The World Of Khoras - Physical World

The binary star system of Khoras has had a profound influence on the world throughout history. The two suns orbit each other, constantly shifting positions in an endless dance. Their relative positions influence daylight, sky color and the flow of magic in the world. For reasons academic, wizardly and artistic, the peoples of Khoras have based their calendars upon the ever shifting patterns of the suns.

The Common Calendar is divided up into twelve months. Each month has four weeks. Each week is seven days long. This corresponds to the cycle of the twin stars.

The names of the months vary by region. Most cultures name their months based on weather and seasonal activities, but there are exceptions. The dwarven months are named for stones. Chaddamarian months are named for famous saints. Sybrenar months are simply numbered. The borrellians and tomarin share a unique animal based calendar system which most likely resulted from cross cultural exchange in the northern polar region. The Ithrian common calendar is a mix of seasonal and magical effects, no doubt a direct effect from its history, with some names being remnants from ancient calender systems.

The Months of the Common Calendar

Spring Equinox - Icebreak 14
Summer Solstice - Magerule 14
Autumn Equinox - Forestblush 14
Winter Solstice - Spellfade 14

Magic and Stellar Position by Day

The table below shows the stellar position and influence on magic for each day of the month.

Stellar Position: Balanced - the two suns share the sky. Karrym = Karrym completely eclipses Drellis and magic is at maximum strength. Drellis = Drellis completely eclipses Karrym and magic is at its weakest. In between those days, the suns are in transition between the indicated stellar positions.

Spell Multiplier: This gives an approximate indication of the strength of magic. On day 7, for instance, magic is 1.5 times normal (in other words, a boost of about 50% strength). On day 21, magic is half strength (50% reduction). On Day 17, magic is 0.8 (80% normal strength) and so forth.

Days of the Week

A week in Khoras is seven days long which equals one quarter of the stellar cycle. The names of the days are different for different cultures. Below are the most common systems used by the major cultures of the world. The most wide spread single system is the Ithrian Common system used by most nations and races in Ithria.

Luck and the Calender

Many cultures across the face of Khoras have associated good luck and ill luck with the stellar cycle. Numerous petty superstitions have evolved surrounding the two suns and which one is dominant.

Generally speaking, the Karrym dominant phase is considered lucky. During this time, it is seen as a time when the gods look down favorably on the world and the powers of evil are weakened. For instance, starting a business or a friendship, giving birth to a child or starting a journey are all considered lucky or blessed when begun when Karrym rules the sky.

Conversely, when Drellis is dominant, it is widely believed that witches, warlocks and evil spirits are more active. Things begun under Drellis are considered burdened by ill luck. Those unlucky enough to be born on the day when Drellis is completely dominant are considered cursed and believed to suffer ill fortune all their lives.

This varies a bit from culture to culture as do the specifics of any particular superstition. It should also be noted that the dwarven culture (and most other subterranean races) do not have such superstitions based on the two suns.

This website was last updated February 29, 2024. Copyright 1990-2024 David M. Roomes.

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