The Campaign Builder's Guild

NOTE:  Not Hooter's girls or Playmates...

In my fantasy setting there are a few quirky celestial bodies that I need some feedback on.  I am not necessarily concerned with astrophysics and the like, but while it's good for flavoring I do want it to make some sense.

1.  Memnona & Myrgla, the Twin Moons:  These moons tumble over each other in the sky on a fixed orbit.  When one is full the other is also, etc.  They are high in the sky and far from the surface.  They appear as symbols in religions the world over.  I am wondering how they might affect the tides and currents?  I don't know how binary satellites work, but if anyone has some insight that might help flesh it out more, that would be appreciated.  I want some subtle effects, if any.

2.  Lushar, the Crimson Moon:  This moon is a striking red with some white, seemingly glowing, features.  It is commonly associated with Argulite (demonic) magic and does affect its cycles.  It was used as a symbol for a world-spanning empire, the Lusharite Empire, that used demonic powers to seduce and conquer its "holdings".  It does not follow a "fixed" orbit, and its distance from the surface varies.  It follows a pattern, but in terms of human life it is random (the pattern is over the course of millions of years).  It can hover in the sky for years and then disappear for centuries.  These are two extreme examples.  It has an extreme effect on tides, weather patterns, currents, and magic cycles (as mentioned above).  I am looking for ideas on what type of effects might take place.  It was in the sky for several decades several years ago so it might not return anytime soon, but when it does I wanted to implement some particularly destructive and inventive effects.  Any ideas?

3.  Hemra, the World's Belt:  This is a ring satellite.  I am going back and forth on whether to include this one at all.  Are rings visible from the surface?  If so, what do they look like?  These are actual questions and not just musings.  I had envisioned the ring being associated with the Elder God Orum.  He is magic incarnate.  The materials from the ring give bonuses to casting in the form of increased duration, range, and power.  It can also reduce FP costs.  It is also necessary for certain high powered spells and rituals.  Would debris from a ring fall to the earth?  If Lushar were to move thru the ring what effect would that have?


Again, any feedback would be greatly appreciated, and any answers to my lingering questions even more so.

Quote from: PorkletLushar, the Crimson Moon:  It does not follow a "fixed" orbit, and its distance from the surface varies.  It follows a pattern, but in terms of human life it is random (the pattern is over the course of millions of years).  It can hover in the sky for years and then disappear for centuries.  These are two extreme examples.  It has an extreme effect on tides, weather patterns, currents, and magic cycles (as mentioned above).

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Quote from: PorkletWould debris from a ring fall to the earth?  If Lushar were to move thru the ring what effect would that have?

Yes, rings themselves are usually not stable and collapse over time.  Eventually, even Saturn won't have rings.  If debris fell from the ring, it would be like a large meteor shower.  Maybe debris would impact the surface, but I doubt it.

If a moon passed through rings (which it shouldn't even be close enough to do), it would drag debris away with it, most of which would end up falling to the surface of the planet the moon and ring orbit around.

Don't worry too much about astrophysics. Your world's satellites already aren't realistic at all from the point of real world physics. So no real reason to worry about what they might do since they couldn't exist in reality.

QuoteOrbits don't really work like that, but whatever.  It might be better to do this one as a comet, and not a moon, but it's your call.

I am aware that orbits don't work that way.  It follows a pattern set down by the goddess Asta Luria.  She placed it in the sky to harangue and bewilder the human children of her nemesis, Etheb.  She set it on a predestined path to aid her demonic followers and legions in an effort to destroy the world.  It doesn't follow an "orbit", because it is not supposed to.  It is supposed to be alien and make no sense.

I was fishing for some ideas about what a satellite of that ilk would do to the tides, currents, etc.  It is an oddity, and I wanted some alternate points of view on the subject before I started piecing it together.

Quote from: NomadicDon't worry too much about astrophysics. Your world's satellites already aren't realistic at all from the point of real world physics. So no real reason to worry about what they might do since they couldn't exist in reality.

I wanted some feedback on what effects these celestial bodies might have on the world below.  I am well aware that they are not realistic.  Unlike dancing fancy elf lords and demon princes who sleep with the queen just for the hell of it.

