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# System prepended metadata

title: 'New Babylon: The Brotherhood Utah Detachment'

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# **Introduction**
Three years after the fires in the Mojave had died down. With the Legion and NCR beaten back by House's forces at the Hoover Dam. The Mojave Brotherhood soon enough, stopped responding to any and all transmissions. Words of a potential truce, being the last thing that echoed. The Californian Republic and Brotherhood settled on the foundations of an uneasy pact, due to the nature of the soon-to-be common enemy.

In reality, smaller skirmishes and isolated flashpoints still raged on, across the outer rim of the NCR. Neither side acknowledging them in hopes of keeping the truce. The wounds of the war prior still fresh.

Minimal contact was kept with the far away detachments of Utah, Arizona and beyond; with the Utah detachment conducting long-range reconnaissance and search for existing pre-War bunkers to raid, salvage, and keep away in the valleys of Zion. Rumours of not only the presence of an Enclave hideaway, but also that of a pre-War satellite control centre fueling the initiative even more.

They mostly stay isolated and out of direct contact with other chapters, with occasional radio contact from Lost Hills. Confident in their own ability to adapt and thrive.

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**Old Dog, New Tricks**
Members of the Utah chapter have been urged by Lost Hills to decrease their fervent dedication towards confiscating dangerous technology; an attempt at returning to form, before the NCR-BoS war, considering the exploration and research oriented aspect of the expedition.

However, while most agree and submit to this proposal - mostly keeping to the unclaimed technology that lay about and focusing on the ever present Enclave threat; and at times, helping wasters with general purpose technology, trades, and allowing trusted individuals with energy weaponry - there are some that believe that the original tenants laid by Maxson are being eroded, and allowing the NCR and other such loose with dangerous technology is a path to sure destruction. As such, conflict with the NCR is not off the table, but must be considered carefully due to the smaller and more isolated nature of the detachment

Brothers considering the NCR and others a threat may choose to handle situations differently to those willing to adhere to the guidelines of those at Lost Hills, and put faith in them; as long as the Codex itself is not breached.

With an aim at growing the chapter, and the chapter's numbers. A push towards rigid initiation is also being made.

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# **Codex**
***Mankind’s hubris and knowledge outpaced their wisdom. Gather and keep safe the fragments of knowledge and the precursors to the Final Weapon for the time wiser men can inherit them.***

Seek out advanced technology. If it’s atomically powered, R&D equipment (that allots destructive technology), or a design for such, and it’s in the hands of anyone but the Brotherhood of Steel, it should be recovered by any means necessary. Other forms of advanced tech are desirable, but no more dangerous to be held by outsiders than the plethora of ballistic weapons that are ubiquitous across the wastes, and may even be traded out to acquire more dangerous technologies.

As a clear example of the difference, weapons and equipment that are powered by Fusion Cores, or which feature atomic ordnance are considered the most dangerous, while most of those only powered by Microfusion Cells, Electron Charge Packs, or Small Energy Cells are desirable, but are not considered atomic weapons technology.

Human genetics and cloning technology, including FEV samples, are also considered dangerous to the Wasteland at large. If obtained, they must be destroyed; or if impossible, kept in safety till personnel from the chapter bunker off-region arrive to dispose of it.

* Bigger **plasma-based weaponry**, such as the plasma rifle caste of weapons, and heavier - are extremely desirable, and must be traded for and prioritised (or killed for under hostile circumstances). If a compromise cannot be reached with a non-hostile subject, then the technology must be left under surveillance.
* Bigger **laser-based weaponry**, such as the AER14, Gatling Lasers, and other heavy ordnance - are also very desirable, and must be traded for and prioritised (or killed for under hostile). If a compromise cannot be reached with a non-hostile subject, then the technology must be left under surveillance.
* Working **Power Armour** of any kind, barring salvaged, are desirable. They must be traded for and prioritised (or killed for under hostile circumstances). If a compromise cannot be reached with a non-hostile subject, then the technology must be left under surveillance.

None of the technology above must be *traded out* unless in return for atomic or bio weapons. 
Salvaged Power Armour and low-level tech-weapons do not concern us.

***However, the seeds of growth must be sown. Those blind, but with capable hands - must be the seekers of truth and wisdom. The ones that'll usher Mankind into greater pastures at our behest.***

An addendum to the previous;

Technology - as long as it is in untrustworthy hands, can be taken by hostile means if trade is unfeasible for technology (excluding salvaged power armour, low level energy weapons). However, harrassment and force must be a last resort, and pure threat of the subject must be ascertained prior.

