Arthur Maxson

This article contains lore based on sources from the timeline occur in the Fallout universe.
Warning!This article contains spoilers. Read at your own risk!

## Arthur Maxson

* FO4
* FO3
* FSO

## Biography information

### Location

Citadel's B ring
The *Prydwen*

### Age

10

20  (unverified)

### Family

Jonathan Maxson - father
Jessica Maxson - mother
Roger Maxson - ancestor
Maxson II - ancestor
John Maxson - ancestor

Owyn Lyons - guardian
Sarah Lyons - guardian

## Affiliation information

### Role

Trainee
Supreme commander

### Rank

Squire
Elder

## Behind the Scenes

### Appears in

*Fallout 3
Fallout 4
Fallout Shelter Online
Fallout: Wasteland Warfare*

### Quests

**Shadow of Steel**
**Tour of Duty**
**Show No Mercy**
**The Molecular Level**
**From Within**
**The Battle of Bunker Hill**
**Blind Betrayal**
**Ad Victoriam**
**The Nuclear Option**
**A New Dawn**
**Rockets' Red Glare**
**Airship Down**

*"Look around you, Danse. Look at the scorched earth and the bones that litter the wasteland. Millions... perhaps even billions, died because science outpaced man's restraint! They called it a "new frontier" and "pushing the envelope," completely disregarding the repercussions. Can't you see the same thing is happening again?"*
―Maxson to Danse on why synths need to be destroyed.[src]
**Elder Arthur Maxson** (Registration **MX-001E**) is the last descendant of the Maxson lineage. He served as a squire in the Citadel in 2277 in *Fallout 3* and is currently the supreme commander of the East Coast chapter of the Brotherhood in 2287, during the events of *Fallout 4*. Eventually, Maxson and the Brotherhood was defeated by the Institute, and marking the end of the East Coast chapter.

## Background

### Early life (2267-2277)

Born in 2267 to Jonathan and Jessica Maxson, Arthur is a descendant of the legendary Roger Maxson, founder of the Brotherhood of Steel. His father, a high-ranking paladin serving just outside the New California Republic, was recently killed in battle, and his mother, Lady Maxson, sent the boy east to be raised under the tutelage of the then respected Elder Owyn Lyons. Squire Maxson tends toward timidity, which is the main reason his mother sent him to the Citadel. Part of the reason were internal conflicts in the Brotherhood out west, which created an unsafe environment for Arthur.

#### Studies

Ever since arriving at the Citadel, Arthur was an attentive student, with a good knowledge of the Brotherhood's triumphs and history. He has also proven himself to be a keen observer, making accurate observations of the local super mutant threat and even observing a behemoth from the Citadel walls once. Overall, he received a top notch education, thanks to excellent teachers and trainers at the Citadel. Of course, he learned the Codex by heart, though the protocols gave him particular trouble, especially when it came to encounters with outsiders. The Codex deemed them untrustworthy, yet Elder Owyn Lyons was content to violate them as he saw fit, such as when accepting the Lone Wanderer into the Citadel without taking the Oath of Fraternity. For a boy whose only real encounters with outsiders were Brotherhood members visiting the Citadel, he was surprised by the decision, but deferred to Elder Lyons' judgement, despite his reservations.

He was also trained in combat by Sentinel Sarah Lyons, who on one occasion showed him how to kill people by stabbing them in the kidneys. Maxson viewed Sarah like an older sister; she was gentle and caring to him, and taught him about fighting and leadership.

#### Expectations

{{#vardefine:quotationText|Oh, well... You see, I am descended from the great Roger Maxson, founder of our order. I am the last of his line. They say my soul was forged from eternal steel, but I don't believe that. I'm really just a normal boy.}}{{#vardefine:quotationSource|}}{{#vardefine:quotationOrigin|}}

“{{#var:quotationText}}”— {{#var:quotationSource}}, {{#var:quotationOrigin}}noicon{{#vardefine:quotationText|}}{{#vardefine:quotationSource|}}{{#vardefine:quotationOrigin|}}

Despite being a young boy, Maxson was faced with high expectations as the last of the Maxson line. He was expected to become the Brotherhood's great new leader, and he was told his "*soul was forged from eternal steel.*" He never believed this claim.