Well the whole thing is fairly moot since they don't follow a real world pattern they aren't going to follow real world physics. So effectively you can have them do whatever you want. I could tell you roughly what they would do in the real world but that is pointless since in order to do it they would have to exert gravity in such a way that they wouldn't exist within a few hundred years of their formation.

Quote from: NomadicWell the whole thing is fairly moot since they don't follow a real world pattern they aren't going to follow real world physics. So effectively you can have them do whatever you want. I could tell you roughly what they would do in the real world but that is pointless since in order to do it they would have to exert gravity in such a way that they wouldn't exist within a few hundred years of their formation.

So, no ideas then?

Go wild man, have the moons randomly cause the ring to ripple. Make the blood red moon cast shadows where they shouldn't be, steeping an area in utter darkness and spawning fell horrors. This is one of those things where fantasy reigns supreme and you can really go crazy.

Quote from: NomadicGo wild man, have the moons randomly cause the ring to ripple. Make the blood red moon cast shadows where they shouldn't be, steeping an area in utter darkness and spawning fell horrors. This is one of those things where fantasy reigns supreme and you can really go crazy.

I like the ripple-effect.  That could cause some of the debris to fall towards the earth.  I know I want some of the debris to reach the ground, because it will serve as a highly sought after magical component.  This could be in the form of meteroites, but I'm toying with the ring idea for now.

During times when Lushar is in the sky there is a spike in demonic magic.  In fact, that is the reason why the goddess Asta Luria placed the moon in the sky to begin with.  It hovers over an unkown continent in a far off ocean where Asta Luria's children reside much of the time.  That is where it goes when it disappears.  But, to have howling demons spontaneously appear?  It could cause demonic weapons of power to activate.  Bound demons might have the power to overcome their masters.  Thus, fell horrors are unleashed.  Novices or unknowing posessors of demon items might succumb to posession or control.

I had also considered a deep red tint during nights when Lushar is low in the sky.  Would this make things that are red virtually invisible?  Considering they might look the same as the surrounding?

Oh, and don't call me wild man...

I think it was supposed to be "Go wild, man" and not wild man :p
And although i realize that Lushar is hardly realistic, which isn't the point as Porklet points out, what's wrong with the twin moons since you seem to deem the entire system unrealistic? As far as i'm aware there are plenty of planets with more than one moon.
And as far as the twin moons go, are they both visible at the same time or do they exist on opposite sides of the planet?
As to the red tint, do you mean the sky or the world itself? A red sky would be pretty awesome; the world less so (in my opinion).
If you have a ring with debris falling to earth frequently you could have meteorites play a large part in either magic or religion or folklore.

Yes I was saying go wild, not calling you a wild man :P

Quote from: Cataclysmic CrowAnd although i realize that Lushar is hardly realistic, which isn't the point as Porklet points out, what's wrong with the twin moons since you seem to deem the entire system unrealistic? As far as i'm aware there are plenty of planets with more than one moon.

Yes there are planets that have more than one moon. However, in order for this to happen the planet must be far larger than both moons in order to keep them in check. Theoretically the moons could get fairly large as long as they were in resonance with each other but we have yet to see this in reality. Even if this planet was large enough to handle both moons we have another problem. The moons are a binary system, which gets you the same results as a moon of a moon setup. The planet will inevitably win out and fairly quickly tear the binary system apart creating a standard 2 moon system. And while the planet's gravity is strong enough to do this it doesn't mass enough to keep the moons from totally destroying each others orbital path. The likely result would involve one or both of them spiraling inside the Roche limit and becoming one with the planetary ring (which would be long gone by now due to all three moons).

Quote from: Cataclysmic CrowI think it was supposed to be "Go wild, man" and not wild man :p
And although i realize that Lushar is hardly realistic, which isn't the point as Porklet points out, what's wrong with the twin moons since you seem to deem the entire system unrealistic? As far as i'm aware there are plenty of planets with more than one moon.
And as far as the twin moons go, are they both visible at the same time or do they exist on opposite sides of the planet?
As to the red tint, do you mean the sky or the world itself? A red sky would be pretty awesome; the world less so (in my opinion).
If you have a ring with debris falling to earth frequently you could have meteorites play a large part in either magic or religion or folklore.

