Brotherhood of Steel

The Midwest Brotherhood of Steel (MBOS) stands as the dominant power in New Chicago and much of the surrounding Midwest region. Unlike their Western counterparts, the MBOS has embraced pragmatic expansion, industry, and limited civilian integration, transforming into a city-state power that mixes militarism with governance. New Chicago, their stronghold, is both a beacon of prosperity and a symbol of strict Brotherhood order.

Expanded Lore Background
The Midwest Brotherhood traces its roots back to the splinter group sent eastward during the events of Fallout Tactics. Originally dismissed as a doomed expedition, they not only survived but carved out a place in the fractured Midwest. Over time, they blended strict Brotherhood doctrine with a more flexible and adaptive philosophy, which allowed them to absorb technology, build alliances, and expand influence where the traditional Brotherhood would not.

The Rise of New Chicago
By the mid-2200s, the Brotherhood had stabilized control over the Great Lakes corridor, using scavenged pre-war infrastructure to foster trade and industry. By 2270, the ruins of Old Chicago became the staging ground for their most ambitious project: the rebuilding of a centralized Brotherhood capital. Through military might, scavenger contracts, and selective use of recovered GECK technology, they laid the foundation for New Chicago—a fortress-city blending advanced defenses with growing civilian quarters.

The Detroit Wars

In the early 2300s, expansion into Detroit proved disastrous. Raider confederations, super mutant enclaves, and malfunctioning war machines created a cauldron of violence. Though the Brotherhood pushed deep into the city, casualties were immense. Ultimately, Detroit was declared too unstable for reclamation. These wars hardened the MBOS and instilled a deep sense of pragmatism—they would hold what they could, but not bleed themselves for hollow victories.

The Schism of Steel
In 2315, ideological fractures widened within the Brotherhood. Traditionalists wanted a return to the “old ways” of hoarding technology and rejecting civilian integration. Pragmatists, led by the Elders’ Council in New Chicago, argued that their survival depended on industry, trade, and harnessing civilian talent. After months of tension, a failed coup by the Traditionalists was put down, cementing New Chicago’s path as a militarized city-state with a broader base of support.

Today
By 2325, the MBOS has matured into a regional superpower. Their armies patrol the highways, their scribes manage industrial production, and their engineers restore power grids and factories. While they control vast resources, enemies still encircle them: the mutant-ridden ruins of Detroit, the frozen wasteland of Minnesota, and the irradiated hell of Fort Wayne. Despite this, New Chicago thrives, standing as the Brotherhood’s most successful experiment in governance outside the West.

The Brotherhood of Steel: Law of New Chicago

The Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel is not simply another faction in the wasteland. In New Chicago, they are the law. They are the dominant military, political, and technological authority — the wall between civilization and chaos. To wear the uniform of the Brotherhood is to carry the weight of law, order, and the absolute authority of the Codex of Steel.

But authority in the Brotherhood is not gentle. It is autocratic, New Chicagoan First, and often prejudiced against mutants, ghouls, and non-humans. While corruption exists, discipline is harsh: the lower you are on the Chains That Bind, the faster punishment comes down. Those who wear the insignia of the Brotherhood must remember — their power is immense, but so are the consequences of dishonor.

What It Means to Wear the Insignia

A Brotherhood member in New Chicago are both peacekeepers AND enforcers of order. To the citizens, you are protector and overseer; to your superiors, you are a tool of the Codex and the will of the Elder Barneby himself.

Authority is Absolute: In New Chicago, your word carries the weight of law. Outside the city, patrols are stretched thin — your authority may be questioned and fought, but it remains ironclad.
Technology is Regulated: The Brotherhood does not confiscate every piece of advanced tech. Instead, citizens must obtain Technology Permits from the BOS Consulate Office. Unauthorized tech is seized until a permit is earned.
Justice is Autocratic: Citizens do not vote. Citizens do not choose. They obey, or they face the consequences.

The Order of Enforcement

Life under the Brotherhood is not always fair, but it is structured.