*A good rule of thumb; if you don't have at least one of the desirable technologies in the armoury, then you should absolutely try to get it. Hostile measures may be implemented if the owner of said weapons is untrustworthy, or variably hostile to friendly personnel.*

Atomic weapons, and bioweapons described above are **non-negotiable**.

However, the decision between short-term technology acquisiton and long-term diplomacy must be considered by personnel on-duty, and may differ from brother to brother. Considering outsiders (especially the NCR) as a threat to mankind has sometimes reportedly been done by brothers on patrols.

***Be cautious around those who do not pledge to the Brotherhood for though their eyes may be opened through service, they are now blind.***

Don’t bring outsiders into the outpost unless they are ready for initiatiation. The penalty for hostile infiltration is execution.

The Codex must be shielded from the eyes of the blind, at all costs.

Through discourse, we gain the strength of our Brothers’ minds. Question orders if you must, and refuse them only if they violate these tenets.

If you are given an order you believe will harm the Brotherhood’s mission, you are allowed to question it. If the order would violate the Codex, you may refuse to carry it out until it is interpreted otherwise by an Elder.

At any time, you may raise suspicion regarding an order by a superior, and kick it up the chain, if possible; for resolution.

***Give way your suspicions to the wisdom of thine Elder. Where he shows trust, so shall you.***

Elders are the interpreters of the Codex. If they deem an action harmful to the mission, you must not take that action. If they deem that an action must be taken or it will emperil the Brotherhood, you must carry it out.

While the Head Scribe is in charge of the expedition, decisions requiring a militaristic view (such as in cases of possible retaliation) - must be taken with the Paladin caste's advice, Knight castes's advice, and with the Codex in mind. Abusing such an authority is grounds for termination or exile.

If a sure-fire decision cannot be reached, the Elder may be contacted.

***Deceit and lies of all ilk serve only to harm our mission, for your word is your mightiest weapon. Only if the blind are impervious to our wisdom may you strike them down, else you should convince them to serve our purpose.***

If an outsider asks you why they should relinquish dangerous technology to you, honour demands you tell them that such technology is responsible for the devastation of the Great War. That every hardship they face is the result of reliance on ever more deadly weapons. If you cannot convince them through words alone, offer payment. If they cannot be bought, then and only then should you attempt to take it by force.

But be wary of your overarching tasks in the region, and the consequences of your actions.

Utilisation of covert subtlety and back-handed approaches is also encouraged.

***Loyalty is paramount, you will follow your leader and your leader will lead you, but follow them not into dishonour.***

Largely self-explanatory. A leader who breaks from the Codex breaks from loyalty to the station above their own, and so too do those who follow their orders dishonor themselves.

The orders of the blind hold no weight, but if one of our own is in immediate peril at their hands, demands should be met for the life of your kindred, and aggression must be tempered for the sake of order.

If a member of the Brotherhood is held hostage, make every possible effort to recover them unharmed. Revenge can wait until your kindred are safe.

Unjust violence is for lesser men. Every act of aggression must serve a clear purpose, and must not compromise the mission of our order. Retribution may be harsh and unseemly to some, but must also be measured and weighed tactfully.

The Brotherhood’s justice can be harsh and far-reaching. Put your chapter, your brothers, and yourself before everyone else. Particularly unsavory forms of justice, such as forced labor, mutilation, and torture, should generally be avoided. Do not let such actions be associated with the Brotherhood, publically.

Exile and clean executions can be the go-to punishments, as decided. They must be deliberated on by either the Senior Knight or Senior Paladin or Head Scribe involved with the matter, and the Elder. However, executions may be conducted by Senior Knights (for the Knight caste) and Paladins (for the Paladin caste) - if the subject in question is too detrimental to be kept in custody.

***What lesser men see as fashionable shall be shunned. Foreign garment and practice will do nothing but shame your fellow brothers. If you must, do so at the cost of your purity.***

Stay in uniform while in the outpost, or stay out of sight and out of mind. Disguises while out on covert expeditions are advised and encouraged for non-military personnel.

Uniformity must be maintained for overt operations.

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# **Chain of Command**
*To be noted, the rankings depicted here are not all that there is to the structure of the Brotherhood at large. The smaller scale of the Recon Group as compared to a full-fledged bunker dictates lesser ranking personnel be utilised for the operation as a whole. Heads of the caste, Elders and the High Elder generally reside and exist in the primary chapter headquarters of Lost Hills.*

*The Chain That Binds, while to be respected; can be overruled and worked around of under duress or need.*

An **Elder** often oversees the operations of the Brotherhood at a larger scale. Only a few exist in the Utah detachment as direct supervisory elements. 
They may handle matters of exiling and execution, overall movements and direction of the chapter, as well as matters of promotion of Paladins to Senior Paladins, Knights to Senior Knights, Senior Scribes to Head Scribe, and Senior Paladins to Head Paladins. *(This role is admin-only for events!)*

A **Head Paladin** heads the chapter's diplomatic and combat ventures. They are the de-facto field command, when present, and are the end-point for orders out in the field concerning conflict and diplomacy.
They handle promotions from Junior Paladin to Senior Paladin, within their caste. And may even promote prospective Paladin candidates from the Knight caste (or Scribe caste in the most rarest of instances).