I know what he was saying.  I was just poking fun by paraphrasing "Don't call me surely" from Airplane.
The twin moons are next to each other and revolve around each other as well.  The tumble over each other, and their orbits are parallel to the surface.  Meaning they don't pass between each other and the planet below.  I have been told binary satellites are an astrophysical possibility, but I am not certain exactly how they work.  I believe one of them is supposed to be a satellite of the other, or something similar.
The red tint would only occur at night when the red moon is low in the sky.  Much like the ambient light created by a full moon.  It wouldn't occur all that often, and even then only at night.
The fallen debris from the sky, whether it's from the ring satellite or meteroites, does indeed have magical uses.  It might have religious connotations in some southern cults where magery is revered and gods are numerous.  I have no direct religious connection worked out to date.

Quote from: NomadicYes I was saying go wild, not calling you a wild man :P

Quote from: Cataclysmic CrowAnd although i realize that Lushar is hardly realistic, which isn't the point as Porklet points out, what's wrong with the twin moons since you seem to deem the entire system unrealistic? As far as i'm aware there are plenty of planets with more than one moon.

I am not married to the ring idea.  What if the twin moons were not binary but shared roughly the same orbital path and maintained the same speed.  In some religions they represent a male god figure chasing a female god figure across the sky.  If I could maintain that illusion I would have no problem making them two separate satellites.  Thoughts?

That would be possible under one of two conditions. Firstly they could be of similar size and exactly 180 degrees opposite of one and other. Their resonance would keep their orbit stable. The other possibility would be that one is much smaller than the other and is in one of the two Lagrange points along it's orbit. Technically Lagrange points aren't stable but you could hand wave this, either ignoring it or attributing it to magic if players ask.

Now alternatively you could have one moon on a closer, faster orbit, and another on a slower outer orbit. This would allow a 1:2 resonance. That's where the inner moon orbits twice for each single orbit of the outer moon. It's a stable orbital pattern and would make two acceptable sized moons orbiting the world possible as the resonance reinforces the orbit.

As for the red moon... Normally it would heavily affect and mess with the moons due to gravity in odd places. However it doesn't seem to follow the laws of physics so it would be fine having it not affect celestial bodies gravitationally.

Quote from: NomadicThat would be possible under one of two conditions. Firstly they could be of similar size and exactly 180 degrees opposite of one and other. Their resonance would keep their orbit stable. The other possibility would be that one is much smaller than the other and is in one of the two Lagrange points along it's orbit. Technically Lagrange points aren't stable but you could hand wave this, either ignoring it or attributing it to magic if players ask.

Now alternatively you could have one moon on a closer, faster orbit, and another on a slower outer orbit. This would allow a 1:2 resonance. That's where the inner moon orbits twice for each single orbit of the outer moon. It's a stable orbital pattern and would make two acceptable sized moons orbiting the world possible as the resonance reinforces the orbit.

As for the red moon... Normally it would heavily affect and mess with the moons due to gravity in odd places. However it doesn't seem to follow the laws of physics so it would be fine having it not affect celestial bodies gravitationally.

So, if I understand this correctly.  I could have two moons that have roughly identical orbital paths, but they would have to be situated on opposites sides of the planet. They would also have to maintain the same speeds.  Or, I could have a smaller planet, in a more shallow orbit, that revolves roughly twice as fast?  I am not married to the binary satellite either, as long as I can maintain a coherent pursued/pursuer relationship between the two for religious purposes.

I am forced to agree regarding the wayward moon and its effects on gravitational forces.  What if the red moon did follow a pattern, but it's orbit was much slower?  This would create long periods where it disappeared, and extended periods where it appeared in the sky.  This could also suit my purposes.  I would be seeking an extremely slow speed, however.  Maybe revolving around the planet twice a year or once every two months?  Can the speed of the orbit change, perhaps?  Just throwing out some ideas.

I am entertaining these ideas in order to foster some inherent realism in the surroundings.  The mystic and mysterious properties of the moons can be woven into the setting whether the moons follow a path or dance about the sky randomly.

