Face mask

Face masks were recommended on Ymir from the very start. And the second the Science Department became aware of Black Lung, they really started stressing their usage. However, thanks to both luck and the measures, it took years for the disease to first strike. By then, people were less than interested in continuing to follow protocol. Then the deaths started and people realised how serious the protocols were.   Even though Black Lung vaccines now exist, there is still a fatality chance, especially with mutations and possible other infections. As such, outside their homes most Homesteaders wear masks, even though outside the First City they are not considered to fall under the Mask Mandate. And since it is hard to properly identify someone wearing a mask at a while away, the need for personal styles grew. Thus, Homesteaders starting wearing more and more unique face masks. This evolved into an entire fashion industry.   An added bonus here is that there is solid evidence supporting the ability of Corvus specimen being able to identify people based on both faces and face masks. In fact, it appears the creatures spread the word. So a Homesteader with a particular unique mask will be identified by various flocks, for better or for worse.   Within the First City, most areas are considered Mask-free Zones. While some people voluntarily wear masks, they are relatively rare. With Homesteaders, however, the percentage is estimated to be at least above 70%. This doesn't fully show on the many released Scribe 2.0 videos, but that is because the performers depend on their facial expressions to engage their viewers. As such, wearing a mask but no Defenders uniform inside the First City, can lead to the assumption that the wearer is a Homesteader.