Terraforming

Terraforming is a process for turning an inhospitable environment to better match the conditions of the homeworld Polemos.

In the 9th Age terraforming technology is still crude and somewhat experimental. It is also a slow, generational process. Worlds are categorized by how habitable they have become, and what major issues are left for them to become fully terraformed. A world is considered “habitable” if Polemos natives can live on the planet without breathers, suits, or other technological aid.

Stage 0 worlds are completely terraformed and have negligible environmental differences with Polemos. A native of Polemos traveling to a stage 0 world would be comfortable with only a minor acclimation period.

Stage 1 worlds are fully habitable, but have an environmental variable that is slightly out of sync with Polemos standards. While natives of Polemos would be able to live on a stage 1 world without risk or assistance they might be uncomfortable in some regard.

Stage 2 worlds are habitable, but are not comfortable. They may deviate from polemos environmental standards in several areas and may pose long term health risks for those not acclimated.

Stage 3 worlds are on the borderline of habitable. While ancestral natives of the world may be able to live without technological aid natives of Polemos would not.

Stage 4 worlds are inhabitable, but only require a minor amount of technological aid to live on. For example, a world's temperature, pressure, and gravity might be comfortable, but breath masks are needed due to a poisonous atmosphere.

Stage 5 worlds are inhabitable but do not require full environmental suits. For example, a world may require a breath mask and heated clothing, but has enough atmosphere to not require a pressure suit.

Stage 6 worlds are completely inhospitable and require full environmental gear to survive on.

Worlds that are not fully habitable (Stage 3 and above) are often labeled by the environmental hazards that have yet to be terraformed so those visiting will more easily be able to prepare themselves. Danger is considered for Polemos natives; ancestral residents may not be affected if the hazard is only slightly out of standard.