Arthur Maxson

Elder Arthur Maxson (Registration MX-001E) is the last descendant of the Maxson lineage. He served as a squire in the Citadel in 2277 and became the supreme commanderSole Survivor: "Can you tell me anything about Elder Maxson?"Kells: "Elder Maxson is the supreme commander of the Brotherhood. Without his tenacity and his vision, we'd still be a small group of complacent stragglers occupying the Citadel in the Capital Wasteland. In a mere decade, he's grown the Brotherhood of Steel into a major military force."(Kells' dialogue) of the East Coast chapter of the Brotherhood in 2287, during the events of Fallout 4.
==Background==
===Early life (2267-2277)===
Born in 2267 to Jonathan and Jessica Maxson, Arthur is a descendant of the legendary Roger Maxson, founder of the Brotherhood of Steel. His father, a high-ranking paladin serving just outside the New California Republic, was recently killed in battle, and his mother, Lady Maxson, sent the boy east to be raised under the tutelage of the then respected Elder Owyn Lyons. Squire Maxson tends toward timidity, which is the main reason his mother sent him to the Citadel.Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.98: "Squire Arthur MaxsonSquire Maxson is a descendant of the legendary Roger Maxson, founder of the Brotherhood of Steel. His father, a high-ranking Paladin serving just outside the N.C.R. (New California Republic), was recently killed in battle, and his mother, the Lady Maxson, sent the boy east to be raised under the tutelage of the respected Elder Lyons. Squire Maxson tends toward timidity, which is the main reason his mother sent him to the Citadel."(Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census) Part of the reason were internal conflicts in the Brotherhood out west, which created an unsafe environment for Arthur.Citadel terminal entries; Maxson Archive terminal, New Entry: Scribe Arthur Maxson 
====Studies====
Ever since arriving at the Citadel, Arthur was an attentive student, with a good knowledge of the Brotherhood's triumphs and history.The Lone Wanderer: "What do you make of the Enclave, Squire?"Arthur Maxson: "Y... You're asking me what I think of the Enclave? Well... The Brotherhood of Steel has actually faced the Enclave before. Back West. More than thirty years ago, according to our chronicles. Judging from those records, I'd say their soldiers are outfitted in Advanced Power Armor Mark II. It's... pretty strong. Better than our Power Armor. And some of their technology is amazing! Vertibirds! Plasma weapons that can turn a man to goo! Does... that help?"(Arthur Maxson's dialogue) He has also proven himself to be a keen observer, making accurate observations of the local super mutant threat and even observing a behemoth from the Citadel walls once.The Lone Wanderer: "I don't suppose you know anything about the Super Mutants?"Arthur Maxson: "Oh yes! I've studied them quite a bit since I've been here! They're not all the same, you know. Besides the regular ones, there are also Brutes. And after them, the Masters -- they're really tough. But the worst of all? The Behemoth! He's a giant! I saw one once, outside the Citadel walls. Sooo scary. It kind of seems like they're looking for something, but we're not really sure what that is."(Arthur Maxson's dialogue) Overall, he received a top notch education, thanks to excellent teachers and trainers at the Citadel. Of course, he learned the Codex by heart, though the protocols gave him particular trouble,The Lone Wanderer: "Relax, Squire. I don't bite."Arthur Maxson: "I plead for your pardon if my behavior offends /. We don't get many visitors in the Citadel. The Brothers and Elder Lyons are excellent teachers, but I get nervous about the protocols. The codex says that outsiders are not to be trusted. Shield yourself from those not bound to you by steel, for they are the blind. Aid them when you can, but lose not sight of yourself, it says."(Arthur Maxson's dialogue) especially when it came to encounters with outsiders. The Codex deemed them untrustworthy, yet Elder Owyn Lyons was content to violate them as he saw fit, such as when accepting the Lone Wanderer into the Citadel without taking the Oath of Fraternity. For a boy whose only real encounters with outsiders were Brotherhood members visiting the Citadel,The Lone Wanderer: "You seem nervous, kid. Do I make you nervous?"Arthur Maxson: "Well... yes, sir. If I may speak my will: You do, sort of. We don't have many guests in the Citadel. And when we do, they're usually visiting Brothers. Outsiders are not to be trusted, so says the Codex. Shield yourself from those not bound to you by steel, for they are the blind. Aid them when you can, but lose not sight of yourself."