Loneliness also weighed heavily on the young Maxson. As the only child at the Citadel, he grew up surrounded by adults, with no one of equal age to spend time with. Given that everyone he worked with was a soldier, he didn't receive kindness or warmth, merely schooling and training. His closest friend was Liberty Prime, an inanimate robot. Scribe Rothchild banned him from the laboratory, emphasizing the futility of trying to make friends with a machine. He snuck into the Lyons Den to read Paladin Vargas' copy of *Guns and Bullets* without his knowledge since he wouldn't give it to him otherwise.

As a result, the ten-year-old Arthur had a timid and reserved demeanor. It wasn't helped by the fact that the young boy was barred from patrols due to accidentally shooting Sarah during one outing. Arthur's reservations and apprehension helped him maintain a level of politeness and decency that would later translate into unmatched charisma.

### Ascent to leadership (2277-2287)

The key change in Arthur Maxson's life came with adolescence and the death of Elders Owyn Lyons and Sarah Lyons. While the crumbling Lyons' Brotherhood of Steel chafed under the ineffectual leadership of one elder after another, Maxson rapidly developed his talents, the potential inside awakening. In 2279, at the age of 12, he managed to kill two raiders on a training patrol, saving the squad that was supposed to escort him. A year later, he managed to single-handedly kill a deathclaw, taking grave wounds in the process and a disfiguring scar that marred his face forever. His key achievement came in 2282, at the age of 15, when he killed a super mutant leader named Shephard, who was trying to reorganize the remnants of the Capital Wasteland super mutant infestation. This achievement has revealed another secret, that the West Coast elders were still monitoring their errant brethren. With Maxson's achievement came leadership and promotion to a provisional elder.

Though young, Maxson was ready to lead and reunite the fragmented Brotherhood of Steel forces on the East Coast. He proved his ability in 2283, when he brokered a peace with the Brotherhood Outcasts, re-integrating them into the Brotherhood of Steel. The sixteen-year-old Maxson was proving himself as effective a diplomat as a warrior. The full force of the Brotherhood of Steel appointed Arthur Maxson as the elder, the youngest in Brotherhood of Steel history, and supreme commander of the entire Brotherhood of Steel, with the ability to strike anywhere on the East Coast because of the *Prydwen*, launched just a year before his rise to power.

As of 2287, Elder Maxson's reign in the Capital Wasteland was uncontested, and his authority and influence were spreading across the East Coast. The *Prydwen* was a key element of the Brotherhood's power projection, rallying people to his cause. In addition, Maxson had the full support of the elders on the West Coast, who proudly reported that cults existed worshipping Maxson as a god, although these groups had to be eradicated. However, Maxson was offended by the idea of being referred to as a deity, as it goes against his beliefs. Maxson is, instead, satisfied with being (according to the Brotherhood) the perfect *human* specimen, an example of everything a human being can achieve; assisted, even enhanced, by advanced technology, but still very much human.

His authority is reinforced by his accomplishments, growing the Brotherhood in the East from a moribund group of complacent stragglers occupying a single Citadel into a major military force capable of projecting power along the Eastern Seaboard. Thanks to his tenacity and singular vision, the men that serve under his command do so with pride and unmatched loyalty, with one soldier mentioning they were ready to invade hell itself.

### Maxson's ideals

Although his beard and facial features give him the aura of an older man, Maxson is still close to being a teenager, and he is quite young and idealistic as a result. He has established an amalgam between the ways of his predecessor and tutor Elder Owyn Lyons, who was using technology to help others and the traditional Brotherhood approach of coveting and preserving advanced technology to protect people from abusing it. As a result, he is much more lenient about technology being in the hands of outsiders, and allocates teams of soldiers to combat dangers that would otherwise harm or kill the people of the wasteland, while he has other teams scouring the ruins for technology that could be misused in the wrong hands. Maxson also strongly insists that the Brotherhood has the best interests of the Commonwealth in mind.

