Quick Answer
- A countdown in the Artwork view points to May 9, 2027.
- Rebecca Yarros said the site is designed so you manifest your signets in May.
- In the Fourth Wing books, a signet is the unique magical power that manifests after a dragon bonds with you.
- Bond a dragon now and be ready for May.
§1 The May 9 Countdown
When you enter the Artwork view in the Rotunda and click on the screen, a countdown appears. Players who discovered it found that it points to May 9, 2027—or possibly May 8, depending on timezone. This countdown is not explained on the site, but Rebecca Yarros has given us context.
In an Instagram post, Yarros said the site "is designed to grow, so I hope you're all ready to manifest your signets in May!" This is the clearest official statement we have about what the countdown means and what will happen next.
§2 What is a Signet?
In the Fourth Wing books by Rebecca Yarros, a signet is a unique magical power that manifests in a rider after their dragon bonds with them. Every signet is personal to that bonding—no two riders have the exact same signet. Signets range from elemental powers (fire, ice, lightning) to mental abilities (telepathy, shielding) to rarer, stranger gifts.
Signets are central to the world of the Empyrean. A rider's power and potential are defined partly by their dragon and partly by their signet. In the game, your dragon is chosen by May 9. Your signet—what power you wield—may manifest on or around that date.
§3 How Dragonkind Ties In
Dragonkind launched on October 1, 2026, alongside the book Threshing Day (September 29, 2026). Both are Rebecca Yarros' creations: the book is traditional fiction, and the game is interactive fiction written by her.
The game recreates Threshing—the moment a dragon chooses a rider. The book tells stories of other riders going through Threshing. Both are leading toward May 9, when signets manifest.
Players have noted that May 9 appears in Fourth Wing lore as significant, but no official connection has been stated. What we know for sure is her post: the site will grow, and signets are coming in May.
§4 What Should I Do Now?
Bond a dragon. If Yarros designed the site for you to manifest a signet in May, the logical first step is to bond a dragon before that date. Our guides at /how-to-play/ and /threshing-answers/ will help you survive the Threshing.
Explore the site. The Rotunda, the Public Notices, the Artwork—all of these have lore and flavor. The countdown is not the only mystery.
Watch for updates. As May approaches, the site will likely change or expand. This wiki will update with new information as it emerges.
§ FAQ
What is the countdown pointing to?
Players discovered that the countdown in the Artwork view points to May 9, 2027. Rebecca Yarros wrote that the site is designed to grow and told readers to get ready to manifest their signets in May, suggesting that signet powers will activate or be revealed on that date.
Do I have to bond a dragon before May 9?
No official requirement has been stated. Since signets come from the bond in the books, bonding a dragon before May looks like the safest way to be ready.
What happens if I have not bonded a dragon by May 9?
No one knows yet. The site was just launched. This is speculation based on Yarros' statement and community observation. We will update when May approaches.
Is May 9 related to Fourth Wing lore?
Players have pointed out dates in the Fourth Wing series that may connect to May 9, but no official confirmation exists. We will update as more information emerges.
Can I see the countdown?
Yes. From the Rotunda, tap Artwork, then click anywhere on the screen. The countdown should appear.