(Arthur Maxson's dialogue) he was surprised by the decision, but deferred to Elder Lyons' judgement, despite his reservations.The Lone Wanderer: "Understandable. I've met a lot of dangerous people myself."Arthur Maxson: "It's not simply the outsiders that we are wary of, anybody who has not taken the Oath of Fraternity is suspicious to us. The Codex says: "Fear those who do not pledge to the Brotherhood for though their eyes may be opened through service, they are now blind" But it also tells us "Give way your suspicions to the wisdom of thine Elder. Where he shows trust, so shall you". Elder Lyons trusts you, so you are free to stay here."(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "There's no need to be nervous. You can trust me."Arthur Maxson: "It is not personal, anybody who has not taken the Oath of Fraternity is suspicious to us. The Codex says: "Fear those who do not pledge to the Brotherhood for though their eyes may be opened through service, they are now blind" But it also tells us "Give way your suspicions to the wisdom of thine Elder. Where he shows trust, so shall you". Elder Lyons trusts you, so you are free to stay here."(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "You should be nervous. Who says that I'm not here to kill you all?"Arthur Maxson: "I... don't... I mean... if Elder Lyons chooses to show trust in you, then by the oath, I must trust you as well. Give way your suspicions to the wisdom of thine Elder. Where he shows trust, so shall you, says the Codex. Even if I don't understand why he would trust someone like you, I obey him and welcome you here. I only hope that you are a / of honor."(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
He was also trained in combat by Sentinel Sarah Lyons, who on one occasion showed him how to kill people by stabbing them in the kidneys.Citadel terminal entries; Squire Maxson's terminal, Diary Entry 2 Maxson viewed Sarah like an older sister; she was gentle and caring to him, and taught him about fighting and leadership.Fallout Shelter Online Sarah biography
====Expectations====
Despite being a young boy, Maxson was faced with high expectations as the last of the Maxson line. He was expected to become the Brotherhood's great new leader, and he was told his "soul was forged from eternal steel." He never believed this claim.The Lone Wanderer: "Aren't you a little young for all this?"Arthur Maxson: "Oh, well... You see, I am descended from the great Roger Maxson, founder of our order. I am the last of his line. They say my soul was forged from eternal steel, but I don't believe that. I'm really just a normal boy. I was sent to the Citadel many years ago, to be fostered by Elder Lyons. But that was before the Western Elders lost, um... faith... in the Elder. I really don't know if I'll ever get home. But, well... I kind of like it here. Sentinel Lyons has been very kind to me. She's taught me so much."(Arthur Maxson's dialogue) 
Loneliness also weighed heavily on the young Maxson. As the only child at the Citadel, he grew up surrounded by adults, with no one of equal age to spend time with. Given that everyone he worked with was a soldier, he didn't receive kindness or warmth, merely schooling and training.The Lone Wanderer: "The honor is all mine, Squire."Arthur Maxson: "Oh! Well... Thank you! Your words are... very kind. Kinder than those I usually hear.... Is there... something I can help you with?"(Arthur Maxson's dialogue) His closest friend was Liberty Prime, an inanimate robot. Scribe Rothchild banned him from the laboratory, emphasizing the futility of trying to make friends with a machine.Citadel terminal entries; Squire Maxson's terminal, Diary Entry 1 He snuck into the Lyons Den to read Paladin Vargas' copy of Guns and Bullets without his knowledge since he wouldn't give it to him otherwise.Citadel terminal entries; Squire Maxson's terminal, Guns and Bullets 
As a result, the ten-year-old Arthur had a timid and reserved demeanor. It wasn't helped by the fact that the young boy was barred from patrols due to accidentally shooting Sarah during one outing.The Lone Wanderer: "They don't actually... make you fight. Do they?"Arthur Maxson: " But I could! I know I'm ready! I mean, it would be scary, but... It's not fair that I have to sit inside while the knights go on patrol! I did go out one time, you know! Sarah... Um... Sentinel Lyons took me out. Just to show me. I killed a Super Mutant, too! I swear! I, um... I also sort of shot Sarah. But just a little! It was just a flesh wound..."(Arthur Maxson's dialogue) Arthur's reservations and apprehension helped him maintain a level of politeness and decency that would later translate into unmatched charisma.Arthur Maxson: ""(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)Arthur Maxson: ""(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
===Ascent to leadership (2277-2287)===
