Brotherhood of Steel

The Brotherhood of Steel (commonly abbreviated to BoS) is a post-War technology-focused paramilitary order with chapters operating across the territory of the former United States of America. It was founded by rogue U.S. Army officer Captain Roger Maxson shortly after the Great War.
The Brotherhood's core purpose is to preserve advanced technology and regulate its usage.The Chosen One: "{115}{}{Who are you guys?}"Matthew: "{119}{}{We are a paramilitary organization known as the Brotherhood of Steel.}"(Matthew's dialogue)The Chosen One: "{201}{}{What do you know about the Brotherhood?}"ACE: "{221}{}{The Brotherhood of Steel is a paramilitary organization dedicated to the salvation of mankind through the proper use of technology. All other information is classified.}"(ACE's dialogue) This is because they believe humanity cannot be trusted with the means to destroy itself, and they acquire technology to prevent another apocalypse.A Vault Dweller: "Are you recruiting new Initiates?"Daniel Shin: "If we accept you as an Initiate - and that is far from certain - you would be pledging yourself to our order and our cause. Our order exists to locate, secure, and protect dangerous technologies. Humanity cannot be trusted with the means to destroy itself. We will not allow another apocalypse.(Daniel Shin's dialogue) Although they tend to be relatively isolationist, the Brotherhood has proved to be one of the most important organizations in the history of the wasteland, though their exact levels of power and influence have varied over time and by chapter.
The Brotherhood has been featured in every game and other entry in the Fallout series, in one form or another. This article focuses on an overview of the Brotherhood as it appears throughout the series, detailing the evolution of its doctrine and policies.
For information on specific Brotherhood chapters, see Brotherhood of Steel chapters.
The Brotherhood of Steel is a quasi-religious technocratic military order, founded in the immediate aftermath of the Great War by members of the United States Armed Forces and the government-sponsored scientific community. Originating in California, the organization has numerous extant chapters throughout the former continental United States.
==Background==
===The Mariposa Rebellion===
===Brotherhood conflict with the Enclave in the West===
The Brotherhood of Steel first entered into conflict with the Enclave on the West Coast during the year 2241. As the Enclave began to reveal its presence to the post-nuclear world, the Brotherhood of Steel reopened several observation outposts in New California to monitor their activity and learn their motives.The Chosen One: "{124}{}{You said 'at one time.' What about now?}"Matthew: "{125}{}{Several months ago we came across a group known as the Enclave. Much to our surprise their level of technology surpassed even our own. We found this quite disturbing and considered contacting them. However, we decided on a more cautious course of action until we could determine exactly who the Enclave was, and the underlying purpose of their organization.}""{126}{}{To this end, we have reactivated small outposts near areas of Enclave activity from which we can safely observe them. Currently, we have activated such outposts in the Den, the NCR, and here in San Francisco.}"The Chosen One: "{128}{}{Sounds interesting. What have you learned?}"Matthew: "{129}{}{We have found that the Enclave deals heavily in drugs, weapons, and slaves. However, these are simply trivial pursuits leading up to some higher purpose, which we have failed to uncover. We are still watching them.}"(Matthew's dialogue) During this time period, the Brotherhood of Steel tasks the Chosen One with infiltrating Navarro Air Base and retrieving schematics for the Enclave's modified vertibird's.The Chosen One: "{223}{}{What happened to Matt?}"ACE: "{224}{}{Loading sequence...}"Matthew: "{227}{}{You and your so-called President will not succeed.}"Frank Horrigan: "{228}{}{Is that so?}"Matthew: "{229}{}{The Chosen One has come, and he will rid the world of your evil.}"Frank Horrigan: "{230}{}{I care nothing for your pathetic prophecies. Worse, you have become a nusiance through your meddling. That ends today!}"Matthew: "{231}{}{Killing me will stop nothing.}"Frank Horrigan: "{232}{}{That may be, but seeing your body rotting on the ground will bring a smile to my face.}"(Fsface.msg) There are implications that clashes occurred between the two during the NCR-Brotherhood War. Following the events of Navarro's destruction at the hands of the NCR sometime after 2246, the Brotherhood of Steel openly began to hunt down and annihilate remnants of the Enclave on the West Coast.The Courier: "What happened to Navarro?"Arcade Gannon: "After the Enclave's command structure fell apart, it was only a matter of time before Navarro was overrun by NCR forces. My mother and I left with some of the troopers from my father's old unit, the same people I've kept in contact with over the years. Anyone who didn't get out was killed by the NCR. Even some of the ones who escaped were eventually hunted down by the Brotherhood of Steel."(Arcade Gannon's dialogue)
===Capital Wasteland (Fallout 3)===
The Brotherhood's presence in the east suffered a further setback when Elder Owyn Lyons, head of the Capital Wasteland division, refused a direct order from the Lost Hills elder council, confirming their suspicions that he had gone rogue and was no longer pursuing the original mission. In response, the Brotherhood completely shut off communications to Lyons' division and denied them any reinforcements.
By 2277, the Brotherhood was well-established in the Capital Wasteland, with their headquarters at the Citadel in Washington D.C. under the leadership of Owyn Lyons. The Enclave, however, wanted to control Project Purity for themselves, leading to a conflict between the Brotherhood and the Enclave, culminating in the Battle of Project Purity. The Brotherhood were able to prevent the Enclave's assault using a giant fighting robot called Liberty Prime. Although this was a short-term boon for the East Coast Brotherhood, changes were on the horizon for the restorationists under Lyons.Events of Fallout 3.
====Interim (between Fallout 3 and 4)====
The key blow to the organization came with the death of Owyn Lyons circa 2278 and the loss of now-Elder Sarah Lyons later that same year. With the seat of power emptied, the remaining Brotherhood members elected multiple ineffectual leaders. Meanwhile, the adolescent Squire Arthur Maxson matured into a capable warrior and tactician, eventually defeating Shepherd, the new warboss of the Capital Wasteland super mutants, in 2282. This feat earned him a provisional leadership position. In fact, this position was bestowed by the West Coast elders, who revealed that they still monitored their errant brethren.
Maxson's position solidified in 2283 when he negotiated a treaty with the Brotherhood Outcasts, bringing them back into the fold and reforming the entire organization, abandoning Lyons' doctrine. Lyons' Brotherhood became a distant memory as Maxson restored the original mission of the Brotherhood of Steel. While some members found this distasteful and left,The Sole Survivor: "What's your story?"The Scribe: "I was once a Scribe in the Brotherhood of Steel. Back when that was something to be proud of. Back when we used our knowledge to help people, rather than simply hoarding it for our own power. When Squire Maxson took over... well, I didn't like the changes he made to the Brotherhood. Some said it was a return to our ancient traditions. Maybe so. But things are not necessarily better simply because they are ancient. So, I left. Since then, I've been walking up and down in the world... until I found myself here."(The Scribe's dialogue) many still remained, proud to serve a refocused Brotherhood. Maxson became leader of the Brotherhood's Eastern branch, setting it on a new, more authoritarian path.Brotherhood soldier: "I'm proud to be serving under Elder Maxson. I had enough of Lyons and his foolish ways."(Generic Brotherhood soldiers' dialogue) Around this same time, the Brotherhood began constructing a massive airship known as the Prydwen at the conquered former Enclave facility of Adams Air Force Base; the ship began full operation in 2282.The Sole Survivor: "Where was the Prydwen constructed?"Kells: ""(Kells' dialogue)The Sole Survivor: "You sure Ingram knows what she's doing?"Arthur Maxson: ""(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
===Mojave Desert and NCR Brotherhood War (New Vegas)===
In California, the rampant expansionism of the New California Republic would eventually lead to a collision course with the Brotherhood. As the NCR's power grew, the Brotherhood adopted a policy of reclaiming technology from people outside the order, energy weapons most of all.GTtv interview with Josh Sawyer: "In the Fallout: New Vegas, the Brotherhood is not quite as prominent as they were in, say, Fallout 3. Part of that is because over time, the Brotherhood has been at war with New California Republic. So after the end of Fallout 2, they basically got into conflict with NCR over control of technology, mostly energy weapons because that's one of the main purposes of the Brotherhood is to control that technology. NCR didn't want to hand it over, so they went to war." The disagreements over the way technology should be handled eventually resulted in a full-out war with the New California Republic. The Brotherhood was eventually forced into a retreat.Fallout: New Vegas loading screens: "Due to disagreements over how technology should be controlled in the wasteland, the Brotherhood of Steel waged a long and bloody war against the NCR. Despite superior equipment and training, the Brotherhood eventually went into retreat." At least six Brotherhood bunkers were lost to the NCR, four of them destroyed by the Brotherhood themselves in a last-ditch attempt to deny them to the enemy.
One major confrontation occurred during the NCR's Operation: Sunburst in the Mojave Wasteland in 2276. Under Elder Elijah's leadership, the Mojave chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel was operating out of the solar power plant of HELIOS One when the NCR launched an attack. The NCR's numerical superiority over the Brotherhood, coupled with Elder Elijah's immense reluctance to leave HELIOS, allowed the NCR to overwhelm the defenders, leading to the loss of over half the chapter.The Courier: "Tell me about what happened at HELIOS."Ramos: "I'm sure someone's told you all this before. Several years back, we were running our chapter out the HELIOS One solar power station. Our Elder at the time, Elijah, had some kind of obsession with the place. Which is the only reason we stayed as long as we did. That place was hardly defensible, and we knew the NCR was moving in on us, but the Elder refused to budge, insisting that he just needed 'more time'. We never found out what he needed the time for. Wave upon wave of NCR troopers hit us from all directions. We held out for a time, but we were grossly outnumbered, and they had more men than we had ammo. Eventually our positions collapsed. Elder Elijah was nowhere to be found, so McNamara took charge and led what remained of us on a counter-offensive west. We lost a lot of men and women, but we broke through and made it here. Make no mistake, McNamara saved this chapter that day."(Ramos' dialogue) The NCR subsequently considered the Mojave chapter of the Brotherhood to be effectively neutralized.Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide Collector's Edition p.458: "Important Dates:2276 "Conflict with the Brotherhood of Steel escalates, culminating in decisive victory at HELIOS One. The Mojave Brotherhood is considered 'neutralized.' "(Behind the Bright Lights & Big City) The survivors of the Mojave chapter retreated to the Hidden Valley bunker, going under lockdown to prevent detection and bide time to recover.Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide Collector's Edition p.43: "Brotherhood of SteelThe Brotherhood of Steel is a militant organization devoted to the preservation of pre-war technology and human knowledge. Their professed mission is to preserve pre-war technology and human knowledge for the benefit of future generations. In practice, its definition of technology is strangely selective, ignoring basic but potentially useful technologies (genetic modification of crops and civil engineering, for example) in favor of combat technology such as energy weapons and power armor: and even now, nearly two centuries after the Great War, the Brotherhood zealously restricts the use and knowledge of such technologies to its own membership.The Mojave Brotherhood operated freely amid the Vegas wastes for several years, carrying out many reclamation missions without serious opposition. The balance of power shifted in 2251, when a large contingent of NCR troops entered the region and occupied Hoover Dam. Conflict was inevitable. Nearly two years of guerilla skirmishes culminated in a pitched battle at HELIOS One, a solar energy plant the Brotherhood had been refurbishing for several months with the goals of bringing it back online and activating its hidden offensive capabilities (the ARCHIMEDES II death ray). The battle for HELIOS One (Operation: Sunburst) proved a disaster for the Mojave Brotherhood. More than half its Paladins and Knights were killed. The chapter's leader, Elder Elijah, disappeared without a trace. The Brotherhood was driven from the facility, which suffered extensive damage. Survivors retreated to Hidden Valley.Since that defeat, the chapter's leader, Elder McNamara, has restricted activity outside the bunker to occasional reconnaissance missions and high-value raids. All operations take place at night, and engagement of NCR forces is strictly forbidden. Though the Brotherhood's ascetic lifestyle has prepared its members for a sequestered existence better than most, the passivity of their current situation has proved highly stressful."(Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide faction profiles)
Despite gaining the upper hand over Brotherhood, the war had costed the NCR dearly. Apart from losses in manpower and materiel, the greatest victim of the war was the NCR economy. The NCR's gold reserves were raided heavily by the Brotherhood, causing a major shortage: new gold coins could not be minted and paper money could not be properly backed with gold. NCR citizens panicked and rushed to reclaim the listed face value of currency from the NCR's remaining gold reserves. Since the NCR was unable to realize these withdrawals, particularly towards the frontier, faith in their currency considerably dropped. To protect against an actual economic collapse, the NCR government abandoned the gold standard and established fiat currency, not payable in specie. Since then, many wastelanders lost faith in it as a medium of worth, both as a result of it not being backed by anything but the government's word and the inevitable inflation. In response to the loss of faith, merchant consortiums of the Hub established their own currency, the veritable bottle cap, backing it with a standardized measure of water.Joshua Sawyer: "And this is discussed in-game: BoS raided NCR's gold reserves until NCR could no longer generate gold coinage nor back their paper money. They abandoned the gold standard and established fiat currency, which is why its value is inflated over both caps and (especially) Legion coinage. (...) People in eastern NCR and the Mojave Wasteland lost faith in the NCR government's a) ability to back the listed value of paper money and b) stability overall. If you're living in Bakersfield, staring at a piece of paper that says "redeemable for value in gold" and you have no faith in the government's ability or willingness to do that -- or if you see that the government has changed the currency to say that it is not able to be exchanged for a backed good -- you may very well listen to the strong consortium of local merchants offering to exchange that paper note for currency backed by water."(Joshua Sawyer on SomethingAwful.com)Joshua Sawyer: "Traders from the Mojave travel the Short Loop into NCR, which means that they have to go through a few hundred miles of solid desert. Carrying enough water to travel from New Vegas to the Boneyard (or vice versa) would undercut cargo capacity significantly. Even the communities around the Mojave Wasteland (other than New Vegas itself) have water brought in and stored in local towers. Of course, the Colorado River is nearby as long as you don't mind walking through an active war zone."(Joshua Sawyer on SomethingAwful.com)"How does the Hub 'back' caps? Can you exchange a certain number of caps for a standard measure of water?Joshua Sawyer: Yes."(Joshua Sawyer on SomethingAwful.com)Joshua Sawyer: "It happened during the BoS-NCR war. I believe Alice McLafferty mentions it, but I'm not positive. She doesn't detail the events in this much detail, but here they are:The attacks caused NCR citizens (and others who held NCR currency) to panic, resulting in a rush to reclaim the listed face value of currency from NCR's gold reserves. Inability to do this at several locations (especially near the periphery of NCR territory where reserves were normally low) caused a loss of faith in NCR's ability to back their currency.Though NCR eventually stopped the BoS attacks, they decided to protect against future problems by switching to fiat currency. While this meant that BoS could no longer attack a) reserves or b) the source of production (all NCR bills are made in the Boneyard), some people felt more uneasy about their money not having any "real" (backed) value. This loss of confidence increased with NCR inflation, an ever-looming specter of fiat currency.Because the Hub links NCR with the Mojave Wasteland and beyond, the merchants there grew frustrated with NCR's handling of the currency crisis. They conspired to re-introduce the bottle cap as a water-backed currency that could "bridge the gap" between NCR and Legion territory. In the time leading up to the re-introduction, they did the footwork to position themselves properly. If some old-timer had a chest full of caps, they didn't care (in fact, they thought that was great, since the old-timers would enthusiastically embrace the return of the cap), but they did seek to control or destroy production facilities and truly large volumes of caps (e.g. Typhon's treasure) whenever possible."(Joshua Sawyer on SomethingAwful.com)
===Conflict with the Institute (Fallout 4)===
Hearing rumors of advanced technology in the Commonwealth, the Eastern Brotherhood sent three successive recon teams to the region. The first was extremely successful, finding hordes of pre-War documents and advanced technology. The second, Artemis, was a failure, being attacked by raiders not long after insertion, forced to scuttle their power-armor and then subsequently hounded by ghouls and super-mutant with the lone survivor, Paladin Brandis, going into hiding. The third recon team, Gladius, suffered poor luck. They made their base at Cambridge Police Station, but their numbers were whittled down to three by feral ghouls. Surviving, they tried to carry out their mission as best as possible with their foothold in the Commonwealth and re-establish communication with the Citadel.
===Defeat of the NCR in Los Angeles (Fallout TV series)===
The Brotherhood is still active on the West Coast around the year 2296. Residing at an airbase, this group is led by Elder Cleric Quintus, who is also assisted by various clerics and support personnel, such as Cleric Felix and Petty Officer Shortsight. Quintus believes the Brotherhood has lost its way, and his personal philosophy is that power is taken rather than given. He wishes to reform and create a new Brotherhood.
The Prydwen (often mistakenly referred to as the Caswennan) traveled to the Los Angeles region and played a pivotal role in the Brotherhood's mission there. By this point, the Commonwealth chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel appears to maintain some degree of primacy over other chapters, as their clerics have tasked the chapter on the West Coast with tracking down an Enclave defector: Siggi Wilzig.(The End (episode)) Knight Titus and Squire Maximus were among those charged with leading this manhunt, assigned to search the area around Filly, Los Angeles. After Titus' death, Thaddeus joined the search.
Despite the manhunt, Lee Moldaver ended up obtaining Wilzig's artifact first: a cold fusion reactor and thus limitless energy, as a result of Lucy MacLean obtaining and giving Wilzig's head over to Moldaver. However, the Brotherhood subsequently stormed the NCR headquarters complex at Griffith Observatory, killing all of the defenders and allowing the Brotherhood to very possibly gain control over Los Angeles.[https://www.ign.com/articles/the-big-fallout-interview-todd-howard-and-jonathan-nolan-answer-our-burning-questions-about-season-1 IGN: "The Big Fallout Interview: Todd Howard and Jonathan Nolan Answer Our Burning Questions About Season 1" After the battle at the observatory, the Brotherhood was able to gain control over the cold fusion reactor.
