Brotherhood of Steel ranks
As a military-born organization, the Brotherhood of Steel uses ranks to estabilish a strict hierarchy in accordance with the Chain That Binds doctrine.
Different chapters use ranking systems which differ to some extent from that of the original Brotherhood, but most follow the original design. This article is organized by caste, starting with the top ranks.
Local variations have been folded into roughly equivalent ranks.
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[edit] Undecided
The youngest members of the Brotherhood are not assigned to any particular segment of the Brotherhood before the completion of their training. Once they finish basic education and combat exercises, they may choose which path to pursue: that of a Knight or a Scribe. Once they do, they are promoted to Apprentice.
The precise definition of the rank and the responsibilities it carries with itself varies between the regional chapters. The core difference between loyalist chapters and rogue ones lies in the approach to training: while the former keep their initiates sheltered and train them until they become competent fighters, the latter (as is the case with Owyn Lyons' chapter and the Chicago renegades) may deploy them in actual combat after they complete basic training (as in the case of the ill-fated Initiate Reddin of the Lyons' Pride).
[edit] Apprentice
Young members of the Brotherhood, following the conclusion of their basic training and education, choose which path to pursue: Knight or Scribe. Once they do, they are promoted to Apprentice and begin their advanced education. This choice is not binding, however, and may be changed later on.
In 2161, Apprentices have been assigned to their respective castes and designated Knight Apprentice and Scribe Apprentice, but by 2281, this practice seems to have fallen out of use.
In the rogue Midwestern Brotherhood, Squires are an equivalent rank: one step above Initiates and may be deployed into combat as well.
[edit] Squire
Lyons' chapter does not seem to have an equivalent rank, with the exception of Squire Arthur Maxson.
[edit] Senior Initiate
Senior Initiates are Initiates which have completed basic training and move on to more advanced training.
[edit] Initiate
Initiate is the lowest rank in the Brotherhood of Steel.
[edit] Notable members
- Initiate Anthony, Lost Hills, 2161
- Initiate Cabbot, Lost Hills, 2161
- Initiate Darrel, Lost Hills, 2161
- Initiate Jerry, Lost Hills, 2161
- Initiate Stanton, Mojave, 2281
- Initiate Pek, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Initiate Redding, Capital Wasteland, 2277 (Posthumously promoted to Paladin after death.)
- Initiate Jennings, Capital Wasteland, 2277
[edit] Knights
| Loyalist | Rogue Midwest | Rogue Lyons |
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Knights are members of the Brotherhood that completed training necessary to serve as technicians, engineers and soldiers if the need be. They are competent fighters and excel in applied sciences (fancy name for manufacturing weapons, ammunition and maintaining the ever-expanding stock of combat technology in the Brotherhood's bunkers).
After years of service and experience (or showing exceptional talent in combat), the best Knights are promoted to Paladins - the pinnacle of the Brotherhood military.
The rogue chapters in the Capital Wasteland and the Midwest, Knights are strictly combat personnel, with their non-combat duties folded under the Scribes' supervision.
[edit] Head Knight
The leader of the Knight caste and its principal commander, responsible for managing lower ranking Knights, assigning duties and providing high level command. As part of the Brotherhood command, he is required to convene with the Head Paladin, Head Scribe and the Elder council regularly.
The rogue Midwest chapter does not have a Head Knight, having unified the Knight and Paladin castes into one. A roughly equivalent rank is called Knight Commander. Lyons' chapter in the Capital Wasteland has no equivalent rank.
[edit] Notable members
- Head Knight Rhombus, Lost Hills, 2161
[edit] Senior Knight
Senior Knights are veteran Knights promoted to this rank in recognition of their skills and experience. If they are particularly talented in combat, they may be invited to transfer to the Paladin caste (loyalist chapters only).
The Midwest chapter retains the name and function of the rank in its unified rank system.
Lyons' chapter instead uses the rank of Knight Captain, but retaining the function. Knight Captains may also be given command of larger squads of Knights in the field.
[edit] Notable members
- Senior Knight Lorenzo, Mojave, 2281
- Knight Captain Dusk, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Knight Captain Gallows, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Knight Captain Colvin, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Knight Captain Durga, Capital Wasteland, 2277
[edit] Knight
The basic rank of the Knight caste designates a competent soldier and a talented engineer fully capable of performing duties presented to him by the Brotherhood.