He deeply cares for everyone under his command, as he was exceptionally reluctant to allow Ingram into the field as a field scribe despite Knight-Captain Cade's professional opinion that due to her power armor frame (which replaced her legs and much of her lower torso), she was more suited for combat than scribe-work, in fact probably better suited than any knight they could muster. Additionally, he explicitly ordered that all technology was to be traded for food and medicine, and violent confrontation was to be a last resort, which drastically sets him apart from the West Coast Brotherhood, who used violence as a first resort. This shows that not only does he not wish to risk the lives of those under his command, but he does genuinely seem to care about the people of the Commonwealth.

He also approved a request by Senior Scribe Neriah to develop a more effective alternative to the pre-War RadAway, showing that he has also carried on Lyons' efforts of improving technology as opposed to simply hoarding it, which remains the West Coast's goal, as can be seen through a conversation between Nolan McNamara and Veronica Santangelo in *Fallout: New Vegas*.

## Daily schedule

### *Fallout 3*

He can usually be found in the Citadel B ring, where his room (and personal terminal) is located.

### *Fallout 4*

Maxson, along with the *Prydwen*, will show up in the Commonwealth once the quest Reunions is completed. He can usually be found in the main command deck of the *Prydwen* or in his living quarters.

He will join the Brotherhood attack on the Institute during the quest Ad Victoriam, and become a temporary follower in The Nuclear Option. If the player character sides with the Institute, during the quest Airship Down he will arrive from the *Prydwen* in a Vertibird. He will be wearing his personal T-60 power armor wielding his unique Gatling laser, Final Judgment.

In the Railroad main quests, he is largely unmentioned only until Rockets' Red Glare, where he can be confronted while or after sabotaging the *Prydwen*. He will be wearing his battlecoat and Gatling laser, but not his power armor. If the Commonwealth Minutemen destroy the  *Prydwen* during the quest With Our Powers Combined, he will not be present during the Brotherhood's retaliation on The Castle.

If one sides with the Brotherhood and assists in their victory, Maxson will promote the Sole Survivor to the rank of sentinel. He will ask that while they are free to carry out their own missions, to keep the Brotherhood's interests in mind throughout their journeys.

## Interactions with the player character

### *Fallout 4*

#### Interactions overview

  File:Icon quest starter.png   | This character **starts quests**.
* Show No Mercy
* Outside the Wire
* From Within
* Blind Betrayal
  File:FO76 ui icon quest.png   | This character is **involved in quests**.
* The Nuclear Option
* Rockets' Red Glare
* Airship Down

### Quests

* Tour of Duty: After Paladin Danse brings the Sole Survivor to the *Prydwen* after its arrival in the Commonwealth, Maxson promotes them to the rank of knight and asks them to tour the Prydwen and get to know her crew.
* Show No Mercy: Maxson orders the Sole Survivor to clear Fort Strong, a cache of Fat Man ammunition, from its super mutant occupiers.
* Outside the Wire: Maxson (rather than Proctor Ingram) will start this quest if the network scanner holotape was obtained from a faction other than the Brotherhood.
* From Within: Maxson orders the Sole Survivor to find Doctor Madison Li in the Institute and convince her to work for the Brotherhood of Steel.
* Blind Betrayal: Maxson orders the Sole Survivor to execute Danse, who turns out to be a synth.
* Ad Victoriam: Maxson appears as Liberty Prime reaches the C.I.T. ruins, helping the Brotherhood against the Institute synths.
* The Nuclear Option: Maxson follows the player character inside the Institute and helps them clear out the Institute.
* Rockets' Red Glare: Maxson defends the Prydwen against the Sole Survivor, sent there by the Railroad to plant explosives in the airship.
* Airship Down: Maxson appears in a full set of T-60f power armor and wielding his unique Gatling laser at the Boston Airport to defend it from the Sole Survivor and the synths as they try to hack Liberty Prime.