The key change in Arthur Maxson's life came with adolescence and the death of Elder Owyn Lyons, and subsequently that of Elder Sarah Lyons soon after. While the crumbling Lyons' Brotherhood of Steel chafed under the leadership of one ineffectual elder after another, Maxson rapidly developed his talents, the potential inside awakening. In 2279, at the age of 12, he managed to kill two raiders on a training patrol, saving the squad that was supposed to escort him. A year later, he managed to single-handedly kill a deathclaw, taking grave wounds in the process and a disfiguring scar that marred his face forever. His key achievement came in 2282, at the age of 15, when he killed a super mutant leader named Shepherd, who was trying to reorganize the remnants of the Capital Wasteland super mutant infestation. This achievement revealed another secret: that the West Coast elders were still monitoring their errant brethren. With Maxson's achievement came leadership and promotion to a provisional elder.The Prydwen terminal entries; Proctor Quinlan's terminal, Accomplishments
Though young, Maxson was ready to lead and reunite the fragmented Brotherhood of Steel forces on the East Coast. He proved his ability in 2283, when he brokered a peace with the Brotherhood Outcasts, reintegrating them into the Brotherhood of Steel. The sixteen-year-old Maxson was proving himself as effective a diplomat as a warrior. The full force of the Brotherhood of Steel appointed Arthur Maxson as the elder, the youngest in Brotherhood of Steel history,The Prydwen terminal entries; Proctor Quinlan's terminal, Our New Leader and supreme commander of the entire Brotherhood of Steel, with the ability to strike anywhere on the East Coast because of the Prydwen, launched just a year before his rise to power.
As of 2287, Elder Maxson's reign in the Capital Wasteland was uncontested, and his authority and influence were spreading across the East Coast. The Prydwen was a key element of the Brotherhood's power projection, rallying people to his cause. In addition, Maxson had been in contact with other chapters over the years. In the words of Proctor Quinlan, who documented Maxson's rise, "he has the full support of the Elders back on the West Coast, who have proudly reported that they've begun eradicating cults that have popped up, worshipping Maxson as though he's some kind of god." Maxson was offended by the idea of seen as a deity, as it went against his beliefs. He is satisfied with being, again in Proctor Quinlan's words, "the perfect human specimen, an example of everything a human being can achieve. Assisted, even enhanced, by advanced technology, but still very much human."The Prydwen terminal entries; Proctor Quinlan's terminal, Aftermath 
His authority is reinforced by his accomplishments, growing the Brotherhood in the East from a moribund group of complacent stragglers occupying a single Citadel into a major military force capable of projecting power along the Eastern Seaboard. Thanks to his tenacity and singular vision,The Sole Survivor: "Can you tell me anything about Elder Maxson?"Kells: ""(Kells' dialogue) the men that serve under his command do so with pride and unmatched loyalty, with one soldier mentioning they were ready to invade hell itself.
===Maxson's ideals===
Although his beard and facial features give him the aura of an older man, Maxson is still close to being a teenager, and he is quite young and idealistic as a result. He has established an amalgam between the ways of his predecessor and tutor Elder Owyn Lyons, who was using technology to help others and the traditional Brotherhood approach of coveting and preserving advanced technology to protect people from abusing it. As a result, he is much more lenient about technology being in the hands of outsiders, and allocates teams of soldiers to combat dangers that would otherwise harm or kill the people of the wasteland,The Prydwen terminal entries: "If any of the caravans gets jumped, we can swoop in and lend a hand to let them know that we're the friendly eye in the sky." while he has other teams scouring the ruins for technology that could be misused in the wrong hands. Maxson also strongly insists that the Brotherhood has the best interests of the Commonwealth in mind.
He deeply cares for everyone under his command, as he was exceptionally reluctant to allow Ingram into the field as a field scribe despite Knight-Captain Cade's professional opinion that due to her power armor frame (which replaced her legs and much of her lower torso), she was more suited for combat than scribe-work, in fact probably better suited than any knight they could muster.The Prydwen terminal entries: "She's trained in the armor rigorously and is fully qualified... actually, MORE than qualified to be placed with our ground troops." Additionally, he explicitly ordered that all technology was to be traded for food and medicine, and violent confrontation was to be a last resort, which drastically sets him apart from the West Coast Brotherhood, who used violence as a first resort. This shows that not only does he not wish to risk the lives of those under his command, but he does genuinely seem to care about the people of the Commonwealth.
