Lo Pellegrino

Fallout: Rust and Steel

Owen leaned against the metal railing. A skinny spliff peaked out from between his fingers, dangling precariously over the edge as he tapped the ash off into oblivion. He took a slow, deep drag. Strange how the cherry’s dull glow burned brighter than the lights below. Like a reminder of humanity’s resilience and downfall all at once. The thought lingered a while before Owen stamped the spliff out onto the rail and turned toward the doors.

It took weeks for him to trust the metal grate floors out here. Seeing through them as he walked was unnerving, especially during the day when the skies were clear and their distance from the wasteland was unmistakable. That’s part of the reason he preferred coming out here at night. None of that seemed to bother the young squires ahead of him.

A young boy and girl crouched low onto the grating. The girl held half of a T-45 helmet in her hands, its flashlight shining down into the night sky. Neither looked older than ten. Owen frowned a little and waved to the kids.

“Good evening, sir!” the boy exclaimed, jumping to his feet.

Had Owen startled him? “It is a good evening, isn’t it?” the scribe replied, watching the girl continue whatever it is she was doing with the helmet. “What are brings you both out here after dark?”

“Proctor Teagen said if we can find the White House he’ll teach us how to shoot,” the girl answered without looking up.

Nervously, the boy nodded. “He really did, sir. It’s our mission.”

“Proctor Teagen said that, huh?” Owen sighed, then looked out into the wasteland. You couldn’t see much from up here after sunset. “Wait, move the light. Yeah, over there, there you go. I think you found it. See?”

The girl squinted hard, then glanced at the boy and smiled. Together, they laughed, “We’re going to learn how to shoot!”

Owen smiled, continuing toward the door as the kids dreamt aloud of what they’d learn to fire. Perhaps he smiled a little bigger imagining Teagen’s confusion, but it was all in good fun, of course. The old proctor might benefit from some time around the energy and excitement of two squires. He was a good man, if a bit of a curmudgeon. Most of his brothers and sisters on the Prydwen were good people. Some bought into hating mutants and ghouls a little too easily for his taste, but hate was a tempting drug. He couldn’t blame them for indulging a little.

Climbing down onto the main deck, Owen took a moment to savor the sounds and smells. The laughter and gasps as knights recounted past missions, the mouth-watering and vaguely nauseating aromas from drifting from the mess hall. It had all its charm. He knew this “extended mission” would make him appreciate it all that much more, assuming they survived.
“You’re early, Algarín.” The scribe looked around, spotting Paladin Moss at a two-person table hidden away near the back. “Take a seat. I took the liberty of getting you a drink.”

“That’s very kind of you sir, thank you.” Owen studied at the unfamiliar beer then glanced at the bar.

Moss grinned and popped the caps off both of their bottles. “Neriah told me you pick up on things fast. I take it you have some idea about our mission already.”

“Just inference.” Owen took a sip from his beer and gave a quick nod of approval.

“Go on,” Moss ordered, eyes fixed on the scribe.

“Well, there’s the timing first of all. I worked with Scribe Faris, you know. Helped him do research into the Boston area ahead of Artemis leaving. I also haven’t heard anything about their progress since they left,” Owen explained and pointed to the beer. “That research I mentioned included common food and drink. Common like this lager, for example.”

“Impressive.” The paladin smirked and raised his beer. “So you worked out the why and the where. What about the need for secrecy?”

The words stopped, teetering at the tip of his tongue. Owen noticed the subtle look of satisfaction just behind the paladin’s stoic expression. This wasn’t an interview or opportunity to prove himself for the mission. No, the message was quite clear. Owen had already been chosen. Moss was trying to determine how to handle him. Maybe looking for a reason to remove him before the mission even began. If Owen answered honestly, suggesting the young Elder Maxon might want to keep losing touch with a squad quiet, he might be digging his own grave. Rumor had it Moss was the religious type. A New Canaanite. What was the saying? Pride cometh before the fall.

“I asked about the importance of secrecy for our mission,” Moss repeated. “You understand secrecy. Considering your background.”

“I haven’t told anyone about the mission, if that’s what you mean.”

Moss took a deep breath and stood. If his tone and unyielding stoicism weren’t intimidating enough, the foot or so he had on Owen sent the message home. Owen kept eye contact, even if that meant craning his neck upward. After a few moments they seemed to find an understanding.

“A vertibird will be ready and waiting at 0400 hours,” Moss explained “I’ve already sent messages to the rest of the team with details. I expect they’ll want a drink before the mission, and since you’re already quite familiar with the details, I trust you will see to it that everyone gets enough rest.”

Without so much as a nod, Moss turned on a heel and left the mess hall. What strength Owen had summoned left him the moment the paladin was gone. He sank back into his seat. The conversation replayed in his mind until he realized the beer wasn’t going to be enough.

