Counting

Silonê Base-12 Counting System

The Silonê base-12 counting system is the duodecimal numerical system used by the Silone clans on the island of Kaludor. This sstem demonstrates the people's affection for the number twelve: twelve months and twelve hells, the former representing the journey of life, and the latter, the journey of death. Some factions of the Pantheon of Sol also claim that the Road of Living Stars requires one hundred and forty-four steps to cross safely into the heavens. The system includes unique terms for numbers 1–12, compound forms for higher numbers, and distinct visual glyphs for written records. The counting system translates well to counting with your fingers, with bones in each finger (plus the thumb, used to track the 4x3 of the fingers) which creates a system of finger counting capable of reaching 144.

Where the Romans used a similar finger counting system, their numerals were base 10, the classic IV = 4 system with X =10, the Silone have a purist Base 12 system. The system is very effective, although it messes with our Base 10 brains.

Numbers 1–12

The foundational numbers in Silonê are unique terms for 1 through 12, pronounced with the language’s characteristic Germanic-Gaelic-Norse phonology. Below is a table of these numbers, their decimal equivalents, pronunciations, and Keyboard entry for the Silone Font..

Number (Silonê)	Decimal Equivalent	Pronunciation	Keyboard
Ên	1	Ēn	1
Tvâgh	2	Tvāhgh	2
Thrûsk	3	Throosk	3
Fêrvn	4	Fēhrvn	4
Pîmkh	5	Pyīmkh	5
Sêkhv	6	Sēhk-khv	6
Sûvndh	7	Soovn-dh	7
Âkhtr	8	Āhkh-tr	8
Nîvgh	9	Nīv-gh	9
Tîvsk	10	Tyī-vsk	Shift-0
Êlvnd	11	Ēhl-vnd	Shift-1
Tvêlskh	12	Tvēhl-sk-kh	Shift-2

Higher Numbers and Multiples

Silonê constructs higher numbers using a base-12 framework, combining base terms with multipliers for larger units:

• Tvâtvêl: 24 ("Tvah-tvehl", two-twelve, 2 × 12)
• Dûztvêl: 144 ("Dooz-tvehl", dozen-twelve, 12 × 12, a gross)
• Khâlm: 1,728 ("Khahlm", 12 × 12 × 12, a thousand in base-12)
• Tâlv: Count/Tally ("Tahlv"), used in phrases like "Gâth tâlvar" (Gather the count).

Examples

• 13: Tvêlskh ên ("Twelve and one", 12 + 1 = 13 in decimal)
• 20: Tvêlskh tîvsk ("Twelve and ten", 12 + 10 = 22 in decimal)
• 25: Tvâtvêl ên ("Two-twelve and one", 2 × 12 + 1 = 25 in decimal)
• 156: Dûztvêl tvêlskh ("Dozen-twelve and twelve", 12 × 12 + 12 = 156 in decimal)

Visual Glyphs

The glyphs are designed for clarity and cultural resonance, with archaic and modern forms for twelve.

See Also

• Silonê Language
• Pantheon of Sol
• Sister Continents