tidsepokes

Tidsepokes are fictional timekeeping artifacts described in folklore and speculative fiction. They consist of a small central hub with outward-extending spokes and are used to mark the passage of time by aligning with celestial or tidal cues. Across cultures they are regarded as portable devices that synchronize daily life with natural cycles.

Designs vary, but tidsepokes are commonly made of wood, bone, or metal and range from 6 to 25 centimeters. They may feature 12, 24, or 48 evenly spaced spokes, each notched to indicate hours, tides, or ceremonial phases. Some variants include a detachable dial or disc to calibrate readings for a local chronometer.

Usage typically involves aligning the hub with a fixed marker—such as a horizon line, star, or shoreline. As shadows or tides move, a reader selects a spoke and notch to read a time marker. The device emphasizes relational time (before/after events) rather than precise minutes.

Historically, tidsepokes appear in folklore and are described as heirlooms passed within families or navigators’ guilds. They often accompany seasonal ceremonies, voyages, or market schedules, and their art and engraving reflect local symbolism.

In modern fantasy fiction and role-playing games, tidsepokes are used as lore objects or mechanics that influence day-night cycles, quests, or timelines. They are typically treated as culturally rich artifacts with regional variants and limited scientific accuracy.