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Seasonal Cycle
| Season | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Spring (Storm-Wake) | The thaw signals the start of the Siege-Building Season. Clans begin constructing new engines and repairing fortifications. Young Orcs undergo their First Forge crafting a personal weapon under the supervision of a Stone-Keeper. The Night of the Iron-Born ceremony marks the formal presentation of newly adult Orcs. |
| Summer (Iron-Sun) | Peak campaigning season. The Thunder-Drum Festival (mid-summer) sees inter-clan competitions in siege-engine operation, wrestling, and war-chant. Trade caravans visit Eldorian and Dwarven markets. |
| Autumn (Blood-Harvest) | Hunting season in the highlands; game is smoked and stored. The Feast of the First Hammer (founding day) is the year's grandest celebration a week of feasting, storytelling, and the Chronicle of Iron recitation. The Fire-Forge Festival is held at Ember-Watch. |
| Winter (Stone-Rest) | Tribes retreat to permanent settlements. Focus shifts to repair, training, and the Runic Night (all runic tablets are illuminated by magical fire). Elders tell stories around forge-hearths. The Great Council of Iron convenes at Kragthar Hold. |
Seasonal Rituals Calendar
- Spring Equinox
Night of the Iron-Born - Mid-Spring
First Forge ceremonies for youth reaching age 14 - Summer Solstice
Thunder-Drum Festival begins (lasts three days) - Mid-Summer
Trade caravans depart for foreign markets - Autumn Equinox
Fire-Forge Festival at Ember-Watch - Late Autumn
Feast of the First Hammer (one full week) - Winter Solstice
Runic Night - Mid-Winter
Great Council of Iron convenes - Late Winter
Storm-Harvest concludes; stored lightning distributed to forges