The Midwest chapter retains the name and function of the rank in its unified rank system.
Lyons' chapter instead uses the rank of Knight Sergeant, but retaining the function. Knight Sergeants. The rank gives a command of two to three squads of Knights, as well as the command of a base or outpost like the GNR Building Plaza (which may also include leading nominally higher ranked Paladins).
[edit] Notable members
- Knight Torres, Mojave, 2281
- Knight Michael, Lost Hills, 2161
- Knight Paul, Lost Hills, 2161
- Knight Larry, Lost Hills, 2161
- Knight Casserly, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Knight Artoro, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Knight Ianelli, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Knight Conard, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Knight Patriarcus, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Knight Artemis, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Knight Church, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Knight Dillon, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Knight Finley, Capital Wasteland, 2277
[edit] Journeyman Knight
A journeyman Knight is a member of the Brotherhood's Knight caste, who completed the apprenticeship (i.e. advanced training in combat and education in applied sciences) and is fully prepared to undertake his duties, but has not yet been promoted to a "full" Knight.
The Midwest chapter uses the name Junior Knight for an otherwise equivalent rank.
Lyons' chapter's equivalent rank is simply called Knight. They are also considered to be battle-ready soldiers.
[edit] Paladins
| Western | Rogue Midwest | Rogue Lyons |
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Paladins are the protectors of the Brotherhood and their primary, elite fighting force. Each is a highly trained combat veteran with high tech equipment at their disposal. They are responsible for maintaining security, from enemies both within and without the organization.
In loyalist chapters, they are a separate caste. Rogue chapters in the Capital Wasteland and the Midwest have rolled Paladins and Knight into one, unified combat rank system.
[edit] Head Paladin
The Head Paladin is the overall commander of the Paladins, responsible for implementing the Elder's combat plans, enforcing Brotherhood laws and discipline on top of overseeing the overall training regime. He himself is a veteran, talented soldier and is required to periodically convene with other caste Heads and the Elders.
The rogue Midwestern chapter has renamed this position as Paladin Lord, but otherwise its identical in practice (one step below the General).
Lyons' chapter has no equivalent rank, the closest being the position of Sentinel, held by Sarah Lyons, head of the elite Lyons' Pride task force.
[edit] Notable members
- Head Paladin Maxson, Lost Hills, pre-2161
- Head Paladin Rhombus, Lost Hills, 2161
- Head Paladin Lindquist, Mojave, unknown (Succeeded Kenneth Jones to become Elder)
- Head Paladin Hardin, Mojave, 2281
[edit] Star Paladin
Star Paladins are only answerable to their Elder. And are given a wide authority to do what they see fit to accomplish their objectives.[1]
[edit] Notable members
- Star Paladin Cross, the Citadel, 2277
[edit] Senior Paladin
Veteran Paladins may be promoted to the position of Senior Paladin. Short of Elder and caste Heads, this is one of the most prestigious ranks in the entire Brotherhood, bar none.
The Midwest did not change this rank's function, only the name: Paladin Commander. A roughly equivalent rank in Lyons' organization is Star Paladin.
[edit] Notable members
[edit] Paladin
The primary fighting force of the Brotherhood, Paladins are expert soldiers armed with top notch weapons and armour.
There are no differences in this rank between loyalist and rogue chapters.
[edit] Notable members
- Paladin Mathia, Lost Hills, 2161
- Paladin Talus, Lost Hills, 2161
- Paladin Thomas, Lost Hills, 2161
- Paladin Jennifer, Lost Hills, 2161
- Paladin Jacob, Lost Hills, 2186
- Paladin Ramos, Mojave, 2281
- Paladin Sato, Moajve, 2281
- Paladin Todd, Mojave, 2281
- Paladin Bael, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Paladin Glade, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Paladin Kodiak, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Paladin Gunny, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Paladin Tristan, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Paladin Vargas, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Paladin Edwards, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Paladin Hoss, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Paladin Jensen, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Paladin Redding, Capital Wasteland, 2277 (Post-humously promoted after death)
[edit] Junior Paladin
A rank designating a veteran Knight, freshly inducted into the Paladin caste. Despite the name, they are still fierce, experienced warriors. Loyalist chapters eventually eliminated this rank: Paladin candidates are promoted directly to Paladin.