## Notes

* In *Fallout 3*, despite being a child, Arthur may grab a bottle of whiskey or beer from around the Citadel and drink it, similar to other characters.
* One of his dialogue lines is what links the Enclave power armor of *Fallout 3* to previous *Fallout* games' advanced power armor Mk II, suggesting it is what Enclave personnel are equipped with.
* Maxson is one of only two characters in *Fallout 3* who will recite excerpts from the Codex; the other is Star Paladin Cross.
* The T-60 power armor Maxson wears during Airship Down in *Fallout 4* is the only suit that can be found already upgraded to the highest tier (F), and bears the unique elder paint job. This paint scheme cannot be crafted by the Sole Survivor, so it is lost forever if one decides to recolor the armor parts after acquiring them. PC players who inadvertently do so, or failed to loot the armor during Airship Down or led someone other than the Institute to victory can add it to their inventory with the command Template:Console.
* It is impossible to pickpocket Maxson, even with the level 4 Pickpocket perk.
* When fighting Maxson during Airship Down, there is a possibility of gaining a unique power armor frame called "Elder Maxson's Power Armor" by shooting the fusion core out of his suit. This has no unique effects, but it is one of only two named power armor frames in the base game, the other being that of Knight-Sergeant Gavil.
* Several concept art drafts of Maxson's appearance can be seen in *The Art of Fallout 4*. His name is also erroneously written as "Maxon."

Template:ASC

* The description of the Elder's battlecoat item in *Fallout 76* reveals it is not exclusive to Arthur Maxson, but rather, common attire among the Elders.

Template:ASC

## Notable quotes

### *Fallout 3*

* "*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.*"
* "*I did go out one time, you know! Sarah... Um... Sentinel Lyons took me out. Just to show me. I killed a Super Mutant, too! I swear! I, um... I also sort of shot Sarah. But just a little! It was just a flesh wound...*"

### *Fallout 4*

* "*You truly have become one of us, sister/brother.*" (Said in response to the Sole Survivor after telling him they defeated the Institute for the people of the Commonwealth.)
* "*Our mission in the Commonwealth is clear: the Institute and its creations need to be destroyed in order to preserve our future. Which leaves me facing the most difficult order I've ever given.*"
* "*Brothers and Sisters, the road behind us has been long and fraught with difficulty. Each and every one of you has surpassed my expectations by rapidly facilitating our arrival in the Commonwealth. You have accomplished this amazing feat without a hint of purpose or direction, and most impressively, without question. Now that the ship is in position, it is the time to reveal our purpose and our mission. Beneath the Commonwealth, there is a cancer known as "The Institute", a malignant growth that needs to be cut before it infects the surface. They are experimenting with dangerous technologies that could prove to be the world’s undoing for the second time in recent history. The Institute Scientists have created a weapon that transcends the destructive nature of the atom bomb. They call their creation the "synth", a robotic abomination of technology that is free-thinking and masquerades as a human being. This notion that a machine can be granted free will is not only offensive, but horribly dangerous. And like the atom, if it isn’t harnessed properly, it has the potential of rendering us extinct as a species. I am not prepared to allow the Institute to continue this line of experimentation. Therefore, the Institute and their "synths" are considered enemies of the Brotherhood of Steel, and should be dealt with swiftly and mercilessly. This campaign will be costly and many lives will be lost. But in the end, we will be saving humankind from its worst enemy... itself. Ad Victoriam!*"

## Behind the scenes

* Maxson is voiced by Sean McCoy and Derek Phillips in the English versions of *Fallout 3* and *Fallout 4*, respectively.
	+ In localized versions of *Fallout 3*, his voice is dubbed by Atsushi Abe (Japanese) and Sara Vivas (Spanish).
	+ In localized versions of *Fallout 4*, his voice is dubbed by Shōta Chōnan (Japanese) and Juan Navarro Torelló (Spanish).
* Arthur Maxson's name pays homage to King Arthur, alongside the Prydwen, which shares the name of King Arthur's ship.