==Society==
Brotherhood banners
The Brotherhood is a military order with a strictly enforced hierarchy and chain of command. At the foundation of the hierarchy lies the Chain That Binds, a doctrine that mandates obedience to one's superiors and forbids circumventing ranks when giving orders. Superiors may only give orders to their direct subordinates, but not their subordinate's subordinates. Although intended to ensure the cohesion of command, the doctrine has been generally interpreted as a simple mandate of obedience within the order, with the order flow requirements ignored, abandoned, or altered in practice. However, it does provide a technicality that can be invoked to relieve members of their rank, up to and including elders.Hidden Valley bunker terminal entries; terminal, Chain That BindsThe Courier: "One of the datastore entries mentioned the Chain That Binds. What is that, exactly?"Ramos: "That's an old, old principle that's been around since the Brotherhood was founded. It basically means that you have to obey a superior officer. It's pretty much common sense, but it gets invoked a lot when people get pissy about following orders. If you're curious, I'll give you access to the datastore entry on it. You'd probably be the first to read it in years, if not decades."(Ramos' dialogue) 
Roger Maxson's goals in inventing a new tradition and mythology for the Brotherhood were twofold. First, they would ensure that members of the Brotherhood would be stripped of their ties to the pre-War military and government, ensuring that any surviving general or politician would not be able to invoke their oaths and use them to unleash nuclear devastation on the world again (as was the case with Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Eckhart in Appalachia). Second, it would give the survivors an idea to believe in, something they could dedicate themselves to, and find meaning in their lives after the nuclear war. The inspiration came from the fall of the western Roman Empire when the knights and scribes kept the fire of civilization going after the empire imploded.About the Brotherhood 
The Brotherhood is one of the few factions to offer a general education, but this is restricted to their own members. Classes are taught by Scribes going over subjects such as engineering, though wrong answers in class are punished by striking students with a switch. 
===Property and trade===
====Internal====
As a rule, most Brotherhood chapters do not have an internal economy and allocate resources based on need, including weapons, armor, and even augmentations. Outside recruits are a special case: While they will receive basic equipment (such as Brotherhood armor and weekly allotments of ammunition),Quartermaster Michael provides standard issue Brotherhood armor to the Vault Dweller once they become an initiate. and an allotment of rations to maintain their health,The Courier: "Initiate Stanton told me about your little adventure the other day."Melissa Watkins: "That was so much fun! The wind whipping through our hair, not knowing what was going to jump out at us at any moment. And when those scorpions came out! It was just like the sims! All I had to do was line then up and squeeze the trigger. I doubt I'll be able to get Stanton to go with me again, though. I thought he'd enjoy it as much as I did, but he was just scared the whole time. Don't tell him I told you this, but when those scorpions surrounded us, I'd bet a week's rations he pissed himself!"(Melissa Watkins' dialogue) they must serve for ten years before the Brotherhood will provide its most advanced services without charge.The Vault Dweller: "{135}{}{I'll do it!}"Lorri: "{148}{}{I'm sorry, but you are an outsider. After you're in the Brotherhood for ten years or so I'll be able to do the operation for free, but we have expenses and you're not a regular working member of the Brotherhood, yet.}"(Lorri's dialogue) Higher-ranking members may bypass this requirement and allocate equipment at their discretion, for example, to reward services rendered to the BrotherhoodTalus' rewards at the end of Rescue Initiate from the Hub or provide tools necessary for a mission.Mathia issues weapons at the behest of Elder John Maxson. All equipment beyond personal items is issued by the Brotherhood and carefully tracked by serial number, especially weapons.The Courier: "Can I just get you another laser pistol?"Initiate Stanton: "No, weapon check-in protocol includes verifying the serial number of the weapon, so a different gun would be noticed. Plus, having a new gun suddenly show up would immediately point to you, being the only outsider around here and all. No, the only way I have out of this is if you help me find that gun. You'll help me, right?"(Initiate Stanton's dialogue) Equipment, such as rations, may be used for bets, and some chapters have implemented limited internal trade, keeping superior gear in reserve for higher ranks to purchase.Proctor Teagan: ""The Sole Survivor: "I'll take a look."(Proctor Teagan's dialogue) Some chapters of the Brotherhood have even implemented a currency (Brotherhood scrip) for internal trade.Fallout: The Roleplaying Game Rulebook p. 84-85: "Scrip covers a variety of tokens used for exchange within a specific group. Some parts of the Brotherhood of Steel have used scrip for internal trade (where a member of the Brotherhood wants something from someone else in the Brotherhood), but they’re also used in places where the person or group who control all the jobs also control all the traders: if you’re using scrip, you can’t easily leave that group, because you’ve got no money accepted by the outside world."
====External====
===== Appalachia =====
In the 2080s, the Brotherhood entered into open trade with the Responders and the Free States. The Responders access to food, medicine, and other essential supplies was the foundation of their relationship with the Brotherhood, with caravans crossing through the Savage Divide regularly. The Brotherhood would even send one of their protectron vendor's to sell their goods at the Whitespring Resort's mall, a central location for trade that involved most of the factions in Appalachia at the time.Brotherhood vendor Unfortunately for all parties, these relations would deteriorate as the scorched crisis intensified.Riverside Manor terminal entries; Headmistress' terminal, Personal Journal, 6/1/86 As the Brotherhood spread across Appalachia, they established an outpost located at Big Bend Tunnel East sometime after late 2085. The Brotherhood contingent stationed there was under the command of Knight Melissa Reische. In 2088, she came into contact with Carol Sweeney, the leader of an ex-raider group that settled on the opposite side of the tunnel and established trade with them. For the next several years, through the fall of 2093, Knight Reische's unit actively traded with Sweeney's group. The Brotherhood would provide them shipments of supplies while the former raiders would provide them any scavenged materials of technological or military value, a deal that Sweeney considered to be one-sidedly beneficial for her settlers. Reische's Brotherhood group was very generous, with the stated goal of working to ensure the community on the other side of the tunnel was taken care of.Scattered journal pages
In 2103, the First Expeditionary Force, under the command of Paladin Leila Rahmani, established itself at the ATLAS Observatory. They dubbed their new headquarters "Fort Atlas", and their presence soon attracted a number of local petitioners, who came to the Brotherhood for a variety of personal reason.Daniel Shin: "We've had a number of civilians show up here at Fort Atlas, asking for one thing or another from the Brotherhood. People are afraid, or want something, or are looking to involve us in local squabbles. Civilian outreach is not my specialty, and there's too much left to do to secure this facility. If you're really interested in helping, save my time. Interview the petitioners, find out what they want, and report back to me." (Daniel Shin's dialogue) Art Knapp wanted to trade a portion of his crops in exchange for Brotherhood's protection from raiders.Art Knapp: "A fair trade's what I want. I've heard stories about these Steel types back in the day. They was goin' around, takin' things from folks. For the cause, they said, like that don't make 'em Raiders, too. Well, I ain't got much, and I already got to worry about Raiders. So I reckon it's better to make a deal up front. My farm don't produce much, but I've got some extra and I expect they'll have a use for it. In return, I want these Steel boys and girls to keep Raiders away from my farm. Heard a lot of noise they was on our side, so seems fair."
(Art Knapp's dialogue) Tally Lang desired to purchase powerful weapons from the Brotherhood, claiming that she needed it to protect her community of "orphans",Tally Lang: "Oh, I'm just a poor country girl, you know? Parents died ages ago, so it's just me and a few friends trying to make our way in the world. It's pretty scary out there. Just a bunch of orphans helping each other out. We're practically just kids. Had to grow up on our own. We'd sure feel a lot safer with some of those high-tech guns these Brotherhood have to scare off all the maniacs out there." (Tally Lang's dialogue)Tally Lang: "Yeah, that's right. Big shiny guns! All the talk in the area is about these Brotherhood folks with their high-tech toys, and I thought, "Tally, you gotta get some of that!" For self-defense, of course! Just so me and some of my poor, innocent friends can protect ourselves from all the nasty folks out there." (Tally Lang's dialogue) while actually being a member of the Blood Eagles.Tally Lang: "Hey, ix-nay on the Ater-Cray! You trying to blow this for me? Listen, my gang could really use those guns, so don't screw this up for me. If anybody asks, just pretend like you bought the act, okay?"
(Tally Lang's dialogue) Edgar Blackburn was interested in acquiring the Brotherhood's technology and equipment for the purposes of his research, that was aimed at developing a way for humanity to deal with the long-term ramifications of living in an environment polluted by radiation and deceases that arose in the wake of the Great War.Edgar Blackburn: "It would be difficult to express it in layman's terms. No offense intended. In essence, I have been studying the illnesses of Appalachia. For too long, people have relied on folk remedies and makeshift medicines. The long-term effects of this environment are concerning. Just because the radiation is survivable does not mean it is safe."
(Edgar Blackburn's dialogue) 
Knight Danial Shin, Rahmani's second-in-command, adamantly refused to acquiesce to requests from Art Knapp, as he believed that getting entangled in local conflicts by helping him would shift their chapter's focus away from their primary objective,Daniel Shin: "This is not a charity. As a civilian, you are free to play hero for everyone that comes to you with a sad tale. The Brotherhood, however, has a duty to its mission, and that does not include playing bodyguard."
(Daniel Shin's dialogue)Daniel Shin: "That's irrelevant. The Brotherhood cannot simply be hired out to every farmer and homesteader. We have our own concerns."
(Daniel Shin's dialogue) and Tally Lang, since he was already suspicious of her and would not sell her weapons regardless of circumstances,Daniel Shin: "That aligns with my observation of her when she arrived. Your judgment may be better than I expected."
(Daniel Shin's dialogue)Daniel Shin: "There was never any circumstance in which I would authorize weapons to that woman, but your vigilance is noted."
(Daniel Shin's dialogue) because the Brotherhood were not trading weapons during that time period.Daniel Shin: "No. We are not arms dealers."
(Daniel Shin's dialogue)Daniel Shin: "Listen to me: The Brotherhood is not in the business of arming civilians. End of discussion."
(Daniel Shin's dialogue) However, his response to Blackburn's proposition was not as absolute. Shin had no interest in assisting Blackburn in his research, stating that funding private projects was not part of the Brotherhood's mission, unless Blackburn agreed to work under their supervision and provide the results of his research to the Brotherhood exclusively.Daniel Shin: "The Brotherhood is not a charity, and our mission does not cover providing civilians with equipment to pursue their personal interests. Unless the Doctor intends to provide that research to the Brotherhood exclusively and under our supervision, he will get nothing."
(Daniel Shin's dialogue) Shin further clarified, that the Brotherhood would take a pointed interest in Blackburn's research in case it proved to be dangerous.Daniel Shin: "Our job is to procure and protect technology, not fund civilian scientists in developing it. If the Doctor's research proves dangerous, then the Brotherhood will take a very pointed interest. Until then, it is his problem."
(Daniel Shin's dialogue) Additionally, he was pleasantly surprised by Blackburn's display of commendable discipline, that was showcased in his willingness to let other petitioners be seen first, and pointed out that Scribe Valdez could potentially be interested in his research, should he ever visit Fort Atlas again.Daniel Shin: "That shows commendable discipline. Scribe Valdez may have interest if he returns, but if so, he is her problem. That appears to resolve the matter on our end."
(Daniel Shin's dialogue) In the end, Shin stated that he would merely provide his personal recommendations to Paladin Rahmani in regards to the requests made by these petitioners, since, as the commanding officer, she would be the one to make the final decision.Daniel Shin: "What I am going to do is make the recommendations I see fit in my report to Paladin Rahmani. As the commanding officer, the final decisions will be hers. And your concern in the matter ends here."
(Daniel Shin's dialogue)
As part of her strategy to establish close ties with local factions, Paladin Rahmani sought to form a trade agreement with the Settlers of Foundation as a way to both establish a strong relationship with a like-minded community and allow the Brotherhood to avoid having to allocate time and resources to gathering food themselves.Leila Rahmani: "Of course. I'm not suggesting that we aren't capable of securing our own survival here, Initiate. We trekked the width of the country, you know. But we also can't pretend that we're alone in Appalachia... and furthermore, we're far from the first to inhabit these hills. If we can find a way to lessen the burden on our own people, and form a strong relationship with like-minded folk, should we not follow through?"
(Leila Rahmani's dialogue) While Rahmani believed that establishing the trade deal would be very beneficial to her chapter's long-term prosperity in Appalachia,Leila Rahmani: "Regardless of your feelings towards Foundation, I need you to see this through. The future of the Brotherhood in Appalachia relies on it. And allow me to stress: both returning with the weapons and securing a trade deal are equally important objectives, initiate."
(Leila Rahmani's dialogue) she acknowledged that the Brotherhood didn't need it to survive. Knight Shin, on the other hand, believed that the Brotherhood should grow stronger from being completely self-sufficient, instead of relying on trade deals, but also trusted in Rahmani's judgement on the situation, noting that ''chain of command supercedes personal opinions''.Daniel Shin: "Do not test my patience, Initiate. This is our way; chain of command supercedes how we "feel." However, I will put this as plainly as I can: I feel we'd grow stronger from continuing to rely on ourselves, rather than focus on "trade deals." Recovering the weapons, however, is more than a task: it is your duty as a member of the Brotherhood of Steel. That's all I have to say on the matter. You have your assignment; carry it out."
(Daniel Shin's dialogue)
Paladin Rahmani had also made several unsuccessful attempts to establish trade relations with the Blue Ridge Caravan Company, as each time, her requests were turned down.Leila Rahmani: "I've made several attempts to contact the Blue Ridge Caravan Company, in hopes of trading supplies. They turned me down. Every time. I understand that the Brotherhood can be an intimidating presence, and the West Virginia chapter didn't exactly leave behind a shining legacy... But I think we've shown we have Appalachia's safety and security at heart. Yet, they remain unwilling to even speak. I find it suspicious."
(Leila Rahmani's dialogue) Joanna Mayfield, the head of the company, later explained that she refused to establish any form of contact between their groups, as she believed that the Brotherhood would attempt to exert control over Blue Ridge's operations and take a cut of their profits.Joanna Mayfield: "I've spent two and a half decades fostering a self-sufficient, well-guarded and valuable service, all without some jackbooted overlords lookin' over us. The only thing the Brotherhood can offer is telling us what we can and can't do... and try to take a slice of my pie while they're at it. And thus, I have chosen to politely decline any collaboration between our organizations."
(Joanna Mayfield's dialogue) Nevertheless, Minerva, one of Blue Ridge's traders, makes occasional stops at Fort Atlas to sell her stockpile of various plans and schematics.Minerva: "Nothing says "Ad Victoriam" like great prices and rare finds! Fall in for steep savings, Brothers!"
(Minerva's dialogue)Minerva: "You don't need to be a Scribe to see these schematics are the real deal! Shop for firepower to take back Appalachia!"
(Minerva's dialogue)
===== New California =====
By 2161, the Brotherhood of Steel had formed trade relations with the the Hub through regular exchange of weapons for food and other supplies from the Far Go Traders and the Crimson Caravan Company.John Maxson: "The Hub's down to the southeast. They trade us food and things for the weapons we make here. Now if you're ever down there, you talk to Butch Harris."(John Maxson's dialogue)Cabbot: "They trade with us for food and stuff. We give them weapons. They don't come around too often anymore, but uh, I don't know why."(Cabbot's dialogue)Keri Lee: "So, that old bastard gave you the okay to work for us, eh? Well you must have balls of steel/be one tough bitch. I'm impressed, but we'll see how you do. We leave only twice a month, on the 3rd and 17th. Can you handle that? We go to all the local hot spots: the Brotherhood of Steel, Junktown, Necropolis, and the Boneyard."(Keri Lee's dialogue) The Water Merchants had also attempted to establish official trade relations with the Brotherhood by offering a large volume of water in exchange for a huge stockpile of the Brotherhood's weapons. When the Brotherhood declined the offer, the Merchants sent a group to try and steal them. They were caught by the Brotherhood, but the Elders voted against a reprisal action.The Vault Dweller: "Merchants"John Maxson: "You want to hear about the Water Merchants. Hehehe, well you can't trust them. A few years ago, they offered us Water for a huge stockpile of weapons. We told them no, and you know what they did? Sent in thieves to steal the weapons! We caught 'em, but the Elders voted down going to the Hub to teach the merchants a lesson."(John Maxson's dialogue) The Brotherhood will use currency like bottle caps for external trade, but also trade technologies and other equipment. However, some chapters have more restrictions than others. 
===== Capital Wasteland =====
In 2277, the East Coast chapter's quartermaster, Knight-Captain Durga, was forbidden from trading with outsiders under direct orders from Elder Owyn Lyons,Durga: "Quartermaster Durga here, stranger. I have to say, I'm not sure what you're doing in my armory. We run a tight ship and unless Elder Lyons says so, we don't trade with outsiders. Quartermaster out." (Durga's dialogue)Durga: "You again? Was I not clear the first time? I'm under order not to trade with outsiders for supplies. These orders come directly from Elder Lyons. If you've got a problem with that, talk to him. Quartermaster out." (Durga's dialogue) although exceptions could be made with the personal permission from the elder.Durga: "Look, I told you. The Brotherhood doesn't trade with outsiders. If you want permission, you'll need to speak with Elder Lyons." (Durga's dialogue)Durga: "I received word from Elder Lyons. He says that you have permission to trade with us. Good for you." (Durga's dialogue) By 2278, following the defeat of the Enclave at Project Purity, the Brotherhood had begun to trade with some settlements in the Capital Wasteland, Rivet City in particular gained prominence as the Brotherhood of Steel's first and largest trading partner in the region. The two groups had also begun to work closely with one another in order to distribute shipments of Aqua Pura to various settlements across the Capital Wasteland. The Brotherhood provided caps and advanced technology retrieved from the Enclave to the town's Security Force, in exchange for their assistance in protecting water caravans from raiders, super mutants and Talon Company mercenaries. As the Brotherhood simply could not protect them all by themselves. The war with the Enclave had consumed large amounts of resources and manpower.Bigsley: "Everyone was so excited about that Purifier: "Project Purity this," and "Project Purity that." But did anyone stop to ask, "Hey, what are we going to DO with all that clean water?" Well, guess who gets to fill in that tiny detail. It'd be one thing if I had support, but that little war with the Enclave has depleted much of the Brotherhood's resources."
(Bigsley's dialogue)Bigsley: "You know the Wasteland. Imagine trying to get fresh water to every known settlement, without getting it stolen by Raiders or Mutants. Now imagine doing that without any trained soldiers or military resources because they've all been exhausted fighting a little war with the Enclave."
(Bigsley's dialogue)Bigsley: "Of course you'll be paid. Most of our assets have been exhausted by war with the Enclave. But I'm a resourceful fellow. Don't you worry about that."
(Bigsley's dialogue) This deal started out very beneficial for both parties. However, as time went on turned out to be less then ideal due to the increased intensity of the attacks, which made Rivet City question the logic behind the Brotherhood's insistence on distributing the water for free instead of selling it and letting the merchants use the markup to pay for their own protection, without having to rely on Rivet City.The Lone Wanderer: "What's Rivet City getting out of helping the Brotherhood?"