“I’ll take a scotch, please.” Owen took a seat at the bar and scanned the room. He’d wait a few hours for anyone else to show. After that, he’d hit the sack. “So, got any good stories?”

The mess officer chuckled to himself. “I used to be scribe like you, you know. Until I took a hit from a deathclaw. Snapped my femur right in two.”

Fallout: Rust and Steel

I only just stumbled upon this roleplay; missed out on the interest check unfortunately. Think there would still be space, accounting for all of the people who did express interest that haven't submitted yet?

@The Nexerus

Andreyich is right. As long as your character sheet is submitted by the 5th you will absolutely be considered. We have accepted a few members by now. It would pay to read over their sheets to see what's being done. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Fallout: Rust and Steel

Dossier

Pyrdwen Internal Network
Moss MS-357PR PM-071

Fr: Paladin Moss MS-357PR
To: Blocked

I am writing to inform you that a member on your team, _________, has been drafted for an operation. Details are confidential. I can assure you this is a top priority for the Brotherhood and that any inconvenience their absence may cause will be repayed in spades upon our success. Please do not share this information. Acknowledging the existence of this operation from this point on may viewed as insubordination.

Thank you for your cooperation.

---

The Squad

Moss, Elliot Paladin in charge of Recon Squad Zero | Age 42, In Excellent Condition, Modified T-60 Power Armor

Squad Leader

Algarín, Owen Senior Scribe with Recon Squad Zero | Age 28, In Good Condition*, Field Armor

Communication and Field Navigation

Suffering night terrors and occasional sleep irregularities

Kinsley, Harper Senior Scribe with Recon Squad Zero | Age 43, In Good Condition*, Brotherhood Fatigues

Designated Medic and Intelligence

Suffering symptoms of insomnia and depression

Estevez, Daniel Knight-Sergeant with Recon Squad Zero | Age 20, In Excellent Condition, T-45 Power Armor

Squad Gunner

Brown, Patricia Knight with Recon Squad Zero | Age 26, In Excellent Condition, T-45 Power Armor (Reformed Brotherhood, Outcast)

Resources and Urban CQC

Brown, Samuel Lancer with Recon Squad Zero | Age 27, In Excellent Condition, Lancer Uniform

Co-Pilot and Weapons Specialist

Grimshaw, Laura Knight with Recon Squad Zero | Age 23, In Excellent Condition, Field Armor

Designated Marksman

KIA

McCarthy, Frank Senior Lancer with Recon Squad Zero | 42, Killed in Vertibird Crash
McDowell, Gregory Knight-Sergeant with Recon Squad Zero | Age 35, Killed Defending Vertibird Retreat, T-51B Power Armor

CQC Heavy and Survival Expert

Fallout: Rust and Steel

@Hank Beat me to the punch!

@tangletail@lauder@stormflyx Please aim to have your character sheets submitted here by Saturday (5 October). The IC will begin rolling on Sunday (6 October). Thank you everyone!

CC @Odin @Andreyich

Fallout: Rust and Steel

Moss, Elliot

Name: Elliot Moss

Date of Birth: 26 August 2242

Sex: Male

Appearance: Elliot Moss is a truly large man. Taller than most with thighs and biceps as big around as saplings. His torso is thick in the chest and narrows into a lean, rippled stomach with the kind of definition achieved through years of hard work. These are not show muscles. Elliot is not a bodybuilder. Some say his father might’ve been a super mutant, though. Best keep that talk in the mess hall.

Real dreamboat, right? Unlike Grognak the Barbarian, Elliot is a real soldier. In his youth he would be described as average looking at best. A pronounced browline, a chiseled jaw, and a bit too much of an overbite to be conventionally beautiful. His eyes are open in narrow slits with small wrinkles spreading from the corners. He keeps his hair shaved to a fine stubble to hide the greys. While understandable, the look does nothing to hide the long scar running up the left side of his face.

Place of Birth: New Jerusalem, Utah

Path: Knight

Rank: Paladin

Equipment:

• T-60 Power Armor modified for fit
• A partial set of light combat armor (chest, helmet, legs)
• Basic Field Gear (three days of rations, first aid kit, etc.) on the lower back of his power armor
• Overcharged Laser Rifle modified for urban combat in D.C.
• An old .45 M1911 on the right thigh of his armor
• Three magazines (or cells) for each weapon
• A personal holotape acting as his field journal
• A handheld device to track BoS signals
• One signal grenade for the vertibird
• Holy Scripture

Notable Talents:

• Highly Experienced: He’s among Elder Maxon’s paladins for a reason.
• Exceptionally Strong: Again, those muscles aren’t just for show.
• Infantry Background: Many years of experience have taught him much.

