Equiarium

In the lore and culture of the Old Guilds, every nine solstices (four and half years) in a person's life constitutes an equiarium. (Note that a year on Landfall is twice as long as a year on Earth; therefore, nine solstices on Landfall is roughly the same as nine years on Earth) Each equiarium represents a turning point or the beginning of a new chapter in life -- a time of major tumult and change. It is celebrated as an eminent occasion.

The plural of equiarium is "equiaria." The word's origin is peculiar and unknown. Unlike most ancient words, it does not come from Elder, and there is no equivalent concept in the Elder language.

First Equiarium (Ages 0 to 8)
Childhood. A time of innocence, simplicity, dependence, and growth.

Second Equiarium (Ages 9 to 17)
Adolescence. A time of passion, energy, learning, and change.

Third Equiarium (Ages 18 to 26)
Parenthood. A time of thinking beyond oneself, bearing and raising children.

Fourth Equiarium (Ages 27 to 35)
Profession. A time of labor, improvement, and teaching.

Fifth Equiarium and Beyond (Ages 36 and Up)
Maturity and wisdom. Average life expectancy among man-kin of Landfall means that most people will not live beyond their fifth equiarium.