Officer Lepelletier: "At first it was a win-win. They paid us and shared their technology with us. The spoils of their war with the Enclave were particularly enticing. However, with all the recent attacks, the "extra" resources end up being used just protecting the caravans from being exterminated."
(Officer Lepelletier's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "I still don't understand why the Brotherhood isn't just selling the water."
Officer Lepelletier: "You'd think that'd be the smart thing, right? Then the caravan drivers could use the markup to simply pay for their own security. Wouldn't need us. Maybe it's an indirect marketing campaign for the Brotherhood. Considering the war with the Enclave, they might need new recruits. Whatever the case, as long as they keep paying us in caps and tech, we'll keep escorting the water."
(Officer Lepelletier's dialogue)
Although the deliveries of Aqua Pura did not officially extend to the ghouls of Underworld, Scribe Bigsley had nonetheless began to secretly sell water to Griffon in exchange for caps and technology as a way to subsidize other water caravans, despite Elder Lyons' explicit order to distribute the water for free.The Lone Wanderer: "Griffon's up to something with the Aqua Pura. What do you know about it?" Bigsley: "Not that it's really any of your business, but we have an arrangement. He buys water, I send him some. I use the caps and tech he pays me to fund the other water deliveries. I send my men with the water to the Museum Authority in the Mall. Griffon sends the payment back with my men. So far, so good. Lyons wouldn't approve, but I don't really care anymore. I need the resources and there's certainly plenty of water to go around." (Bigsley's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "I know you've got something set up. Don't worry, I won't tell your superiors." Bigsley: "Yeah, you don't seem like the goody-goody type. But don't spread this around: So this ghoul, Griffon, comes in wanting to PURCHASE a bunch of water. What the hell does that droopy irradiated fool need with pure water? Thinks he can sell it in Underworld. Moron. But, he's the only one who's offered to PAY for water, in caps AND technology. And what Lyons doesn't know won't hurt him. There's plenty of water to go around. And I can use it to pay Rivet City to provide security for all the caravans we can't escort ourselves. I'm lucky he came along." (Bigsley's dialogue) Unbeknownst to Bigsley, Griffon was re-selling Aqua Pura to raiders, slavers and the Outcasts, who otherwise did not receive water from the Brotherhood,The Lone Wanderer: "Did you know Griffon's stashing the Aqua Pura and selling irradiated water?" Bigsley: "He he. I guess he's more clever than I thought. He's probably planning on selling the real Aqua Pura to Raiders and Slavers. Hmmm. Now there's a thought! Of course, Lyons would have my head if I tried anything of the sort." (Bigsley's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "You're clearly up to something. There's no denying it. Talk. Now!" Griffon: "Oh alright, alright. But if you start blabbing, I've got some buddies with itching trigger fingers... So I've got this little operation taking Aqua Pura and replacing it with regular crap. It's not like it'll hurt us ghouls. The Aqua Pura I'm storing to sell back to humans later. You know, raiders, Outcasts, etc. The guys the Brotherhood doesn't share with. I'm not a bad guy. I'm just trying to help. The Brotherhood needs me. My caps mean water for the Wasteland. Just ask Bigsley at Project Purity." (Griffon's dialogue) while selling bottles of irradiated water to the blissfully unaware ghouls. This would continue until his misdeeds were discovered by a Brotherhood knight, the Lone Wanderer, with the possibility of the Bigsley being informed of his actions.Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.75
"Griffon:
Griffon is a huckster, a con-man, a snake oil salesmen. His current scheme is purchasing Aqua Pura, and stashing the water to sell to humans the Brotherhood isn't giving it to (Raiders, Slavers, Outcasts, etc.). He then puts regular irradiated water in the Aqua Pura bottles, and sells it to Ghouls in Underworld as "Aqua Cura," claiming it reverses the Ghoul condition. He wears a wig he found in the Museum Authority stock room, and for a Ghoul, looks pretty healthy (just a coincidence, but helps make it seem like he’s selling the real deal)"
The Outcasts at Fort Independence, led by Protector Henry Casdin, were interested in hiring skilled wastelanders to find and deliver all manner of technology to them, from scrap metal to advanced power armor and even alien weaponry, in exchange for ammunition and medicine.The Lone Wanderer: "You collect technology? How do I sign up?"
Anne Marie Morgan: "We aren't recruiting, kid. Old sap Lyons might trust walk-ins, but we don't. But if you want to help out... well, we might be able to work out a deal. You bring in technological devices, and we'll pay you a finder's fee, based on the device. But Protector Casdin would have to okay it, first."
(Anne Marie Morgan's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "I'm not sure. Tell me more about this work."
Anne Marie Morgan: "We may be the best-equipped people in the world, but we've still only got so many people out there looking to recover the past's technology. Locals like you can cover more of the Wastes to uncover technological relics like Power Armor or power cells. We know their value better than any junk-trader, and we've got more ammo stores, so you can expect a better trade for the tech."
(Anne Marie Morgan's dialogue)Henry Casdin: "Say, you seem to have some smarts in you, and with your sort of guts, maybe you can help us out. Interested in collecting technology for us?"
(Henry Casdin's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "I need to know more about the job before deciding."
Henry Casdin: "It's simple enough. Bring in technological devices, and we'll pay you for what you find. Big things like power armor or energy weapons are best, but we'll take things like sensor units or spare parts, too. You never know what's important. In return, we'll pay you with your choice of .556 ammo, grenades, stimpaks, or Rad-Away. I'll bet they're more useful to you out there, anyway."
(Henry Casdin's dialogue) The Outcasts, however, would refuse to pay for the retrieval of their own power armor.Henry Casdin: "I'm sure you just found it in the Wastes and you're returning it to us, right? Because you'd have to be a real moron to try to turn it in for pay."
(Henry Casdin's dialogue) Should such "scavenger-for-hire"Henry Casdin: "If it isn't our local scavenger-for-hire. What've you found for us, today?"
(Henry Casdid's dialogue) prove their worth by delivering a significant amount of technology, they would be considered a friend of the Outcasts, allowed to enter Fort Independence and keep the Outcast power armor for themselves, instead of it being confiscated.Henry Casdin: "You've definitely proven your worth. I'll make sure to tell our people on patrol that you're a friend of the Outcasts."
(Henry Casdid's dialogue)The Outcast Collection Agent quest
At some point before 2287, the East Coast Brotherhood of Steel in the Capital Wasteland had successfully employed a strategy proposed by Proctor Teagan, which involved utilizing their vertibirds to track caravans and provide assistance in case they get attacked, in order to earn their trust and gain favorable prices and values for trading in return.The Prydwen terminal entries; Captain Kell's terminal; Teagan TG-477PR CP-39
===== Mojave Wasteland =====
The Mojave Chapter of the Brotherhood, led by Elder Nolan McNamara, found itself in a state of lockdown after suffering a significant defeat at the hands of the New California Republic during Operation: Sunburst, that saw atleast half the chapters knights and paladins wiped out, this included some of its most experienced members.Nolan McNamara: "Veronica. I hope-"
Veronica: "I brought you a present. We unlocked the secret of HELIOS One."
Nolan McNamara: "What? Wonderful news!"
Veronica: "No. It's not. ARCHIMEDES II is an orbital laser. Effective only outdoors in a limited radius and requiring a long recharge."
Nolan McNamara: "In the hands of the enemy-"
Veronica: "They'd be marginally more effective. We lost most of the chapter defending glorified artillery."
(Veronica and Nolan McNamara's dialogue) These circumstances forced the chapter to trade with outsiders in secrecy, by sending undercover procurement specialists, such as Veronica Santangelo, to the surface to trade Brotherhood's weapons in exchange for food and other supplies from traveling merchants,The Courier: "What do you do for them?"
Veronica Santangelo: "I'm a procurement specialist. Like I said, it's basically grocery shopping. Except sometimes the groceries are scavenged parts and arcane technology. The elder who brought us to the Mojave, Father Elijah, usually had me looking for these old memory units. But he'd never tell me what they were for. Nowadays I'm usually sent to do business with traders at places like the 188. But sometimes I think it's just to keep me out of everyone's hair."
(Veronica Santangelo's dialogue) since the Brotherhood lacked the ability to feed itself and refused to make the necessary reforms to begin adopting technology that would allow them to start producing food, as it didn't align with their focus on military technology.The Courier: "Farming technology? "
Veronica Santangelo: "More or less. Supposedly it's a vegetation enhancer. NCR has a science branch headquartered at McCarran airport. Guess they found something. Guess somebody wasn't very good at keeping secrets, either. We'd never pursue it because it's not a weapon. But self-sufficiency is fundamental to us. If it works they'd see the value of an alternate course."
(Veronica Santangelo's dialogue) The chapter's quartermaster, Knight Torres, had strict orders not to trade with outsiders without the elder's permission. Knight Torres: "Sorry, outsider, but I'm not allowed to sell you anything without the Elder's say so.""You must be the stranger I've been hearing about. Sorry, but I'm strictly forbidden from offering our tech to outsiders like yourself."(Knight Torres' dialogue)
===== Commonwealth =====
By 2287, the Commonwealth Brotherhood, operating out of the Cambridge Police Station was offering compensation to wastelanders in return for valued technology. The Brotherhood believes in the compensation of others for goods or services, and according to Paladin Danse will always see a debt paid one way or another."First and foremost, if you'll hand me the Deep Range Transmitter, I'd like to compensate you for your assistance during this operation." - Paladin Danse (Fallout 4)
Note: when it comes trade, all Brotherhood chapters exert same policy when it comes to compensation (haven't found an example where they do not believe in earned compensation)."I insist you keep it. The Brotherhood believes in paying all of its debts." - Paladin Danse's response to the Sole Survivor after being told compensation was not necessary (Fallout 4)
Shortly after the Brotherhood of Steel reinforcements arrived in the Commonwealth, Proctor Teagan sent a request to Lancer-Captain Kells and proposed establishing trade relations with local caravans by employing the same strategy that he had previously used in the Capital Wasteland to great success, by providing protection to travelling merchants in case of an attack in order to gain favorable prices. According to Teagan, this tactic would prove to be even more successful in the Commonwealth, where people lived in constant fear of the Institute.The Prydwen terminal entries; Captain Kell's terminal; Teagan TG-477PR CP-39 Teagan had also planned to sell surplus medical supplies to outsiders in exchange for ammunition that the Brotherhood was running low on.The Prydwen terminal entries; Prydwen Internal Mail; Teagan TG-477PR PM-104
Should the Brotherhood emerge victorious, they will establish trade relations with Diamond City, by regularly sending a few of their members on a supply run into the city's market.Brotherhood soldier: "Good to see you. No trouble here, just doing a supply run."↵↵
(Brotherhood soldier dialogue) These supply runners are welcomed in the city, as long as the Brotherhood agrees to keep "heavy artillery" outside of the city's walls.Diamond City security: "Long as the Brotherhood of Steel keeps the heavy artillery out of the city limits, they're welcome here."
(Diamond City security dialogue) The residents of the city will note that the Brotherhood spends a lot of money while trading.Diamond City resident: "These Brotherhood of Steel guys ain't too bad. Spend plenty of money."
(Diamond City resident dialogue) The supply runners themselves will speculate that their assignment might not be strictly pragmatical and that it doubles as a good will effort.Brotherhood soldier: "You think the top brass want us out here as a good will effort? I kinda hoped we'd be heading home."
(Brotherhood soldier dialogue)
===Confiscations===
In extreme circumstances, such as war, or if it is deemed absolutely crucial, the Brotherhood is known to engage in forceful requisitioning of supplies or technology from civilian settlements and other groups. Though diplomatic options are usually pursued first.
The original Appalachian Brotherhood chapter was known to be somewhat isolationist, largely due to the chapter leader Elizabeth Taggerdy's unwillingness to trust civilians, furthered by incidents such as the theft of supplies and desertion of civilian recruit E. Fisher.Camp Venture terminal entries; JAN-03-81: E Fisher The Brotherhood did initially trade and cooperate with other factions like the Responders for operations like the Battle of Huntersville and,Battle of Huntersville speech facing the Scorched Plague in Appalachia, also frequently requisitioned/demanded supplies from other factions up through January 2094, to the point of exhausting all goodwill they had. They were also known to use force to take materiel, such as using a show of firepower to claim Thunder Mountain Power Plant from the Free States, or even holding the Responders' leader Maria Chavez at gunpoint to demand the sensor tech developed by Amy Kerry.Tygart water treatment terminal entries Though it is worth mentioning that the Brotherhood was facing the threat of the Scorched Plague, the confiscations in material and locations were partially done with the preservation of those individuals in mind. As the Brotherhood was fighting to destroy the threat as a whole for all parties in Appalachia, as the situation at the time was deemed critical.
In 2103, Shawn Hockman arrived at Fort Atlas to launch a complaint. He claimed that at some point, he was robbed at gunpoint by a group of men claiming to be from the Brotherhood of Steel. When this information is relayed to Knight Shin, he denies any possibility of the Brotherhood's involvement in the incident. But also notes that he finds the news of individuals using the Brotherhood's name for their own personal gain disturbing.Vault Dweller: "Shawn Hockman was robbed by people claiming to be the Brotherhood."
Knight Shin: "Impossible. Whatever happened,it was not us."
Vault Dweller: "Don't you want to find the people who did this?"
Knight Shin: "There are countless brigands out there, civilian. It is not the job of the Brotherhood to hunt them down one by one for their crimes. I will say it bothers me to hear that someone is abusing the honor of the Brotherhood this way, but that does not change the facts." 
(Knight Shin dialogue) Shawn remained frustrated that the Brotherhood would let people get away with this, especially in their name.Vault Dweller: "Tell me what the problem is." Shawn Hockman: "The problem is that a couple of these Brotherhood clowns showed up and took a bunch of my stuff at gunpoint. I'm a peaceful man, I really am. Sure wasn't equipped to deal with armed thugs 'requisitioning' the little I've managed to put together for myself. Never understood the Raiders. I like the quiet life, I don't need much, and I need trouble less. But after this, I get it. At least they don't pretend to be the good guys." Regardless it was never confirmed if the Brotherhood was responsible for this incident. However, a group of bandit's that could be responsible are found roaming around Appalachia impersonating the Brotherhood of Steel. The group is in possession of power armor and weapons, while they attempt to rob travelers of their bottle caps under the guise of donations.Brotherhood of Zeal
Sometime during the 2250s or 2260s, the Brotherhood adopted a reactionary policy towards the New California Republic. They attempted to seize advanced pre-War technology, mostly energy based weapons, limiting and controlling the access to such technologies throughout the region. This would eventually result in the NCR-Brotherhood War.GTtv interview with Josh Sawyer
By 2281, the Gun Runners refused to deal in energy weapons, this began due to every caravan that carried these weapons being wiped out or ambushed. The Gun Runners believed it was the Brotherhood of Steel, though these claims were never confirmed. Regardless they decided rather than deal with the constant losses they would disassociate with the technology. They abandoned the market to the Van Graffs entirely.The Courier: "Why don't you deal in energy weapons?" Alexander: "We used to. But every caravan carrying them was getting ambushed and wiped out. By someone sophisticated enough to know which was which. We think it was the Brotherhood of Steel - those crazies always go hard for energy weapons. But the NCR would rather pretend they killed all of them." (Alexander's dialogue) Other groups would use the Brotherhoods reputation with technology to their own benefit. Groups like the Van Graffs and the Crimson Caravan had made deals to destroy their opposition and maximize profits. Part of the covert agreement was the raiding of competing caravan outfits, like Durable Dunn's or Cassidy Caravans, staging them as Brotherhood attacks.Crimson Caravan - Van Graff agreement
During the War with the Institute in 2287, the Brotherhood in the Commonwealth was known to be capable of engaging in forceful requisition of supplies, such as food from civilian settlements if necessary, up to and including taking over the settlements themselves. Even wiping out the original settlers is considered acceptable to complete the mission, since, in the words of Proctor Teagan, "if [they] aren't with us, [they]'re against us." Though this is only seen as a last resort should negotiations fail.The Sole Survivor: "Any means necessary? You're giving me carte blanche on this?"Proctor Teagan: " "(Teagan's dialogue)Feeding the Troops 
 
In 2296, the West Coast Brotherhood receives orders from the East Coast leadership to track down and retrieve a vital piece of technology from a Enclave deserter, Siggi Wilzig. The search for this artifact would once again reignite open hostilities between the Brotherhood of Steel and remnants of the New California Republic in the Boneyard led by Lee Moldaver, as the NCR forces under her command were also looking to acquire the artifact. When the artifact made its way into the NCR remnants possession, the Brotherhood was forced to take action.Fallout Season 1 Episode 1 The EndFallout Season 1 Episode 8 The Beginning They attacked the Griffith Observatory, which acted as the NCR's headquarters in the area. After a vicious battle the Brotherhood was able to secure the observatory and the Cold fusion reactor. This was seen as a absolutely necessity, so much so that the East Coast had even gone out of their way to make sure that it was secured. The cold fusion technology was described the Brotherhood as being crucial, "an object… of profound potential… to harm our nation or to save it."Fallout Season 1 Episode 1 The EndFallout Season 1 Episode 8 The Beginning
===Social structure===
The Brotherhood has several distinct classes that define a member's standing in the Brotherhood social structure, with a strict hierarchy distinguishing each member's position. 
The Brotherhood is egalitarian in nature, with male and female members both being able to rise up to any rank. At the Brotherhood's foundation, however, the women of the Brotherhood were also called "Brothers" instead of "Sisters,"Paladin Jennifer: "{131}{}{The women of the Brotherhood are also called Brothers. We don't call the women Sisters. This is the Brotherhood of Steel, after all, not the Brother and Sisterhood of Steel.}"(Paladin Jennifer's dialogue) which would not carry over to the East Coast chapter.The Sole Survivor: "Don't apologize. It reminds me why I'm doing this."Danse: " "(Danse's dialogue) However while homosexual relationships are generally tolerated, thanks to isolationist tactics and policies of not recruiting amongst outsiders (depending on the chapter and period of time) they are pressured to instead seek relationships that will result in 'repopulation'. 
Even amongst Chapters that will recruit amongst wastelanders, more traditional Brotherhood members take a dim view of them, creating something of a class difference. Due to the high mortality rates among wasteland recruits in the Capital Wasteland, wastelanders were viewed as little better than canon fodder. That said those who manage to rise through the ranks tend to overcome this stigma. 