The Midwest, however, retained the position's name and function. There is no equivalent rank in Lyons' organization.
[edit] Notable members
[edit] Scribes
Scribes are tasked with creating and keeping records of the technology recovered and used by the Brotherhood and experimenting with new weapons and other useful devices to be used in the field by the Knights and Paladins. Scribes rarely leave the safety of the BoS bunkers, but they are sometimes called into the field to examine a piece of technology or perform a task beyond the skills of the Brotherhood soldiers.
The attitude of many scribes in the Brotherhood can be described as techno-centric. While a great number study history and culture, the majority of scribes focus their studies on subjects related to the acquisition, repair, or creation of technology.
There are three major Scribe orders: the Sword, Shield and Quill, focusing on weapons, defensive technology and non-combat disciplines respectively. Each is headed by a High Scribe (Proctor), designated by the Head Scribe.
While the rank system has been preserved by rogue chapters, there is one key difference between loyalists and renegades: in the latter, the Knight and Paladin castes were rolled together into one, unified combat rank system, while all scientific, engineering and manufacturing duties became the responsibility of the Scribes.
[edit] Head Scribe
The Head Scribe is the leader of the Scribe caste, responsible for its members, projects, asset assignment and high level command. The Head Scribe also chooses the High Scribes or Proctors of each order and must also oversee the projects each order is working on.
The Head Scribe is a highly intelligent person who has mastered the orders of the Sword, Shield and Quill, and may also take on a project of their own interest, as Head Scribe Rothchild did with the Liberty Prime Project. The Head Scribe is one of the people who must attend the meetings with the High Elder, Elder Council, Generals, Head Paladin and Head Knight. The Head Scribe Reports to the High Elder and Elder Council only.
[edit] Notable members
- Head Scribe Vree, Lost Hills, 2162
- Head Scribe Reginald Rothchild, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Head Scribe Lars Taggart, Mojave, 2281
- Head Scribe Talwin, Mojave, unknown
- Head Scribe Morgan, Mojave, unknown
- Head Scribe Bucek, Mojave, unknown
[edit] High Scribe
The High Scribes oversee and approve of each project that the Scribes in their order are working on, and assign the proper Scribes to the right projects. Each High Scribe must report to the Head Scribe, which assigned them to their respective order, on each project and to get approval to move ahead with a new project. They often work on their own projects, which are usually completed very quickly because the High Scribes can prioritize them and assign Senior Scribes to them. Also of note, High Scribe is only a rank in-name and any High Scribes are still just regular Scribes.
[edit] Notable members
- High Scribe Peabody, Capital Wasteland, Order of the Sword, 2277
- High Scribe Elizabeth Jameson, Capital Wasteland, Order of the Quill, 2277
- High Scribe Bowditch, Capital Wasteland, Order of the Shield, 2277
[edit] Senior Scribe
Senior Scribes are some of the most advanced Scribes. They are always chosen for the most important projects and are the next in line to become proctors of orders when the old proctor retires or dies. They often take on the most promising Journeyman Scribes to be their apprentices and choose what order they should be in (usually, it is the same order that the Senior Scribe is in). Senior Scribes teach their apprentices everything they know and will continue to teach them until they are nearly Senior Scribes themselves.
On rare occasions, the Senior Scribe will be promoted to Head Scribe and their Apprentice to High Scribe. When this occurs, the apprentice will be given special treatment and the Elders usually separate the two to remove any impression of impropriety.
[edit] Notable members
[edit] Journeyman Scribe
Journeyman Scribes (referred to simply as Scribes) are tasked with creating and keeping records of the technology used by the Brotherhood. The attitude of many scribes in the Brotherhood can be described as techno-centric. While a great number study history and culture, the majority of scribes focus their studies on subjects related to the acquisition, repair, or creation of technology.
[edit] Notable members
- Journeyman Scribe Veronica Santangelo, Mojave, 2281
[edit] Scribes
Scribes are tasked with creating and keeping records of the technology recovered and used by the Brotherhood and experimenting with new weapons and other useful devices to be used in the field by the Knights and Paladins. Scribes rarely leave the safety of the BoS bunkers, but they are sometimes called into the field to examine a piece of technology or perform a task beyond the skills of the Brotherhood soldiers.
