Difference between revisions of "Ancient Dwarven Calendar"
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Their ancient calendar is centered around the work shift. It revolves around a base unit of time measurement and each greater duration of time increases in regular intervals from there. | Their ancient calendar is centered around the work shift. It revolves around a base unit of time measurement and each greater duration of time increases in regular intervals from there. | ||
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== Seasons == | == Seasons == | ||
| − | Ancient Dwarfs, who would spend most of their lives in their mountain fortress holds, had no need to keep track of seasons, since they lived mostly underground. They recognized two major seasons: | + | Ancient Dwarfs, who would spend most of their lives in their mountain fortress holds, had no need to keep track of seasons, since they lived mostly underground. They recognized two major seasons: ''Lean'' and ''Prosper''. During ''Lean'', they would hunker down, and farm cave mushrooms and subterranean livestock. During ''Prosper'', they would venture outside, let their livestock graze on the slopes, forage, and trade for exotic foods. |
== Months == | == Months == | ||
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Ancient Dwarves measured time using this system based on a work shift. | Ancient Dwarves measured time using this system based on a work shift. | ||
| − | The basic unit of time measurement is a ''Lantern'' - the approximate amount of time a small oil hand lantern will burn without re-filling (approximately an hour). | + | The basic unit of time measurement is a '''Lantern''' - the approximate amount of time a small oil hand lantern will burn without re-filling (approximately an hour). |
| − | 10 Lanterns is a ''Shift''. This is how much time you are expected to put in at your job. Everyone gets a Work Shift, and then an Rest Shift, which make up a Rotation. Shifts are staggered so that there's always Dwarves working as others rest, and their mines and workshops never close. | + | 10 Lanterns is a '''Shift'''. This is how much time you are expected to put in at your job. Everyone gets a Work Shift, and then an Rest Shift, which make up a '''Rotation'''. Shifts are staggered so that there's always Dwarves working as others rest, and their mines and workshops never close. |
| − | 10 Rotations is a ''Stint'' which is close to a week of time, and a basic concept used by merchants and workers. For example, you might get hired for a fixed number of Stints, or you may agree to deliver merchandise in a number of Stints specified in contract. | + | 10 Rotations is a '''Stint''' which is close to a week of time, and a basic concept used by merchants and workers. For example, you might get hired for a fixed number of Stints, or you may agree to deliver merchandise in a number of Stints specified in contract. |
| − | 10 Stints is a ''Span'' (about 3 months) which is also about the amount of time it takes a smith to produce a good quality, fitted plate armor set. | + | 10 Stints is a '''Span''' (about 3 months) which is also about the amount of time it takes a smith to produce a good quality, fitted plate armor set. |
| − | 10 Spans is a ''Term'' (about 3 years) which is a standard way of measuring length of apprenticeship. An apprentice is expected to work anywhere between one or a few dozen Terms under a master craftsman before they can enter guilds or work independently. The lengths of apprenticeship vary based on the profession. Manual laborers, for example only need to put in one Term, whereas Smiths or Engineers must spend many. | + | 10 Spans is a '''Term''' (about 3 years) which is a standard way of measuring length of apprenticeship. An apprentice is expected to work anywhere between one or a few dozen Terms under a master craftsman before they can enter guilds or work independently. The lengths of apprenticeship vary based on the profession. Manual laborers, for example only need to put in one Term, whereas Smiths or Engineers must spend many. |
| − | 100 Terms (about 300 years) is an ''Age''. This also an approximate lifespan for an average Dwarf. | + | 100 Terms (about 300 years) is an '''Age'''. This also an approximate lifespan for an average Dwarf. |
Revision as of 10:27, 19 June 2016
The Ancient Dwarven Calendar was previously the standard time keeping method for Dwarves back in the day when they prospered within Dwarven Fortress.
Their ancient calendar is centered around the work shift. It revolves around a base unit of time measurement and each greater duration of time increases in regular intervals from there.
Contents
Seasons
Ancient Dwarfs, who would spend most of their lives in their mountain fortress holds, had no need to keep track of seasons, since they lived mostly underground. They recognized two major seasons: Lean and Prosper. During Lean, they would hunker down, and farm cave mushrooms and subterranean livestock. During Prosper, they would venture outside, let their livestock graze on the slopes, forage, and trade for exotic foods.
Months
The concept of a "month" was also largely irrelevant to the Ancient Dwarven lifestyle. In other calendar systems, months are based on lunar cycles which does not interest subterranean people.
The concepts of day and night are also irrelevant to the Dwarven peoples. Their lives largely centered around work productivity and they did have a 24 hour circadian circle like most surfaces dwellers do.
Timekeeping
Ancient Dwarves measured time using this system based on a work shift.
The basic unit of time measurement is a Lantern - the approximate amount of time a small oil hand lantern will burn without re-filling (approximately an hour).
10 Lanterns is a Shift. This is how much time you are expected to put in at your job. Everyone gets a Work Shift, and then an Rest Shift, which make up a Rotation. Shifts are staggered so that there's always Dwarves working as others rest, and their mines and workshops never close.
10 Rotations is a Stint which is close to a week of time, and a basic concept used by merchants and workers. For example, you might get hired for a fixed number of Stints, or you may agree to deliver merchandise in a number of Stints specified in contract.
10 Stints is a Span (about 3 months) which is also about the amount of time it takes a smith to produce a good quality, fitted plate armor set.
10 Spans is a Term (about 3 years) which is a standard way of measuring length of apprenticeship. An apprentice is expected to work anywhere between one or a few dozen Terms under a master craftsman before they can enter guilds or work independently. The lengths of apprenticeship vary based on the profession. Manual laborers, for example only need to put in one Term, whereas Smiths or Engineers must spend many.
100 Terms (about 300 years) is an Age. This also an approximate lifespan for an average Dwarf.
Summary
| Unit | Length | Time Reference | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lantern | about an hour | time it takes to burn a small lantern | |
| Shift | 10 Lanterns | about 10 hours | Typical works shift |
| Rotation | 2 Shifts | about 20 hours | work shift, followed by a rest shift |
| Stint | 10 Rotations | little over a week | short term contract, or work agreement |
| Span | 10 Stints | about 3 months | time it takes to craft a plate armor set |
| Term | 10 Spans | about 3 years | typical length of an apprenticeship |
| Age | 100 Terms | about 300 years | average Dwarf lifespan |
