On the island of Sum Saihc, resident's lives are defined by which tempus they are in (a tempus is a period of 7 years starting at birth).
First Tempus (0-7yo): Children are expected to simply learn, grow, and play in their first Tempus.
Second Tempus (8-14yo): Known as Apprentices, children will now spend about 20 hours a week helping a Master with tasks like farming, woodworking, shipbuilding, blacksmithing, sewing, baking, etc.
Third Tempus (15-21yo): Now nearly adults, Apprentices are encouraged to attend social events in addition to their normal work schedule. Most residents of Sum Saihc will meet their future spouse in their Third Tempus. Although marriage is not allowed until both persons reach their Fourth Tempus, all the necessary learning and preparation for family life is expected to take place in the Third Tempus.
Fourth & Fifth Tempus (22-35yo):
All residents upon reaching age 22, will enter the busiest and most point in their lives. They will now, on their own time, get married and start families. Residents will also begin to take part in the ritual of Conversing. Residents in these Tempus will be responsible for all administrative, regulatory, and executive functions of the island, according to the guidance received during the Conversing.
Sixth & Twelfth Tempus (35-42yo & 78+): Residents in these Tempus are expected to not work as well as stay out of political affairs. However, they are expected to focus on personal growth, exploration, and creativity.
Seventh Tempus (43-49yo): Known as the Mirror Tempus (referencing the mirrored sunset on the surface of the ocean in the evenings), these residents have the esteemed responsibility to help those in the First Tempus. They will often watch, entertain, and care for children whose parents must perform duties for the Midling Council. Most children are as close to their Mirror as they are to their parents.
Eighth & Ninth Tempus (50-63yo): Residents in these Tempus are referred to as Masters. They are in charge of training, overseeing, and administrating non governmental operations. Examples include running a bakery, training new farmers, or helping design a new bridge (under direction of a committee from the Midling Council).
Tenth & Eleventh Tempus (64-77yo): Citizens in these Tempus are reaching the end of their societal obligations. For two Tempus they will be referred to as Philosphers, and much like the Masters, they will play a training or educational role. Where the Masters lead the Second and Third Tempus, the Philosophers lead the Midling Councilmembers of the Fourth and Fifth Tempus. It is important to note that Philosophers have no real governmental power but rather act as thought leaders, founts of wisdom, and historians offering perspective.
