Hermetic Order Of Steel

The Hermetic Order Of Steel, alternatively known as the Hermetic Brotherhood to the larger Brotherhood organization, is an occult centric chapter based in Cap City as of 2287. They are the most technologically advanced faction in the cap city wasteland lending them the ability to utilize the technology and robots to control the region and search for artifacts. 
==Background==
===Origins===
The inception of the Hermetic Order unfolded through a series of expeditions led by then Head Scribe Kernan Bernard. Initially driven by the objective of retrieving and containing occult artifacts and texts, these early ventures laid the foundation for what would evolve into a comprehensive chapter. 
What began as a focused endeavor to secure occult items expanded organically, fueled by the chapter's growing understanding of the mystical and arcane. Under Bernard's guidance, the Hermetic Order blossomed into a formidable force, blending technological expertise with an insatiable curiosity for the esoteric. This progression underscored the chapter's commitment to delving into the unknown and navigating the delicate balance between the tangible world of technology and the enigmatic realms of the occult.
The events of the Point Lookout expedition laid the groundwork for Bernard's future endeavors, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Hermetic Order of Steel. 
The the establishment of the Hermetic Order of Steel traces back to the aftermath of a pivotal mission in Cap City, where Kernan Bernard, a visionary scribe within the Brotherhood of Steel, recognized the untapped potential of combining technology with the mysteries of the paranormal. Fueled by his insatiable thirst for knowledge and driven by the successful outcomes of the Cap City mission, Bernard envisioned a new chapter that would delve into the dangerous and mysterious realms of the paranormal.
In the wake of the mission's success, Bernard gathered like-minded individuals who shared his passion for exploring the forbidden and uncovering the secrets buried in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. These individuals, handpicked for their affinity of occult pursuits, became the inaugural members of the Hermetic Order of Steel.
The chapter's name, "Hermetic," reflected Bernard's commitment to the hermetic traditions—a blend of esoteric knowledge, alchemy, and mystical practices. The "Order of Steel" emphasized the fusion of traditional Brotherhood strength with the uncharted territories of the occult. Together, these elements formed the cornerstone of the Hermetic Order's identity.
Establishing a headquarters in a strategically chosen location, the Hermetic Order of Steel became a haven for those who sought to push the boundaries of understanding. Bernard's leadership provided the chapter with direction and purpose, as the members embarked on daring expeditions to uncover ancient artifacts, decipher grimoires, and harness the power lying dormant in the wasteland.
===Squad Hermes Reinforcements===
Squad Hermes encountered initial hostilities from the surviving faction of the Riverside Radmen, who had successfully maintained commerce into Cap City for other survivors and communities. The Radmen reluctantly shared information with the squad about the actions of their predecessors from Recon Squad Magus, revealing that they had inadvertently unleashed the vault mutant horde into the wasteland, causing widespread destruction to numerous communities.
The Brotherhood, upon their arrival, encountered a cold reception from the Empire Enclave, who, presuming their involvement in the Vault 99 event, opened fire on sight. After persistent efforts, the squad managed to establish a truce, convincing the Empire Enclave to join forces in the mission to eradicate the vault mutants from Cap City. A fragile alliance was formed, leading to the deployment of death squads to systematically clear the buildings within downtown Cap City and eliminate the mutant threat.
Subsequently, Squad Hermes initiated contact with each member of Recon Squad Magus, including the lost leader Kernan Bernard, who had descended into madness within the woods of Cap City. Bernard, driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, had been dissecting mutants from Vault 99 to unravel the secrets of their mutations.
Pooling their resources and the disturbing findings from Bernard's research, the squad devised a plan for an extermination effort. Leveraging Bernard's insights, they developed a neurotoxin specifically targeting the genetic mutations unique to the vault mutants.
Leveraging the intelligence gathered by members of Squad Magus, the Brotherhood ventured into Vault 99 and successfully retrieved the necessary ingredients for their neurotoxin designed specifically for the vault mutants. Additionally, they secured the de-evolution device, amplifying their capabilities to eradicate the remaining vault mutants. 
Following the successful expulsion of mutants from Cap City, the Brotherhood mobilized to excavate Vault 99, recovering valuable technology to enhance their newly established headquarters. 
