The NCR Brotherhood War: A Full History

Summary

This script delves into the pivotal war between the New California Republic (NCR) and the Brotherhood of Steel in the Fallout series. It explores the origins of the conflict rooted in ideological differences over technology, the Brotherhood's initial military advantage, and the NCR's eventual strategic triumph. The narrative also touches on the Mojave chapter's struggle, the potential for ongoing hostilities, and the broader implications for the factions' futures, offering a rich tapestry of the game's lore.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Fallout series is themed around the idea that 'war never changes,' with each installment showing conflicts in the post-war world.
• 🗡️ The Brotherhood of Steel and the New California Republic (NCR) had a cordial relationship initially, with the Brotherhood assisting human settlements and the NCR being founded with a state named after the Brotherhood's founder.
• ⚔️ The war between the Brotherhood of Steel and the NCR is a pivotal conflict in the series, which players cannot directly witness or participate in.
• 🕰️ The exact timeline of the war's outbreak is uncertain, but it is believed to have occurred between 2260s and 2280s based on various character accounts and evidence.
• 🛡️ The Brotherhood's ideology of preserving technology and preventing its misuse led to conflicts with the NCR, which was expanding and seeking advanced technology.
• 🔥 The Brotherhood initially had the upper hand in the war due to their superior weaponry and power armor, but the NCR's larger numbers and persistence turned the tide.
• 💣 The Brotherhood's change in tactics to guerrilla warfare and acts of terrorism, including the attack on the NCR's gold reserves, significantly impacted the NCR's economy and trust in its currency.
• 🏰 The NCR's counter-attacks on the Brotherhood's bunkers were costly but ultimately successful, capturing some bunkers and acquiring power armor for their own troops.
• 🔄 The war resulted in a stalemate, with the Brotherhood retreating and the NCR resuming normal operations, but the conflict was never officially declared over.
• 🌏 The Mojave chapter of the Brotherhood, led by Elder Elijah, faced a similar conflict with the NCR in the Mojave Wasteland, culminating in the operation Sunburst and the subsequent retreat to Hidden Valley.
• 🔮 The future of the conflict remains uncertain, with potential for the war to reignite between the Brotherhood and the NCR, especially considering the power dynamics and unresolved tensions.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the Fallout series tagline?

The central theme of the Fallout series tagline is that 'war never changes,' highlighting the continuous presence of conflict in the post-war world within the game.

How did the relationship between the Brotherhood of Steel and the NCR initially develop?

The relationship between the Brotherhood of Steel and the NCR was initially cordial, with the Brotherhood assisting human settlements against mutants and the NCR incorporating the Brotherhood's influence in its early formation.

What was the primary cause of the conflict between the Brotherhood of Steel and the NCR?

The primary cause of the conflict was the disagreement over how advanced technology should be handled in the wasteland, with the Brotherhood's strict control and the NCR's desire for technological advancement and expansion.

How did the Brotherhood of Steel view the emerging NCR?

The Brotherhood of Steel viewed the emerging NCR as a potential threat to their power, as the NCR began to research and acquire sophisticated technology and expanded its territory.

What was the outcome of the Brotherhood of Steel's initial military advantage over the NCR?

Despite their initial military advantage, the Brotherhood of Steel was unable to match the NCR in terms of numbers, leading to a stalemate and eventual retreat to fortified bunkers.

What was the significance of the Brotherhood of Steel's attack on the NCR's gold reserves?

The attack on the NCR's gold reserves led to a financial crisis within the NCR, causing citizens to lose trust in the government's currency and reverting to using bottle caps, which affected the economy for decades.

How did the NCR respond to the Brotherhood of Steel's change in tactics to guerrilla warfare?

The NCR forces adapted by launching counter-attacks on the Brotherhood's subterranean bunkers, despite the high cost of doing so, to prevent the Brotherhood from regrouping and renewing their assault.

What was the result of the Mojave Chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel's conflict with the NCR in the Mojave Wasteland?

The Mojave Chapter's power was significantly weakened, leading to a full lockdown and a focus on survival, with the possibility of a peace deal or continued conflict depending on player choices.

How did the internal conflict within the West Coast Brotherhood of Steel affect its operations?

The internal conflict led to an unsafe environment for key members, resulting in the relocation of young Arthur Maxson to the Citadel for his safety and indicating a potential power struggle within the organization.

What was the status of the East Coast Brotherhood of Steel in 2287?

By 2287, the East Coast Brotherhood of Steel had regained its power and influence, possessing a flying military stronghold, a Vertibird fleet, and immense technological might, projecting power across the Eastern Seaboard.

What are the implications of the West Coast Brotherhood of Steel's resurgence for the NCR?

The resurgence of the West Coast Brotherhood of Steel suggests potential future conflict with the NCR, especially if peace efforts fail or if the Brotherhood decides to assert its power again.