Sulaim Calendar

The Sulaim calendar counts the years since the destruction of the Solinast, appending years with SF (Sun's Fall). By this count the first year of the Eighth Age is 754 SF, hence to calculate the current Sulaim year from the standard Teth reckoning simply add 753. For example 433 EA becomes 1186 SF.

Sulaim months have distinct names and meanings, and are often thought to favour particular types of actions. Such is the superstition surrounding these traditions that Sulaim society can often be seen to move in distinct rhythms, becoming almost predictable in its regular rounds of seduction, betrayal and war.

What follows is a list of Sulaim months, with reference to equivalent months from the Mantonian Calendar.

DRAGONFANG (PHOENIX)

Dragonfang is the name of Sulansis’ left-hand scimitar. A dull crimson blade that poisons the heart of its victim. It is considered symbolic of chaos and betrayal. Dragonfang is a month of new beginnings, when the Sulaim toy with new ideas and new allegiances.

BLOOD’S CALL (WOLF)

The month of passion and union – a time for cementing new alliances and giving in to the baser urges. Blood’s Call is a common time for celebration and excess, drinking and debauchery. Most Sulaim children are conceived during Blood’s Call.

SHADOW’S GUARD (HAWK)

Shadow’s Guard marks the Sulaim’s transition from the surface world to their subterranean cities. It is an auspicious time to construct new buildings or expand old ones – especially fortifications. Expeditions of any kind during this month are considered unlucky.

DARK STAR (UNICORN)

A reference both to the Sulinast and to Nelonia itself; Dark Star is a time of philosophy and contemplation, considering the past and future of the Sulaim people. Traditionally those who have been wronged or find themselves in danger or debt spend this month seeking for renewed strength from within themselves. Dark Star is also a popular time to seek guidance from the temples or from Sulansis herself.

SUN’S FALL (DRAGON)

This month commemorates the destruction of the Solinast; it is a time of achievement and fruition, of victory over long-held foes. It is generally considered an auspicious time for murders and executions. Coming of Age ceremonies are normally held in the Sun’s Fall of a child’s seventeenth year.

DESOLATION (KING)

The month of war and destruction, Desolation is also a time for pain and sacrifice. Conflicts that run past Sun’s Fall are often considered ill-fated and likely to end in ruin, the month of Desolation is sometimes considered the last chance to avert defeat and is a traditional time for desperate choices.

HOLLOW WORD (LION)

Hollow Word is the month of truth and lies, traditionally both a time for the breaking of oaths and for revealing the infidelity of others. Most Sulaim believe that breaking with an old habit or tradition in this month will bring good luck.

BANE’S HARVEST (SCORPION)

Sacred to Alas, the Goddess of Vengeance, the month of Bane’s Harvest is a time for settling old debts and disputes. Many duels are fought during this month.

DEMONSHARD (VIPER)

Demonshard is the name of Sulansis’ right-hand scimitar. A shimmering black blade that chills the soul of its victim. It is considered symbolic of darkness. Warriors in training are traditionally awarded their first true weapon in Demonshard. Demonshard is a common time for closing financial or political deals.

HEART’S LUST (DOLPHIN)

Heart’s Lust is sacred to Lossana, Goddess of Jealousy, Lust and Adultery. Traditionally it is a time when Sulaim review the achievements they have made so far in the year and pledge new and greater tasks for the final three months – often at the expense of their rivals. Heart’s Lust is a common time to break old relationships and form new ones and often sees the outbreak of wars or feuds.

SOUL’S PLUNDER (RAVEN)

Soul’s Plunder is a time for loss without grieving, shedding of old ties and old ways, clearing the mind of emotion and forgetting past passions. The vast majority of Sulaim children are born during Soul’s Plunder.

ABSOLUTION (BEAR)

Absolution is the name given to the period spent by Sulansis in the ‘darkness beyond’. She is said to have lingered there, alone and without sense or motion for four nights and four days – where each day that passed lasted for an Age. Traditionally the month of Absolution is a religious time, spent strengthening ties to Sulansis.