## The Calendar of Harptos The Calendar of Harptos is the most widely used system of reckoning time throughout Faerûn. Created by the wizard Harptos of Kaalinth, the calendar divides the year into twelve months, each consisting of thirty days. Every month is further divided into three ten-day periods known as _tendays_, also called _rides_, rather than the seven-day weeks familiar to other worlds. Five annual festival days fall between the months, bringing the year to 365 days. Once every four years, an additional festival known as Shieldmeet occurs, creating a year of 366 days. Years are commonly recorded using Dalereckoning (DR), while dates are written using the numbered day followed by the month, such as 15 Kythorn, 1492 DR. Individual days within a tenday have no special names and are instead identified by their numerical position. The year begins on the first day of Hammer and concludes on the thirtieth day of Nightal. ### The Twelve Months |Month|Name|Traditional Title| |---|---|---| |1|**Hammer**|Deepwinter| |2|**Alturiak**|The Claw of Winter| |3|**Ches**|The Claw of Sunsets| |4|**Tarsakh**|The Claw of Storms| |5|**Mirtul**|The Melting| |6|**Kythorn**|The Time of Flowers| |7|**Flamerule**|Summertide| |8|**Eleasis**|Highsun| |9|**Eleint**|The Fading| |10|**Marpenoth**|Leaffall| |11|**Uktar**|The Rotting| |12|**Nightal**|The Drawing Down| The traditional names of the months reflect the changing seasons, particularly as experienced throughout northern Faerûn. Hammer and Alturiak represent the depths of winter, while Ches, Tarsakh, and Mirtul encompass the transition toward spring and its gradual warming. Kythorn, Flamerule, and Eleasis are associated with the flowering season and summer's warmth. Eleint, Marpenoth, and Uktar mark the fading of summer, the autumn harvest, and the decay of vegetation, while Nightal precedes the beginning of another year. Although the Calendar of Harptos is recognised throughout most of Faerûn, seasonal conditions vary considerably between regions. The frozen northern territories, temperate Heartlands, and warmer southern kingdoms do not experience identical weather. ## The Festival Days The Calendar of Harptos includes five annual festivals and one additional festival occurring every fourth year. These celebrations take place outside the ordinary thirty-day months and are observed throughout much of Faerûn, although their customs differ according to local traditions, cultures, and religious practices. ### Midwinter **Midwinter**, observed between Hammer and Alturiak, traditionally marks the midpoint of winter. Among the nobility and monarchs of the Heartlands, the occasion is known as the High Festival of Winter and provides an opportunity to commemorate or renew political alliances. Commoners in colder regions, including the North and Moonsea, observe Deadwinter Day. The occasion recognises that some of winter's worst conditions have passed, although further hardship may remain before the arrival of warmer weather. ### Greengrass **Greengrass**, observed between Tarsakh and Mirtul, celebrates the traditional beginning of spring. Freshly cut flowers are displayed and presented as offerings to the gods or scattered across fields in hopes of encouraging a prosperous growing season. In regions where the climate does not permit flowers to bloom so early, they are cultivated in specially heated buildings for use during the celebrations. ### Midsummer **Midsummer**, observed between Flamerule and Eleasis, marks the traditional midpoint of summer. It is celebrated through feasting, merriment, romantic commitments, and betrothals. Storms occurring during Midsummer night are traditionally considered omens of misfortune. Some interpret such storms as divine disapproval of romances or marriages arising from the day's celebrations. ### Shieldmeet **Shieldmeet** occurs immediately after Midsummer once every four years. It is a day of public councils, diplomatic negotiations, treaty-making, and the renewal of agreements between rulers and their subjects. Tournaments and contests of skill are frequently held, while many religious communities commemorate the occasion by emphasising important principles of their respective faiths. ### Highharvestide **Highharvestide**, observed between Eleint and Marpenoth, marks the autumn harvest and is celebrated through feasting and thanksgiving. Many humans offer thanks to Chauntea, goddess of agriculture, for the bounty gathered before winter. Those who earn their living by travelling along roads or across the seas often depart shortly after the festival, seeking to complete their journeys before winter closes mountain passes and makes harbours difficult to navigate. ### The Feast of the Moon **The Feast of the Moon**, observed between Uktar and Nightal, honours ancestors and the deceased. Families and communities gather to recount stories of departed relatives, companions, and historical figures. Prayers are offered for the fallen, while stories and legends preserve the memory of those who came before. The festival also marks a period of preparation for the approaching winter. --- ## The Constellations and Astrology of Faerûn The night skies above Toril contain numerous recognised stars and constellations, many of which hold religious, cultural, and astrological significance. Their names and interpretations vary between the peoples of Faerûn, with humans, elves, and other cultures sometimes recognising different figures within the same arrangements of stars. Astrology is a recognised tradition among some inhabitants of the Realms. Those who study the heavens attribute particular characteristics to individuals born beneath certain constellations, associating their positions with particular temperaments, dispositions, or