He also approved a request by Senior Scribe Neriah to develop a more effective alternative to the pre-War RadAway, showing that he has also carried on Lyons' efforts of improving technology as opposed to simply hoarding it, which remains the West Coast's goal, as can be seen through a conversation between Nolan McNamara and Veronica Santangelo in Fallout: New Vegas.
==Daily schedule==
===Fallout 3===
He can usually be found in the Citadel B ring, where his room (and personal terminal) is located.
===Fallout 4===
Maxson, along with the Prydwen, will show up in the Commonwealth once the quest Reunions is completed. He can usually be found in the main command deck of the Prydwen or in his living quarters.
He will join the Brotherhood attack on the Institute during the quest Ad Victoriam, and become a temporary follower in The Nuclear Option. If the player character sides with the Institute, during the quest Airship Down he will arrive from the Prydwen in a Vertibird. He will be wearing his personal T-60 power armor wielding his unique Gatling laser, Final Judgment.
In the Railroad main quests, he is largely unmentioned only until Rockets' Red Glare, where he can be confronted while or after sabotaging the Prydwen. He will be wearing his battlecoat and Gatling laser, but not his power armor. If the Commonwealth Minutemen destroy the Prydwen during the quest With Our Powers Combined, he will not be present during the Brotherhood's retaliation on The Castle. 
If one sides with the Brotherhood and assists in their victory, Maxson will promote the Sole Survivor to the rank of sentinel. He will ask that while they are free to carry out their own missions, to keep the Brotherhood's interests in mind throughout their journeys.
==Interactions with the player character==
===Fallout 3===
====Interactions overview====
===Fallout 4===
====Interactions overview====
===Quests===
* Tour of Duty: After Paladin Danse brings the Sole Survivor to the Prydwen after its arrival in the Commonwealth, Maxson promotes them to the rank of knight and asks them to tour the Prydwen and get to know her crew.
* Show No Mercy: Maxson orders the Sole Survivor to clear Fort Strong, a cache of Fat Man ammunition, from its super mutant occupiers.
* Outside the Wire: Maxson (rather than Proctor Ingram) will start this quest if the network scanner holotape was obtained from a faction other than the Brotherhood. 
* From Within: Maxson orders the Sole Survivor to find Doctor Madison Li in the Institute and convince her to work for the Brotherhood of Steel.
* Blind Betrayal: Maxson orders the Sole Survivor to execute Danse, who turns out to be a synth.
* Ad Victoriam: Maxson appears as Liberty Prime reaches the C.I.T. ruins, helping the Brotherhood against the Institute synths.
* The Nuclear Option: Maxson follows the player character inside the Institute and helps them clear out the Institute.
* Rockets' Red Glare: Maxson defends the Prydwen against the Sole Survivor, sent there by the Railroad to plant explosives in the airship.
* Airship Down: Maxson appears in a full set of T-60f power armor and wielding his unique Gatling laser at the Boston Airport to defend it from the Sole Survivor and the synths as they try to hack Liberty Prime.
==Inventory==
===Fallout 3===
===Fallout 4===
==Notes==
* In Fallout 3, despite being a child, Arthur may grab a bottle of whiskey or beer from around the Citadel and drink it, similar to other characters.
* One of his dialogue lines identifies the Enclave power armor of Fallout 3 as the advanced power armor Mk II which Enclave soldiers wore in Fallout 2. The Fallout 3 Official Game Guide explicitly affirms this.Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game Of The Year Edition p. 130: "This is also known as Advanced Power Armor Mark 2. The Enclave sacriﬁce part of the Strength bonus, but there is less Agility penalty with this armor. It is also slightly more hard-wearing."
* In Fallout 3, Maxson's rank is "squire," a rank which first appeared in Fallout Tactics. 
* Maxson is one of two characters in Fallout 3 who will recite excerpts from the Codex; the other is Star Paladin Cross.