I have officially killed the ring satellite idea in favor of meteorites bearing minerals with magic enhancing properties.  Just so you know.

In that case I would go with limetom's idea and make it a comet.

Quote from: NomadicIn that case I would go with limetom's idea and make it a comet.

Yes, there are comets.  I haven't delved into that aspect of the cosmology, yet.  If the comet could account for the meteroites I don't mind attributing them to it.  The comets would have great religious and perhaps magical significance (other than the meteroites).

would make for interesting mythology I think, a blood red comet that showers the world with destruction at each passing. Perhaps the meteorites from it, when they strike the ground set off a blast of demonic energy that weakens the bonds nearby that hold such creatures in check. Just a thought anyhow.

Quote from: Nomadicwould make for interesting mythology I think, a blood red comet that showers the world with destruction at each passing. Perhaps the meteorites from it, when they strike the ground set off a blast of demonic energy that weakens the bonds nearby that hold such creatures in check. Just a thought anyhow.

I think I am going to keep both and change the twin moons into twin stars.  I am working on it now, and I'll post it a little later.

Quotewould make for interesting mythology I think, a blood red comet that showers the world with destruction at each passing.

... Reminds me of Anne McCaffery's Pern series.

Quote from: PorkletNOTE:  Not Hooter's girls or Playmates...

I was thinking more about Uma Thermon and Milla Jovovich....

Quote from: Porklet1.  Memnona & Myrgla, the Twin Moons:  These moons tumble over each other in the sky on a fixed orbit.  When one is full the other is also, etc.  They are high in the sky and far from the surface.  They appear as symbols in religions the world over.  I am wondering how they might affect the tides and currents?  I don't know how binary satellites work, but if anyone has some insight that might help flesh it out more, that would be appreciated.  I want some subtle effects, if any.

This sounds like you have two have a pair of binary moons orbiting a point that itself orbits the planet.  If they're that far from the planet and typical for what we see around rocky planets (Earth's moon is abnormally large), they'll probably act as a single gravity well with the mass of the two moons combined acting from the point the spin around.  You can figure the tides form there; I know there are websites online that have data and formulae for calculating tides.

Quote from: Porklet2.  Lushar, the Crimson Moon:  This moon is a striking red with some white, seemingly glowing, features.  It is commonly associated with Argulite (demonic) magic and does affect its cycles.  It was used as a symbol for a world-spanning empire, the Lusharite Empire, that used demonic powers to seduce and conquer its "holdings".  It does not follow a "fixed" orbit, and its distance from the surface varies.  It follows a pattern, but in terms of human life it is random (the pattern is over the course of millions of years).  It can hover in the sky for years and then disappear for centuries.  These are two extreme examples.  It has an extreme effect on tides, weather patterns, currents, and magic cycles (as mentioned above).  I am looking for ideas on what type of effects might take place.  It was in the sky for several decades several years ago so it might not return anytime soon, but when it does I wanted to implement some particularly destructive and inventive effects.  Any ideas?

This sounds much like a very eccentric orbit, as was mentioned, like that of a comet.  If it's completely random, let's just spitball effects of when it's around.

Extreme Tides imply that it is either very close to the planet's surface, which would result in it appearing very large.  By some law or limit I can't remember the name of, it'd probably top out at being about two to four times the viewable size of our moon before it'd crash into the planet or be torn apart by tidal forces.  If it's a certain color, it could cast a really weird light on teh planet when it's in the sky.  Alternatively, it is just very dense and massive.  This would lead to a smaller moon that is the size of our moon (in terms of viewing) or smaller.

In terms of magical effect, from what you've said, it could be extremely arbitrary and just do whatever is needed to benefit her cultists at that time.  It'd probalby be best to make it specific to each appearance but offer oblique assistance, so as to confuse the PCs a little unless they're clever.

