Explanations · 9:50pm Aug 8th, 2014
I just added an author's note to the chapter to explain my thought process when it comes to the age of the characters, and the whole high school thing. But, rather than send you all there, I will just put what it said here.
Mask Roles is 16 years old in the story. And, in my mind, 17 is the age that Equestrian citizens are considered mature. But 18 is the age that they can live on their own. Meaning that consenting for intercourse and drinking is allowed once they reach their 17th birthday. But a citizen cannot own a house or live without adult supervision until the age of 18. So Mask is nearly considered mature, But he'll live with his parents until he's 18.
Also, high school is an institution for the advancement of skills. It is not a requirement for pony society. Neither is college. Since most ponies earn their cutie marks when they are still considered either colts or fillies, they have an idea of what they want to do for the rest of their lives. Many jobs either don't require much knowledge or they require something such as an apprenticeship or internship. Ponies with more ambition, or who need more knowledge before they pursue a craft. Careers in writing, science, or math, are some jobs that ponies would pursue through higher levels of education. While blacksmithing, woodcrafting, gardening, etc, would require other channels of knowledge.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask. It's my fault if something is unclear. And it would most likely help me to further my thoughts by answering the questions.
Less talky...
More writey!
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