## Gallery

### *Fallout 4*

Fo4 launch trailer BoS leader.pngArthur Maxson in the launch trailerArthur Maxson profile.jpgArthur Maxson aboard the *Prydwen*Fo4 Elder Maxson.pngAboard the *Prydwen*Fo4 BoS armor concept art.jpgMaxson concept art (middle)Arthur Maxson concept art.pngFrom *The Art of Fallout 4*
### *Fallout: Wasteland Warfare*

FOWW,Maxson.jpgElder Maxson in *Fallout: Wasteland Warfare*FOWW,MaxsonPowerArmorVariant.jpgElder Maxson Power Armor variant modelAna-roman-elder-maxson-06.jpgModel designed by Ana RomanFOWW,MaxsonUnitCard.jpgUnit cardFo-promo-brotherhood-character-box-2-low-res orig.jpgFOWW,Maxson&KellsSet.webp
### *Fallout Shelter Online*

Maxson's hero card in *Fallout Shelter Online*FSO UITex YS C Bg HeroShare maikesenzhanglao.pngMaxson's maxed hero card in *Fallout Shelter Online*
## References

2. ↑ Sole Survivor: "*Can you tell me anything about Elder Maxson?*"Kells: "*Elder Maxson is the supreme commander of the Brotherhood. Without his tenacity and his vision, we'd still be a small group of complacent stragglers occupying the Citadel in the Capital Wasteland. In a mere decade, he's grown the Brotherhood of Steel into a major military force.*"(Kells' dialogue)
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Lone Wanderer: *"Aren't you a little young for all this?"*Arthur Maxson: *"Oh, well... You see, I am descended from the great Roger Maxson, founder of our order. I am the last of his line. They say my soul was forged from eternal steel, but I don't believe that. I'm really just a normal boy. I was sent to the Citadel many years ago, to be fostered by Elder Lyons. But that was before the Western Elders lost, um... faith... in the Elder. I really don't know if I'll ever get home. But, well... I kind of like it here. Sentinel Lyons has been very kind to me. She's taught me so much."*(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 The Lone Wanderer: *"What do you make of the Enclave, Squire?"*Arthur Maxson: *"Y... You're asking me what I think of the Enclave? Well... The Brotherhood of Steel has actually faced the Enclave before. Back West. More than thirty years ago, according to our chronicles. Judging from those records, I'd say their soldiers are outfitted in Advanced Power Armor Mark II. It's... pretty strong. Better than our Power Armor. And some of their technology is amazing! Vertibirds! Plasma weapons that can turn a man to goo! Does... that help?"*(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
5. ↑ The Lone Wanderer: *"I don't suppose you know anything about the Super Mutants?"*Arthur Maxson: *"Oh yes! I've studied them quite a bit since I've been here! They're not all the same, you know. Besides the regular ones, there are also Brutes. And after them, the Masters -- they're really tough. But the worst of all? The Behemoth! He's a giant! I saw one once, outside the Citadel walls. Sooo scary.  It kind of seems like they're looking for something, but we're not really sure what that is."*(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 The Lone Wanderer: *"Relax, Squire. I don't bite."*Arthur Maxson: *"I plead for your pardon if my behavior offends /. We don't get many visitors in the Citadel. The Brothers and Elder Lyons are excellent teachers, but I get nervous about the protocols. The codex says that outsiders are not to be trusted. Shield yourself from those not bound to you by steel, for they are the blind. Aid them when you can, but lose not sight of yourself, it says."*(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 The Lone Wanderer: *"You seem nervous, kid. Do I make you nervous?"*Arthur Maxson: *"Well... yes, sir. If I may speak my will: You do, sort of. We don't have many guests in the Citadel. And when we do, they're usually visiting Brothers. Outsiders are not to be trusted, so says the Codex. Shield yourself from those not bound to you by steel, for they are the blind. Aid them when you can, but lose not sight of yourself."*(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