Laughable Failings:

• Fighter, Not a Lover: You won’t meet a less charismatic or likable person.
• Recently Promoted: His first mission as a paladin is high-stakes and he’s feeling it.
• Holier Than Thou: Very few are ‘good enough’ in his mind, resulting in an extremely narrow way of viewing the world.

Personality: New Jerusalem still burns in his worst nightmares. Elliot believes his home was lost due to a lack of dedication to God. He measures all fortune with how one’s actions align with the Holy Scripture. While few among the Brotherhood of Steel are New Caananites, Elliot does believe the organization is following the path. When members stray from the Brotherhood’s ideals he considers this both an affront to the organization, but his faith, and considers them a liability. For Elliot following the chain of command is akin to following God.

Elliot is in a constant struggle to follow the New Canaanite teachings. His interpretations are skewed and quick to justify violence, often justifying these actions with the wars the wandering Hebrews conducted while looking for a land of their own. It’s a way of thinking that can become so intense that others in the Brotherhood have become uncomfortable. Rarely does this side of him let up. The only time Elliot seems ‘human’ is when he’s settled into worship. At these times he is a softer, kinder man. If only that lasted longer.

Short Background: Elliot was too young to remember the fall of New Jerusalem. He’s heard the stories, though. The kind told as a means to teach a lesson rather than record an actual history. Those lessons left him with the belief that a failure to follow the New Canaanite ways led only to ruin. It’s an idea that has shaped him ever since.

The Moss family fled from New Jerusalem along with the Living Prophet and other survivors. They helped settle New Canaan where young Elliot was baptized, his only memorable interaction with the prophet. Life in the town wasn’t for everyone, especially after the prophet died, but the Moss family stayed. They had a child to think of and while this community was small, it was also safe. This decision would prove fruitful.

By the time Elliot became a teenager New Canaan was growing. Conflict between the New California Republic and the Brotherhood of Steel sent refugees into the area looking for shelter. Of course, the New Canaanites did what they could. Most were appreciative, others caused trouble. Elliot made keeping the peace a personal mission. Thanks to his size these fights usually ended in his favor. His work to help the community did not go unnoticed. A group of New Canaanites banded together to form a militia to defend the town and Elliot was one of the first invited to join them.

Now, New Canaan continued to grow into a thriving trade hub. A land so prosperous that Elliot felt a bittersweet joy, for his part in it had come to an end. A man grown, he set off with a group of missionaries to the east in search of new ways to promote the faith. The journey was long and harrowing. It took nearly two years, but eventually he arrived in Washington, D.C. It was a wild place far removed from the One True Way, yet among all the waste and corruption one group proved worthy -- The Brotherhood of Steel.

Elliot saw the Brotherhood as an Army of God and technology a product of evil. He used much of his time in the Capital Wasteland to learn about the ideals, only hardening his view. When the other missionaries prepared to leave, Elliot revealed that he’d seen a vision, that it was God’s will he stay. The decade that followed saw the God-fearing warrior grow into a fierce soldier. His dedication and prowess in the field earned respect from above and, recently, a position as one of Elder Maxon’s Paladins.

Algarín, Owen

Name: Owen Booker Algarín, or “Book”

Date of Birth: 11 September 2256 (28 years old)

Sex: Male

Appearance: You won’t notice Owen Algarín for his size. While not short, he is certainly shorter than many that seem to flock to the Brotherhood. He has broad shoulders and shapely arms, both of which are a bit soft from his largely sedimentary line of work. His legs are more defined, if only the Brotherhood rethought their positions on shorts.

Again, it’s not his physique that will capture your attention. Owen Algarín came from a very different background than most in the Brotherhood. There, successes and rites of passage were celebrated with tattoos and hairstyles. Owen retains these attributes. His deep black hair is woven into thick dreadlocks that hang down to his shoulders and are often tied back by one of the locks. He has a small swirling pattern tattooed over his left eye and several more symbols on his arms, shoulders, and chest. All his tattoos are in black ink, which can be difficult to make out against his dark tan skin unless you’re standing a few yards away. These tattoos have a vaguely familiar quality to them even if the original meanings are lost to time.

Place of Birth: Olympia, Northwest Commonwealth

Path: Scribe

Rank: Senior Scribe

Equipment:

• A leatherbound journal and pens
• Basic Field Gear (three days of rations, first aid kit, etc.)
• A 10mm tactical pistol
• A small .38 caliber revolver for emergencies
• Ammunition (5x extended magazines of 10mm and 4x speed loaders of .38)
• Old world maps of the area, waterproofed
• Field scribe fatigues with light helmet and attached light
• Partially restored pre-war multitool
• Self-assembled repair kit
• One brahmin leather backpack

Notable Talents:

• Learn From the Past: Turns out all those history books can teach you a lot about how people work. Never change humanity.
• Lay of the Land: A sharp mind paired with research skills makes him your best bet at navigating places unknown.
• An Old Soul: Right at home in pre-war places, he’s quick to pick up on secrets of the past.