In regards to outsiders in general the Brotherhood at best takes a patronizing view of them. Though they claim that their goals are for the benefit of mankind, this is often an abstract concept to most Brotherhood members, as the Brotherhood devolved from studying technology to hoarding it. This shift is what ultimately lead to the breakdown of relations between the Brotherhood and the NCR, as the Brotherhood became contemptuous that they had lost their monopoly on technology in the wasteland. While the might of the NCR's military earned a begrudging respect within the Brotherhood, as did that of the Enclave, the Brotherhood tends to dismiss factions in the waste at best as being simple-minded citizens incapable of understanding the 'big picture' that the Brotherhood does, or at worst active dangers to both themselves and the Brotherhood. Despite this, on occasion the Brotherhood is willing to work alongside other Wasteland factions, but sometimes this cooperation is coerced. 
===Belief system===
====Origins====
The beliefs of the Brotherhood were shaped by the experiences of Roger Maxson at Mariposa Military Base and in the aftermath of the Great War. At first, the Brotherhood focused on aiding survivors to the best of its ability, acting as an armed fighting force, rather than the military order it would become. The change came with the realization that the collective knowledge of humanity was in danger of being lost for generations to come. To keep the secrets of the past alive, Maxson decided to dedicate the Brotherhood to the preservation of technology and human knowledge, collecting it in order that the Brotherhood might become the catalyst for humanity's rebirth. As the guardians of civilization, the Brotherhood would focus on the big picture, with direct aid considered a secondary concern.Preservation of technology
While scribes were originally considered second-rate members, tools to protect the knights and maintain the Brotherhood's bases, this change in priorities placed them on equal footing with soldiers of the Brotherhood, tasked with preserving and developing technologies recovered from the field by the knights. Maxson's ultimate intention was to establish the Brotherhood as an organization that works closely with people outside of the Brotherhood, as guardians of civilizations, not its gatekeepers. His idea of an open Brotherhood put him at odds with isolationist members of the Brotherhood, including his own son and Paladin Elizabeth Taggerdy, head of the Appalachian chapter. Although nobody confronted him openly on the issue, out of respect for his role as founder, Roger Maxson was in the minority.Elder Maxson's final conversation
====Preservationists====
In 2135, Roger Maxson died of cancer. Although referred to as the Founder and Deliverer, the Brotherhood changed under his son, Maxson II. The most noticeable effect of the change in leadership was the cessation of outside recruitment by 2141, relying solely on natural growth. The Brotherhood creatively interpreted Maxson's words and its role as a steward of humanity and its salvation. Their power armor would remain a symbol of hope, the harbinger of restoration, but the Brotherhood would quietly wait for the right moment to restore the battered Earth to humanity, rather than actively collaborate with outside people.Talus: "{217}{}{, it is time you wore your own suit of Power Armor. This is a very special privilege for one so new to our order. Wear our Power Armor as a symbol of hope as you walk the wasteland, for someday when the world is ready we will surface and restore our battered Earth. Congratulations, you have made us all very proud. I'll send Michael the authorization.}"(Talus' dialogue) Until then, it would preserve knowledge and control it, so that it could not destroy humanity againThe Courier: "What's their purpose?"Veronica Santangelo: "Ha! Good question. These days it's hard to say. Once upon a time it was about technology. Controlling it so it couldn't destroy us again. Energy weapons and power armor are usually tops on our list, although But that all seems so limited now. We haven't grown or adapted. And now we're stuck in a hole, not carrying out our mission."(Veronica Santangelo's dialogue) by preserving knowledge and its practical applications for future generations, as Maxson intended. While the mandate was to recover, restore, and record whatever the Brotherhood could find, it emphasized hard sciences and the tangible, resulting in a tacit disregard for non-technical, softer fields of knowledge, such as history or sociology. By the late 23rd century, many Brotherhood initiates did not know who Roger Maxson was or what he had done for the order,Sophia: "{337}{}{Vree seems to think that the research of new weaponry and the information gathered from Mutant autopsies is more important than our history. She has forgotten that our history is a vital part of our lives. It has gotten so bad that many of the new initiates don't even know who Roger Maxson is or what exactly he did for us.}"(Sophia's dialogue) and scribes captured by the Legion could not account for the group's origins a few centuries after its foundation.The Courier: "What do you think of the Brotherhood of Steel?"Caesar: "The worst impulses of mankind, concentrated in one insane, backward tribe. The Brotherhood seems to have formed not long after the great atomic war. It's hard to know - they care little for history. Some of the Brotherhood scribes we captured further East didn't even know the name of their founder, Roger Maxson. They like to pretty up their mission with trappings of chivalry, but the truth is they're horders. They horde technology. It's been 200 years, and they still have the mentality of scavengers. They say they're preserving these technologies, but for what? They have no vision. They offer no future. They're a dead end."(Caesar's dialogue)
The Brotherhood continued to research theoretical and practical aspects of science, including biology, physics, and chemistry. Practical applications were particularly emphasized, as weapons, ammunition, medical supplies, and so on were exported in exchange for food, water, and other necessities.Brotherhood services and research as seen at Lost Hills in Fallout. They are also mentioned as important trading partners of the Hub merchants. Exports were limited to conventional technologies, with restricted, advanced items strictly controlled and only provided to those deemed responsible enough to use them.
Regardless of its disregard for soft sciences, the Brotherhood's policies allowed it to reach a position of influence. Its stockpiles of technology and combined knowledge allowed it to emerge as a major research and development house in New California, slowly reintroducing advanced technologies while wisely remaining outside the power structure. Its advantageous position would ultimately lead it to its downfall, as the Brotherhood grew confident in its unchallenged role as quasi-technology police, stagnating.
====Reactionaries====
The refusal to adapt and evolve led to a decline in the Brotherhood's standing and influence, as the New California Republic emerged as a major power player in the wasteland. Facing a changed wasteland with no plan in place, corruption of the Brotherhood's lofty ideals was a matter of time.The corruption affected the entire Brotherhood and wasn't a localized development unique to the Mojave chapter, as indicated by the references in the NCR-Brotherhood War article. Furthermore, as the Mojave chapter was established in Veronica's lifetime (she explicitly states Elijah took her with his force, after New Californian elders decided to get rid of the problem by promoting him out of the way), it is an example of the West's ideology, not an outlier. The increasingly strict adherence to the organization's principles evolved into religious dogmatism. This mindset eventually dominated its leadership. The Codex became sacred,The Courier: "What's the Codex?"Veronica Santangelo: " It documents our history, too. Part of what Scribes like me do is update it. Hmm... I wonder... Nah, they'd probably catch it if I rewrote the Founder's axioms."(Veronica Santangelo's dialogue)Brotherhood of Steel paladin: "We heard Veronica talking with the Elder. We won't stand for this."The Courier: "Won't stand for what? She plans to respect the Elder's decision."Brotherhood of Steel paladin: "Respect, nothing. She plans to whisper in his ear. Poison him against the Codex. No... this has to end now. Execute them."(Brotherhood of Steel paladin's dialogue) with Roger Maxson effectively deified.The Courier: "This isn't your place. You're neither Head Scribe nor Elder."Brotherhood of Steel paladin: "Their sentimentality prevents them from administering justice. Our duty is to the Codex above all, something your companion has forgotten. And that gives us the authority to "The Courier: "I don't get what the big deal is."Brotherhood of Steel paladin: "High Elder Maxson didn't just found the Brotherhood. He defined it. To serve in the Brotherhood is to serve his ideals. Our way of life is based on them. We know no other path. There With her... leanings... Veronica spits in the face of every Knight, Paladin, and Scribe to serve in our ranks."(Brotherhood of Steel paladin's dialogue) Religious influences trickled into everyday expressions, with "By Steel" becoming an intensifier and an oath, invoking an undefined higher entity.The Courier: "I'm hurt. I need help, Doc."Linda Schuler: "By Steel, I haven't seen wounds like these since HELIOS. I've got to get you treated quickly."(Linda Schuler's dialogue)
The definition of technology became very selective. The Brotherhood started to focus almost exclusively on combat technologies, such as energy weapons or power armor, zealously restricting its use to its own ranks. Basic, useful technologies like genetic modification of crops or civil engineering were largely ignored, as irrelevant to the pursuit of narrowly-understood power. Sharing of Brotherhood secrets, even for a greater purpose, is seen as treason warranting summary execution.Veronica Santangelo: " "Brotherhood of Steel paladin: "Sharing knowledge with an outsider organization. I knew Veronica couldn't be trusted. We tracked your movements a long way. But it was worth it to catch her in the act. Passing Brotherhood secrets to outsiders is the lowest form of treason. What have you got to say for yourself?"(Veronica Santangelo's and Brotherhood of Steel paladin's dialogue) 
The drive to protect the people from the ravages of technology was replaced by hoarding. The Brotherhood became aggressive in their efforts to control technology. No outsiders were permitted to join their ranks. Rather than restoring the Earth, the Brotherhood wanted to outlive and inherit the Earth after other rivals have died out.The Courier: "Does the Brotherhood protect people from raiders or other threats?"Veronica Santangelo: "No, no. We only protect people from , and only in the sense that we don't let them have the really good Pre-War toys. And sometimes it's more like we protect from and hope to outlive them and become humanity's sole heirs. We've had people go rogue, though, and start helping people. One chapter had a small civil war over it. We take our isolationism seriously."(Veronica Santangelo's dialogue) The Codex itself was either rewritten or reinterpreted to emphasize the world view.The Lone Wanderer: "Relax, Squire. I don't bite."Arthur Maxson: "I plead for your pardon if my behavior offends you, /. 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)Nolan McNamara: "What does the Codex say?"Veronica Santangelo: "A bunch of closed-minded bullshit."Nolan McNamara: "We do not help them, or let them in."Veronica Santangelo: "But-"Nolan McNamara: "We keep knowledge they must never have."Veronica Santangelo: "Give it a chance. For me. I can't stay here and watch us waste away."Nolan McNamara: "I'm sorry."Veronica Santangelo: ""Nolan McNamara: ""Veronica Santangelo: "Come on. I can't listen to this anymore."(Veronica Santangelo and Nolan McNamara's dialogue) 
Not all Brotherhood chapters were dedicated to this reactionary policy. Lyons' Brotherhood of Steel diverged when Elder Owyn Lyons turned his chapter into a purely charitable organization, aiding the wasteland without compensation and opening its ranks to outside recruitment. His insistence on charity, rather than equitable exchange, led to a steady decline and loss of territory over a period of twenty years of their presence in the Capital Wasteland. The Purifier Conflict with the remnants of the Enclave provided an influx of new technologies and resources, but Lyons' leadership remained a problem. Particularly severe was the fact that Lost Hills completely shut off communications with Lyons' chapter and denied them any reinforcements.The Lone Wanderer: "You make saving people sound like a bad thing."Reginald Rothchild: "It wasn't why we were sent here. Good or bad has nothing to do with it. Lyons knew that, but ignored it. He decided it was more important to save the people here than to obey orders from his superiors. For years he'd try and persuade them to send reinforcements and supplies, all the while stringing them along, saying he was sticking to the mission. Finally, things came to a head. Lyons directly refused orders, and so the West Coast cut us off. No communications, no reinforcements."The Lone Wanderer: "Why, what happened?"Reginald Rothchild: "Lines of communication were severed years ago. The Western Elders have washed their hands of us."(Reginald Rothchild's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "Why are you here in the Capital Wasteland?"Owyn Lyons: "Our orders were, and are, to acquire any and all advanced technology. And we have, to the best of our abilities. But when I realized the extent of the Super Mutant threat, I felt it was my responsibility to aid the people in their struggle against them. Unfortunately, my superiors back west disagree with my assessment of the situation. They feel I've grown too "attached" to the local populace. And they're right. In any event, the Enclave's arrival changes everything..."(Owyn Lyons' dialogue)
====Restorers====
Major changes were introduced under Elder Arthur Maxson in the 2280s. Like the Brotherhood of the 22nd century, the Eastern division rededicated itself to the advancement of humanity. Beyond taking an active role in wasteland politics, the Brotherhood embraced Elder Lyons' policies of eradicating abominations, combining them with a new approach to controlling technology. Abominations of nature brought about by mankind's meddling are viewed as a scourge that needs to be destroyed in order for humanity to prosper. The list typically involves super mutants and feral ghouls, although the Brotherhood also eliminates raiders and other threats as a matter of course.Fallout 4 loading screens: "The Brotherhood of Steel is dedicated to the advancement of humanity, and views mutation as a scourge. Super Mutants, Ghouls and any other 'abominations' have been deemed impure, and must be eradicated."The Sole Survivor: "What are my responsibilities as a Sentinel?"Arthur Maxson: " "(Elder Maxson's dialogue)
Control of technology is seen as a means to an end. While the crumbling western Brotherhood attempted to control technology in an attempt to stave off its destruction, Maxson's Brotherhood returned to the original mission of containment: Protecting mankind from technologies that cannot be fully controlled and thus represent a threat to its long-term welfare and even survival. As a result, the Brotherhood seeks to understand the nature of technology, its power and meaning to humans, and fights those who would abuse said power for their own ends, endangering mankind in the process.The Sole Survivor: "Who are the Brotherhood of Steel?"Danse: " "(Danse's dialogue) The most noticeable way in which this policy is implemented is the collection of technology from pre-War sites, to prevent its abuse.Danse: " The Brotherhood refuses to allow that to happen again. By collecting all forms of technology, and keeping it out of reach of those who seek to exploit it, we're ensuring the survival of the human race."(Danse's dialogue)
The Brotherhood rejects technological development for the sake of technological development, drawing on the lessons of the Great War. The Brotherhood holds that it was a result of technological progress outpacing man's restraint and moral progress. Consumerism and greed became the driving forces of progress, new technologies exploited by megacorporations for their own gain, pocketing the cash and ignoring the collateral damage to society and the environment.Danse: ""(Danse's dialogue) Though miracle advancements in medicine and welfare were made, the unchecked development spurred by the war with China led to widespread abuse of technology's potential. Bio-engineered plagues, FEV, and ever more destructive nuclear weapons were but a handful of horrors created by pre-War mankind.The Sole Survivor: "How did mankind abuse technology?"Danse: ""(Danse's dialogue) The Great War was a natural result of putting the implements of Apocalypse in the hands of madmen.Arthur Maxson: ""Danse: "It's not his fault. It's mine."Arthur Maxson: " "The Sole Survivor: "He's still alive because you're wrong about him."Arthur Maxson: " "Paladin Danse: ""Arthur Maxson: ""(Elder Arthur Maxson and Danse's dialogue)
Gen 3 synths, which are indistinguishable from humans, are a perfect example of science run amok, a technology that cannot be fully controlled by humans.Fallout 4 loading screens: "To the Brotherhood of Steel, the Gen 3 synths, which are indistinguishable from humans, are a perfect example of science run amok - a technology that cannot be fully controlled by humans." The combination of their superior physique and the capacity to think for themselves renders them a threat to mankind,The Sole Survivor: "No, but I'm hoping there's a way out."Danse: " "(Danse's dialogue) while the way in which they are created, assembled in a laboratory and programmed like a robot, is anathema to the Brotherhood, which holds human life to be sacred.The Sole Survivor: "Danse shares the same beliefs as the Brotherhood."Arthur Maxson: ""(Elder Arthur Maxson's dialogue)The Sole Survivor: "Synth? Isn't that the same as 'robot?'"Danse: "They're an abuse of technology created by the Institute. Abominations meant to 'improve' upon humanity. It's unacceptable. They simply can't be allowed to exist."(Danse's dialogue) 
While the Brotherhood's new rhetoric has religious overtones, Elder Maxson rejects the notion of being worshiped as divine. The eradication of Maxson cults in the Western Brotherhood is consistent with his desire to be nothing more and nothing less than human: aided and perfected by technology, but not controlled or enslaved by it. 
====Nation builders====
Elder Maxson's reforms had wide-reaching implications. The Brotherhood finally embraced its nation-building role, which was already taken for granted on the East Coast, with Initiates fighting and dying in the name of the Brotherhood, seen no longer as just an order, but as a country.The Prydwen terminal entries; outgoing mail terminal, Outgoing Mail PEM787A-026 Out West, the emergence of a new caste of clerics, imbuing the Brotherhood's mission with religious overtone has also contributed to the evolution of the Brotherhood: From an elite order of warrior monks into a mass movement, relying not on a handful of troops in power armor, but massed forces of aspirants and initiates accompanying these troops to overcome any conceivable enemy.Quintus: "Our mission comes from the highest clerics in the Commonwealth. It is believed that a denizen of the Enclave has escaped."Squire: "The Enclave's real?"
Quintus: "And that he has with him an object of profound potential to harm our nation or to save it. Each knight in this legion will search a section of the Wilds for this target. Brothers, we exist for moments such as these. Go forth with honor! And may the shape of the future be cut by your sword!"("The End" 
This resulted in the introduction of mass outside recruitment, previously only practiced by Elder Owyn Lyons and Arthur Maxson, emulating the practices of the New California Republic, crippled after the Fall of Shady Sands. Drawing from every walk of life, these aspirants would become the sledgehammer of the Brotherhood, ready to cut the shape of the future with their swords on orders from the clerics. While the newfound religious reverence for pre-War artifacts and the stiffening of command hierarchies resulted in some dissilussionment among certain veterans,Knight Titus: "This fucking place. There's always something to ruin your fuckin' day. This wasteland fucking sucks. The clerics, too. With their bullshit. Sending me on stupid missions for remnants that turn out to be a fucking toaster oven. You know what you could do with a fucking toaster oven? Do you have any idea?"(The Target) those who have never known life outside the Brotherhood followed them with near fanatical zeal as a chance to improve their standing - even if they were orders to kill and reclaim pre-War tech no matter the cost.Squire Thaddeus: "I also bring new orders from the Elder Cleric. Uh, which I humbly relay. We're not the only ones in search of this remnant from the old world. The Elder Cleric says whoever gets the target will control the Wasteland. And, uh... we are to kill whomever stands in our way."(The Head) Though it is also stated that violence is a tool only to be used as a last resort .QuintusQuintus dialogue]]
An offshoot of this new interpretation of the ideology was that aspirants and squires became more expendable, and were expected to serve on the front lines. Normally assigned to knights to slowly train and become new knights. They had always been expected to be willing to die in the line of duty, but with their now increasing numbers the Brotherhood sought to utilize them, as well as provide them with combat experience.Shortsight: "This is Petty Officer Shortsight. You missed your check-in."
