Eldonian Calendar
Overview
The Eldonian Calendar is a unique and non-linear timekeeping system used in Eldon. Unlike conventional calendars, the Eldonian system is built around a base-five structure, resulting in an unusual progression of time units.
It is notable for its inclusion of conceptual time periods, such as the Dirtnap (the believed length of reincarnation) and the Childyear (a measurement of growth phases), making it both a practical and philosophical way of tracking time.
Timekeeping System
The Eldonian Calendar is structured in a base-five format for short-term timekeeping but expands into large, unique epochs for cosmic and historical measurement.
Standard Timekeeping Units
| Unit Name | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Week | 5 Days | The basic unit of time. |
| Month | 5 Weeks (25 Days) | A full Eldonian month. |
| Year | 15 Months (75 Weeks, 625 Days) | The standard Eldonian year. |
Historical & Cosmic Time Units
| Unit Name | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eon | 1,000,000,000 Years | The longest known unit of time. |
| Era | 1,000,000 Years | Used for defining major shifts in Eldonian history. |
| Epoch | 50,000 Years | A large historical phase within an era. |
| Age | 15,000 Years | A mid-scale historical marker. |
| Centennium | 2,000 Years | A long-standing historical period. |
| Millennium | 1,000 Years | A common marker for cultural evolution. |
Unique Eldonian Time Concepts
| Unit Name | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dirtnap | 350 Years | The believed length of a reincarnation cycle. |
| Lifeyear | 300 Years | The average lifespan of an Eldonian before reincarnation. |
| Century | 100 Years | A standard unit of mortal timekeeping. |
| War Decade | 50 Years | A time unit used to measure military campaigns and conflicts. |
| Childyear | 25 Years | The period of childhood development. |
| A Courtship | 5 Years | The expected length of formal courtship before marriage. |
| Infantyear | 3 Years | The period of infancy. |
Quirks and Cultural Significance
The Eldonian Calendar differs from most timekeeping systems in several key ways:
- Base-Five Structure – Unlike traditional calendars, Eldonian time is structured in multiples of five.
- Conceptual Time Periods – Unlike rigid astronomical cycles, many Eldonian time units represent cultural concepts, such as growth, war, and reincarnation.
- Dirtnap & Lifeyear – These measurements reflect the deeply held Eldonian belief in cyclical existence, where souls return after approximately 350 years.
- War Decade – A unique time unit used by Eldonian strategists to track long-term military conflicts.
Usage and Interpretation
The Eldonian Calendar is both a functional and philosophical method of tracking time. It is used primarily by Eldonian scholars, historians, and cultural institutions to track time in relation to reincarnation, war, and societal growth. However, due to its non-standard structure, it is rarely used by outsiders and is often considered confusing to those unfamiliar with Eldonian culture.