Laughable Failings:

• Grognak He’s Not: Soldiers aren’t always rough and tumble, just ask anyone who’s served with Owen.
• Lasers, Gauss, and Other Magic: If you want him to “use” an energy weapon, it better be some kind of grenade.
• Skeletons in the Closet: Loss. Burned bridges. An entire life left behind. Some blazes still burn bright.

Personality:
Quiet, thoughtful, and a little dour. The kind who doesn’t throw themselves into the center of the fun, or even keep up with long-time teammates. It’s hard for him. A real drain on his energy, like trying to keep up with the knights in the Pyrdwen’s gym. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel, though. Actually he finds affection for just about everyone on the team. Everyone has their positives, he says to himself, and he might even tell you yours. His words are sweet, so hope for that. But most of the time you’ll find him working away, hunched over dusty tomes or recreating some pre-war relic.

Everyone finds their own way to cope. For some the chems help soften the sharp points of the world and for others it's the booze that soften the edges. Owen prefers to smoke. Not the crumpled packets of pre-war cigarettes traders peddle, but an herb with a more calming effect. Most assume it's the former, though. They don’t know how it eases the nerves forever tensed since the death of his son. How it helps him forget the lonely nights after his husband devoted himself entirely to his work (leaving Owen so alone that he wondered if he had died as well). He doesn’t push his luck. Owen rolls a little herb outside, looking over the railing of the Pyrdwen.

He forgets and finds himself in those small, quiet hours.

Short Background:

Youth

The Pacific Northwest Commonwealth is a cold place. Winters run long with radiation storms far wetter and more dangerous than elsewhere, though they typically occur in the fall. It’s better where the land is owned by the old forests. Spared from nuclear fire, these lush wilds not only provide shelter from the storm, but also do much to reduce their radioactive bite. It’s a lesson taught to the children. Where there’s trees, there’s home.

Olympia is wild. Once a state capitol, it’s now a loose community hidden from the world in somewhat preserved buildings from pre-war times. While the area has scars from that fateful day two centuries ago, the chaos and disorder that followed had more effect than any atomic or nuclear ordinance.

Owen was fortunate enough to be born into the community after recent conflicts settled. A paramilitary raider group from the air force base to the east had threatened them. He grew up hearing stories about the raids. Heroes within the settlement had taken to hidden perches in the trees, defending the people like the very heavens had opened up in their time of need. That left Owen with a resounding sense of hope, admiration, and that someone would be there to help.

As a young man, Owen earned the nickname ‘Book’. One of the hidden benefits to Olympia’s survival is its access to old knowledge, including libraries, books, and even the long-abandoned colleges nearby. While exploring these places meant leaving the safety of Olympia’s walls, Book and his friends decided early on that the risk made the reward that much sweeter. They’d brave the wildlands surrounding the settlement, either avoiding or scaring off the mutated creatures lurking in the forests, then would get comfortable in the safety of some old college library. Owen’s personal favorite was Evergreen State.

Love

Traders began picking up on signs that some still lived in the Pacific Northwest Commonwealth. They came from Arroyo mostly, though the odd New Canaanite was known to try their hand at uprooting the so-called “tribal beliefs” of the people (always fruitlessly, mind you).

A caravan selling all sorts of technological scrap rolled through one day. The rugged white lab coats caught Owen’s attention first. They called themselves Followers of the Apocalypse, but Owen only cared about one of them. A young man his age, tanned by weeks on the road, tall and slender and eyes that smiled before he burst into laughter. Both of them felt it. Owen followed him back to Arroyo, then further east onto the edges of New California. They settled on a dusty little farm and took in a young orphan as their own. And for a while it was bliss.

Caesar’s Legion struck their home. It wasn’t only them, Owen knew that, but he imagined his relationship had earned a special kind of resentment from those backwards brutes. It was meant to be a warning, the NCR said. They must be strong. The republic said nothing about the damages to their farm. Offered no apology for the loss of their child. After that his husband became more distant. Threw himself into longer missions with the Followers while Owen wallowed in his own depression at the farm. In his state of mind, the stories on the radio about the Brotherhood attacking the NCR brought a strange kind of satisfaction. Like a come-uppance for the republic’s failure to stand up and protect its people.