Maximus (impersonating Titus): "We were attacked, uh, by an abomination. My squire, he fell in battle. He died with honor. And glory."Shortsight: "Copy that. We'll get you a replacement squire right away."Maximus: "No! No, I'm okay. All good here."Shortsight: "It's not a problem. We got plenty of squires."(The Target) A whole ceremony was invented including branding them on the skin Squires actually looked forward to the ceremony, believing they were not true squires until their flesh carried the mark of a knight.Maximus (impersonating Titus): "Yeah, it was kind of special."
Thaddeus: "Wait. You should brand me."
Maximus: "Uh, I don't know."
Thaddeus: "But I-I'm not officially your squire until you brand me."
Maximus: "It's late."
Thaddeus: "Come on."
Maximus: "Are you sure? It really hurts.
Thaddeus: "I want you to. I want you to. Please."
Maximus: "All right."
Thaddeus: "Yeah, let's do it."
Maximus: "It is your most sacred duty to protect the Brotherhood. After which, it is your most sacred duty to protect me, Knight Titus. Do you accept?"
Thaddeus: "Oh, yeah. You bet I do."(The Past)
===Insignia===
The iconography of the Brotherhood of Steel is built around its emblem: gears, sword and wings. It is used widely to decorate their facilities, tag armor and equipment, and as part of markers identifying their territory, and overall building up a distinct visual identity. The order marks virtually every piece of equipment it possesses with its sigil.
The Brotherhood insignia has evolved throughout the years and while it has retained its general appearance, the number of cogs on the gears, their facing, and basic color scheme have varied between iterations. Other modifications have also been implemented, such as replacing the gears with a lion rampant, altering the number of teeth on the elements, or changing coloration.
The insignia is usually the only major difference between pre-War military uniforms and Brotherhood outfits.
==Divisions and locations==
Canonical chapters 	Canonical chapters 	Canonical chapters 	Canonical chapters 	Canonical chapters 	Canonical chapters	Canonical chapters
Group 	Locations 	Game 	 	 	 	
Lost Hills (New California Chapter) 	
* Lost Hills
* San Francisco Brotherhood outpost
* Den Brotherhood outpost
* NCR Brotherhood outpost (Shady Sands)
* Filly
* Griffith Observatory
* L.A. Boneyard 
* Brotherhood of Steel airbase	FalloutFallout 2Fallout TV series 	 	 	 	
Capital Wasteland Chapter 	
* The Citadel
* Adams Air Force Base
* GNR building plaza
* Jefferson Memorial
* Washington Monument
* Arlington Library
* Pennsylvania Avenue
* Rockland Car Tunnel
* Hotel
Following unification 
* Fort Independence 
* VSS outpost	Fallout 3 	 	 	 	
Mojave Chapter 	
* Abandoned BoS bunker (formerly)
* Brotherhood of Steel safehouse
* HELIOS One (formerly)
* Hidden Valley bunker	Fallout: New Vegas 	 	 	 	
Commonwealth Chapter 	
* The Prydwen
* Boston Airport
* Cambridge Police Station
* Waypoint Echo
* Recon bunker Theta
* Brotherhood Nuka-World outpost (mentioned)
* Diamond City (optional)
* Arcadia (optional)
* Multiple military checkpoints throughout the Commonwealth	Fallout 4 	 	 	 	
Appalachia ChapterFirst Expeditionary Force	
* Fort Atlas
* Forward Station Tango
* Watoga
* The Whitespring Resort
* Makeshift vault
* Multiple military checkpoints and outposts throughout Appalachia
Former
* Fort Defiance 
* Camp Venture 
* Firebase Hancock 
* Firebase LT 
* Firebase Major
* Thunder Mountain Power Plant
* Multiple military checkpoints and outposts throughout Appalachia	Fallout 76 	 	 	 	
Chicago Chapter 	
* Mentioned 	Fallout 3 (mentioned) Fallout 4 (mentioned) 	 	 	 	
Montana Chapter 	
*Bugged dialogue 	Fallout 3 (bugged) 	 	 	 	
Non-canonical chapters 	Non-canonical chapters	Non-canonical chapters 	Non-canonical chapters	Non-canonical chapters	 	
Group 	Locations 	Game 	 	 	 	
Midwest Chapter 	
* The Belt
* Bunker Alpha
* Bunker Beta
* Bunker Gamma
* Bunker Delta
* Bunker Epsilon
* Chicago
* Vault 0	Fallout Tactics 	 	 	 	
Texas Chapter 	
* Vault prototype
* Carbon
* Los
* Fort Worth
* The Alamo	Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel 2	 	 	 	
===Founding chapter===
The headquarters of the Brotherhood and its first chapter is the Lost Hills bunker in California, the seat of the Brotherhood's high elder, and its ruling council, and the place where the organization was founded. It is also the center of their research and military activities. However, by 2242, the Brotherhood was spread across the wastes of California in small bunkers and installations hidden from the eyes of common folk, and finding them all and wiping them out would be a difficult and dangerous task.
Their installations include small observation bunkers (for example, in the Den, San Francisco, and Shady Sands), as well as major outposts and subterranean facilities, like Hidden Valley. Apart from Hidden Valley, at least six other larger bunkers are confirmed to exist, though four of them were destroyed by the Brotherhood and two fell to the NCR. All Brotherhood outposts are formally subject to the Lost Hills' ruling council's authority, even if they sometimes tend to act independently, especially if they are located far from California, and contact with the headquarters is rare. The Lost Hills bunker is surrounded by the state of Maxson, which, while named after the founder of the Brotherhood, is officially outside Brotherhood rule and is a state of the New California Republic. The later conflict between the Republic and the Brotherhood most likely resulted in the destruction of six of the Brotherhood's bunkers in New California.
===Appalachia===
The Appalachian branch of the Brotherhood of Steel was founded when Roger Maxson contacted Lt. Elizabeth Taggerdy via satellite. The chance meeting led to the earliest branch of the Brotherhood being established in the remote region. Based out of Camp Venture and later Fort Defiance, the chapter focused on recovery and aiding the local population in its early years, before focusing entirely on the destruction of the scorchbeasts and the Scorched as an existential threat to humanity. The chapter failed in its attempt to contain the threat, becoming extinct in August 2095, less than twenty years after their foundation.
However, in the year 2103, the Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force arrived in Appalachia and set up at Fort Atlas, previously called the ATLAS Observatory, reestablishing a Brotherhood presence in the region. And in doing so, they became the second iteration of the Appalachian chapter.Steel Dawn However a leadership rivalry emerged between Paladin Rahmani and Knight Shin regarding the Brotherhoods isolationism. Shin wanted to keep the Brotherhoods tradition at the expense of the safety of the surrounding wastelanders, while Rahmani wanted to abandon the Brotherhood tenants in order to bring about a more united wasteland. 
===Mojave===
The Brotherhood's bunker is located in Hidden Valley, directly east of the settlement of Goodsprings in the Mojave Wasteland. It is surrounded by powerful underground fans that serve as a high-tech defense system, creating artificial sandstorms that allow the inhabitants to travel to and from the bunker undercover. It also serves as a kind of electronic disturbance to any and all outside factions' targeting sensors, therefore rendering the bunker safe from detection.See Mojave chapter for references.
Prior to 2276, the Mojave Brotherhood had been very active in the region before their crippling defeat at HELIOS One by NCR forces and were forced underground on the orders of their new leader Elder McNamara. Due to a complete lockdown ordered to preserve what remaining soldiers he had, McNamara relies solely on teams that were trapped outside of the bunker for intel and trusted undercover operatives to bring food and supplies back to those trapped inside.
Despite their seclusion from the outside world, they still are regarded as a powerful faction in the region, this is shown in Mr. House's calculations as they painted the Brotherhood insurgency to be the greatest threat to his reign in the Mojave Wasteland in the long-term.
===East Coast Brotherhood===
On the East Coast, the East Coast division of the Brotherhood established the Citadel, built into and beneath the ruins of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. This faction was led by the idealistic Elder Owyn Lyons who decided to make the protection of the human inhabitants of the Capital Wasteland from super mutants and other threats his top priority, instead of the acquisition and preservation of technology. While Lyons was officially recognized by the ruling council at Lost Hills as the leader of a Brotherhood faction, because of his changed priorities, he received no support from California, and his faction, for all intents and purposes, was independent. Without reinforcements from the West Coast, Lyons was forced to recruit locally, but, as most new wastelander conscripts are overeager, unskilled, or both, the survival rate of these local members was atrocious. Elder Lyons' daughter Sarah commanded her own elite squad, Lyons' Pride. These soldiers help preserve the Capital Wasteland by holding back the super mutants, who tend to remain in the urban ruins of Washington, D.C.Events of Fallout 3Faction Profile – the Brotherhood of Steel (Fallout 3)
Members of Lyons' expeditionary force who preferred to stay faithful to the Brotherhood's original goals of locating and preserving technology and knowledge eventually abandoned him in 2276, after Lyons outright refused to permit them to excavate Fort Independence. Under the lead of Paladin Henry Casdin, they left the Citadel to take up residence in the fort and styled themselves as the Brotherhood Outcasts. In addition to carrying out Lyons' original orders, the Outcasts attempted to re-establish contact with the western elders and have Lyons placed in front of a firing squad.See Brotherhood Outcasts for references.
As the war with the super mutants intensified, the Enclave returned in the flesh after fleeing New California several years prior. Their radio broadcasts had been heard for years on wasteland radios. In a bold first move, they seized the Jefferson Memorial's "Project Purity" (a project intended to provide clean water to the wasteland), and subsequently consolidated their power throughout the Capital Wasteland. At first favoring caution, Elder Lyons soon changed his mind, engaging the Enclave in a full-scale battle after the Enclave acquired possession of Vault 87's G.E.C.K. and nearly activated Project Purity. With the aid of Liberty Prime, the Enclave was ousted from the Jefferson Memorial and into uncertain disarray. Despite the subsequent loss of Liberty Prime, Lyons' chapter started its recovery to dwarf their fellow chapters back west in power, especially after the devastation of the NCR-Brotherhood War.
Following both Lyons' deaths circa 2278, the chapter was managed by a string of largely ineffectual elders, only to come under the leadership of Elder Arthur Maxson in 2283, who reunited the chapter with the Brotherhood Outcasts. Together with the Prydwen, a large airship whose creation started in the twilight years of Lyons' reign, and their victory against the Enclave in 2277, the chapter achieved its goal. As of 2287, the chapter is able to field large quantities of Vertibirds and T-60 power armor, manufacture replacement parts, and use standardized energy weapons. Their newly acquired power allowed them to send long-range recon teams to scout regions and recover technologies. One of these, Recon Squad Gladius, was sent to the Commonwealth to investigate the region after the disappearance of Recon Squad Artemis. Their findings prompted the Brotherhood to deploy in the Commonwealth aboard the Prydwen and strike against the Institute. Once they arrived, the Brotherhood conducted an air assault on the feral ghouls occupying Boston Airport and established their main base of operations there. They are capable of and frequently conduct air assault operations, especially when inserting patrol teams and assaulting objectives, such as Bunker Hill.See East Coast Brotherhood of Steel for references.
Sometime around or prior to 2287, the Brotherhood of Steel had also established an outpost somewhere near Nuka-World; the specific location of this base is not known, but it is not found within the in-game worldspace of Nuka-World. Buzz, a member of the Pack, stumbled upon this outpost and found it seemingly abandoned, with the area littered with the bodies of dead Brotherhood members and ghouls. However, he was able to locate a operational suit of power armor inside.Buzz's note When he and an associate returned to retrieve the armor, they were attacked by Brotherhood members who had returned. This forced him to return a third time, he was able to dawn the suit of power armor but was shot in the process, perishing after he attempted to flee.Buzz's apologyBuzz's holotape
Following the War for the Commonwealth, the Prydwen and accompanying Knights made the trip back to New California, having learned of the defector of the Enclave Dr. Wilzig.
===Montana Chapter===
A Brotherhood bunker exists in Montana and was at some point the home of an elder named Patrocolus. Owyn Lyons: "Brothers, as we take our meal this day, let us reflect upon the words of Elder Patrocolus of the Montana Bunker. 'It is in service of Steel and guardianship of one's Brothers that each man finds his purpose. My friends, stand with your Brothers. Guard them... ...guide them. And in each of them find purpose. Look around this table, my Brothers. Look into the eyes of each man and woman seated here today. Pledge in your hearts and minds, pledge by your guns that you will stand with them in battle until the end. Trust each of them with your life.' And earn the trust of each in turn. Eat well, my friends."(Owyn Lyons' dialogue) 
===Chicago Chapter===
The Brotherhood of Steel sent a detachment of troops east by airship to track the remnants of the Master's Army. After crash landing in Chicago, they clashed with the mutants in the city. By 2277, they had been classified by the Brotherhood as a rogue unit and "fell off of the radar" of the organization's other chapters.The Lone Wanderer: "Then where's the rest of the Brotherhood?"Reginald Rothchild: "The West Coast, unless something has changed. There's been no contact with them for the last several years. There's also a small detachment in Chicago, but they're off the radar. Gone rogue. Long story."(Reginald Rothchild's dialogue) However, they were able the defeat the remnants of the Super Mutant Army that fled east. They were either killed or were assimilated into the Chicago chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel, which seemed more willing to allow mutants to join its ranks.Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.71: "Elder Owyn LyonsLyons, 75, was already highly decorated when he set out from the order's West Coast headquarters, leading a party of soldiers on a mission to reestablish contact with the 'Eastern Brotherhood.' He discovered this abandoned Pentagon military complex. The presence of Super Mutants sent a chill up the collective spine of the Brotherhood; these weren't the children of the dreaded Master, nor were they the remnants of the band that fled east and were ultimately destroyed (or assimilated into the Brotherhood of Steel) in the Chicago area. No, this was a new breed of Super Mutant, one with a local origin. But where did they come from? What did they want? How were they reproducing? Elder Lyons was ordered to discover the source of this new Super Mutant infestation and wipe it from the face of the earth. Recent weeks have seen him galvanize his 'Pride' to thwart the remnants of the Enclave forces, and to provide drinking water to all."(Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)
===Branch Organizations=== 
====Circle of Steel==== 
 
The Circle of Steel is a branch organization within the Brotherhood of Steel dedicated to dealing with internal conflicts. In terms of their position relative to the Brotherhood proper, they handle the internal affairs of the whole Brotherhood of Steel.Patient log: Y-17Patient log: Y-17.5Patient log: Y-17.0 They are based on a faction of the same name that was to appear in Van Buren.
===Non-canonical chapters===
====Midwestern Brotherhood====
The splinter faction, which lost contact with the Brotherhood leadership at Lost Hills, had been an independent organization since 2197, when the airship of its founders crashed near Chicago. Unlike the original, isolationist Brotherhood, the Midwestern Brotherhood expanded aggressively and eventually established a network of bunkers and vassalized towns from Illinois to Kansas, drafting folk from tribes and cities under Brotherhood protection into its ranks. While more open to the outside world, this faction of the Brotherhood is by no means altruistic - the villagers under Brotherhood rule, while protected from raiders and mutants, live in fear of the infamous Brotherhood inquisitors. The Midwestern Brotherhood was far more open in terms of recruitment compared to its West Coast counterparts, accepting ghouls, super mutants and even intelligent deathclaws into their ranks. The Brotherhood's main bases were bunkers that were originally pre-War military bunkers that were found, taken, and rebuilt. In accordance with the Brotherhood's military roots, they were renamed Bunkers Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Epsilon.
The aforementioned Chicago detachment is a reference to the Midwest Brotherhood as they appeared in Fallout Tactics, though what is mentioned of them is essentially all that remains in canonical installments. However, just like their Fallout Tactics counterparts, the canon Chicago chapter also allows mutants into its ranks.
====Texas Expedition====
After the death of John Maxson, Rhombus, the head of the Brotherhood's paladins, became the new high elder, in the non-canonical Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel. A super mutant faction under the leadership of Attis moved east and attempted to recreate the mutant army in Texas using the Corporate Vault. Rhombus, despite some criticism from the ruling council of the West Coast Brotherhood of Steel, started a crusade against the still-existent threat of the super mutant army, now led by Attis, in 2208. The Texan Brotherhood would prove successful in their quest, destroying Attis and his army at the ghoul city of Los.
Later they would expand their reach to include Fort Worth and the Alamo.
Unlike the Chicago detachment, the events of Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel have not been referenced in any way in later canonical installments.
==Foreign relations==
Note: for further information on relations such as trade, see trade section.
While they are generally not hostile to others without a good reason, members of the Brotherhood are not interested in justice for the obviously weaker and less fortunate wastelanders (or mutants) around them. They largely focus on keeping their secrecy and preserving and developing technology, which they often put above human life since technology is irreplaceable in the post-nuclear wastelands—lives are not. Their motives are often based on the long-term results, and Brotherhood members are not people to be trifled with.Fallout Bible 6:"The Brotherhood of Steel: The Brotherhood of Steel (BOS) is a techno-religious organization, with roots in the US military and government-sponsored scientific community from before the war."
