Two ways of measuring time reflect two philosophies of existence: divine mathematical perfection and mortal adaptive wisdom
In Arcadia, time itself becomes a statement of belief. The world operates on two distinct calendar systems, each reflecting the values and needs of its creators. The ancient Arcane Calendar, created by Atonia, First God of Mathematical Precision, tracks the deeper magical rhythms of the universe with perfect divisibility. The Common Calendar, born from humanity's need for practical timekeeping after divine withdrawal, follows the observable solar cycles and carries within it prophecies written in stars both seen and unseen.
See how each calendar system structures its months with their different week lengths
The ancient calendar of divine mathematics, where every division is perfect and every cycle carries cosmic significance
The practical calendar of commerce and daily life, tied to observable solar cycles and named for constellations both present and prophesied
During the Great Withdrawal, when the gods retreated from mortal affairs, a desperate mother brought her blind infant daughter to a tidal cave—one of the few places where divine presence still lingered. Under the full moon, she wrote a plea with her own tears as ink and placed her baby in a pool where moonlight gathered.
A god whose identity remains unknown answered her prayer, touching the child's head. The baby's hair turned white as moonlight, forever marking her as divinely touched. Though born blind with white-over eyes, the child gained the ability to see through the essence of stars rather than sight.
She became known as Athea the Weaver of Stars, using gifted siren bones as conductors to gather star essence and weave prophecies. She speaks of future events in present tense, seeing constellation patterns that will eventually form in the empty sky.
When human astronomers sought to create their calendar after Thainos's death, they consulted Athea. Through her siren-bone needles, she touched the night sky and named each month for the constellations she saw—both those existing and those yet to come. The Common Calendar thus became not just a measure of time, but a map of prophecy written across the heavens.
Of the twelve constellations that name the months, only three currently exist. The remaining nine are prophecies waiting to be written in starlight.
Understanding the differences between the two systems reveals much about the divide between divine and mortal perspectives
| Aspect | Arcane Calendar | Common Calendar |
|---|---|---|
| Creator | Atonia, First God of Mathematical Precision | Human astronomers with Athea's guidance |
| Philosophy | Divine mathematical perfection | Practical solar observation |
| Year Length | 384 days (perfectly divisible) | 360 days (approximately solar) |
| Week Structure | 8 days (Eight Pillars of Existence) | 6 days (Six tangible magical forces) |
| Month Names | Based on elemental and divine concepts | Based on constellations and prophecy |
| Current Users | Scholars, mages, ancient races | Merchants, farmers, common folk |
| Cultural Significance | Marks deep education and magical attunement | Enables trade and practical life |
| Lost Elements | None - preserves all original concepts | Lost Spirit and Fate from the week |