Duty

Owen sought out the Brotherhood. Listened to every story, read every newspaper, and studied every old map he could find. He reasoned that any military force worth its salt would seek out their pre-war ancestors. Even more likely if that force obsessed with finding old tech. So he began to explore abandoned bunkers, bases, and other fortified places. The risk didn’t matter -- dying didn’t matter. After three weeks he found them. It took several more before they gave Owen a chance.

The outpost needed knights. Despite his better judgment, Owen agreed to fill the void. He followed the paladin in charge out to an old road blocked off by super mutants. Tasked with helping clear the way and too foolhardy to trust his gut, Owen rushed in knowing full well this was his chance to prove himself. He was carried out barely able to breathe.

A sledgehammer to the chest is more than enough to kill a man. Such had been proven countless times before. And yet Owen managed to survive the encounter. What armor the Brotherhood had provided, which was precious little, had done enough to keep him whole and the key bits intact. Enough for the senior scribe to stabilize him and the Brotherhood’s access to medicine to put him on the road to recovery. A road that introduced Owen to another path to serve the Brotherhood.

Healing consumed the better part of a year. Part way into the process Owen began assisting the senior scribe where he could. Research and other mental work at first, then using that to create usable intelligence. Once he recovered the senior scribe sent Owen east with a handful of knights. The trip, while long and arduous, allowed Owen the chance to restore some measure of his endurance. A good thing too, as arriving to the Capital Wasteland introduced a whole new world.

Constant drills and low-level missions to retrieve technical documents filled his time. While others disappeared, put off by too many menial tasks, Owen persisted. Thrived, even. As a scribe he could use his strengths to protect and serve. To provide the kind of information that could help save lives (something Owen increasingly felt compelled to do). More than anything else this personal drive has led to his success in the Brotherhood.

Fallout: Rust and Steel

@Hank @odin @tangletail @lauder @andreyich @stormflyx The OOC is live here. I'll continue updating and cleaning things up, but we can move conversations there.

If you've already had your character accepted please put your CS's in the Character section. Those who have already submitted and are waiting for feedback can expect a PM tomorrow.

Fallout: Rust and Steel

Mission Log

Pyrdwen Internal Network
Moss MS-357PR PM-067

Fr: Elder Maxon MX-001E
To: Paladin Moss MS-357PR

The following is strictly confidential. Members of our Brotherhood are need of assistance. A squad led by Paladin Brandis departed to the Commonwealth to follow-up on a compelling lead. We lost contact soon after. It's been three months and we cannot afford to wait any longer. I want you to track down and rescue the surviving members of Recon Squad Artemis. I want this done quietly. Coordinate with Paladin Danse and Lancer-Captain Kells to organize a team. The lives of our brothers are sisters are on the line, so this needs to be your top priority.

---

Pyrdwen Internal Network
Moss MS-357PR PM-069

Fr: Paladin Moss MS-357PR
To: Senior Scribe Algarín AG-379SS

You have been recommended for a highly classified mission. Please do not share this message with anyone. The appropriate parties have already been informed of your upcoming absence. Please have any gear you need for an extended mission in the field prepared in an unassuming location. We do not want to draw attention to our departure.

Be in the Mess Hall at 2000 hours and we will discuss further details. Do not disappoint me, Algarín.

---

Pyrdwen Internal Network
Moss MS-357PR PM-071

Fr: Paladin Moss MS-357PR
To: Recon Squad Zero

You have been recommended for a highly classified mission. Please do not share this message with anyone. The appropriate parties have already been informed of your upcoming absence. Please have any gear you need for an extended mission in the field prepared in an unassuming location. We do not want to draw attention to our departure.

A vertibird will be waiting at 0400 hours tomorrow to take our squad to the Commonwealth. Expect cold weather conditions with limited relief from local inhabitants. Threats will vary, be prepared to adapt. Continued access to the vertibird will be limited depending on the condition of outposts in the mission area. Report to Proctor Teagen to collect gas masks and traceable dog tags.

---

Senior Scribe O. Algarín - Personal Log
27 October 2284

Preparing for a mission is about foresight. You consider the objective, the environment, the timeline, and you imagine how each scenario might play out. A combination of inference and experience that hopefully totals to a general vision of the future. You don't prepare for a random storm. To crash land hours after departing, then promptly coming under siege from just about every nightmare the wasteland has to offer. You certainly don't prepare to lose a brother-in-arms on the first day of the mission.

Senior Lancer Frank McCarthy. Killed in action during transport to find our missing comrades.

Knight-Sergeant Gregory McDowell. Killed in action while fending off deathclaws, ghouls, and raiders so that his squad might survive.

A noble sacrifice, however, one that needn't have occurred. His death is on Paladin Elliot Moss. Our commanding officer, so quick to abandon a brother, so slow to even try to save him. My first stop upon returning to Pyrdwen will be to report McDowell's sacrifice and Moss's failure.