A **Head Scribe** heads the expeditionary venture of the Utah detachment. They are the end-point for all matters related to research, medical, trade and appraisal of technology, exploration and recovery, and sometimes may even advise the Paladin caste on diplomatic affairs.
They are *not* a combat role. And as such, should venture out under any escort for aid, supervision, research, trade or diplomatic ventures.
Matters of internal security of the garrison is headed by **Senior Knights**, while field command and diplomacy is headed by **Head Paladins**.
They handle promotions from Aspirant to Senior Scribe, within their caste.

A **Senior Paladin** is the second-highest in the Paladin caste, and is responsible for leading groups outside the garrison, and acting as field commanders, in absence of the Head Paladin.
Training of Paladins rests on their shoulders.
While they can command Knights when out in the field; they are expected to work in tandem with Senior Knights.
They can deliberate and decide on inducting capable members of the Knight caste (and in rare occurrences, from the Scribe caste, with a required deliberation from the Head Paladin and Elders) to the Paladin caste.

A **Paladin** is the backbone of the Paladin caste, and is generally entrusted with outside operations. In the absence of a Senior Paladin or Head Paladin. 
They may also act as field commanders in the absence of a Senior Paladin or Head Paladin.

A **Senior Knight** is the highest in the Knight caste, and is responsible for most of the internal security of the garrison. They are in charge of training Initiates and Knights alike; and can also be tasked with leading smaller teams in skirmishes and operations. 
They supervise and handle processing and detaining of members in breach of the Codex, or of deviant outsiders; as well as ensuring security of the garrison.
They handle promotions within the caste, from Aspirant to Knight.

A **Knight** is the basic infantryman and scout of the garrison. Newly inducted Knights are taken from a pool of Knight-Aspirants, as **Junior Knights**, until they are experienced enough to be full-fledged Knights.
They are the backbone of the chapter; and are often utilised in skirmishes, supporting Paladins, scouting and recovering technology.
Expert members holding this rank and higher, can be given the high honor of being inducted into the Paladin caste, upon recommendation and consideration by the existing Senior Paladins.

A **Knight Aspirant** is a newly inducted member of the military arm of the chapter. They are currently in training, and will likely be pushed into the rank of a Journeyman Knight once ready.

A **Senior Scribe** is the next highest ranking of the Scribe caste. They are in charge of their own individual projects, and can task lesser ranks to aid them. 
They generally handle appraisal of technology and trade alongside the Paladin caste, in the absence of a Head Scribe. They are also in charge of maintenance and construction of equipment for the detachment.
The Head Scribes often allot tasks and projects to them and, they may handle promotion from Aspirant to Scribe.

A **Scribe** is the basic member of the caste. They handle all the duties of a Scribe-caste, and can be called upon for appraisal and advice in trades, in the absence of a higher ranking caste member. 
Senior Scribes and Scribes can also act as *Field Scribes*, assisting combat personnel outside the garrison, as well as aiding outsiders in need of help or education.
Personnel of the caste can be of two Orders:
* **Order of the Sword**, In charge of creation, amplification, and appraisal of offensive technology.
* **Order of the Shield**, In charge of creation, amplification, and appraisal of defensive technology.

A **Scribe Aspirant** is a newly inducted member of the civilian caste of the chapter, and are currently in training (and usually attached to Scribes or Senior Scribes as apprentices), until they are fully ready to be inducted into the caste proper.

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# **Initiation Guidelines**
Outsiders from the wastes willing to serve the Codex and the chapter, must be put through continuous rigorous trials to ascertain and confirm their loyalty. The growth of the detachment into a full-fledged chapter one day is a good goal.

It is a high honour to be under the Steel's embrace, and as such, must only be reserved for those individuals who show true devotion to the cause.

Interviews, tasks, missions can be handed out at will by a Senior member of a caste, or above. Outcomes of such must be noted and recorded for posterity, if at all possible.

By the end, with the blessing of an Elder and under the gaze of a Head Scribe/Head Paladin alongwith a Senior member of any caste; can an outsider be truly initiated. The Codex must be opened for them, so that they can truly see.

Afterwards, training and inductment into the castes can happen accordingly, by the respective caste Seniors and above.