Quote from: Porklet3.  Hemra, the World's Belt:  This is a ring satellite.  I am going back and forth on whether to include this one at all.  Are rings visible from the surface?  If so, what do they look like?  These are actual questions and not just musings.  I had envisioned the ring being associated with the Elder God Orum.  He is magic incarnate.  The materials from the ring give bonuses to casting in the form of increased duration, range, and power.  It can also reduce FP costs.  It is also necessary for certain high powered spells and rituals.  Would debris from a ring fall to the earth?  If Lushar were to move thru the ring what effect would that have?

This one got covered pretty well already, so I'll elave it be.

My fantasy world has three moons and an extensive ring system. It was created by gods, it doesn't have to follow the laws of physics. That's what gods are all about - they are the ultimate supernatural power. It's cosmetics anyway. It's my personal belief that as long as your world is internally consistent, you don't have to follow the laws of physics too closely.

The limit Raven is referring to is the Roche limit. If a moon orbits too closely, tidal forces will rip it apart.

Thanks, nils.  Was drawing a total blank last night.  Then again I wrote that after I got home from St Patrick's Day celebrations.

Some other things that are intersting, even though would likely not occur in nature:  A super-light black hole for a moon--perahps make it a naked singularity; then you can make up anything you want for real and no one can contest you.  A rogue planetoid on an essentric orbit around the sun that crosses the planets path and occassionally--probably seemingly at random--pulls a slingshot maneuver around the planet, changing both orbits (lots of catastrophic effects would ensue).  A moon could magically have rings.  The polar light shows could be quite spectactular if your planet has rings, considering the aurora would be punctuated with falling stars, which brings up the point that falling stars would be very mundane (unlike the omen they were in our history).

Just some more thoughts.  Hope they spark something.

P.S.  Just what the rings would look like would depend on where the rings circle the planet (likely the equator), and the latitude from which you are viewing them.  If they circle the equator and you are at the equator, they'd be a thin line.  If you're standing in Canada, they'd be potentially spectactular.  Also remember that Saturn's rings do have a few moons in them.  It all depends on the scale of the ring system and the size of the moons.  Lastly, yes the Roche limit will keep things realistic, but don't forget you're working with a fantasy world.  "The gods made it that way" is a reasonable explination.

Quote from: Raven BloodmoonLastly, yes the Roche limit will keep things realistic, but don't forget you're working with a fantasy world.  "The gods made it that way" is a reasonable explanation.

Which means fun things like a moon that hovers 100 meters above the face of the world as it travels along.

If that's what Porklet would like, then yes, it does.  Of course, he'll have soem whopping big tides and rather wide U-shaped valleys where the moon bashed its way through the local elevation.

Quote from: Raven BloodmoonIf that's what Porklet would like, then yes, it does.  Of course, he'll have soem whopping big tides and rather wide U-shaped valleys where the moon bashed its way through the local elevation.

I don't think I want to take it that far.  I have, however, finally finished the major highpoints of celestial bodies for my setting:

1)  Kalil:  The sun, it permeates human religious symbolism throughout the known world, and it is the principal symbol and harbinger of the Elder God Etheb.  Some cultures that have been tainted by Argul or even warped and fallen Ethebian sources fear and revile the sun.  Most notably the peoples of Ba', Seph Oora, Nimbraal, Thuvenhome, and the Muatha of Kyth.

2)  Caraptos, Herma, & Eidren Ern:  These comets travel past the planet in independent extended orbits.  Caraptos appears small in the sky, and its prevalent hue is red with a purplish trail.  Herma and Eidren Ern are both white in appearance with light blue trails.  Herma appears slightly larger than Caraptos, but Eidren Ern is massive; seemingly five times the size of both of the other comets.  Caraptos passes close every 1,543 days (123 past the 4 year mark), and it rides the skies for 9 days.  Herma travels past every 5,804 days (44 days past the 16 year mark), and is visible for 18 days.  Eidren Ern arrives back at Arsk every 20,236 days (76 days past the 56 year mark), and can be seen with the naked eye for only 3 days.  All three comets herald windows of magical aptitude according to the Orumite Way, and the accompanying meteorite storms bring with it Xetic crystal and stone; which is a magical enhancer and can replace many components used for spell casting and rituals.      

