Time and the Heavens in The Eternal City
The passage of time in The Eternal City is closely tied to the movement of celestial bodies and deeply influences Iridinian culture. Scholars meticulously track the passing of seasons, phases of the moons, and festivals to mark important events in daily life.
Related Commands
These commands help you track time and stay informed of your character's current state:
- time: Displays the current in-game time.
- date: Displays the current in-game date.
For a full list of commands, see the in-game help menu.
Time and Conversions
Time in Iridine passes faster than real-world time. The game operates at approximately four times the speed of real life. This means that every hour in real life translates to four hours in Iridine.
Candlemarks
To simplify timekeeping, the term "Candlemark" is used to represent one hour of real-life time in the game. Here is how in-game time converts to real time:
| Iridine Time | Real-Life Time |
|---|---|
| 1 hour ("quarter candlemark") | 15 minutes |
| 4 hours ("one candlemark") | 1 hour |
| 24 hours | 6 hours |
| 4 days | 24 hours |
For example, if you agree to meet another player in "one candlemark," you are arranging to meet in one hour of real-life time.
The Iridinian Calendar
The Iridinian calendar operates on an 8-day week and consists of four seasons. Each season begins with a significant festival honoring Ereal, the god of the sun. The passage of seasons impacts the weather and often coincides with holidays and events.
Weeks and Months
- Iridine Week: 8 days, each 24 hours long.
- Iridine Month: 4 Iridine weeks (32 days).
Festivals
Festivals mark the transitions between seasons and honor different aspects of Ereal. These festivals typically last for 1-2 weeks, and they play an important role in Iridinian life, often accompanied by celebrations, roleplay events, and rituals.
Seasons
Iridine has four distinct seasons, each represented by specific festivals and unique weather patterns.
Spring
Festival for Ereal of the Morning (Palilia): A two-week-long celebration marking the rebirth of Iridine and the land. Held between Rindak and Ereal, this festival symbolizes Compassion & Hope.
- Months: Ereal (1 month), Scran (1 month), Tulcas (1 month)
Summer
Festival for Ereal the Conqueror (Armilustrium): A one-week festival signifying purification of the legions' weapons and prayers for protection. Held between Tulcas and Aera, it is associated with Noon-Sun, War & Vengeance.
- Months: Aera (1 month), Palut (1 month)
Fall/Autumn
Festival for Ereal of the Evening (Lupercalia): A one-week festival celebrating the harvest and blessing the soil. This fall festival is a time of gratitude and is often accompanied by rituals for a prosperous future.
- Months: Invex (1 month), Jemros (1 month), Allinius (1 month)
Winter
Festival for Ereal the Wanderer (Feralia): Held during the coldest part of the year, Feralia is a week-long observance for appeasing the souls of the dead. Legend has it that the dead walk among the living during this time.
- Months: Lucifal (1 month), Rindak (1 month)
The Heavens
In the land of Iridine, the skies are not merely a backdrop to daily life—they are a living tapestry that reflects the rhythm of existence itself. Scholars, astronomers, and priests alike turn their eyes to the heavens, observing the eternal dance of the sun, stars, and moons as they guide the seasons, rituals, and the very passage of time. The celestial bodies hold profound influence over Iridinian culture, with each movement casting ripples through the beliefs, actions, and destinies of the people.
The Sun
Ereal, the Sun, is the lifeblood of Iridine. Known as the All-Father, He is worshipped as the primordial force that brought the world into being. His daily journey across the sky is more than a simple passage of light; it is the visible manifestation of His guardianship over all life. Each dawn is seen as His blessing, a renewal of His promise to nurture the earth. His brilliance brings warmth and sustenance, allowing crops to grow, animals to thrive, and civilizations to flourish. Without Ereal's guiding light, it is said the world would plunge into eternal darkness—a fate feared by all. As the sun sets, the faithful offer prayers, for even in His absence, Ereal's power is believed to watch over Midlight, preparing for His return with the dawn.
The Stars
At night, the velvet-black sky comes alive with countless stars, distant yet ever-present reminders of the vastness of existence. Many of the ancient star names, once whispered in the darkest hours, have long been forgotten, lost to the sands of time. Yet, a few remain—symbols of the old knowledge that still lingers in certain circles.
The most famous among them is Ducos, often called "the sailor’s best friend." This bright star, though not truly fixed, has guided generations of mariners safely through treacherous seas. Sailors believe Ducos watches over them, and its glow is taken as a sign of Ereal's continued vigilance, even during the long nights at sea. Navigating by the stars is an art both mystical and practical, as the heavens serve as both compass and omen for those who dare to venture far from Iridine's shores.
The Moons
For centuries, three moons have illuminated the night sky over Iridine, each with its own distinctive glow and mythos. The dull red light of Aera is often associated with blood and war, its presence casting a somber hue over the land, stirring ancient instincts of conflict and conquest. Invex, with its blue-white brilliance, brings calm and reflection, representing the eternal balance of life. Lastly, Lucifal, a faint crescent, is the harbinger of mystery and change, often seen as a symbol of the unknown.
There was a time, long ago, when these moons were worshipped as deities—gods that danced across the sky, influencing fate and fortune. Though such beliefs are now considered pagan and have faded into myth, the moons still evoke deep reverence among the more superstitious. Their phases are closely observed, believed to affect everything from farming cycles to personal luck.
The Fourth Moon
Recently, a strange and foreboding celestial event has shaken the foundations of Iridine's understanding of the heavens—a fourth moon has appeared. Unlike the others, this dark, brooding orb emits no light, and its appearance has sparked intense speculation among scholars and priests alike. Some whisper that this moon is an ill omen, a harbinger of impending disaster, while others argue it represents a forgotten force stirring once more in the celestial balance.
Its very nature is mysterious, and the people of Iridine remain on edge, unsure of what this dark moon foretells. Priests of Ereal offer prayers of protection, while scholars track its movement, hoping to unlock its secrets before the shadow it casts grows too long.
Summary
Time in The Eternal City moves faster than real life, and the passage of seasons, festivals, and celestial events are deeply woven into the fabric of the game world. With each season, players can experience a different aspect of Iridine's rich culture and participate in roleplay events that celebrate or fear the turning of the heavens.
For more information on the world of Iridine and its timekeeping systems, continue exploring or speak with an in-game scholar or priest of Ereal.