Knights and Above: These are the backbone of New Chicago’s order. To earn the rank of Knight is to rise above cannon-fodder, to gain true prestige and authority within the Codex. It takes time, loyalty, and scars earned in the field.
Scribes and Initiates: Below the Knight, you are replaceable. You carry out orders, often thrown into danger with little regard. The Brotherhood values loyalty, but lives below Knight rank are considered expendable in the pursuit of order. Earn your place at the table. Sacrifice, effort and activity are key. You will be rewarded for your hard work. That is the truth of the Codex. Anything less is Weakness. Weakness is a Sin before Saint Nafiza herself.
The Chains That Bind: Every member is watched, from Initiate to Elder. A Paladin might overlook small corruption, but a severe breach — especially by lower ranks — brings swift punishment or expulsion. Leverage your power wisely. Take care of yourself and your goals but do not make the Brotherhood look the incompetent fool.

Tools of Enforcement

The Brotherhood does not maintain order through words alone. They rely on the full might of their war-forged machine.

Codex Citations: Citizens who disobey the rules of New Chicago can be cited, fined, or punished with work detail. These marks become permanent records in the Brotherhood’s logs.
Technology Control: Permits regulate who may keep advanced tech. Unauthorized tech is confiscated until proper clearance is gained.
Patrol Reports: Members log field actions, conflicts, and breaches of Brotherhood law. A pattern of incidents shapes long-term story consequences for characters.
Military Assets: From power armor patrols to vertibird overflights, presence alone enforces control. In New Chicago, the sight of a Knight in steel is enough to silence most disputes.

Patrols Beyond New Chicago

Inside the city, the Brotherhood is near untouchable. Beyond the walls, the Brotherhood’s grip weakens — but never fully breaks.

New Chicago is Stronghold: Here, the BOS rules with near-absolute power.
Outer Settlements: Patrols are possible but strained. Raiders, mutants, and rival groups test authority constantly. Enforcing law here is difficult, but not impossible.
Perception of Weakness: Every missed patrol or unpunished crime outside New Chicago emboldens the wastes. The further you are from the stronghold, the more your authority must be fought for.

Uniforms and Prestige

The Brotherhood’s insignia is more than armor or cloth. It is a symbol of order and power.

Armor as Authority: Power Armor patrols project fear and legitimacy. You earn your power armor, vertibird or scribe’s vestments through blood, mud and toil. This takes time. Enjoy this experience. It will shape your character into a true Brother or Sister of Steel.
Knighthood as Prestige: To wear the title “Knight” is to be recognized as a true enforcer of the Codex. Citizens and Initiates alike treat Knights with reverence — or fear.
Discipline in Dress: Uniforms are expected to be worn properly. Sloppiness is weakness, and weakness reflects poorly on the Brotherhood. The Codex of Steel will inform you of what, where and how you wear your uniforms. These are not optional. We are not a Clandestine operation. Even what qualifies as Detectives wear overt markings.

Justice as Story

For the Brotherhood, justice is not simply punishment — it is a stage for power, discipline, and control.

Sentences as Storylines: Jail, forced labor or servitude, and Brotherhood justice are not ends — they are arcs for roleplay.
Conflict is Consequence: From confiscated tech to a public trial, enforcement creates opportunities for stories of rebellion, loyalty, or downfall.
Controlled Order: Breakouts, corruption, and betrayal are not the norm, but when they happen, they shake the Codex to its core. Be smart about your Corruption Roleplay. Pick your battles and your cohorts. The Star Paladin does not take kindly to the baseless besmirchment of the Codex.

Recruitment and Expectations

Joining the Brotherhood is not simply an enlistment. It is submission to a system of absolute authority.

Initiates: Near expendable, often used to test loyalty and endurance.
Knights: Earned prestige; the first rank treated with true respect.
Paladins & Scribes: Trusted with leadership, technology, and order.
Elder: The absolute voice of the Codex. His word is law, unquestionable, unshakable.

The Brotherhood of Steel offers immense power, but demands sacrifice, loyalty, and discipline. Corruption may exist, but it is punished swiftly if discovered. Prestige is possible, but only through endurance. To wear the insignia is to carry the weight of law itself.

In New Chicago, the Brotherhood is justice.