The Brotherhood does not like to share their choicest technology with others, despite the obvious benefits their technology could bring to the wasteland they introduce it at a slow rate. It is a commonly accepted truth within the Brotherhood that the people of the wasteland are not responsible enough to use (and maintain) all of the technology the Brotherhood has at their disposal. They are known for trading some of their technologies with frontier communities and the states of the New California Republic in exchange for food and other resources, but they keep the more sensitive and advanced and hazardous technologies to themselves. With their policies came conflict, the Brotherhood fought against the NCR in the devastating NCR-Brotherhood War over the control of pre-war technologies.The Courier: "Any recommendations on how to complete the mission?"Robert House: "From time to time, the NCR has assaulted Brotherhood bunkers. In four of the six incidents I know of, the bunkers self-destructed. I surmise it's standard practice for the Brotherhood to install a self-destruct system. It's consistent with their You might use that against them. Or kill them another way, it's up to you. Return when it's done."(Robert House's dialogue)The Courier: "Any possibility of a diplomatic solution?"Robert House: "We're talking about a of bulging-eyed fanatics who think all Pre-War technology belongs to them. They'll never accept my using an army of robots to defend New Vegas. While it's a fight I can win, I'd rather sidestep it altogether."The Courier: "I don't want to kill off the entire Brotherhood."Robert House: "Don't tell me that you've fallen for the stories of noble paladins on crusade, preserving mankind's technology in a benighted age? Dross! this is an employer - employee relationship. I've given you an assignment, and the directions are clear."(Robert House's dialogue)
In the early 2240s and prior, the Brotherhood had moderately good relations with the quickly developing New California Republic, to the point that one of the provinces of the fledgling nation state was named after the founder of the Brotherhood: Maxson. It was also the location of the Brotherhood's subterranean headquarters, Lost Hills, but it was never incorporated into the NCR. The two factions were involved in trading and the sharing of some technologies, the Brotherhood even possessed an outpost in the NCR's capital of Shady Sands.NCR Brotherhood outpost"How was the Brotherhood of Steel involved with NCR after the destruction of the Enclave?" Unknown. Presumably, they'd already established some level of co-existence with NCR even before the events of F1, judging by one of the states of NCR being dubbed 'Maxson' (more on that in a future update except to say that the Lost Hills Bunker was NOT turned into a town in NCR) and considering their pre-existing ties to the Hub, which became a state by the time of F2. I've always imagined that NCR and BOS have maintained an uneasy truce, with barter and (some) technology sharing between the two groups." ~ Chris Avellone Despite past differences and current conflict, the Brotherhood of Steel has shown itself to be willing to work with other parties or even rivals to achieve a common or crucial goal. Such as the cooperation with the NCR to ensure the defeat of the Enclave following the destruction of the Control station Enclave. During the height of the NCR-Legion War, the Brotherhood of Steel Mojave chapter displayed a willingness to sign temporary truce with the NCR, as their ambitions in the Mojave were not at "crossed purposes".For the Republic, part 2 
If negotiations proceed, the Mojave chapter will send a representative, Paladin Todd, to discuss the terms of the truce with the NCR's Colonel Moore. The Brotherhood's truce came with a condition, Paladin Todd requested that the NCR return the power armor used by NCR heavy troopers, which had been salvaged from their conflict together. In exchange for the return of their property, the Brotherhood would sign a temporary truce with the NCR in the Mojave.Paladin Todd:"This is unacceptable we demand the immediate return of our power armor." Colonel Moore:"A battle is about to be fought out there, to come here requesting our men to give up their armor is insane" Paladin Todd: "It is not your armor, that power armor is the property of the Brotherhood of Steel you have no right to claim it as your own." They would also provide the NCR with combat support by sending some armored units to the Second Battle of Hoover Dam.For the Republic, Part 2 The Mojave chapter was willing to do this despite continued hostilities between the two in the west. As per their agreement, the NCR handed over all suits of salvaged power armor and in return the Brotherhood helped patrol Interstate 15 and Highway 95.Fallout: New Vegas endings Slide 7: Brotherhood of Steel
===Outside recruitment===
During its formation and early years - the Brotherhood of Steel recruited from all walks of human life. Many were former members of the United States Military. Roger Maxson had begun attempting to contact ex-military units across the former United States with the proposition of joining his organization.Radio log: Aug 29 2077Taggerdy's Journal: NOV 04 2077 However, not all that joined were soldiers, others were scientists, first responders or just average wastelanders.Camp Venture terminal entriesShelley's letterHenry's letter Vault Dweller: "Aren't you worried about your safety?" Jonah Ito: "Why should I be? I've got nothing to live for anymore. When the Scorched came to Appalachia, I ran away. Kaede wanted me to join the Brotherhood with her, but I was afraid to fight. Afraid to die. Now I see it's better to die for something than to live for nothing." (Fallout 76 dialogue) The Brotherhood on the West Coast kept growing, welcoming into its ranks a National Guard unit that was formerly stationed near Mariposa. Basic training for new Brotherhood recruits was extensive and strenuous. Even former military veterans found it to be a lot more difficult than their prior training. In Appalachia for example, all new recruits, regardless of background, were required to report to Camp Venture for basic training. The Brotherhood of Steel had made modifications to US Army Ranger training to set a new standard for basic. Part of this basic training even included live fire engagements against hostile targets such as super mutants and raiders. Because of this casualties were seen as a necessary loss when it came to building a better soldier.Message to Marge 2Camp Venture terminal entries
When the Brotherhood expands into a new area, open recruitment may be seen as necessary to the security of the mission. The Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force for example had recruited dozens of initiates and hopefuls on their track across the country.Vault 76 dweller: "How many of the Brotherhood are here?" Russell Dorsey: "Well, aside from the Initiates and hopefuls they recruited along the way...just three. I was expecting more, honestly, but Paladin Rahmani said three was plenty to start a new chapter. With the recruits they have already, she's right." (Russell Dorsey's dialogue) During 2103, they arrived and established their headquarters at Fort Atlas in Appalachia. Following this, they continued to recruit large numbers of local civilians to fill their ranks as a new chapter. These new recruits would then be indoctrinated with the teachings and regulations of the Brotherhood of Steel. They were provided training and sent on patrols or to guard checkpoints for combat experience.Del Lawson dialogue in regards to patrol with Knight ShinYour mission
It was only following the death of Roger Maxson that the Brotherhood began their isolationist policies, and by 2161, they had remained active on the surface in New California.Elder Maxson's final conversation By 2241, they had become completely isolationist on the West Coast. The Brotherhood did not recruit outsiders as a general rule. When it did, they required the recruits to be very young, so that the proper relationship with technology could be cultivated. Adults have an approach that the Brotherhood considers perverted.The Courier: "How do I join the Brotherhood of Steel?"Ramos: "You don't. Ever. You don't even think about it. Even if we did recruit trespassers, you're far too old for us. Your relationship to technology has already been perverted."(Ramos' dialogue) However, exceptional individuals may conditionally join the Brotherhood.The Courier: "I want to join the Brotherhood."Edgar Hardin: "Yes, I thought you might, given how much time you've spent here. That's not usually a request we agree to. Typically, we take in the young, so that they might be trained through adolescence. In special cases, we allow exceptional individuals to conditionally join. Luckily for you, you happen to be exceptional. The condition is that you must complete a task. This task must prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have what it takes to join the Brotherhood. I happen to have something perfectly suitable in mind, though I warn you - it won't be easy. Still interested?"(Edgar Hardin's dialogue)The Vault Dweller: "{104}{}{What is the Brotherhood of Steel.}"Darrel: "{110}{}{The Brotherhood is a collective of men and women who have dedicated their lives to the preservation of technology.}"(Darrel's dialogue) Throughout its history, the Brotherhood of Steel has been known to offer asylum to refugees. Especially children, but adults are also accepted. The Brotherhood has also on occasion offered asylum to larger groups following terrible events such as "The Scourge" or the destruction of Shady Sands.The Lone Wanderer: "How did you escape?"
Kodiak: "As they swept through, the Brotherhood policed up every non-mutie child they could find. Turns out, there weren't that many. Me and maybe twenty others. The younger we were, the less of a chance that we were mutated. It was ugly work, no doubt, but it had to be done. I'll never forget the sight of the Brotherhood of Steel breaching the breast of the mountain at dawn." (Kodiak's dialogue)Fallout Season 1 Episode 1: The EndVault Dweller: "Why do you live with the Brotherhood of Steel?" Maximo Leone: "Well... the town we lived in got attacked by Raiders and our mother was killed. Luckily, the Brotherhood of Steel was there and they saved us! Since we didn't really have anyone anymore, Paladin Rahmani had us come along with them. I can't wait to become a member and fight off bad guys like they do. I'll make sure no one ever has to die again." (Maximo Leone's dialogue) Many of these refugees go on to join the Brotherhood's ranks, while ones who choose not to become Brotherhood civilians (aka. Brotherhood civvies). These actions as a whole act as a form of recruitment, bolstering their numbers.Vault Dweller: "Why do you live with the Brotherhood of Steel?" Maximo Leone: "Well... the town we lived in got attacked by Raiders and our mother was killed. Luckily, the Brotherhood of Steel was there and they saved us! Since we didn't really have anyone anymore, Paladin Rahmani had us come along with them. I can't wait to become a member and fight off bad guys like they do. I'll make sure no one ever has to die again." (Maximo Leone's dialogue)Fallout Season 1 Episode 1: The End
Following 2255, the Capital Wasteland chapter of the Brotherhood under Elder Owyn Lyons began recruiting wastelanders after they arrived in Washington, D.C.. In order to establish and further reinforce the chapter in the region, the Brotherhood would go on recruiting drives to attract new members from local settlements, such as Rivet City, but continued to remained hesitant of outsiders. This is how Paladin Danse and Knight Cutler joined the organization. Circa 2287, the policy changed somewhat radically. As Elder Arthur Maxson became the leader of the Brotherhood's Eastern branch, he retained Elder Owyn Lyons practice of recruiting wastelandersDanse: "Would it be possible to speak... off the record for a moment?"The Sole Survivor: "'Off the record?' That's not like you, Danse."Danse: " "The Sole Survivor: "You're beating around the bush. Is there something you're trying to tell me?"Danse: " "(Danse's dialogue) sponsored by existing Brotherhood membersThe Sole Survivor: "Does it have anything to do with the Brotherhood?"Danse: " "The Sole Survivor: "That's very kind. Thank you."Danse: " "(Danse's dialogue) and expanded upon it. Civilians could now choose to approach the Brotherhood to enlist on mass, and are for the most part greeted positively by their future comrades.Brotherhood Knight: "This area is off limits to civilians."
Sole Survivor: "I understand, I'm ex military myself."
Brotherhood Knight: "Really, well then you just might be in luck, with your experience you might actually fit in with the Brotherhood. We're always looking to add a few more brothers and sisters to our ranks, if you think you have what it takes"
Sole Survivor: "Absolutely, I'm in."
Brotherhood Knight: "Well alright then, glad to have you aboard, head over to the Cambridge Police station and look for Paladin Danse, he's in charge of our new recruits." - Sole Survivor speaking to BoS knight at Boston Airport if that haven't yet met Paladin Danse 
 As it was under Lyons, the sponsor would travel with their charges and teach them the ideals of the Brotherhood and train them in combat.The Sole Survivor: "So what's all this about you being my sponsor?"Danse: ""(Danse's dialogue) To this end, active members can field promote recruits to initiate rank, but the rank and subsequent promotions have to be confirmed by the elder at the earliest possible opportunity.Semper Invicta and Shadow of SteelThe Sole Survivor: "Don't worry, I've spent time in the military."Danse: " "The Sole Survivor: "Why can't you promote me beyond Initiate?"Danse: " "(Danse's dialogue) However, while the member can retract their sponsorship,Danse: ""(Danse's dialogue) once the rank is confirmed by the elder, only the elder can dismiss the sponsored party from the organization.Danse: ""(Danse's dialogue)
By the 2290s, a similar recruitment policy has been adopted by the West Coast Brotherhood of Steel, in staunch contrast to the near-total refusal to accept outsiders into its ranks in 2281. The Brotherhood accepts recruits from all walks of life and provides them with food, education and a place in the world.The End (episode) However, these recruits or refugees are presumably forbidden from leaving the Brotherhood due to the security risk, regardless of how much they may want to. As Squire Dane tells Maximus there is no leaving the organization when he mentions the possibility of doing so.The Beginning
===Attitude towards mutants===
The Brotherhood's attitude towards mutants ranges from dislike to outright hostility. When it comes to the ghouls, the Brotherhood in New California dislikes them due to their ideology. As the Brotherhood hoards and preserves technology, tinkering ghouls that dismantle or sometimes damage old technology are abhorrent. Their dislike was amplified by salvaging operations in the Glow, a location regarded by the Brotherhood as close to the holy ground due to the deaths of their comrades there and high technology within. Most Brotherhood members came to see ghouls as filthy scavengers. Thankfully, contact between them is limited.
Their hostility towards super mutants was derived from the location of Lost Hills. The proximity of their bunker to Mariposa and the desolate Central Valley put them in the paths of many bloodthirsty mutants. That made them an easy choice for an external enemy to focus members of the chapter on. However, the Brotherhood drove away super mutants with minimal loss of life on both sides of the conflict after the fall of the Master and was not hostile towards super mutants that settled down peacefully.Fallout 2 events. There were however exceptions, Marcus, a former high-ranking member of the Master's Army met Knight Jacob, a member of the Brotherhood. While initially hostile, the two forged a strong friendship as they traveled together. In the Fall of 2185, he and Jacob founded the multi-species settlement of Broken Hills.The Chosen One: "{107}{}{Who are you?}"Marcus: "{124}{mcs7}{I’m Marcus. Helped build the place. Now I’m sheriff.}"The Chosen One: "{125}{}{You helped build this place? That must have been a long time ago…}"Marcus: "{128}{mcs8}{Long story. Want it short or the whole thing?}"The Chosen One: "{130}{}{Hell, I’m not too busy. Let’s hear it all.}"Marcus: "{136}{mcs10}{Right...After the Master and the vats were destroyed, I wandered a bit. No place to go. One day got attacked by this fool wearin’ power armor.}"The Chosen One: "{137}{}{Really?}"Marcus: "{138}{mcs11}{That was Jacob, from the Brotherhood of Steel. He’d sworn some oath to destroy muties. We tussled for a while – probably a day or two. After a while, we just started laughing. What was the point?}"The Chosen One: "{139}{}{Then what?}"Marcus: "{140}{mcs12}{We became friends. Headed off together. Then other people started following us. Guess they figured if they weren’t safe with a mutie and a Steel Knight, safe just wasn’t going to happen. }"The Chosen One: "{141}{}{So you set up here. Why?}"Marcus: "{142}{mcs13}{Uranium mine. I knew there was one around from old maps. Now anybody’s welcome here – ‘long as they act right. Others might not think much of us, but nobody’s more free than we are. There ya go.}"(HcMARCUS.msg) As a sign of their everlasting friendship, in the 2270s, Marcus established the settlement of Jacobstown, which was given its name sake in honor of Knight Jacob.The Courier: "What's the history of Jacobstown?"Marcus: "Was a resort Pre-War. I renamed it to Jacobstown after an old friend. Died a long time ago. I figured us mutants needed a place to call our own. Town's far enough away from humans so they don't bother us much. One of these days I'm hoping we can trade with the rest of the wasteland. No more fighting, just... get along."(Marcus' dialogue)
Prior to 2276, before the lock-down, the Brotherhood in the Mojave Wasteland had remained neutral with the neighboring super mutant settlement of Black Mountain, the Brotherhood had specifically left the communications array and its technology alone out of respect for the community. However, this policy was established while Black Mountain was still under the control of the benevolent Marcus. By 2281, the bipolar and violent Tabitha had taken power. The mutants under her command became increasingly aggressive, attacking wastelanders and even a Brotherhood patrol. As a result, Elder McNamara declared that no more respect would be given and that their technology was now "fair game". Instead of violent retaliation, the Brotherhood installed a remote signal transmitter in one of Black Mountain's consoles. It allowed them to access the radar and other detection systems. This was all done to gather intelligence in preparation for the Brotherhood's return to activity on the surface in the Mojave."As one of our patrols discovered, the mutants just to the northeast have become strangely violent in the years we were secluded.	However, this turn of events could also be an opportunity. We mostly left the equipment of the communications array there alone, out of respect.	 The inhabitants have now proven themselves hostile, no more respect will accorded them. Making their equipment fair game. I want you to head up to the summit of Black Mountain and install this remote signal transmitter in one of their consoles.	It will allow us to tap into the radar and other detection systems running there, assuming they're still operational.	 If we're going to operate on the surface again, it would be nice to do so with as much information at our fingertips as possible. Good luck." ~ Elder McNamara dialogue
By 2277, it was known that Super mutants were allowed to join the ranks of the Chicago chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel in the Midwest. Many had been assimilated into the organization following the destruction of remnants from the Master's Army. name="FO3OGGGYEOwynLyons">[[Fallout 3 Official Game Guide]] Game of the Year Edition p.71: "Elder Owyn Lyons
By 2287, the Brotherhood had basically radicalized its policy towards mutants, with standing orders to exterminate any post-War abominations, specifically one's created by The Institute.The Sole Survivor: "What exactly do I have to do?"Kells: ""(Kells' dialogue) In practice though, the Brotherhood usually does not shoot on sight unless targets are confirmed as hostile - even if they are a synth, ghoul or super mutant in a critical location.The Sole Survivor can bring Strong, Hancock, or Nick Valentine into Brotherhood locations without them opening fire.