* The T-60 power armor Maxson wears during Airship Down in Fallout 4 is the only suit that can be found already upgraded to the highest tier (F), and bears the unique elder paint job. This paint scheme cannot be crafted by the Sole Survivor, so it is lost forever if one decides to recolor the armor parts after acquiring them. PC players who inadvertently do so, or failed to loot the armor during Airship Down or led someone other than the Institute to victory can add it to their inventory with the command .
* It is impossible to pickpocket Maxson, even with the level 4 Pickpocket perk.
* When fighting Maxson during Airship Down, it is possible to gain a unique power armor frame called "Elder Maxson's Power Armor" by shooting the fusion core out of his suit. This has no unique effects, but it is one of three named power armor frames in the base game, the other two being that of Knight-Sergeant Gavil and Paladin Brandis.
* Several concept art drafts of Maxson's appearance can be seen in The Art of Fallout 4. His name is also erroneously written as "Maxon."
* The description of the Elder's battlecoat item in Fallout 76 reveals it is not exclusive to Arthur Maxson, but rather, common attire among the Elders.
==Notable quotes==
===Fallout 3===
* 
* 
===Fallout 4===
* (Said in response to the Sole Survivor after telling him they defeated the Institute for the people of the Commonwealth.)
* 
* 
==Appearances==
Arthur Maxson appears , Fallout 4, Fallout: Wasteland Warfare, and Fallout Shelter Online. Arthur is also mentioned in Fallout: The Roleplaying Game.
==Behind the scenes==
* Maxson is voiced by Sean McCoy and Derek Phillips in the English versions of Fallout 3 and Fallout 4, respectively.
** In localized versions of Fallout 3, his voice is dubbed by Atsushi Abe (Japanese) and Sara Vivas (Spanish).
** In localized versions of Fallout 4, his voice is dubbed by Shōta Chōnan (Japanese), Alessandro Germano (Italian) and Juan Navarro Torelló (Spanish).
* Arthur Maxson's name pays homage to King Arthur, alongside the Prydwen, which shares the name of King Arthur's ship.
==Gallery==
===Fallout 4===
Fo4 launch trailer BoS leader.png|Arthur Maxson in the launch trailer
Arthur Maxson profile.jpg|Arthur Maxson aboard the Prydwen
Fo4 Elder Maxson.png|Aboard the Prydwen
Fo4 BoS armor concept art.jpg|Maxson concept art (middle)
Arthur Maxson concept art.png|From The Art of Fallout 4
===Fallout: Wasteland Warfare===
FOWW,Maxson.jpg|Elder Maxson in Fallout: Wasteland Warfare
FOWW,MaxsonPowerArmorVariant.jpg|Elder Maxson Power Armor variant model
Ana-roman-elder-maxson-06.jpg|Model designed by Ana Roman
FOWW,MaxsonUnitCard.jpg|Unit card
Fo-promo-brotherhood-character-box-2-low-res orig.jpg
FOWW,Maxson&KellsSet.webp
===Fallout Shelter Online===
UI C ShopIcon Maxon01.png|Shop icon 
UI C ShopIcon Maxon03.png|Shop icon 
FSO UI C ShopIcon Maxon.png|Maxson's hero card in Fallout Shelter Online
FSO UITex YS C Bg HeroShare maikesenzhanglao.png|Maxson's maxed hero card in Fallout Shelter Online
===Magic: The Gathering===
Fallout Magic Elder Arthur Maxson.png|Elder Arthur Maxson
Fallout Magic Elder Arthur Maxson Extended Art.png|Extended Art
Fallout Magic Intangible Virtue.png|Intangible Virtue
Fallout Magic Intangible Virtue art.jpg|Card art
==References==
Non-game 
Category:Fallout 3 human characters
Category:Fallout 3 Brotherhood of Steel characters
Category:Fallout 4 human characters
Category:Fallout 4 Brotherhood of Steel characters
Category:Citadel characters
Category:The Prydwen characters
Category:Fallout: Wasteland Warfare characters
Category:Fallout: The Roleplaying Game characters
Category:Fallout Shelter Online characters
Category:Characters who appear in multiple Fallout games
de:Arthur Maxson
es:Arthur Maxson
fa:آرتور ماکسون
fr:Arthur Maxson
pl:Arthur Maxson
pt:Arthur Maxson
ru:Артур Мэксон
uk:Артур Мексон
zh:亞瑟·麥克森