We're holed up in a pre-war military facility. Some are lightly injured, but nothing in comparison to the damage to morale. Maybe we'll run a rescue mission after people cool down. Not sure if Moss will allow that. Maybe he won't have a choice.

Fallout: Rust and Steel

Fallout: Rust and Steel

Pyrdwen Internal Network
Outgoing Mail PEM786A-016

Oliver, I hope this reaches you. Knowing how invested you are in your work, I realize it's possible you haven't noticed I left. That isn't meant to sound spiteful. Don't get me wrong, it hurt at first. You went from tinkering with old tech to going away for weeks at a time with the Followers of the Apocalypse. In a way, you left me a long time ago. But I'm not angry anymore. Actually, I'm happier than I've been in a long time.

I'm not coming back. Like you, I found my calling and it's a long way from shoveling brahmin shit. Don't come looking for me. I mean that for your own safety.

End message...

Pyrdwen Internal Network
Moss MS-357PR PM-067

Fr: Elder Maxon MX-001E
To: Paladin Moss MS-357PR

The following is strictly confidential. Members of our Brotherhood are need of assistance. A squad led by Paladin Brandis departed to the Commonwealth to follow-up on a compelling lead. We lost contact soon after. It's been three months and we cannot afford to wait any longer. I want you to track down and rescue the surviving members of Recon Squad Artemis. I want this done quietly. Coordinate with Paladin Danse and Lancer-Captain Kells to organize a team. The lives of our brothers are sisters are on the line, so this needs to be your top priority.

~ ~ ~

The Idea

Welcome to Rust and Steel, a Fallout RP. Our setting will be the Commonwealth, 2284. Players will begin as members of the Brotherhood of Steel tasked with rescuing the lost team, Recon Squad Artemis. Don't worry about breaking canon, though. This mission will serve as the launchpad into a vast world chalk full of dangerous challenges, moral decisions, and the chance to explore the world of Fallout in ways the games simply don't allow.

Expect action, adventure, and a chance to develop your characters and the world. Just because we start within the ranks of the Brotherhood doesn't mean we'll stay there long. I have a rough plot sketched out with plenty of room for player-driven stories so long as they include others (interaction is key).

The Characters
Players must begin as members of the Brotherhood of Steel. How, when, and why your character enlists is entirely up to you. I prefer a well-thought out reason, whether your character has simple motivations (food and shelter ain't nothing to scoff at) or more complex ambitions (subterfuge, anyone?). Just know this is a starting point. Everyone can evolve and change. That said, folks set on a ghoul and super mutant aren't totally out of luck -- shoot me a PM.

Ranks will follow the Maxon Model. Because the squad leader will be a NPC, all members should be ranked Knight-Sergeant/Senior Scribe or lower. The game can support up to two lancers for story purposes. The distinction between Lancer (pilot), Knight, and Scribe will be more important than your place in the hierarchy. You can find brief descriptions about how each class differs in the dossier section.

The Gameplay
Combat is realistic...ish. Taking a bullet or meeting the business-end of a super sledge will ruin anybody's day, but we're all here to have fun. You can bet all those chems don't make the raider trying to turn you into a corpse the best shot. That mutant with the sledgehammer is going to take time to swing. Keep things grounded and respect the intended level of challenge, but remember that this isn't Dark Souls.

There will be situations where the stakes are high. These moments will be clearly called out and will require the squad or individuals to make game-altering decisions. They may require a dice roll or consideration based on character motivations. While these situations can cost limbs and lives, they also come with the promise of powerful rewards.

The World

The Commonwealth in 2284 is a familiar place to those who've played Fallout 4. Diamond City is still a thriving pocket of civilization and most goods flow through Bunker Hill. Unless your character is specifically from the area, that's all they likely know. Remember that our characters are members of the Brotherhood of Steel, specifically ones assigned to the Pyrdwen. They might not be from the Capital Wasteland originally, but they certainly resided there before being deployed.

For most characters the journey into the Commonwealth will be an adventure into the unknown. As we explore the land, the repercussions of our decisions and even the weather will reveal new mysteries. We might even find our story leads beyond the greater-Boston area.

The Weapons and Armor
Don't get caught up by in-game stats. Any armor is better than nothing and none of it guarantees a bullet won't penetrate. Likewise, just about any weapon can kill if used properly. For our purposes, you can think of weapons and armor in three general categories: pre-war, modern, and advanced. Explanations below.