3)  Memnona & Myrgla:  The Twin Moons are a binary satellite and tumble over each other in the sky.  Their orbits are always an equal distance and the two never pass between each other and the earth below.  Although the moons do appear in religious symbolism around the world they do not have any affect on magic casting or ceremonies.  Some orders do utilize the phases of these moons to coordinate rituals spread out throughout the land; thereby effectively creating a mana flow.

4)  Lushar:  This crimson moon follows a wildly varying orbit and is prominent in the night sky.  Although it always travels west to east (opposite of both Kalil and the Twin Moons) the orbit varies in velocity and distance from the surface.  Lushar can seemingly hover overhead for a decade and then disappear over the horizon for a century.  During the periods where Lushar is visible, day or night, the tides are more violent and strong along with wild and powerful weather patterns.  There is also a growing number of supernatural occurrences during this time; this can be attributed to the effect the satellite has on demonic rituals and observances.  The moon always appears full due to an inherent crimson luminescence, and when it is in a lower orbit the night takes on a reddish tint.  This effect is lessened the higher in the sky Lushar chooses to appear.  Its phases form the Lusharite religious calendar; which is also wildly varying, and only the greatest of Lusharite priests could predict its course.  It was also used as the primary symbol for the Nedarian controlled Lusharite Empire.  In human culture the moon symbolizes dark and unwanted powers and entities.   It, in fact, has direct effects on demonic magic based on its phase, the presence of any of the three comets, and during a lunar or solar eclipse.

5)  Garion & His Sisters  This collection of  bright and constant stars in the north are also the subject of religious devotion and are utilized by navigators the world over.  Garion is the brightest along with Giira, Hathea, and Aiduna, the Sisters.  The four form a rudimentary pyramid with Garion, the brightest, in the center of the base.  Although the names sometimes vary from civilization to civilization the names above are elven names and are known throughout the lands.  They are sometimes used as a focus for ritual magic, but they do not have any real effect on the casting.  Some sages speculate that the proliferation of pyramids and triangular shapes in architecture and religion can be attributed to this celestial phenomena.

6)  Arkailian Record, the:  Many civilizations have found images in the stars, but the most widely accepted map of  constellations was created by the Kythians.  They are the premier merchants and sailors of the world.  From their home in the arctic northwest you can find representatives of Kythian Trading Houses in nearly every port.  Although their interpretation of the night sky has been used as a basis for a minor religion and navigation it has no extraordinary effect on the normal order of things.

I appreciate all of the ideas and suggestions to date, and I am always happy to receive feedback, good or bad.  So feel free to make any comments or kick around any ideas you wish.  This is a subject I never tire of.

What happens if a comet is eclipsed?  What happens if Memnona and Myrgla are ecplised?  Has one ever been eclipsed without the other (like a partial that never reaches the other moon)?  What happenned then?  What happens when Kalil is eclipsed?  It is an omen?  What sort?  Is Lushar ever eclipsed and if so, what does that mean?  Do the stars hold any powers (i.e. Lovecraft or perhaps less evil)?  Is there a zodiac?  What does it mean?  How is the day divided up?  Do certain times of day/night have special significance or effect on magic?  What magical holidays are there, if any?  Are they fixed or do they follow some complicated pattern?  What sort of calendar is used?  Do lunar calendars and solar ones match up or is there a difference (like in the real world)?

If you really want 101 questions, I dare you to mention the Spanish Inqusition.  ;)

(http://luciferknight.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/spanish_inquisition.jpg)

Quote from: Nomadic(http://luciferknight.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/spanish_inquisition.jpg)

Quite!  I'll be right back.

Quote from: Raven BloodmoonWhat happens if a comet is eclipsed?  What happens if Memnona and Myrgla are ecplised?  Has one ever been eclipsed without the other (like a partial that never reaches the other moon)?  What happenned then?  What happens when Kalil is eclipsed?  It is an omen?  What sort?  Is Lushar ever eclipsed and if so, what does that mean?  Do the stars hold any powers (i.e. Lovecraft or perhaps less evil)?  Is there a zodiac?  What does it mean?  How is the day divided up?  Do certain times of day/night have special significance or effect on magic?  What magical holidays are there, if any?  Are they fixed or do they follow some complicated pattern?  What sort of calendar is used?  Do lunar calendars and solar ones match up or is there a difference (like in the real world)?