personal qualities. The following fourteen constellations have documented traditional astrological interpretations. They are associated with particular seasons according to their appearance in the northern sky, although Mystra's Star Circle remains visible throughout the year. These descriptions represent the beliefs and traditions of Faerûnian astrologers rather than fixed rules governing personality or destiny. ### Winter Constellations #### Auroth, the Ice Snake Auroth is a constellation consisting of a winding line of seventeen stars connecting two larger, brighter clusters. It is associated with Auril, goddess of winter, and is also known as Old Icefangs or, among elves, the White Dragon. According to legend, Auroth was Auril's beloved and faithful steed, who sacrificed himself to protect the goddess during an ancient battle among the gods. Certain priests of Auril believe that the goddess communicates through particular stars within the constellation, offering messages to those who pray to them. Those born beneath Auroth are traditionally considered to possess cold, calm, and reserved personalities, although they may be capable of sudden and fierce anger. Wizards and individuals pursuing mercenary lives are sometimes associated with its influence. #### The Elfmaid's Tears The Elfmaid's Tears consist of two unequal vertical lines of blue-white stars near Mystra's Star Circle. Elven tradition identifies them as the tears shed by Sehanine Moonbow when Lolth and the drow turned against the rest of elvenkind. Individuals born beneath these stars are believed to possess sensitive natures. Traditional interpretations suggest that such individuals must develop emotional defences to protect themselves from suffering, or remain particularly vulnerable to emotional wounds. #### The Frostqueen's Throne The Frostqueen's Throne is a formation of bright white stars resembling the profile of a chair, rising during the depths of northern winter. It is sacred to Auril and is also called the Seat of Winter or Auril Frostqueen. Devotees of Auril traditionally refrain from beseeching the goddess directly while Auroth remains visible, instead directing their prayers toward the Ice Snake. In more southerly lands, the same arrangement of stars is interpreted as a crown and called the King's Crown, with legends connecting it to various historical rulers. Those born beneath the Frostqueen's Throne are traditionally regarded as intelligent and perceptive, although frequently distant and absorbed in their own thoughts. #### Jassa's Dagger Jassa's Dagger is a dagger-shaped constellation consisting of a line of six stars crossed by four fainter stars. Its brightest star forms the pommel of the weapon, while the remaining stars create the blade and guards. According to legend, Queen Jassa of Lirremar hurled her dagger into the heavens as she lay dying from a spear wound received during the Battle of Biting Serpents. The constellation lies below and east of the Sleepless Knights. Those born beneath Jassa's Dagger are believed to possess considerable pride in their achievements, possessions, or standing. They are also associated with ambition, persistent grudges, and the pursuit of personal vendettas. ### Spring Constellations #### The Sleepless Knights The Sleepless Knights, also known as the Watchful Knights, consist of five stars arranged in a pattern resembling the five markings on a six-sided die. According to legend, the stars represent five knights sworn to protect the northern lands against approaching enemies on behalf of a long-dead king. During a blizzard, the knights supposedly rode from a dangerous mountain trail into the sky, where they continued their eternal vigil. Those born beneath these stars are traditionally considered exceptionally reliable, loyal to their companions, and devoted to their responsibilities. Knights and paladins are particularly associated with the constellation. #### The Arrows of the Gods The Arrows of the Gods consist of three converging lines of stars, each ending in a cluster. Their convergence indicates east, giving the constellation significance as a navigational reference. The constellation is also known as At'ar's Arrows, the Sun's Signpost, or the Caltrop. People born beneath these stars are traditionally considered direct, independent, and determined. They are believed to confront their goals and obstacles without hesitation, although their determination may sometimes manifest as stubbornness or bluntness. #### Lavarandar's Lantern Lavarandar's Lantern, also called the Lamp, consists of a rectangular arrangement of stars surrounding four brilliant blue-white stars. Along the Sword Coast, legend identifies these stars as four sisters imprisoned by their father, a king, after they became lycanthropes. Their nephew later cast their prison into the sea, intending to drown them and inherit the throne. According to the legend, this act enraged Umberlee, who hurled the prison from the depths of the sea with such force that it rose into the heavens, where it remained among the stars. Those born beneath Lavarandar's Lantern are traditionally believed to be compassionate toward others while displaying considerable resolve when confronting their own difficulties. Clerics and individuals who place the needs of others before their own are commonly associated with these stars. ### Summer Constellations #### The Scimitar The Scimitar consists of a bright cluster followed by a curved line of stars resembling the blade of its namesake weapon. It is visible throughout the summer. Northern traditions describe it as the sword that fell from Amaunator's Belt. Among the Bedine, however, it is known as Urwath, the Serpent of the Sands, or the Swallower. Bedine legend