Homesteaders

Living in the Ymir wilderness, Homesteaders have gone through a strict selection program for the privilege of getting their own land. These volunteers are part of every Starseed, an act that some don't understand. In fact, the general population of Ymir tends to consider Homesteaders either foolish or people that are just playing around.
The Science Department, however, disagrees. They know that the Homesteaders exist for a very simple reason: It would be unethical to force people into the role of guinea pig, trying to establish how to survive outside the safety of civilization. Homesteaders function as volunteers, and even jumped through many hoops or paid a large amount of money and resources, to get their family on the Starseed. This resolves the ethical complications.
For Homesteaders to have a decent survival chance, the Science Department judged it necessary to first know more about the local flora and fauna. As such, Homesteaders were only Awakened near the end of the 12-year Awakening process. They were first briefed and trained, before Defenders and Battle Spears helped them build their first homes. Furthermore, the Science Department works closely with Homesteaders to learn from them and keep them safe.

Homestead Act

Each Homesteader household, regardless of size, has rights to a total of 1 square kilometer in land, to be claimed in negotiated areas. This land can be split into a total of 3 claims, which may not be located more than 20km from each other. The household is responsible for internally divying up the land in case of inheritance.
Each household receives 2 containers, external size 6m x 2.5m x 2.5m. One container holds the property they brought from Earth. The other holds their initial construction material and tools. These containers can be kept by the household, and are advised to be used for constructing emergency shelters.
The household must be using at least 30% of their available land within 5 years, or lose their claim. They also must be 75% self-sufficient, excluding default Rations, by the end of these 5 years. The Military Court can make exceptions based on extenuating circumstances.
Homesteader households are allowed to own and wield weapons anywhere in the wilderness. This exemption does not extend to any hired hands, but it does include anyone adopted or married into the household. However, the Military Court is authorised to review these family additions and take action in case of fraud.

Initial Homestead Total

1000

Current Homestead Total

█████

Initial Population

5136

Current Population

~8000 (█████)

Current Claimed Land

~780 km²