Zakhara uses a solar calendar inherited from older cultures, but modified by the faithful. Years are named after the current governing Grand Caliph, or possibly numerically since the ascension of the first Grand Caliph. The first year of the campaign is thus either 781 or the 23:rd year of the Grand Caliph Khalil al-Assad al Zahir.

Months and Seasons

A year is divided into four seasons, one for each element. Each season has three months, each of 30 days: Taraq, Masta, Magarib, Gammam, Mihla, Qawafil, Safa, Dar, Riyah, Nau, Rahat, Saris. Between Qawafil and Safa fall the five High Holy Days of Ramadan.

Weeks of the Year

Each month is divided into six weeks of five days. The holy month or Ramadan is one week, so the year has 73 weeks, a total of 365 days. Leap years are not compensated for, so upon the death of the Grand Caliph the calendar is suspended as needed with extra mourning days, inserted before the month of Ramadan, before the next Grand Caliph assumes the throne. These are days of great woe and dark magics.

Days of the Week

There are five days to the week, and thus six weeks per month. Ramadan is an additional, holy week, giving the whole year a total of 73 weeks or 365 days. The days of the week are named for the four elements, with one day at the end of the week reserved for Fate and the Gods. The days are not usually named. Instead you speak of the fifth day of the week or the thirteenth day of the month If named, the names are the same as those of the holy days of ramadan.

Climate and Seasons

Zakhara is divided into three distinct climate zones, so weather is somewhat more complicated than one would think.

The first weather zone is based on the Great Sea. It has cold, rainy winters and hot, still summers. The best periods for sea travel in this region is spring and autumn. Hot days are categorized by breezed in the morning and evening, dead calm at night and fog at noon.

The second zone is centered on the golden gulf, but also categorizes the High Desert and Haunted Lands. In these regions there is little seasonal variations, summers are somewhat hotter but winter is still hot. There is very little cloud cover, and almost no rain. What moisture exist comes as dew near the sea or from wells. The climate near the Golden Gulf can be positively humid.

The third weather zone is based on the Crowded sea and the foreigner's sea further east. In winter, this region experiences dry northeasterly winds. In the late winter and spring, typhoons come riding this wind with great storms and downpours. Summers are categorized by humid south and southeasterly winds that bring monsoons and massive rainfall. The western part of the region has the same weather, but less rain. Spring and autumn are marked by dry easterly winds. Ships can use sails year around, though few dare sail during winter because of the typhoons.

Months of the Year

Taraq. January

Though winter is considered the last season of the year, Taraq is the first month of the year. For a description of the season of Winter, se before Nau, below.

The first and last month, time of the dead. Generally a cold, damp month when people say home and tend to home and family.

It is said that Hama-spirits trapped in the borderland are often released at this time. Considered a good time for marriages, and for the creation of new life.

Spring

Sand Season. The heat returns, and grasses turn brown. This is a time for harvest and mating, generally considered a good time for marriages. The crops of this time are the basic, staple crops, like vegetables and cereals.

Masta. February

A time of brisk winds, typhoons may still come in the Crowded Sea. The coolest month of the year. Usually the beginning of the pearl season.

Magarib. Mars

Gusts of wind disperse the beginning heat, though periods of calm are common. Brave and hasty travelers start out now.

Gammam. April

Soft easterly winds make travel pleasant. Many communities have official holidays during Gammam that mark the beginning of the trading season.

Slaughter time for the al-hadar.

Summer

Sea Season. The merciless sun causes the sea to evaporate, bringing mist to the Great Sea and dew to the Golden Gulf. This is the time of monsoons in the Crowded Sea, with slow winds and great rainfall. Al-Hadar migrate to the south.

Mihla. May

The monsoon begins in the Ruined Kingdoms and Afyal. In the rest of Zakhara, the ground is firm and suitable for the passage of travelers and armies. Often a time of raids and pilgrimages.

The last crops are harvested in the north, farmers return to the cities from their fields. Mating season for herds and wild beasts.

Qawafil. June

The monsoon reaches the Crowded Sea. Usually the end of the pearl season.

The savannah is dry and barren, with little food for the al-badia's beasts.

Ramadan

The holy month of Islam, during which all Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset. Five days of faith, meditation, and fasting, and five nights of grand celebration. War and work is prohibited at this time.

Ramadan is not considered a part of summer, but a season in it's own right, Fate Season.

The days of ordinary weeks are not usually named, but the names of they days of Ramadan can be used for them, as well.

Ahad: The first High Holy Day, sacred to Wind.

Atnen: The second High Holy Day, sacred to Sand.

Salas: The third High Holy Day, sacred to Flame.

Arba: The fourth High Holy Day, sacred to Sea.

Yasad: The fifth High Holy Day, and Ascension Day, sacred to Fate. The anniversary of the day the First Grand Caliph ascended to the throne, and the day on which a new Grand Caliph ascends to the throne, and on which the reigning Grand Caliph makes a public appearance and worships and speaks at the Golden Mosque.

Safa. July

Culmination of the monsoon, by now rains are commonplace even in the southern High Desert. The rest of Zakhara is very hot and dry.

Wars traditionally begin at this time, after the negotiations at Ramadan have failed.

The northern al-hadar come to the cities for summer, and are available as mercenaries.

Autumn

Earth Season. The High Desert is still green, while the lands by the Great Sea start to recover from the heat of summer. This is the preferred time of war.

Dar. August

The month of the Grand Caliph's Birthday. A time for heroes and wars. Early crops demanding lots of water, like rice, are harvested in the east.

Grand Caliph's Birthday. This day of great celebration occurs on 27 Dar. This festival has made this month somewhat more peaceful.

Riyah. September

A month of plains-fires.

Nau. October

Harvest time for dates, coconuts and other desert plants.

Armies march home.

Winter

Wind season, a time of storms and breezes. A good time for land travel, but dangerous at sea.

In the Great Sea region, this is a rainy, cold and uncomfortable time. Travel is dangerous because of floods and high winds. In the Crowded Sea, weak northerly winds prevail, but occasional typhoons make travel hazardous.

Rahat. November

Harvest time for wine, fruit and other northern plants demanding much sunlight. Birthing time for herds.

Saris. December

Coffee and Frankincense are harvested. Beginning of winter storms in the north.