===Present Day===
The Hermetic Order has strategically nurtured expansive and benevolent trade agreements with the mutants of Cap City. Concurrently, the chapter has embarked on frequent expeditions into the shadowed recesses of the Northern Commonwealth. These ventures serve a dual purpose: combating unnatural adversaries and dismantling cursed sites that threaten the precarious balance between the known and the occult. The Order's commitment to fostering diplomatic ties while actively engaging in the eradication of supernatural threats underscores its unique role at the intersection of commerce, diplomacy, and arcane warfare.
==Society==
===Ideology===
Central to the faction's ideology is a commitment to exploring forbidden or hidden knowledge, driven by a desire for deeper understanding and enlightenment. This pursuit may extend beyond the purely technological, incorporating arcane wisdom and mystical insights. The Hermetic Brotherhood could be characterized by a dedication to secrecy, rituals, and exclusive practices, fostering a sense of camaraderie and devotion among its members.
Incorporating alchemical concepts, the faction might symbolically view the post-apocalyptic wasteland as a crucible for transformation and purification. This unique blend of technological pragmatism and esoteric exploration could shape the Hermetic Brotherhood's identity, marking it as a faction driven by a dual commitment to both the tangible advancements of the past and the mystic potential hidden within the world's enigmatic depths.
==Divisions==
===Squad Hermes===
Squad Hermes originated as a specialized task force, initially comprising four Paladins who were once in the Order of the Quill. Formed under the leadership of then-Head Scribe Bernard, their mission was to locate and secure the dangerous occult grimoire known as the Krivbeknih. 
In the year 2276, Head Scribe Bernard led an augmented Squad Hermes, now reinforced with six new members, on a subsequent mission to Point Lookout. Unfortunately, the mission was a failure resulting in the loss of five members and the disappearance of Head Scribe Bernard.
In the year 2285, the surviving members of Squad Hermes received a crucial mission: recover the stranded members of Recon Squad Magus and, if circumstances allowed, endeavor to complete the original mission.
===Squad Magus===
In 2284, Bernard led Recon Squad Magus on a daring expedition to Albany, New York, aiming to uncover the mysteries of a De-Evolution device and retrieve occult artifacts. The squad, comprising ten skilled members, was expertly selected with input from Head Scribe Kernan Bernard, Head Paladin Silus Canterbery, and Proctor Cedric Morse.
Assigned a cutting-edge Class II ARGO Transport Ship, the team navigated the Hudson River towards Cap City. Upon arrival in Albany, they encountered cautious locals and engaged with the riverside Radmen. A tense standoff with the outcast faction of the Empire Enclave provided valuable information, bringing them closer to the vault.
Recon Squad Magus, stationed beneath the Church of the Holy Innocents, discovered the vault's concealed location. The squad worked to breach the vault's defenses, with Morse navigating the digital terrain from a makeshift command center.
Upon opening the vault the squad was besieged by a hoard of mutants from Vault 99 and were subsequently separated. They would send out a distress beacon and would receive reinforcements a year later and would coalesce into the a full chapter with the unification of Squad magus wit Squad Hermes.
==Outside Relations==
===Brotherhood Of Steel===
The Hermetic Order found itself navigating delicate and strained relations with the Citadel, primarily stemming from the chapter's distinct focus on occult texts and purported supernatural items. While the Citadel traditionally emphasized the recovery of technology, the Hermetic Order, under the leadership of Head Scribe Kernan Bernard, embarked on a parallel mission to unravel the mysteries of the arcane.
Despite these ideological differences, the Order remained steadfast in fulfilling its commitment to the broader Brotherhood of Steel mission. While diverging from the conventional path, the Hermetic Order proved its worth by successfully recovering and preserving advanced technology. This nuanced balance between the pursuit of occult knowledge and the retrieval of technological assets demonstrated the chapter's adaptability and resourcefulness. Though tensions lingered, the Hermetic Order remained a valuable contributor to the Brotherhood's overall objectives, showcasing the versatility and resilience inherent in their unique approach to the wasteland's challenges.
===Abbey Of The Road===
A reward was commissioned, enticing individuals with valuable information about the organization known as the Abbey of the Road. The objective was to assess whether this group could play a pivotal role in the acquisition, containment, study, and destruction of potentially perilous occult materials. Upon catching wind of this opportunity, a missionary was dispatched as a diplomatic envoy. The mission was to establish relations and foster collaboration, with the primary aim of safeguarding the relics and arcane artifacts held dear by both organizations from the risks associated with exposure, investigation, and potential looting. This diplomatic approach sought to reconcile the divergent interests of both parties while upholding the mutual goal of preserving occult knowledge and ensuring its responsible handling.