By 2296, the Brotherhood's policy towards mutants on the West Coast seems to be the mostly the same. They have retained their dislike of ghouls and super mutants, but still do not go out of their way to launch large operations against either group. It is however widely assumed among new aspirants and initiates that Brotherhood has a policy of shooting ghouls on sight.The Head This is displayed when Thaddeus assumes that Knight Titus (Maximus) had killed a ghoul the second he had seen him, but to his surprise he is informed otherwise. Similarly when Brotherhood members are confronted by the ghoul at the Griffith Observatory, they do not fire on him immediately and give him the chance to speak, only shooting at him after he attacked them first. However, the Brotherhood still seems to possesses strict rules about mutants having membership in the organization, this can even include their own members who are in early stages of ghoulification - though it is not known how stringently this is actually enforced.The Radio
==Technology==
===Weapons===
Military technology is the Brotherhood's main priority, and their efforts over the centuries have equipped them with a powerful array of power armor, energy weapons, defense turrets, combat implants, computers, and heavy weapons (artillery, rocket launchers and Fat Man launchers). Their focus allowed them to amass sizable stockpiles of power armor (T-60, T-51 and T-45 variants) and energy weapons. The Brotherhood of Steel had a great understanding of these weapons, and were able to manufacture brand new items along with maintaining pre-war technology. As stated by Brotherhood Initiate Melissa Watkins, Knights of the West Coast Brotherhood of Steel are responsible for maintaining and manufacturing new weapons and power armor.The Courier: "Tell me about the Knights."Melissa Watkins: "Knights are in charge of all of our equipment. Power armor, gatling lasers, you name it. All of it built and maintained by Knights. Knights also get to go out on patrols, scouting assignments, and support the Paladins in offensive operations. Being a Knight would mean getting to see more of the world, fight the Brotherhood's enemies, and possibly someday become a Paladin like my mother."(Melissa Watkins' dialogue) Though this production capacity is limited, but its items possess high quality due to the most of the manufacturing process being done by hand. Further modifications to pre-War power armor models were also made. Due to the ultracite's effectiveness against the scorched the Lost Hills chapter designed the Ultracite power armor. The schematics were transferred to the Appalachian chapter to help with their struggle.Ultracite Power Armor
 
The Brotherhood of Steel has also had access to heavy equipment such as artillery as early as the 2080s. Brotherhood schematics and blueprints for heavy mortars can be found at Fort Defiance, the fort itself included multiple artillery guns in its defensive capabilities.Fort Defiance By 2287, the Brotherhood continued to operate forms of heavy artillery. With the Commonwealth Brotherhood being in possession of equipment that is stationed somewhere in the downtown Boston area - Diamond City in the event of their victory, will ask that the Brotherhood keep them out of the city.Diamond City security: "Long as the Brotherhood of Steel keeps the heavy artillery out of the city limits, they're welcome here." (Diamond City security dialogue) During the 2090s into the 2100s, the Brotherhood also began operating moderate numbers of automated SAM missile defense systems to deal with airborne threats.The Brotherhood of Steel as seen in Fallout 76 / multiple locations including Thunder Mountain, Fort Defiance, Fort Atlas, Firebase Hancock and Firebase Hancock as examples. During the Assault on Adams Air Force Base in 2277, the Brotherhood gained access to perhaps its most devastating weapon, the Bradley-Hercules orbital strike satellite.Who Dares Wins
Apart from applied combat technologies, the Brotherhood also has access to advanced medical technologies, such as cybernetics, combat implants,The implants acquired from Lorri at Lost Hills in Fallout. further they have access to sonic and sensor technologies, automated research programs and even the ability to jam teleportation technology.Fort Defiance terminal entries"Well there are a few key buildings that are still structurally sound, but no pre-war aircraft are still in service. If they were a little less intelligent, we wouldn't even be talking about this. We'd have just swarmed them with synths. But they are not idiots. They have managed to generate an EM field that's messing with our ability to relay in." ~ (Rosalind Orman dialogue)" The Brotherhood also has virtual reality training systems, which allow personnel to maintain their combat prowess even under lockdown.Fallout: New Vegas Hidden Valley VR pods Prior to 2296, the Brotherhood of Steel designed an instrument that was able to track radiation signatures.Fallout Season 1 Episode 3: The Head
Some chapters have also supplemented their combat force with recovered robots, like robobrains, sentry bots, Mister Gutsies and even a prototype combat robot.Fallout 3 the Citadel Other robots like Protectrons have been reprogrammed by the Brotherhood to act in many roles, such as security, construction, maintenance, trading and even recruiting units. Due to their lack of manpower, and the fact that they did not recruit outsiders, the Brotherhood splinter group known as the Brotherhood Outcasts relied heavily on reprogrammed robots in order to augment their smaller pool of human soldiers.Brotherhood Outcasts
===Vehicles===
The Brotherhood did not possess many working ground vehicles, at least not in the early 2100s.Knight: "{102}{}{Boy, I wish we had an automobile.}"(Brotherhood knight's dialogue in Fallout) In 2105, the Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force was known to use pre-war APC's for transport such as in the case of Forward Station Tango in Appalachia.Forward Station Tango in Fallout: 76 Some chapters of the Brotherhood had operated Vertibirds as early as the 2080s. Former members of the United States Air Force had joined the newly formed Brotherhood, and with them they brought their equipment and experience.Brotherhood of Steel Fallout 76 vertibird locations, center of Watoga, south of Foundation Outpost, east of Firebase Hancock and north of Drop Site V9 and several others. Brotherhood landing pads at Camp Venture and Fort Atlas The Brotherhood did have access to an entire fleet of airships in the mid-22nd century, used for exploration and recon. However, over the years, the fleet was either destroyed or dismantled for spare parts. By the 23rd century, none of the airships remained, with one vessel crashing in the Midwest on a long-range exploration mission. It was not until the acquisition of Pride One, a captured Enclave Vertibird, at the end of the Brotherhood-Enclave War, that the Brotherhood was known to have returned to the skies. Five years later, the Brotherhood built a new, more advanced, airship at Adams Air Force Base which they christened the Prydwen, which was launched in 2282.The Sole Survivor: "Did the Brotherhood ever build other airships?"Kells: ""(Kells' dialogue)The Art of Fallout 4 p. 256: "Chapter 6 VEHICLESHowever, one vehicle whose size is both impressive and appropriate is the Prydwen, the only postwar-built airship. We went with a full-on diesel-punk design, combining elements of Zepplins and naval vessels and using mysterious technologies (beyond simple hydrogen) to keep it afloat. Its complement of Vertibirds are of a different variety than the gunships used by the Enclave—better suited to troop transport but modified for deployment from the airship." The Prydwens construction was carried out alongside a brand-new Vertibird fleet. This fleet would be made up of captured and restored Enclave Vertibirds, as well as brand-new ones built from scratch. By 2287, the size of this new air force was so significant that the Brotherhood created an entirely new caste, known as lancers, in order to pilot them. 
===Research and manufacturing===
While the overall devotion to research had fluctuated over the course of centuries, the Brotherhood was once at the forefront of research in the wasteland on the West Coast. In the 22nd century, for example, research topics ranged from redeveloping laser weapons,The Vault Dweller: "{120}{}{I'd like to know more about the weapons we make here.}"Vree: "{124}{Vree18}{Speak to the knights. Ask them to show you one of the latest laser pistols I designed.}"(Vree's dialogue) through physics,Scribe: "{105}{}{Will the universe continue to expand or will it eventually collapse back in on itself?}"(Lost Hills scribes' dialogue)Scribe: "{112}{}{Did you know the sun is actually a big nuclear reaction?}"(Lost Hills scribes' dialogue)Scribe: "{112}{}{Did you know that the sun is actually a big nuclear reaction? Similar to what ended the old world, except it's fission, no fusion.}"(Lost Hills scribes' dialogue)Scribe: "{114}{}{Did you know that the hydrogen atom is 99.9843425% empty space?}"(GENSCRIB.MSG) to astronomyScribe: "{113}{}{Did you know a black hole is actually an opening to another universe?}"(Lost Hills scribes' dialogue)Scribe: "{113}{}{Did you know that a black hole is actually an opening to another universe? I have it all worked out on paper. Too bad there won't be any more space travel until long after I'm dead.}"(Lost Hills scribes' dialogue) and theories on time travel.Scribe: "{115}{}{Time travel will one day be possible and we might be able to prevent the disaster that ruined our world in the past. But wouldn't that . . . stop us from going back if it was fixed . . . oh, my head hurts.}"(Brotherhood Scribes' dialogue in Fallout)
==== West Coast ====
In terms of manufacturing capacity, the West Coast Brotherhood relies on items hand-made by the knights. Although limited supplies pose a challenge,Knight: "{102}{}{When our supplies are limited it can really be a challenge to find a way to use what we've got.}"(Lost Hills knights' dialogue) the real problems come from the actual manufacturing and prototyping process,Knight: "{103}{}{I can't figure out why my last prototype didn't work.}"(Lost Hills knights' dialogue) especially when the reality does not seem to match the knights' expectations.Knight: "{108}{}{Well, the computer says it should work. Now what did I do wrong?}"(Lost Hills knights' dialogue) Regardless, the Brotherhood was able to maintain a high enough output of technology (primarily weapons and ammunition) to support themselves and trade the surplus for water, food, and other necessary supplies. By 2161, the Brotherhood of Steel in Lost Hills was manufacturing and modifying brand new laser weapons. Production and development of these weapons was under the control of the chapter's then Head Scribe, Vree.Fallout Official Survival Guide p.100: "Vree: Master Scribe of the Brotherhood As Head Scribe, Vree is in charge of knowledge gathering and preservation within the Brotherhood. She is intelligent, kind, and patient, happy with her work, and more than willing to help the player out-especially if you can provide her with more of the knowledge she seeks. She can be an excellent source of information about the Brotherhood, the mutants, modern technology, or about the history of the war. She may also give the player history of the war. She may also give the player some anti-radiation drugs, as a reward for service or if you ask how to approach a radiation source, and may offer you a newly designed laser pistol. She will also help the player develop computer skills, which you can use with the PIPBoy 2000. 
The Brotherhood of Steel had a great understanding of these technologies, this allowed them to not only collect them, but also gave them the ability to manufacture new items from scratch - along with maintaining and improving pre-war technology they have secured. As stated by Brotherhood Initiate Melissa Watkins, Knights of the West Coast Brotherhood of Steel are responsible for maintaining and manufacturing new weapons and power armor. Though this production capacity was somewhat limited. However, hand manufacturing and the high degree of sophistication of their primary weapons mean that the Brotherhood's items are of high quality, but they have limited strategic flexibility: It cannot compete with the production of nation-states like the New California Republic, with their reserves of workers, industrial output and the mass manufacturing of inexpensive weapons.See NCR-Brotherhood War for details. Prior to 2296, the Brotherhood of Steel designed and began manufacturing a handheld device that was able to track radiation signatures. This was used by their units to locate the detected organism.Fallout Season 1 Episode 3: The Head
==== East Coast ====
The Brotherhood's war with the scorched brought about several technological breakthroughs. Scribe Takano of the Lost Hills chapter on the West Coast was able to design several inventions to assist the Appalachian Brotherhood and their struggle. She would make schematics and blueprints of her designs to be transferred to Scribe Grant in West Virginia. He would make modifications to these plans as needed, and then they were manufactured to be used in the field.Fort Defiance terminal entries; Scribe Grant's terminal, personal notes, Scribe TakanoScribe Grant's terminal Sonic scanning module were produced and used to track the scorchbeasts,Sensor module specs while Sonic emitters were produced to lure them into kill boxes.BoS archive: ARP background The Brotherhood would use both of these to great efficiency, however perhaps the single most advanced item Scribe Takano sent were schematics for the modified T-51 Ultracite power armor, but due to the declining situation it was never produced.Ultracite Power Armor 
By the mid 2250s, production in the Capital Wasteland was also initially limited by lack of supplies and crucial components. They were involved in contributing to Project Purity, but were forced to withdraw from the effort in 2258. However certain research and production projects were able to bear fruit. One was the successful activation of Liberty Prime. Several new developments on certain systems, including the power, had to be undertaken. As even the pre-war US government was unable to utilize the technology in the war with China. Eventually in 2277, they were able to complete Liberty Prime after a 20-year period.The Lone Wanderer: "Who built Liberty Prime? Or better yet... why?" Reginald Rothchild: "He was developed as a super weapon, back in the days before the war. The first joint operation between RobCo and General Atomics International. Apparently, he was meant to help liberate Alaska from the Chinese, but was never completed. They were forced to go in without him. They won, but suffered heavy losses. If we can get him up and running, well... I think you get the idea." (Reginald Rothchild's dialogue) They were also shown to be capable of rebuilding it from a destroyed state to a completely operational one once again.Sole Survivor: "It'll take a miracle to get this pile of junk operational." Ingram: "You think he looks rough now? You should have seen him when I unsealed the salvage crates filled with his parts. Now... the good news is that we've got most of Prime's parts fully assembled. The bad news is that its going to take more than a few rivets and some spot welding to get them working again. The first problem is his CPU. It's fragile, and every time we try to feed power to it, it blows itself out." (Ingram's dialogue) Another was the Tesla cannon, which had its design modified by the Brotherhood for use against the Enclave. Brotherhood's scribes under the Order of the Sword worked to build their own Tesla cannons to more effectively counter the Enclave's Vertibird fleet. To do so, they needed to modify the technology with a PPE Tesla coil they acquired from Olney Powerworks.The Lone Wanderer: "Olney Powerworks? What's there?" Tristan: "Hopefully you'll be able to find a Tesla coil, an experimental device from before the war. Our scribes need it to complete a little surprise they've been preparing for the Enclave. Get there, get the coil, and get back as safely and quickly as possible. Any questions?" (DLC03Tristan.txt) 
Following 2277, production on the East Coast became much more streamlined and efficient. After the defeat of the Enclave at Raven Rock and Adams Air Force Base during the Brotherhood-Enclave War, the Brotherhood gained access to their manufacturing facilities.The Sole Survivor: "Where was the Prydwen constructed?" Kells: "She was constructed at Adam's Air Force Base just outside of Washington D.C. There was a vast amount of scrap metal and salvageable components there after we defeated the Enclave. We spent the first two years alone gathering the parts. The rest was spent assembling. It was worth the effort. With the Prydwen in our arsenal, we can mobilize our entire division... sending her anywhere that Elder Maxson wishes her to go. Her presence in the Commonwealth ensures that our mission to defeat the Institute will end in victory." (Captain Kells' dialogue) The facilities at Adams Air Force base in particular were known to manufacture power armor, robots and apply modifications to vertibirds. Whitley: "Subject E: Diagnosis complete. Begin Recording. My name is Whitley. I'm a researcher at Adams Air Force base. Until recently I was in charge of the Duraframe reinforcement project for the combat model Eyebots. Eyebot Duraframe Subject E is both the prototype, and the last functional model in this test group. I was prepared to make several significant upgrades to the machines. However, as the project was canceled and all Duraframe assets are being diverted to Hellfire Armor, I am sending this model to the Navarro outpost. If you are listening to this log from one of our Enclave Outposts in Chicago, give this unit whatever repairs it needs so it can continue to Navarro." (ED-E's dialogue) There, they were also able to construct a massive airship known as the Prydwen in a period of just 4 years.The Sole Survivor: "Where was the Prydwen constructed?" Kells: "She was constructed at Adam's Air Force Base just outside of Washington D.C. There was a vast amount of scrap metal and salvageable components there after we defeated the Enclave. We spent the first two years alone gathering the parts. The rest was spent assembling. It was worth the effort. With the Prydwen in our arsenal, we can mobilize our entire division... sending her anywhere that Elder Maxson wishes her to go. Her presence in the Commonwealth ensures that our mission to defeat the Institute will end in victory." (Captain Kells' dialogue) And while there ability to manufacture new suits of power armor on the East Coast has not been officially confirmed, dialogue from Paladin Danse at the Corvega factory depicts that they are capable of doing so.Pt. 1: "Imagine if the Brotherhood could retool this place to assemble Power Armor suits. We'd be unstoppable." pt. 2:"Proctor Ingram could put the machinery around here to good use. I'll have to mention it to her next time we're aboard the Prydwen." (Danse's dialogue) The Brotherhood of Steel were also able to develop and manufacture a electromagnetic field emitter that was able to block incoming radio waves. This disabled the Institutes ability to teleport into the Boston Airport area."Well there are a few key buildings that are still structurally sound, but no pre-war aircraft are still in service. If they were a little less intelligent, we wouldn't even be talking about this. We'd have just swarmed them with synths. But they are not idiots. They have managed to generate an EM field that's messing with our ability to relay in." ~ (Rosalind Orman dialogue)" "Molecular what? No. Molecular transmission via encrypted RF waves, okay even I have to admit that is genius. This explains why we have been checking up anomalous energy readings all across the Commonwealth. Not to mention how they get their tin soldiers to come out of the damn walls." ~ (Proctor Ingram dialogue)
===Redistribution of technology===
The first known example of the Brotherhood redistributing technology occurred during the Brotherhood's First Expeditionary Force's journey to Appalachia. After acquiring a stockpile of Hellstorm missile launchers from a military facility in the Midwest, the Brotherhood encountered a town under the threat of an imminent attack from raiders. While Paladin Rahmani elected to stay and assist the town in its fight, Knight Shin proposed distributing the launchers to the townsfolk to give them a fighting chance.Daniel Shin: "I... For those I failed then, and those I've failed since... For them, I have to do better. The raiders on the expedition route. Rahmani decided we would stay and fight them. But giving the order to distribute the weapons to the settlers there... It was my idea. I wanted to give them a chance, but I got them killed instead."
(Daniel Shin's dialogue) Even though doing so would go against the Brotherhood's standard protocol, Rahmani had nonetheless chosen to sanction Shin's plan, despite having personal reservations about it.Leila Rahmani: "I'll let that one slide, since we're off duty, so to speak. But don't for a minute think you're in a position to lecture me on the responsibilities of my station. If anything, I fought against my better instincts and went with a plan that I myself doubted. But that kind of reflection is fruitless... I made the final call. The burden lies on my shoulders. I hope, at least, you can start to see things from my perspective more... To understand why I make the choices I make."
(Leila Rahmani's dialogue) The Brotherhood's plan failed, even though they joined the battle, the raiders managed to slaughter the town's residents and claim the launchers for themselves. This would later force the Brotherhood to requisition these weapons when found.Vault 76 dweller: "What was this incident?"
Paladin Rahmani: "You must recall the Brotherhood weaponry we tasked you with retrieving these last few missions. We had claimed the entire cache from a military facility in the Midwest. It was meant to stay under Brotherhood protection. Until we came across a town under threat of a massacre by the Raiders. We equipped the townspeople with the weapons, and fought by their sides. It was the only way to give them a chance. But it wasn't enough. The Raiders won. They took possession of the weapons. And they've been running wild ever since. It is my belief that we must learn from our mistakes. But Knight Shin hangs onto them. He cannot move forward until he confronts the past, until he lays our guilt on display for the Elders. I say that we can - that we must - move forward on our own."
(Leila Rahmani's dialogue)Vault 76 dweller: "Tell me about the incident that split Rahmani and Shin."
Scribe Valdez: "Right... Those weapons you've been chasing? We found them in a government facility on our way to Appalachia. We were supposed to keep them to ourselves - that's how we operate - but then we ran across a settlement being threatened by raiders. We couldn't just leave them to die. We equipped them with the weapons we found, but it didn't help. It was a massacre. The whole place was wiped out. Everyone was killed, including Knight Connors, one of our own. The only survivors were two children we brought back with us, Marcia and Max. Knight Shin believes it's our duty to report this incident to Elder Maxson. Paladin Rahmani feels we'd be punished just for trying to help."
(Odessa Valdez's dialogue)
Following the events of the Unity crisis in 2161, the Brotherhood of Steel helped various human outposts drive back the remnants of the Master's army and had become a major research and development hub by beginning to slowly reintroduce advanced technology into wasteland."The Brotherhood of Steel helps the other human outposts drive the mutant armies away with minimal loss of life, on both sides of the conflict. The advanced technology of the Brotherhood is slowly reintroduced into New California, with little disruption or chaos. The Brotherhood wisely remains out of the power structure, and becomes a major research and development house."(Fallout endings) However, the Brotherhood would generally keep most of its more advanced/dangerous technology and knowledge to itself, while sharing small portions of it with those they believed were wise enough to use it responsibly.Matthew: "At one time we were the sole bastions of technology left on the planet. We set ourselves up as what could best be called 'technology police.' We hoarded the old knowledge and only doled it out in small parcels. Of course, it was only to those who we felt deserved it and had the wisdom to properly use it."
