This HTML5 document contains 5 embedded RDF statements represented using HTML+Microdata notation.

The embedded RDF content will be recognized by any processor of HTML5 Microdata.

Subject Item

n2:

rdfs:label

Passes and Intervals

rdfs:comment

Passes and Intervals form a fundamental 250-Turn cycle in Pernese history. They are a result of the Red Star's 250-Turn orbit. A Pass is a 50-Turn period during which Thread falls, while the Interval is the period, usually 200 Turns, but in the case of the Long Intervals, 450 Turns, during which Thread does not fall. There have been nine passes and eight intervals so far, and, thanks to the AIVAS' Red Star Diversion Project, the present Pass will be the last one.

dcterms:subject

n6:

n7:wikiPageUsesTemplate

n8:

n4:abstract

Passes and Intervals form a fundamental 250-Turn cycle in Pernese history. They are a result of the Red Star's 250-Turn orbit. A Pass is a 50-Turn period during which Thread falls, while the Interval is the period, usually 200 Turns, but in the case of the Long Intervals, 450 Turns, during which Thread does not fall. There have been nine passes and eight intervals so far, and, thanks to the AIVAS' Red Star Diversion Project, the present Pass will be the last one. This alternation provides a key pattern in Pernese cultural development. At the start of a Pass, the Weyrs grow drastically in prestige and power, due to their sudden renewed importance. Tithes from the Holds and Crafts are increased, and the dragonriders become the most important people on Pern. Some dragonriders do abuse their newfound positions of power, and the early Pass generally is a time of adjustment. During the mid and late Pass, the three fundamental elements of Pernese culture are generally in a balance, in mutual dependence. Once the Pass ends, and the Interval begins, the dragonriders are no longer needed. They continue to receive tithes, out of custom and gratitude, but they are often lower quality, and more grudging. As the Pass fades from living memory into history, the dragonriders' position declines, and they may have difficulty obtaining tithes. Once the Interval ends, the cycle repeats itself. During the Second Long Interval, the dragonriders' position reached a low point, and, as a result, the Holds and Crafts retained greater rights during the Ninth Pass than during other Passes.