[edit] Notable members
- Scribe Ibsen, Mojave, 2281
- Scribe Bowditch, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Scribe Elizabeth Jameson, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Scribe Peabody, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Scribe Vallincourt, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Scribe Bigsley, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Scribe Yearling, Capital Wasteland, 2277
[edit] Apprentice Scribe
Apprentice Scribes are Scribes-in-training. They are often taken in by one of the Senior Scribes and made apprentices, where they are then taught to be full Scribes. If they are not apprenticed by a Senior Scribe, they are often chosen to work on projects that are very insignificant.
Apprentice Scribes start off in no order but will either pick an order themselves, or their master will choose for them.
[edit] Notable members
- Apprentice Scribe Melissa Watkins, Mojave, 2281
[edit] Elders
| Loyalist | Rogue Midwest | Rogue Lyons |
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The Elders are the commanders of the Brotherhood and their ultimate leaders. They wield complete authority and rule the entire organization. The core council comprises four Elders and one High Elder to moderate meetings and cast votes to break ties.[2]
[edit] High Elder
The High Elder is technically the leader of the entire Brotherhood of Steel, although he is severely limited in his authority by the Elder council at Lost Hills. Major decisions on Brotherhood policies and campaigns must be approved by the council, with no possibility of circumvention. However, the High Elder may hire external contractors to complete smaller objectives he deems necessary; even if they have been freshly accepted into the Brotherhood and such an action would violate the Chain That Binds policy.
An equivalent position in the rogue Midwest chapter is the position of General, which is otherwise limited in the same way as the High Elder in Lost Hills.
Owyn Lyons is the sole Elder of the rogue Capital Wasteland chapter and wields total power over his subordinates, unchecked by any council.
[edit] Notable members
- High Elder Roger Maxson (2077 - 2135)
- High Elder Maxson II (2135 - 2155)
- High Elder John Maxson (2155 - ?)
- High Elder Rhombus (? - 2208)
- High Elder Jeremy Maxson (ca. 2231 - ?)
- General Simon Barnaky, Midwest, 2193
- General Dekker, Midwest, 2193
[edit] Elder
The Elders are the highest command position in the Brotherhood, responsible for guiding it and setting down policies. While Lost Hills maintains an Elder council, loyalist chapters established outside California typically only have one Elder, who fulfills the role of chapter's commander. Typically, only Paladins are eligible to become Elders, but exceptions can be made for extraordinary members of other branches.[3]
[edit] Notable members
- Elder Owyn Lyons, Capital Wasteland, 2277
- Elder David James, refered to in Mojave, unknown
- Elder Kenneth Jones, refered to in Mojave, unknown
- Elder Lindquist, refered to in Mojave, unknown
- Elder Raymond Lorn, refered to in Mojave, unknown
- Elder Elijah, Mojave, 2276
- Elder Nolan McNamara, Mojave, 2281
[edit] Miscellanous
Ranks that are not a part of any caste, but are positions of importance.
[edit] Rogue Midwest chapter
[edit] Inquisitor
 | The following is based on Fallout Tactics and some details might contradict canon. |
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An Inquisitor is a special rank of the Midwest Brotherhood. Men holding this position are in charge of interrogation and intelligence within the Brotherhood, particularly processing captured prisoners.
[edit] Auditor General
A position of great authority, the Auditor General is the man in charge of collecting and processing tribute given to the Brotherhood by villages in its sphere of influence.
| End of information based on Fallout Tactics. |
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[edit] Gallery
Ranks in the Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel
[edit] References
- ↑ Cross: "As a Star Paladin, I answer only to Elder Lyons. He has given me leave to pursue the restoration of Project Purity as I see fit."
- ↑ John Maxson's dialogue: "{109}{Gen_2}{I can't. I just moderate these endless damn meetings. There's four Elders, and me, you see? I break up fights and tie votes. Now, if all four vote to pick our noses while an army rolls in here and kicks our collective butt, there's not a helluva lot I can do about it.}"
- ↑ Hardin: "Elijah was a strange one. His even becoming Elder was highly questionable, seeing as how he was a Scribe. Typically, only Paladins are eligible. But an exception was made in his case, on account of him being a genius. Unfortunately, whatever scientific acumen he had didn't extend to tactics. Trying to defend HELIOS was a blunder of the worst kind, and many brothers lost their lives because of it. We never did find out exactly what he was talking about. When the perimeter was finally overrun, the Elder had simply vanished."