PRE-WAR: Say what you will of the old days, they sure built things to last. Classics like the 10mm Pistol, Hunting Rifle, and .45 M1911 can still be found in ruins today. With a little cleaning and fine-tuning you'll have a pretty decent weapon, too. This category also includes weapons from outside the game like the MP-5 or AK-47. In terms of armor, we're talking about Combat Armor, Riot Gear, and other protective clothing from past. It's easier to find usable pre-war supplies in police stations and outdoor stores. Military-grade hardware is, surprise, almost exclusively found in military facilities or outposts (usually with plenty of robots and ghouls).

MODERN: Ingenuity and necessity. This is the gear borne from the rubble in a world still obsessed with violence. Pipe rifles and pistols assembled from old lamps, car engines, and vacuums. The breastplate that uses a sturdy frame of a grocery cart to protect the chest and neck. It might not be pretty, but it works... well, usually. What this gear lacks in appearance, it delivers in diversity and potential. If you've got the skills and scrap you can build yourself some of the best gear around. It's easy to find modern gear just about anywhere, but don't make the mistake of trusting a weapon you just picked up.

Special Note: Pre-war and advanced weapons that don't get proper maintenance or are modified in the field can blur into this category. This comes with advantages and drawbacks. Fixing your power armor with scrap let's you customize the armor, but might leave you exposed to radiation. Modifying a 10mm Pistol to take 9mm rounds might sacrifice damage, but the rounds will be easier to find.

ADVANCED: Past and future, all-in-one. Power armor, energy weapons, and just about everything from Fallout that lands squarely in the realm of science fiction. This is the kind of gear most people swoon over. Armor that allows a woman without legs to not only walk, but fly. A rifle capable of reducing feral ghouls into red hot ash. While we might start with access to this kind of choice gear as members of the Brotherhood, it does come with one massive drawback: advanced gear needs special maintenance. A scribe might be able to patch up some bullet holes in your power armor, but they'll need the engineers on the Pyrdwen to keep it running long-term. Energy weapons need serious attention or their power will reduce over time. You aren't likely to find this gear out in the world and certainly not in pristine condition.

Technology
Fallout is post-apocalyptic story built off an alternate history. That means some technology, weapons, and armor may exist in one world, but not the other. You can find a nice explanation here. That means if a weapon was built after the 1950's, you might want to do a lore check or just ask a question in the OOC. Nobody here is going to be overly critical, but we don't want this going from a Fallout game to some generic post-apoc adventure. Below you can find some quick information to help orient us all.

Communication is in a funny place. Developed communities like Diamond City, Bunker Hill, and some others have the limited ability to send and receive messages through terminals. The Brotherhood of Steel is unique. Terminals on the Pyrdwen is usually capable of talking to those in Capitol Wasteland, though poor weather and other conditions can cause extended interruptions. Messages sent further out, say the West Coast, utilizes a relay system relying on a number of outposts to be functional and clear at once. Such long-distance messages are worth a try, but often unreliable. Couriers are often a better choice. Terminals can be found in many ruins or cities. Generally, you can only message computers in the same settlement (or nearby area).

Vehicles often appear to be little more than hunks of rusted metal. Don't assume they're all so useless. At worst, a vehicle can provide an excellent source of large scrap metal ideal for reinforcing a wall or even power armor. Some say there might be another use for them. Given the skills, gear, and a well-preserved vehicle, who knows, it might just be possible to get one of those pre-war beauties roaring back to life. Please PM before restoring a vehicle.

Cybernetics are a reality, but in the Commonwealth, they aren't something to advertise. The line between human and machine is already blurred and the Brotherhood is still deciding where they fall on cybernetics. If you somehow joined the organization without being noticed it's better to keep that secret to yourself. Should you manage to survive losing a limb, think long and hard before seeking out a cybernetic replacement.

Short range radio and mapping is available to those in the squad. All members will be able to speak through a radio comm system via microphones embedded into their helmets. Losing your helmet will, in most cases, mean losing access to this feature. Weather and other interference can make this system unreliable. Because the Brotherhood has yet to recon the Commonwealth, the map will be filled out as the squad discovers the world. Key locations like Diamond City, Bunker Hill, rivers, and so on can be seen on the maps.

Gas masks are a part of basic field gear with extra stored in every vertibird and Brotherhood supply cache. Rad-X and Radaway are also kept in on-hand in these locations. It's a best practice to equip your mask before entering unknown buildings or when approaching suspicious areas.

Expectations

I'm looking for three-to-five players comfortable with a weekly posting schedule. You should be fine with writing at least a few hearty paragraphs that add something to the story or your character. Collaborations are fine, but let's avoid making endless walls of text and long waiting periods the norm. If you sign up, I assume you enjoy Fallout, post-apocalyptic settings, or both. I bet you have some great ideas, so please share them!