If you really want 101 questions, I dare you to mention the Spanish Inqusition.  ;)

I hate to admit that the idea of an eclipse taking place had never occurred to me.  I am uncertain how eclipses work.  I have an idea, but I honestly don't even know the difference between a lunar or solar eclipse.  I would assume one would be when the moon passes in front of the sun, and one would be when the earth passes between the sun and the moon?  All of that being said I will attempt to answer all of the questions to the best of my ability or as much as the standing information of my setting will allow.

How Arsk came to be should be noted here so that the relationships between these celestial bodies can be better understood (by you and me).

NOTE:  Some of these facts have been long established, and some were just created.  For purposes of this exercise, the names and relationships of the Elder Gods, their relative magic systems and celestial bodies, and the establishment of a Lusharite Empire based on demonic worship and ritual are the only established material.  Most everything else has been work on the fly, and is subject to deletion or modification at any time.  Have fun'¦  

Arsk consists of four major powers that were responsible for its creation and proliferation.  These are the Elder Gods.  Although, their true identities are lost to humanity they are hinted at in and amongst the religious texts and teachings of the Younger.  Those powers are Etheb, Orum, Feda, and Asta Luria.  NOTE:  I am not real fond of the passage below, and I will rewrite it many times before I am done.  However, the general idea is represented.
   
'Etheb and Orum were great friends, and Etheb was married to Orum's sister Asta Luria.  Orum was married to the beautiful Feda, and Etheb wanted her for himself.  Etheb begged Orum to create for him the greatest cut gem ever conceived.  Orum, thinking it was a gift for Asta Luria used all of his skill and part of his essence to craft it.   Orum gave it to Etheb, and Etheb gave it to Feda.  Feda acquiesced, and Etheb and Feda lay together.  Etheb and Feda were discovered by Asta Luria, and Asta Luria swore vengeance upon both Etheb and Feda.  Asta Luria stole the gem.  The gem was called Arsk, and it is where our histories take place.  Dreamt of by Etheb, crafted by Orum, given to Feda, and coveted by Asta Luria Arsk was and will be.', Arkyn the Illuminator, from the Tome Perpetual

   While each power represents a conscious entity that is aware and availed of Arsk, in varying proportion, they also manifest themselves as forces of nature.  Sometimes this takes the form of celestial bodies and features of the landscape.  At all times, they are the source of godly power and magical essences.  The deities and religious symbols of this time are mere facets and shadows of the primary gods.  

The relationships of these Elder Gods:
Asta Luria is opposed to Etheb and Feda
Etheb is opposed to Orum and Asta Luria
Orum and Feda are not opposed to any other divine source

The Elder Gods and their manifestation of energy on this world:
Etheb:  Divine Power (known to those who worship any number of deities)
Orum:  Arcane Magic (known only to Orumites or those of Orumite Blood)
Feda:  Faerie Magic (known only to elves and their ilk)
Asta Luria:  Lusharite/Argulite Magic (Demonic)  (known to those who dare)

The Elder Gods and there corresponding celestial body are listed below:
Etheb:  Kalil, the Sun
Orum:  Caraptos, Herma, & Eidren Ern (representing the Three Houses of the Tetron)
Feda:  Memnona & Myrgla
Asta Luria:  Lushar (was created by Asta Luria during the First Age)
Garion & His Sisters and the Arkailian Record:  These are the interpretations of man.

I am making most of this up as I go along:

What happens if a comet is eclipsed?  Etheb v. Orum, should a comet pass before the sun some religious hierarchies would see that as a bad sign or even a cataclysmic omen.  Should the sun somehow block sight of a comet these same cults would see that as a good sign.  Practitioners of Orumitic Magic are not given to superstition; it is a science.  They would understand the physical nature of this phenomena.  The presence of Kalil would not interfere with the effects of any of the three comets.


What happens if Memnona and Myrgla are ecplised?  Etheb and Feda, these two are lovers.  It would be an important event in most human religions that revered the sun or the Twin Moons.  The elves and the Fey are the children of Feda, and it would mark holidays and festivals of great magnitude for both.


