted as a towering giant who holds the sun down and brings the light of the sun to the leaves, causing them to change color.   Haric, the Great Smith: Holding sway over 29 days, Haric is the Lord of Autumn, and is depicted as a short figure at work over an anvil, and is said to use the fires brought by Gallus to prepare tools for the coming winter. On the 13 of Haric is the Autumn equinox, and is usually celebrated as a gift-giving festival to honor the lord of Autumn. It is said that aeromancy is more powerful on this day. this also includes divination magic.   Meridon, the Ancient Tree: Holding sway over 26 days, Meridon is the Lady of Autumn, and is depicted as a wide tree with bare branches as it readies to embrace the cold of winter. Some depictions of this constellation show a dryad or satyr playing an instrument within its boughs.

The Winter Constellations:

Weyhan, the Ice Wolf: Holding sway over 27 days, Weyhan is the Herald of Winter, and is depicted as a lone wolf culling those too weak to survive the winter. Connections have been drawn to    Zaeric, the Wild Huntsman: Holding sway over 28 days, Zaeric is the Lord of Winter, and is depicted as an archer tracking through the snow. Some say he is hunting Weyhan, while others say he is gathering Weyhan's kills so that he can survive. The 14th of Zaeric marks the Winter solstice, which is generally celebrated with a sharing of food and winter feasting if possible to honor the lord of Winter. it is said that hydromancy is more powerful on this day, including cryomancy.   Yigmir, the Frozen Crone: Holding sway over 30 days, Yigmir is the Lady of Winter, and is depicted as a hunched crone leaning on a staff watching as new grass comes through the heavy snow. Some say she casts spells to awaken Kalmut, starting the constellation cycle anew.
Type
Natural

Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild

Comments

Please Login in order to comment!