Talk:Androssi Zahard/@comment-198.251.184.120-20160901104517/@comment-26484417-20160901133650

Well, 300 years is a very old age even in the Tower for some people. If I recall correctly, the idea is that descendants of the Great Families--with the exception of Hendo Family--and possibly even Zahard Princesses regardless of their origin cannot die of old age, and their appearance is somehow connected to their mastery over Shinsoo. However, it's apparently quite different for everyone else.

Note: Even in this context, both Ran and Yihwa started climbing in their teens.

Outside of the Great Families context, however, the lifespan is most likely defined by the species, though it's been said that Rankers can live longer than the rest. This could mean that Shinsoo mastery can extend one's lifespan, but it can also be the various contracts that set Rankers apart from everyone else, or it could be the exposure to higher density Shinsoo, etc.

As for the climbing, Headon apparently chooses individuals who desire to climb, but it has been suggested over and over that the selection can be arranged and even expected, so there is probably some predictability to his selection.