Has one ever been eclipsed without the other (like a partial that never reaches the other moon)?  There would be occurrences where one or the other was involved in an eclipse or both partially involved in an eclipse.  The exact interpretation of such an event would be different than a full eclipse.  It would depend on the temple or religion in question.


What happenned then?  Before the time when the Sulustines settled in elven held Ri-Katha or the elven prince Relin founded Relford in the north the elves and the Fey were viewed with suspicion.  Until the nature of elves and their relationship with the Twin Moons was widely understood it was a time of great trepidation.


What happens when Kalil is eclipsed? It is an omen? What sort?  Etheb vs. Asta Luria, If Kalil were to be eclipsed by Lushar, as it has been in the past, it would greatly strengthen demonic magic.  When this occurs demons are manifest on the earth, and related rituals and ceremonies increase in power and scope.  It was during one of these eclipses that Mulmeth appeared to the ancient Nedarians and taught them of Asta Luria and the demons of Argul.  The Named were also summoned to this plane during an eclipse at the height of the Lusharite Empire.  It was also during one of the periods, when Mulmeth was fully formed on Arsk, that he was slain by Eradon wielding Etheb's Resolve.  This signaled the end of the empire.


Is Lushar ever eclipsed and if so, what does that mean?  Lushar is luminescent, and nothing lies between it and the earth below.  Lushar is never eclipsed.


Do the stars hold any powers (i.e. Lovecraft or perhaps less evil)? Beyond minor cults and religions they hold no power save for the effects of Garion & His Sisters on literature, architecture, and various other art forms.


Is there a zodiac? What does it mean? No.


How is the day divided up? Days are 24 hours (for simplicity's sake).  In most societies it is broken into 6 four hour periods named something similar to Morntime, Noontime, Afternoon, Evetime, Nighttime, and Afternight beginning at dawn.  Some other societies have the ability to measure hours and it is broken up into 24 hours (also beginning at dawn).


Do certain times of day/night have special significance or effect on magic?  The presence of Kalil in the sky diminishes any magic associated with Asta Luria.  Although, Lushar often appears during the day as well.  Most demonic rituals are better suited to being performed at night.  All other factors are governed by the celestial bodies and their current relationship to each other.  There is no distinction between night and day.


What magical holidays are there, if any? Are they fixed or do they follow some complicated pattern?  There are no magical holidays, per se.  The Orumites do not celebrate holidays and the like.  The elves do (with magic), but it's not a magical holiday.  The arrival and presence of Lushar is celebrated by practitioners and devotees of Asta Luria, but there is no formal festival of magic.


What sort of calendar is used?   The Lusharite Empire established a calendar over several centuries and required its conquered holdings and tribute states to adopt it.  It was called the Mulmethian Calendar, but that name has been removed since the fall of the empire.  It is now called the Evidian Account (named after the city where the Counsel of the Free Peoples was held) or the New Dawn Calendar (starting anew after the fall of the Lusharite Empire).  As a result, most of the known world follows the same calendar with few exceptions.  The Volmatic calendar (used in Kyth and Kotala), the Orumitic Counting of the Days, the elven account of the past (which has no title and each year has it's own name), the Acrilotian Calendar (which has been lost to time following the eruption of Kes Kes), Ruaric Account (used by most aquatic races), and the dwarven calendar called the Humetek (Darktime), the Aurtek (Hardtime), and the current calendar named the Aumgrim (Time of the Citadels).


Do lunar calendars and solar ones match up or is there a difference (like in the real world)?
Most calendars are based on a recognizable passage of four seasons (I suppose that would be based on the sun) and starts when Spring starts.  Any lunar calendars would be based on the phases of Memnona & Myrgla (since Lushar is unpredictable to any but the most accomplished Demonologists or Nedarian Priests).  The Evidian Account is broken up into a 360 day year with 12 months of 30 days.  Other calendars vary.  For instance, the Volmatic Calendar is 10 months of varying length to allow for certain annual phases of Kythian society such as the sowing of crops, settling of clan disputes, the harvest, and the elongated and dangerous winter time.