• 1. This is our game. All voices and will be considered. We ask questions respectfully and thoughtfully. We treat each other with patience, always remembering that nobody is perfect and everyone contributes something to the whole.
• 2. We're here to have fun. We all have school, jobs, families, and other obligations. We all choose to take some time to join one another here. Let's be thankful of one another and make sure we're keeping things enjoyable in- and off-game.
• 3. Powergaming and godmoding will not be tolerated. Our characters are mortal. Even the strongest person in the thickest power armor can fall, often times in the most surprising of ways. This keeps things fun and fair. The wasteland has a way of reminding you of your limits.
• 4. Respect canon, but don't be over the top. The nature of this game means we'll encounter some in-game characters. Remember we're not the Sole Survivor or the Prince That Was Promised (wait, wrong lore). Don't over-play the connections or intentionally blow holes in canon. If you have questions check the timelineor ask them in the OOC.
• 5. Post weekly and communicate. If you can't make a weekly post let us know. We might find this group prefers a slower approach and that's fine. The goal is to make sure we all know what's going on and that we're all committed. That helps the game survive.
• 6. Submit idea and be patient. Some plot points are easy to integrate and others take some work. This story has a lot of ability to adapt to the players, but hey, some ideas are so big or unexpected that they'll need time to naturally introduce.
• 7. A note about weapons and armor. My approach is similar to @Dervish here. You can do very well with a pipe pistol or a .50 caliber revolver. One might have certain advantages, but neither makes you a virtual titan or solves all your woes. Play it cool. Follow this rule and you'll likely find some sweet loot in your future.
• 8. Add to the story. I'm guilty of being long-winded. A wise man once sent me a PM with the definition of purple prose. Whatever your post ends up containing, make sure you push things forward or participate in what's going on.
• 9. Know when to roll. Use your best judgment. A small firefight with a few raiders is clearly different from encountering a horde of super mutants. A quick roll of the die does a lot for immersion (and our creativity!).
• 10. Respect the GM. Call my bullshit respectfully. If I do or say something that seems weird, disagreeable, or off-putting, please speak up. Just show some courtesy. Some questions are great for OOC, others for PM. Whatever the situation, I rather we talk, clear the air, and get back to having a damned good time.
• 11. This is a safe space. Some themes in Fallout 4 open up conversations around prejudice, human rights, and who even deserves to live. We'll likely explore these topics. It's my goal to approach them mindfully and I expect us all to do our best with what can be sensitive issues. Just know this game is for everyone and our message will always be that everyone, whatever our differences, matters.

The Character Sheet

Last Name, First Name, Dossier

[b]Name:[/b] John Doe, Esquire

[b]Date of Birth:[/b] Fun fact, the average age of a US Army soldier today is 27-35

[b]Sex:[/b] Feel free to add gender identity as well if relevant

[b]Appearance:[/b] Description or image is fine

[b]Place of Birth:[/b] Do you even know?

[b]Path:[/b] Knight, Lancer, or Scribe; Knights will focus on combat, Lancers will be pilots, drivers, and mechanics, Scribes will be our our research and engineers (medic, hacker, or other intel can live here, too)

[b]Rank:[/b] Knight/Lancer-Sergeant or Lower; Senior Scribe or lower

[b]Equipment:[/b] Think of your path. Knights likely carry more weapons, armor, and ammo, while a Lancer likely has more tools/navigation supplies, and Scribes are the most likely to justify bringing a book. Also, remember that the more gear you carry the heavier your character will be. It's going to be pretty hard to stealth through an alley with a minigun, hunting rifle, and laser musket. For good measure, give us a sense of how you carry everything (Fjallraven bags are pretty groovy).

[B]Notable Talents:[/B] Give me three strengths or abilities we're likely to see from your character.

[b]Laughable Failings:[/b] Make us laugh with three weaknesses or personality defects that will likely come forward in the game.

[b]Personality:[/b] What makes you tick? Does your character hate anything not necessarily human, or do they just go along with the Brotherhood? This helps us understand how your character sees the world and may act in the future. Please include how your characters feels about authority.

[b]Short Background:[/b] Everyone has a story. Tell us the parts relevant to who your character is today and how they ended up here. Let's go ahead and assume this iteration of the Brotherhood is relatively progressive, so don't shy away from interesting origins.

Fallout: Rust and Steel

@Jade113 Not a problem. We will have a posting schedule of once a week, so if your schedule opens up feel free to submit a character.

Fallout: Rust and Steel

Are you going to be full any time soon? I want to throw in a character, but I also don't want to step on anyone's toes because they'd expressed interest before me.

@Odin

I don't go by first-come first-served. If you've got a character idea feel free to run it by us here or simply dive in and toss in your character sheet. Should enough characters be good enough that we need to accept more than five, I'll ask if anyone is interested in serving as Co-GM. It's better to me to have a strong cast than to keep to a specific size.