The Concordance Cycle

According to Aurelyx’s archives, the Seven Gods bound time into a repeating divine rhythm. Mortals now measure existence not in years, but in Cycles.

The current cycle is 701 AC (Ascendant Cycle) and the time before the Gods forged the modern day cycle is referred to as PC (Pre-Cycle).

“Time does not pass. It turns.”
— Inscription above the Hall of Champions

Each Cycle lasts 200 days.

Each week is 5 days, known as a Hand.

Each day is 24 hours and has a day and night cycle similar to Earth, but never truly gets entirely dark during night time.

The Five Days of the Hand

A week is called a "Hand" and consists of 5 days, like the 5 fingers of a hand.

FORGE - Acronym for the 5 days of a Hand

The most widespread mnemonic across Valecar, taught to recruits, apprentices, and children alike.

These repeat continuously throughout the Cycle.

F — Forge Day – labor, crafting, building
O — Oath Day – contracts, vows, governance
R — Rite Day (formerly Veil Day) – religion, magic, reflection
G — Gauntlet Day (formerly Edge Day) – training, war, contests
E — Ember Day – rest, celebration, family

“Work, swear, pray, prove, then rest.”
— Old Solgrim proverb

Ember Day remains the universal “weekend.”

The Seven Months of the Concordance Cycle

Each month was created by one of the Seven Gods.

Total: 200 days

Seasonal Flow

Winter → Spring → Maelstrom Spring → Summer → Scorchsummer → Fall → Winter

Breakdown:

• ❄ Winter: Frostvein + Umbratide

• 🌱 Spring: Bloomrise + Verdantreach (Increasing heat brings Maelstroms)

• ☀ Summer: Suncrest

• 🔥 Scorchsummer: Ashfall (hotter, drier, dust storms common)

• 🍂 Fall: Goldwane

Major Holidays of Valecar

The Quiet Binding

Frostvein 1st

Marks the beginning of a new Cycle.

• Meaning: The gods reforging time

• Religion: Universal

• Culture: No loud noises until the Binding ends

• Traditions: Candle lighting, oath renewals

Seedwake

Bloomrise 5th

Celebrates Elyndra’s gift of growth.

• Farmers bless fields

• Children plant trees

• Green ribbons worn

Verdant Convocation

Verdantreach 15th

Druidic holy day.

• Regionally massive in Crownwood

• Communal feasts in forests

• Temporary truces among factions

Day of the Open Sky

Suncrest 1st

Celebrates Soriel’s triumph over the Maelstroms.

• Gladiator matches

• Military promotions

• Fireworks in Solgrim and other major cities

The Trial of Flame

Suncrest 20th

Warriors test themselves.

• Duels sanctioned by law - even to the death if agreed upon.

• New soldiers sworn

• Religious to Kaeldrax followers

Ashfall Descent

Ashfall 10th

Beginning of Scorchsummer's deadliest storm season.

• Dust storms feared

• People cover windows with red cloth

• Cultists of Kaeldrax become active

Remembrance of Six

Ashfall 25th

Honors the six fallen Champions of Valecar.

• Statues in the Hall of Champions are washed with incense water

• Names of the fallen are spoken aloud

• Bells ring six times at dusk

Call of Ascendants

Goldwane 1st

The great reveal and ceremonies of this cycle's Champions of Valecar.

• The Champions of Valecar are revealed in Solgrim

• Ceremonies and Festivities commence

• The Champions of Valecar embark on the journey that will shape their entire future

Aurelyx’s Measure

Goldwane 7th

Celebrates creation, law, and craftsmanship.

• New buildings consecrated

• Contracts finalized

• Massive artisan markets

Hallward Vigil

Goldwane 21st

Defense of Solgrim honored.

• City gates sealed for one night

• Guards stand silent watch

• Children tour Hall of Champions

The Veiled Turning

Umbratide 22nd (Final Day of Cycle)

Thal’Zarin’s sacred day.

• No mirrors uncovered

• No contracts signed, no trade happens, all shops are closed

• Divinations forbidden

Marks the end of the Cycle.

Cultural Notes

• Weeks are referenced by Hand-count (“three Hands ago”)

• Ages/Years are counted in Cycles

• Prophecies always reference Umbratide

• Ashfall seems to always cause crime rates to spike

• Marriages are most common during Goldwane