Calendar
The Imperial Calendar has been in existence for all of the Empire’s four centuries now and during that time has, surprisingly, changed very little.
Each year has a number that is usually suffixed with the letters IC (Imperial Calendar). A year is then sub-divided into ten months.
All the months have 25 days, except Decembus which has 65 days. There are also 10 holy days spaced out equally between the months. This makes a total of 300 days in the Imperial calendar.
| Month | Days | Festival |
|---|---|---|
| Untrebus | 25 | Hepaestus |
| Dutrebus | 25 | Hera |
| Tretibus | 25 | Pan |
| Quatibus | 25 | Emperors (Athena) |
| Quintibus | 25 | Poseidon |
| Sextibus | 25 | Apollo |
| Septembus | 25 | Demeter |
| Octembus | 25 | Dionysus |
| Novembus | 25 | Hades |
| Decembus | 65 | Zeus |
The yearly cycle is based upon the phases of the moon, Puck. Puck takes takes 12 days to go from “new” to “full”.
Each “even” year of the Imperial calendar begins with either a full moon, while each “odd” year starts with a new moon (as there are an odd number of phases each year).
The months are as follows:
Untrebus (the “reawakening”)
This is the first month of the year and is typically the coldest month of the year. It is roughly analogous to our February.
The Festival of Hephaestus
- This is in on the day between Untrebus and Dutrebus. This is a time to pray for guidance in the year and the strength to endure whatever may come, just as Hephaestus has to endure each new day.
Dutrebus (the “month of mating”)
This month marks the beginning of spring. When wild animals take mates and when the majority of the winter weather has passed.
The Festival of Hera
- This is in on the day between Dutrebus and Tretibus. Celebrates the goddess of childbirth and is an opportunity to pray for good livestock.
Tretibus (the “planting month”)
This is when all good farmers should be well into their crop sowing.
The Festival of Pan
- This is in on the day between Tretibus and Quatibus. Now that the work of planting has finished this is the time to pray to Pan that nature will take over. It is also a day when women are allowed to propose marriage to men.
Quatibus
As far as scholars of history can tell, the Empire was officially formed at this time of year. Hence this month is named after the first kingdom.
The Festival of Emperors
- This is in on the day between Quatibus and Quintibus. This day is to celebrate the glory of the Empire and of past Emperors. It occurs on the day between Nevarus and Merebus. It is also, informally, a celebration of Athena.
Quintibus
This marks the beginning of summer. This month is roughly analogous to our month of May. Most cattle will have reproduced by now.
The Festival of Poseidon
- This is in on the day between Quintibus and Sextibus. Traditionally, offerings are thrown into the sea or any other sizeable body of water so that the rains may begin, but not be too harsh.
Sextibus (the “month of storms”)
In the southern regions of the Empire, this is the month in which the ‘rainy season’ occurs. Not really appropriate to the northern regions, although thunderstorms are more common.
The Festival of Apollo
- This festival falls on the day between Sextibus and Septembus, which is effectively Midsummer’s Eve. As well as being the traditional day of worship for the Sun deity it is also associated with beauty and as such flower festivals are held across the Empire.
Septembus
Begins with the longest day of the year and is usually the warmest month of the year. Children born in this month are supposed to be especially blessed with the radiant beauty of the sun.
The Festival of Demeter
- This is in on the day between Septembus and Octembus. This festival is a chance to give thanks and pray to Demeter for a long hot summer and a fine harvest to come.
Octembus (“harvest month”)
For many citizens of the Empire this will be their busiest time. Nearly all crops need to be gathered and stored during this month.
- The month of partying starts with one day of complete abandonment. Anything goes and many towns suspend law enforcement for anything short of murder or serious violence.
Novembus (the “month of festivals”)
This is the last chance to really live it up before the first frosts begin to appear.
The Festival of Hades
- This is in on the day between Novembus and Decembus. This is a day to pray that the winter month will not be too harsh and that Hades will not take too much from people.
Decembus (the “dead month”)
Lasts for 65 days and is pretty much the entire winter. In the northern part of the Empire, farmers who work on nobles' land are effectively given a vacation, in that there is very little to do.
The Festival of Zeus
- This occurs on the last day of the year - between the last day of Decembus and the first day of Untrebus. It is a time for celebration of the end of the year and looking forward to the joys of the next.
It should be noted that there are no regular festivals dedicated to either Ares or Hermes. Worshippers of Ares will argue that every battle is a festival in the honour of Ares.