8. ↑ The Lone Wanderer: *"Understandable. I've met a lot of dangerous people myself."*Arthur Maxson: *"It's not simply the outsiders that we are wary of, anybody who has not taken the Oath of Fraternity is suspicious to us. The Codex says: "Fear those who do not pledge to the Brotherhood for though their eyes may be opened through service, they are now blind" But it also tells us "Give way your suspicions to the wisdom of thine Elder. Where he shows trust, so shall you". Elder Lyons trusts you, so you are free to stay here."*(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
9. ↑ The Lone Wanderer: *"There's no need to be nervous. You can trust me."*Arthur Maxson: *"It is not personal, anybody who has not taken the Oath of Fraternity is suspicious to us. The Codex says: "Fear those who do not pledge to the Brotherhood for though their eyes may be opened through service, they are now blind" But it also tells us "Give way your suspicions to the wisdom of thine Elder. Where he shows trust, so shall you". Elder Lyons trusts you, so you are free to stay here."*(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
10. ↑ The Lone Wanderer: *"You should be nervous. Who says that I'm not here to kill you all?"*Arthur Maxson: *"I... don't... I mean... if Elder Lyons chooses to show trust in you, then by the oath, I must trust you as well. Give way your suspicions to the wisdom of thine Elder. Where he shows trust, so shall you, says the Codex. Even if I don't understand why he would trust someone like you, I obey him and welcome you here. I only hope that you are a / of honor."*(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
11. ↑ Citadel terminal entries; Squire Maxson's terminal, Diary Entry 2
12. ↑ *Fallout Shelter Online* Sarah biography
13. ↑ The Lone Wanderer: *"The honor is all mine, Squire."*Arthur Maxson: *"Oh! Well... Thank you! Your words are... very kind. Kinder than those I usually hear.... Is there... something I can help you with?"*(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
14. ↑ Citadel terminal entries; Squire Maxson's terminal, Diary Entry 1
15. ↑ Citadel terminal entries; Squire Maxson's terminal, Guns and Bullets
16. ↑ The Lone Wanderer: *"They don't actually... make you fight. Do they?"*Arthur Maxson: *" But I could! I know I'm ready! I mean, it would be scary, but... It's not fair that I have to sit inside while the knights go on patrol! I did go out one time, you know! Sarah... Um... Sentinel Lyons took me out. Just to show me. I killed a Super Mutant, too! I swear! I, um... I also sort of shot Sarah. But just a little! It was just a flesh wound..."*(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
17. ↑ Arthur Maxson: *""*(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
18. ↑ Arthur Maxson: *""*(Arthur Maxson's dialogue)
19. ↑ The *Prydwen* terminal entries; Proctor Quinlan's terminal, Accomplishments
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 The *Prydwen* terminal entries; Proctor Quinlan's terminal, Our New Leader
21. ↑ The *Prydwen* terminal entries; Proctor Quinlan's terminal, Aftermath
22. ↑ The Sole Survivor: *"Can you tell me anything about Elder Maxson?"*Kells: *""*(Kells' dialogue)
23. ↑ Brotherhood dialogue: *"I'm proud to be serving under Elder Maxson. I had enough of Lyons and his foolish ways."*
24. ↑ Brotherhood dialogue: *"If Elder Maxson ordered me to follow him to the Gates of Hell, I'd be the first one to kick them open."*
25. ↑ The Prydwen terminal entries: *"If any of the caravans gets jumped, we can swoop in and lend a hand to let them know that we're the friendly eye in the sky."*
26. ↑ The Prydwen terminal entries: *"She's trained in the armor rigorously and is fully qualified... actually, MORE than qualified to be placed with our ground troops."*

**Non-game**

1. ↑ *Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition* p.98: *"**Squire Arthur Maxson***
*Squire Maxson is a descendant of the legendary Roger Maxson, founder of the Brotherhood of Steel. His father, a high-ranking Paladin serving just outside the N.C.R. (New California Republic), was recently killed in battle, and his mother, the Lady Maxson, sent the boy east to be raised under the tutelage of the respected Elder Lyons. Squire Maxson tends toward timidity, which is the main reason his mother sent him to the Citadel."*
(Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)

Template:Navbox characters FO3