An agreement was reached that successfully appeased the interests of both the Hermetic Order and the Abbey of the Road. Paladin Connor Spire played a pivotal role as an emissary, undertaking journeys between the two orders. His mission involved not only updating each organization on the latest developments but also collecting valuable information that bridged the gap between the Hermetic Order's pursuit of occult knowledge and the Abbey's commitment to preserving and protecting precious relics. This diplomatic collaboration ensured a fruitful exchange of insights, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that transcended the initial concerns and united the two orders in a shared quest for understanding and safeguarding the enigmatic artifacts in their care.
In reciprocation, the Hermetic Order extended a generous offer by granting permission and providing guidance to missionaries within Cap City. This collaborative gesture aimed to facilitate a symbiotic relationship between the two organizations. This agreement not only strengthened their newfound alliance but also allowed for a seamless exchange of resources, knowledge, and support in their respective endeavors.
===Sewer Mutants===
Having successfully purged the majority of major feral mutant nests from the sewers, the Hermetic Order, aided by the local merchant Jasey Cones, cultivated strong relations with the leaders of the settlement nestled beneath Cap City. In the aftermath, a comprehensive agreement was forged: the settlement pledged to contribute through basic labor, engaging in tasks like farming and infrastructure development. In return, the Hermetic Order committed to maintaining an ongoing protective role, ensuring the safety and security of the subterranean community. This collaborative accord symbolized a harmonious alliance, where mutual strengths were harnessed to foster prosperity and resilience within the post-apocalyptic confines of the sewers beneath Cap City.
===Recruitment===
The Hermetic Order maintains a vigilant approach to recruitment, distinguishing itself from other chapters by its unique willingness to embrace mutants without visible abnormalities. Their recruitment efforts prioritize psychers and individuals with extraordinary physical abilities, setting them apart from the conventional selection criteria of the Brotherhood.
For those who do not pass the rigorous vetting process, the Hermetic Order offers an alternative path. These individuals are invited to participate in experimental studies conducted by scribes. These experiments aim to unravel the mysteries behind the beneficial mutations exhibited by these candidates. The Order's commitment to understanding and harnessing these unique abilities contributes to its distinct identity within the Brotherhood, albeit leading to strained relations with other chapters less inclined towards such unconventional practices.
==Expeditions==
*Point Lookout
Point Lookout marked the Order's inaugural expedition, a venture that met with resounding failure and cast a shadow of doubt over both the confidence in the order's mission proposals and its overall capabilities.
*Cap City
The Cap City expedition faced intense scrutiny due to unfavorable opinions and the questionable past actions of the Order's leader. Under the newly appointed Eldership of Arthur Maxson, Head Scribe Kernan Bernard was entrusted with a second recon squad, dispatched north to the Hudson River to Cap City. Unfortunately, this mission also appeared to meet with failure, marked by a distress beacon urgently calling for reinforcements. Despite setbacks, the ultimate success of this mission led to the establishment of a new chapter for the Order.
*Commonwealth
Following their secure establishment in the Cap City Wasteland, the Order dispatched a recon squad to the Commonwealth with the mission of re-establishing contact with the Brotherhood. Their objective included meeting with the Prydwen and conducting a thorough investigation of the area to identify noteworthy objects and individuals of interest.
==Technology==
*E-T Blaster
The E-T Blaster is a reverse engineering of advanced technology, a specialized extraterrestrial weapon crafted under the skilled hands of a scribe granted access to classified files. These files contained information on alien technology recovered by the Outcast Brotherhood from the Capital Wasteland.
*Chimera Rifle
The Chimera rifle is able to fire an array of projectiles. It is a reworking and improvement on the Appalachian Chapters Crusader Pistol.
*P.R.M.
The Paranormal Radiation Energy reader is a specialized tool invented by a member of the order that enabled them to track ghosts and other entities of high strangeness.
*Class II ARGO Transport Ship
Forged by Brotherhood within the Capital Wasteland. Well constructed, it was commissioned after the destruction the Enclave. It was the vehicle that brought the Hermetic Order to Cap City.
==References==
Category:Brotherhood of Steel
Category:Factions
Category:Post-War Factions