describes Urwath as an ancient, amoral creature older than the gods, which devours mountains, trees, and vegetation, leaving desert in its wake. Some believe that its appearance signals the continued expansion of the desert. Other regional traditions recognise the constellation under different names, including Faeraula, the Sword of the South, the Southfires, and the Dangers of the Desert. Those born beneath the Scimitar are traditionally believed to be governed by powerful passions, particularly desire and anger. #### Amaunator's Belt Amaunator's Belt consists of six yellow-white stars appearing high in the far northern sky during summer. The constellation is associated with Amaunator, the ancient solar deity. According to a tradition originating from the period when Amaunator was believed dead, the constellation represents the sword belt he failed to fasten while hastening into the battle in which he supposedly perished. Those born beneath these stars are traditionally described as brave and courageous, although prone to rash decisions. #### The Eyes of the Watching Woman The Eyes of the Watching Woman consist of two curved clusters of blue-white stars resembling downward-facing crescents. Among the Bedine, the same constellation is called the Two Jambiyas, reflecting their interpretation of the shapes as curved daggers. Those born beneath these stars are believed to be highly sociable and particularly adaptable to changing circumstances. Individuals possessing considerable charisma, as well as those who survive extraordinary events, are traditionally associated with the constellation. ### Autumn Constellations #### The Unicorn The Unicorn is a constellation resembling the head of a horse with a prominent horn. Its appearance traditionally marks the end of summer. The constellation has several names among the peoples of Faerûn. Elves call it Correlian and associate it with the mount of Corellon Larethian. Many northern humans identify it with Mielikki, while other traditions connect it to Eachthighern, the mysterious lord of unicorns and pegasi. Those born beneath the Unicorn are believed to possess quiet strength and an unusual sensitivity to the emotions of others and changes in the weather. #### The Gate The Gate is a rectangular formation of dim stars known as Esetar among elves. Some traditions identify it as the celestial gateway through which Dendar, the Night Serpent, will eventually emerge to devour the world. The peoples of Chult preserve a different interpretation. Their legends place Dendar's emergence beneath a mountain within their jungle homeland. Consequently, they call the constellation the Cage and describe it as a celestial prison into which the gods cast particularly evil souls. Those born beneath the Gate are traditionally regarded as patient, thoughtful individuals, sometimes believed capable of experiencing dreams that foretell future events. #### The Shard of Selûne The Shard of Selûne is a diamond-shaped constellation that reaches its greatest prominence toward the end of autumn. According to legend, it represents a fragment torn from Selûne during her ancient conflict with Shar. The injury was believed to have left a corresponding scar upon Shar, and some traditions attribute the creation of the Tears of Selûne to this event. People born while this constellation is high are traditionally believed to possess changeable emotions and conflicting characteristics. The birth of twins beneath these stars is regarded as an ominous occurrence, reflecting the belief that the siblings may eventually become bitter rivals. ### The Year-Round Constellation #### Mystra's Star Circle Mystra's Star Circle is a prominent formation of bright stars surrounding an unusually dark region of the northern sky. Also called the Crown of the North or Cold Crown, the constellation is visible throughout the year and serves as an important navigational reference. Its brightest star, known as the Brow Star, indicates true north. Among the Bedine, this star is called Alagairtha, after a sorceress who, according to legend, challenged the gods and was imprisoned among the stars as punishment. The tale holds that she retained her extraordinary beauty but was forever separated from mortal companionship. Children's tales also describe Mystra's floating Castle of Night as occupying the darkness enclosed by the constellation. Mystra's Star Circle occupies a distinctive place in Faerûnian astrology. Those born during the intervals between the other constellations' astrological periods are traditionally considered to fall beneath its influence. Such individuals are believed to be inquisitive and particularly capable of learning. Scholars, artists, and practitioners of magic are frequently associated with the constellation. ## Astrological Traditions Although these constellations are recognised throughout much of northern Faerûn, their interpretations are not universal. Different cultures preserve their own celestial legends, and the same arrangement of stars may carry different names, religious associations, and symbolic meanings. The traits attributed to people born beneath particular constellations represent traditional astrological beliefs rather than established facts about an individual's personality or destiny. The Calendar of Harptos establishes twelve months, while the documented astrological traditions describe constellations associated with particular seasons and intervals of the year. The published material does not provide a universal system assigning exactly one of these constellations to each calendar month. Consequently, the calendar and the constellations should be understood as distinct but related elements of Faerûnian timekeeping, astronomy, religion, and cultural tradition.