(Matthew's dialogue) One such example included the trade of an advanced main frame computer to the dwellers of Vault 13.The Chosen One: "Why? I mean, isn't that unusual"
Jimmy: "I don't know the full story but at one point in the vault's history there was a rebellion. The overseer was either killed or overthrown, I'm not sure which. Anyway, the leaders of the revolution didn't want to entrust the fate of the people to another overseer so they installed this mainframe. The records say it was purchased from... oh, what was that name... Ah, I remember, the 'Brotherhood of Steel."
(Jimmy's dialogue)
In 2277, Protector McGraw at the Outcast outpost was willing to share a portion of the technological stockpiles locked in the facility's armory with anyone in possession of a Pip-Boy, in exchange for them unlocking it by entering and completing the Anchorage Reclamation simulation.The Lone Wanderer: "Well, what do you want me to do?" McGraw: "Records indicate there's some high-value tech in this base, but we can't get to it. The armory is sealed by a blast door, and we can't get it open. We're pretty sure anyone who completes the facility's VR simulation program will gain access, but it requires a certain interface. Unfortunately, we don't have one. You do, right there on your wrist. I need you to go into the simulator and complete that program... which will unlock the armory. You'll get a share of the gear, of course." (McGraw's dialogue) While this decision angered Defender Sibley and some of the other Outcasts from the detachment, who refused to share technology that they fought so hard to gain with an outsider,Sibley: "No, you're not going to get away with giving up the tech we risked our asses for."
(Sibley's dialogue) McGraw had remained adamant that their end of the bargain be upheld.McGraw: "I've made it quite clear that it's not your call. A deal's a deal."
(McGraw's dialogue)
The East Coast Brotherhood's victory over the Enclave during the struggle for the Capital Wasteland and the battle for Project Purity allowed them to establish control over the newly-activated purifier. The benefits gained from the seizure of this technology were not hoarded, as Lyons' Brotherhood began to distribute the water to the people of the Capital Wasteland and the East Coast free of charge.The Lone Wanderer: "What's Rivet City getting out of helping the Brotherhood?"
Officer Lepelletier: "At first it was a win-win. They paid us and shared their technology with us. The spoils of their war with the Enclave were particularly enticing. However, with all the recent attacks, the "extra" resources end up being used just protecting the caravans from being exterminated."
(Officer Lepelletier's dialogue) The large amount of distribution that needed to be undertaken resulted in the Brotherhood of Steel requesting assistance from Rivet City. For their participation in protecting the caravans, they were compensated with caps along with advanced technologies that the Brotherhood had acquired after defeating the Enclave.The Lone Wanderer: "What's Rivet City getting out of helping the Brotherhood?"
Officer Lepelletier: "At first it was a win-win. They paid us and shared their technology with us. The spoils of their war with the Enclave were particularly enticing. However, with all the recent attacks, the "extra" resources end up being used just protecting the caravans from being exterminated."
(Officer Lepelletier's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "I still don't understand why the Brotherhood isn't just selling the water."
Officer Lepelletier: "You'd think that'd be the smart thing, right? Then the caravan drivers could use the markup to simply pay for their own security. Wouldn't need us. Maybe it's an indirect marketing campaign for the Brotherhood. Considering the war with the Enclave, they might need new recruits. Whatever the case, as long as they keep paying us in caps and tech, we'll keep escorting the water."
(Officer Lepelletier's dialogue) In 2287, more than a decade after the water purifier's activation, and seemingly the Brotherhood of Steel under Arthur Maxson continues to provide water to the people of the Wasteland, as Deacon will mention that the people of the Capital Wasteland have clean drinking water."You can actually drink the water there." ~ Deacon speaking about the Capital Wasteland in the year 2287
By 2287, it has become a standard practice for the East Coast Brotherhood in the Commonwealth to offer compensation to outsiders who assisted the Brotherhood in their operations, usually the retrieval of vital technologies. The Brotherhood will usually compensate individuals with technology, such as modified laser rifles.The Sole Survivor: "It was my pleasure to help out."
Paladin Danse: ""
(Danse's dialogue)The Sole Survivor: "That isn't necessary."
Paladin Danse: "I insist you keep it. The Brotherhood believes in paying all of its debts."
(Danse's dialogue)
==Notes==
* Despite being relatively small in numbers (compared to groups, such as the NCR), the Brotherhood is the most widely spread faction in post-War America.
* Most members of the Brotherhood are usually gruff in dealing with outsiders and usually extremely rude towards mutated creatures, such as ghouls and super mutants.
* As of 2103, Leila Rahmani believes the elders of the Brotherhood to be comprised of "fearful conservatism," remarking that she had tried to steer them away from this ideal.A Vault Dweller: "Is what happened really such a big deal?"Leila Rahmani: "You weren't there, Initiate. It was... harrowing. Those civilians trusted us to save them. We... lost one of our own as well. Knight Connors. May he rest in peace. We disobeyed orders, handing out those weapons instead of safeguarding them. Perhaps it would have been forgivable, had we succeeded. But the Elders would take this failure as proof of the danger of unrestrained technology. They would double down on the fearful conservatism I've tried so hard to steer them away from. We cannot let that happen. At this stage, the Brotherhood still has a chance to be something better."(Leila Rahmani's dialogue)
* The Brotherhood is extremely territorial when it comes to technology and will defend it to the death. In Fallout: New Vegas, it is mentioned that an elder was severely punished for destroying a piece of unknown technology.Hidden Valley bunker terminal entries; terminal (restored), Elder Dismissal Incidents, Incident #3
* According to the Citadel terminal entries, the Brotherhood in Lost Hills began protecting the NCR state of Maxson by 2277 at the latest.Citadel terminal entries; Citadel A ring terminals, Maxson Archive terminal, State of Maxson It also mentions an internal conflict, possibly a civil war, in the Brotherhood of Steel on the West Coast. This conflict forced Arthur Maxson to live in the Citadel.Citadel terminal entries; Citadel A ring terminals, Maxson archive terminal, Maxson Family Dossiers, New Entry: Scribe Arthur Maxson
* The Brotherhood of Steel also appears in Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel, although the game is considered non-canon in Bethesda's continuity. In this game, after the death of John Maxson, Rhombus, the head of the Brotherhood's paladins, became the new high elder. After the death of the Master, the Brotherhood of Steel helped the other human outposts of New California drive the mutant armies away with minimal loss of life on both sides of the conflict. However, a super mutant faction under the leadership of Attis moved east and attempted to recreate the mutant army in Texas using the Corporate Vault. Rhombus, despite some criticism from the ruling council of the West Coast Brotherhood of Steel, started a crusade against the still-existent threat of the super mutant army led by Attis. Rhombus became the leader of the Texas Expedition and they traveled eastward to Texas, arriving by 2208. There, he discovered a prototype vault which was abandoned and installed the Brotherhood's main base of operation in this area. Their main mission was to eradicate the menace of all super mutants. The Texan Brotherhood was now also more open to recruiting outsiders, including ghouls like Cain. With the help of a Brotherhood Initiate (Cain, Cyrus or Nadia), the Texan Brotherhood would prove successful in their quest, destroying Attis and his army at the ghoul city of Los.
* A Montana chapter was meant to be mentioned in Owyn Lyons' dialogue, but the sequence is bugged and does not play in-game.
* The exact outcome of this endeavor is dependent on player's actions. The Brotherhood can end up establishing a mutually beneficial trade deal with Foundation, by providing protection, training or caps in exchange for food, water and, optionally, intel on the whereabouts of various technologically advanced weapons in the region. Alternatively, Foundation can be threatened into subservience and forced to provide food and water to the Brotherhood. Lastly, the player can simply fail to establish any kind of trade relations between the two factions, forcing the Brotherhood to rely on itself.
==Appearances==
The Brotherhood of Steel has appeared in all Fallout games to date, as well as .
==Behind the scenes==
* The flag with the sword, gears, wings, and stripes was first used in Fallout 3, as a low-resolution asset flown over the Citadel. When extracted, the texture can be recreated to produce the flag on the right. This interpretation is supported by the official merchandise (where a full-size flag uses the red-and-white version) and Fallout 76s Nuclear Winter mode, where the Brotherhood of Steel minigun paint has a decal depicting this version of the flag.
** However, the flag used for these is an erroneous recreation that was first posted on this wiki shortly after the game's release. The sigil was oversized (terminating on the last, rather than the penultimate stripe) and placed in a round field, whereas the sigil on the Citadel flag was placed with a stroke blending effect applied that gave it a rounded appearance. The original asset is based on a thirteen-stripe design, with a burlap filter applied and the sigil placed over the filter with a stroke effect applied, masking part of the burlap filter. This version was subsequently used as the basis for the Brotherhood of Steel flag in official Bethesda merchandise.
* Valve Software's multiplayer FPS Team Fortress 2 pays homage to the Brotherhood with an achievement in the game's Mann vs. Machine game mode.
===Developer quotes===
* The Brotherhood of Steel was originally planned to double as a religious organization centered around the worship of pre-War technology."I do love how these guys eventually turned out, but their origins were not very original. I simply wanted a group exactly like the monks from the Guardian Citadel in Wasteland. This was one of my favorite parts in the original game – an old, isolated stone fortress whose robed monks wielded insane energy weapons and would blast any trespassers. Fantastic.""The Brotherhood was intentionally the same post-apocalyptic religious order that existed to keep the technologies of the old world alive. However, unlike the nihilistic Guardians of Wasteland, I really wanted the player to be able to befriend and join up with this group (and grab all of their awesome gear, of course). In keeping with the medieval monk themes, the Brotherhood became more of a knightly order with a distrust of outsiders rather than a coven of crazy zealots. Although this did make them similar to concepts in Gamma World (the Knights of Genetic Purity) and Warhammer 40K (the Imperial Tech Cults), I just loved the idea of high-tech knights in power-armor wielding virbo-swords and Gatling Lasers. Total fan service to me."(Scott Campbell, Origins of Fallout blog) This ideology was directly influenced by A Canticle for Leibowitz, which dealt with a group of Catholic monks tasked with preserving all scientific and technological knowledge until humankind is prepared to wield it.Tim Cain GDC talk (Youtube)
* They were also inspired directly by the Guardians of the Citadel faction from Wasteland.
* Joshua Sawyer described the impact of the Brotherhood raids on the NCR's gold reserves, as new gold coins could not be minted and paper money could not be properly backed with gold. NCR citizens panicked and rushed to reclaim the listed face value of currency from the NCR's remaining gold reserves. Since the NCR was unable to realize these withdrawals, particularly towards the frontier, faith in their currency considerably dropped. To protect against an actual economic collapse, the NCR government abandoned the gold standard. Since then, many wastelanders lost faith in it as a medium of worth, both as a result of it not being backed by anything but the government's word and the inevitable inflation. In response to the loss of faith, merchant consortiums of the Hub established their own currency, the veritable bottle cap, backing it with a standardized measure of water.Joshua Sawyer: "And this is discussed in-game: BoS raided NCR's gold reserves until NCR could no longer generate gold coinage nor back their paper money. They abandoned the gold standard and established fiat currency, which is why its value is inflated over both caps and (especially) Legion coinage. (...) People in eastern NCR and the Mojave Wasteland lost faith in the NCR government's a) ability to back the listed value of paper money and b) stability overall. If you're living in Bakersfield, staring at a piece of paper that says "redeemable for value in gold" and you have no faith in the government's ability or willingness to do that -- or if you see that the government has changed the currency to say that it is not able to be exchanged for a backed good -- you may very well listen to the strong consortium of local merchants offering to exchange that paper note for currency backed by water."(Joshua Sawyer on SomethingAwful.com)Joshua Sawyer: "It happened during the BoS-NCR war. I believe Alice McLafferty mentions it, but I'm not positive. She doesn't detail the events in this much detail, but here they are:The attacks caused NCR citizens (and others who held NCR currency) to panic, resulting in a rush to reclaim the listed face value of currency from NCR's gold reserves. Inability to do this at several locations (especially near the periphery of NCR territory where reserves were normally low) caused a loss of faith in NCR's ability to back their currency.Though NCR eventually stopped the BoS attacks, they decided to protect against future problems by switching to fiat currency. While this meant that BoS could no longer attack a) reserves or b) the source of production (all NCR bills are made in the Boneyard), some people felt more uneasy about their money not having any "real" (backed) value. This loss of confidence increased with NCR inflation, an ever-looming specter of fiat currency.Because the Hub links NCR with the Mojave Wasteland and beyond, the merchants there grew frustrated with NCR's handling of the currency crisis. They conspired to re-introduce the bottle cap as a water-backed currency that could "bridge the gap" between NCR and Legion territory. In the time leading up to the re-introduction, they did the footwork to position themselves properly. If some old-timer had a chest full of caps, they didn't care (in fact, they thought that was great, since the old-timers would enthusiastically embrace the return of the cap), but they did seek to control or destroy production facilities and truly large volumes of caps (e.g. Typhon's treasure) whenever possible."(Joshua Sawyer on SomethingAwful.com)
* Sawyer also commented on the Brotherhood's conflict with the NCR, in that at the same time the Republic's power grew, the Brotherhood adopted a policy of reclaiming technology from people outside the order, which caused conflict in the Mojave.GTtv interview with Josh Sawyer: "In the Fallout: New Vegas, the Brotherhood is not quite as prominent as they were in, say, Fallout 3. Part of that is because over time, the Brotherhood has been at war with New California Republic. So after the end of Fallout 2, they basically got into conflict with NCR over control of technology, mostly energy weapons because that's one of the main purposes of the Brotherhood is to control that technology. NCR didn't want to hand it over, so they went to war."
===Creation Club===
These stenciled Brotherhood decals are seen in the "Brotherhood of Steel, Institute, Railroad, Minutemen Weapon Paint Job" and "Brotherhood of Steel, Institute, Railroad, Minutemen Armor Paint Job" bundles on Fallout 4s Creation Club storefront, created for Bethesda by the modder Skibadaa. The orientation of the cogs on these symbols alternates between uses. Some of the skins included in these bundles were later repurposed as Overseer rank rewards in Fallout 76's Nuclear Winter game mode.
Insignia	Use 	Notes 	Seen
 	Brotherhood of Steel (Fallout 76)Brotherhood of Steel minigun paint awarded at Overseer rank 33	This decal is used on miniguns, assault rifles, and infantry armor painted in Brotherhood colors. 	Creation Club (2017)Nuclear Winter (2019)
 	Brotherhood of Steel 	This decal is used on various weapons painted in Brotherhood colors, including laser weapons and 10mm pistols. 	Creation Club (2017)
 	Brotherhood of Steel 	This decal is used on various weapons painted in Brotherhood colors, including Gatling lasers, missile launchers, sniper rifles, and captured Institute weapons.	Creation Club (2017)
 	Brotherhood of Steel 	This decal is used on combat rifles and combat shotguns painted in Brotherhood colors. 	Creation Club (2017)
==Gallery==
===Fallout===
Paladin.jpg|Brotherhood of Steel paladin in T-51b power armor
Fo1 Losthills Entrance.png|Lost Hills entrance
Fallout Lost Hills Level 1.png|Lost Hills interior
Fo1 Brotherhood Interior.jpg|Lost Hills interior
Fo1 Lost Hills Townmap.png|Lost Hills map
BOS.gif|Recreated file of the insignia that eventually became the standard for Brotherhood insignia
===Fallout 2===
FO2 Den BoS.png|Den outpost
Fo2 BOS Outpost NCR.png|NCR outpost
Brotherhood OutpostFrancisco.png|San Francisco outpost
Fo2_Matthew_v_Horrigan.png|Horrigan confronting Matthew
===Fallout 3===
Fallout 3 power armor concept art.jpg|BoS power armor concept art
BOSvertibird.jpg|Fawkes standing before a Brotherhood of Steel vertibird
CBailey7.jpg|The Citadel, their headquarters in Fallout 3
===Fallout: New Vegas===
Fallout New Vegas T-51b.jpg|Brotherhood of Steel patrol in the Mojave Wasteland
Hidden Valley bunker.jpg|The Hidden Valley bunker, their headquarters in Fallout: New Vegas
FNV brotherhoodlogo nif.png|Texture file
Bosdecal.png|Texture file
Bosdecal n.png|Texture file
Dlc03watercrate.png|Texture file
Graffitifo35.png|Texture file
Bosbanner.png
===Fallout 4===
Fo4-drop-concept.jpg|Concept art of Brotherhood soldiers leaving a vertibird
BostonAirport-FiringRange-Fallout4.jpg|Members training at the firing range in the Boston Airport
The Prydwen.png|The Prydwen, an airship and the Brotherhood's base of operations in Fallout 4
Prydwen-CommandDeck-Fallout4.jpg|Arthur Maxson with various members on the Prydwen
Fo4-Bos-flag.png|Weathered flag
DecalSheet d.png|Logo decal
===Fallout 76===
Steam reward Taggerdy's Thunder group photo.jpg|Taggerdy's Thunder was transformed into the Appalachian Brotherhood afer Maxson contacted Taggerdy using a radio
FO76 Twitter Brotherhood of Steel.jpg|Brotherhood soldier in Appalachia
FO76 Forward Station Alpha.png|Evidence of the original Appalachian Brotherhood at Forward Station Alpha
FO76LR Fortifying ATLAS Dorsey.jpg|Russell Dorsey outside Fort Atlas, their base in Fallout 76
FO76SR The Catalyst Shin victory.png|Knight Daniel Shin with various members in Fort Atlas
BOS weapons cache.png|Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force weapons cache
FO76LL BoS medallion.png|A Brotherhood medallion players can place in their C.A.M.P.s
===Fallout (TV series)===
FOTV Brotherhood lineup.jpg
FOTV S1 Amazon promo 14.jpg
FOTV S1 Amazon promo 15.jpg
FOTV S1 Amazon promo 18.jpg
FoTV Brotherhood group.webp
==External links==
* Brotherhood of Steel on Wikipedia
==References==
Non-game
 
cs:Bratrstvo Oceli
de:Stählerne Bruderschaft
es:Hermandad del Acero
fr:Confrérie de l'Acier
it:Confraternita d'Acciaio
ja:Brotherhood of Steel
lt:Plieno Brolija
ko:브라더후드 오브 스틸
nl:Brotherhood of Steel
pl:Bractwo Stali
pt:Brotherhood of Steel
ru:Братство Стали
uk:Братство Сталі
zh:鋼鐵兄弟會