Can You Join the Brotherhood Outcasts in Fallout 3?
The short, definitive answer is no, you cannot formally join the Brotherhood Outcasts in Fallout 3. While you can interact with them, assist them in combat, and even gain access to their base at Fort Independence, you never become a full-fledged member in the same way you interact (though not truly join) the main Brotherhood of Steel. Your relationship with the Outcasts is one of mutual benefit and shared goals, rather than a formal allegiance. You remain an outsider helping them achieve their objectives.
Understanding the Brotherhood Outcasts
Who Are They?
The Brotherhood Outcasts are a splinter group of the main Brotherhood of Steel (BoS) chapter led by Elder Lyons. They disagreed with Lyons’ focus on helping the people of the Capital Wasteland and instead clung to the original Brotherhood’s mission of acquiring and preserving pre-War technology. They see Lyons’ actions as a betrayal of their core principles, leading to their desertion and establishment of their own independent faction. Their dedication to salvaging technology, even at the expense of helping the local population, sets them apart.
Fort Independence: Their Base of Operations
The Outcasts are based at Fort Independence, a heavily fortified location filled with salvaged technology and guarded by their troops. While you can gain access to Fort Independence by trading enough technology with their leader, Defender Sibley, this doesn’t equate to joining their ranks. Instead, it’s a reward for your contributions to their mission.
How You Interact With Them
Your interaction with the Outcasts is primarily through trading pre-War technology for rewards. You can find various technological items throughout the Capital Wasteland and bring them to Defender Sibley at Fort Independence. The more tech you provide, the higher your standing with the Outcasts becomes, and the better the rewards you receive. Moreover, assisting them against threats like Super Mutants in areas like Bailey’s Crossroads can improve their disposition towards you.
Why You Can’t Join
Although you can gain access to their base and trade with them, you never formally become an Outcast. The game’s narrative doesn’t allow for it. Your role is that of an external ally who supports their technology-gathering efforts. While they appreciate your help and reward you for it, they remain a separate entity with their own distinct goals and ideologies. You are an external actor working to achieve the same goals, but not a member of their inner circle.
Consequences of Aiding the Outcasts
Benefits
- Access to Fort Independence: This gives you access to valuable resources, including weapons, armor, and ammunition.
- Unique Rewards: Trading technology earns you unique items that can’t be obtained elsewhere.
- Improved Relations: Positive interactions lead to the Outcasts becoming more friendly towards you.
Drawbacks
- Potential Conflict with the Main Brotherhood: While not directly hostile, focusing too much on the Outcasts might detract from your interactions with the main Brotherhood of Steel.
- Karma Implications: The Outcasts are considered “evil” by the game’s karma system. Aiding them extensively may lower your karma, depending on your other actions. This can be detrimental in the long run depending on your playstyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I become a Paladin in the Brotherhood Outcasts?
No, the Brotherhood Outcasts have their own rank structure, and you cannot rise through their ranks to become a Paladin, or any other rank for that matter. You remain an external helper.
2. What kind of technology are the Outcasts interested in?
They are interested in all kinds of pre-War technology, including weapons, armor, medical supplies, and other advanced equipment. The rarer and more valuable the tech, the greater the reward you’ll receive.
3. How do I find Fort Independence?
Fort Independence is located in the eastern part of the Capital Wasteland. It’s a heavily fortified structure that can be easily identified on the map once you get close. Search near the Arlington Cemetery.
4. Does helping the Outcasts affect my standing with the Brotherhood of Steel?
Not directly, but dedicating too much time and resources to the Outcasts may limit your interactions and progress with the main Brotherhood of Steel, which could affect your overall experience and access to certain quests and rewards.
5. Are the Outcasts hostile to the Brotherhood of Steel?
The Outcasts are not actively hostile towards the main Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 3, but there is a clear ideological divide and animosity between the two factions. They do not openly engage in warfare.
6. Can I get Power Armor from the Outcasts?
Yes, you can obtain Power Armor from the Outcasts by trading with them. They have a variety of Power Armor sets available as rewards for your technology contributions. The more technology that you acquire, the more they will reward you.
7. What happens if I attack the Outcasts?
Attacking the Outcasts will make them hostile towards you, and you will lose access to their services and rewards. It’s generally not advisable unless you’re aiming for a specific playthrough focused on eliminating all factions. Be aware of your own Karma.
8. Can I recruit Outcasts as companions?
No, you cannot recruit any Brotherhood Outcasts as companions in Fallout 3.
9. What is the “Lyons’ Pride” mentioned in the text?
Lyon’s Pride refers to the elite squad within the main Brotherhood of Steel chapter led by Elder Lyons. It’s not related to the Outcasts.
10. Is there a questline specifically for the Brotherhood Outcasts?
While there isn’t a dedicated questline, your interactions with them, centered around collecting and delivering technology, serve as a mini-quest arc with increasing rewards and access.
11. Can I repair weapons and armor with the Outcasts?
You can trade with the Outcasts for items, including repaired weapons and armor, but they don’t offer repair services in the traditional sense.
12. What happens to the Outcasts after the main quest is completed?
The fate of the Outcasts after the main quest and the Broken Steel DLC remains largely unchanged. They continue their mission of salvaging technology in the Capital Wasteland.
13. Are the Outcasts considered evil?
From a karmic standpoint, the game considers them to be an evil faction. It is dependent on your own playstyle.
14. Is there a mod to join the Brotherhood Outcasts?
Yes, numerous mods exist for Fallout 3 that allow you to formally join the Brotherhood Outcasts, expand their questlines, and deepen your interactions with them. Searching online modding communities like Nexus Mods is a great place to begin.
15. Are the Brotherhood Outcasts in other Fallout games?
The Brotherhood Outcasts were introduced in Fallout 3, but haven’t made appearances in other Fallout titles since, though their influence may be felt through dialogue or lore. However, some players may get the groups confused with the Brotherhood chapter from Fallout 4.
Conclusion
While you can’t officially join the Brotherhood Outcasts in Fallout 3, your interactions with them are a rewarding and engaging part of the game. By aiding them in their mission of preserving pre-War technology, you gain access to valuable resources and unique items, enriching your overall Fallout 3 experience. Exploring these interactions teaches valuable insights into conflict within organizations and the importance of shared goals, a theme that extends beyond the game itself. These concepts can be further explored through resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.