Why Does Elder Arthur Maxson Look So Old? Unraveling the Mystery
Arthur Maxson, the formidable leader of the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 4, often appears older than his chronological age of just 20. This perception stems from a combination of factors: the immense responsibility he carries as Elder, the stress of leadership in a post-apocalyptic world, the burden of his lineage, and the visual design choices made by the game developers to convey his authority and battle-hardened nature.
Factors Contributing to Maxson’s Apparent Age
The Weight of Leadership
Maxson inherited a monumental task: leading a large and powerful faction in a treacherous world. The decisions he makes directly impact the lives of countless Brotherhood members and the wider Commonwealth population. This constant pressure can prematurely age anyone, regardless of their actual years. The article even mentions he keeps stress drinking and smoking, further implying that he uses substances to cope with these responsibilities.
Post-Apocalyptic Hardship
The Fallout universe is a brutal and unforgiving environment. Exposure to radiation, constant threats from mutants and raiders, and the scarcity of resources all take a toll on the body. Maxson, having been raised and trained in this environment since birth, has likely experienced more hardship than most people twice his age. The scar he received from killing a deathclaw at a young age is a testament to the dangers he has faced.
Lineage and Legacy
Maxson is the last descendant of Roger Maxson, the founder of the Brotherhood of Steel. This lineage places immense pressure on him to uphold the Brotherhood’s ideals and traditions. He carries the weight of his family’s legacy and the expectations of his followers, contributing to his serious and often somber demeanor, which in turn adds to the perception of age. The intense training he underwent from a young age to prepare him for leadership further exacerbated these pressures.
Visual Design and Representation
The character design in Fallout 4 plays a significant role in how players perceive Maxson. His stern facial expressions, the visible scar, and his commanding presence all contribute to an image of maturity and experience. The developers likely intentionally designed him to appear older to convey his authority and leadership qualities, regardless of his actual age. His battlecoat also adds to his gravitas and perceived age.
The Brown Scar
The article mentions that a scar might turn dark if it was exposed to sunlight during the healing process, or if it was caused by inflammation, poor healing, or the genetics of your skin and how your skin heals. This could explain the brown color of Maxson’s scar, contributing to his more battle worn look.
Understanding Maxson’s Character Arc
It’s crucial to understand Maxson’s journey to fully grasp why he appears older than he is. He was thrust into leadership at a young age, forced to make difficult decisions that shaped the future of the Brotherhood. His experiences molded him into a hardened and pragmatic leader, further contributing to his mature demeanor. The game Fallout 3 shows him as a squire, clearly emphasizing his young age in that installment. Fallout 4 shows a vastly different character, both physically and mentally.
Elder Maxson: Hero or Villain?
The perception of Maxson’s age also plays a role in how players view him. He is presented as a strong and decisive leader, but his methods are often controversial. Whether he is seen as a hero or a villain depends on the player’s choices and perspective. His age, or perceived age, influences how players interpret his actions and motivations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Arthur Maxson really only 20 in Fallout 4?
Yes, Arthur Maxson is approximately 20 years old during the events of Fallout 4. This information is derived from official character information and the timeline of events within the Fallout universe.
2. Why is Maxson called “Elder” if he’s so young?
He holds the title of “Elder” because he is the leader of the Brotherhood of Steel (East Coast). The title refers to his position of authority and not necessarily his age. He was trained from a very young age to assume this role.
3. Is Elder Maxson related to Roger Maxson?
Yes, Elder Arthur Maxson is the last known descendant of Roger Maxson, the founder of the Brotherhood of Steel. This lineage is a significant part of his identity and the expectations placed upon him.
4. Was Arthur Maxson in Fallout 3?
Yes, Arthur Maxson appeared as a young squire in Fallout 3. His presence in the Citadel provides a glimpse into his early training and upbringing within the Brotherhood of Steel.
5. Can you kill Elder Maxson in Fallout 4?
Yes, Elder Maxson can be killed by the player depending on the choices they make during the main questline. Siding with the Institute or the Railroad will lead to a confrontation with him.
6. What do you get for killing Elder Maxson?
Upon killing Elder Maxson, the player can loot his unique Gatling laser weapon called “Final Judgment” and his battlecoat. These items are highly sought after by players.
7. How do you get Elder Maxson’s coat?
The only way to acquire Elder Maxson’s battlecoat is to kill him and take it from his body. Pickpocketing is not an option.
8. Is Paladin Danse a synth?
Yes, Paladin Danse is revealed to be a synth during the quest “Blind Betrayal.” This revelation has significant consequences for the Brotherhood of Steel and the player’s relationship with both Danse and Maxson.
9. What happens if you refuse to kill Danse?
If the player refuses to execute Paladin Danse, Elder Maxson will appear and express his disappointment and anger. The player’s decision will impact their relationship with the Brotherhood and the direction of the questline.
10. Why does Elder Maxson have a scar?
Elder Maxson received his scar during a solo encounter with a deathclaw at the age of 13. He killed the deathclaw but sustained grave wounds in the process, leaving him with a permanent disfigurement.
11. Can you get Final Judgment without killing Maxson?
No, “Final Judgment,” Elder Maxson’s unique Gatling laser, can only be obtained by looting his corpse after killing him during specific questlines.
12. Is Elder Maxson a bad guy?
Whether Elder Maxson is a “bad guy” is subjective and depends on the player’s perspective and choices. He is presented as an antagonist if the player sides with the Institute or the Railroad, but he can be seen as a flawed but ultimately well-intentioned leader if the player sides with the Brotherhood of Steel.
13. Is Shaun a synth?
Your son Shaun is human, but an older man by the time you meet him, and the Director of the Institute. There is a child synth that is made to resemble Shaun when he was younger, but he is not the Sole Survivor’s biological son.
14. Which Fallout 3 ending is canon?
According to Fallout 4, the canonical ending of Fallout 3 is the one where Project Purity succeeded in restoring clean water to the Capital Wasteland.
15. What are some of the benefits of role-playing games in education?
Role-playing games can provide unique learning opportunities in areas like critical thinking, problem solving, and strategic planning. You can learn more about these benefits at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.
In conclusion, Arthur Maxson’s aged appearance in Fallout 4 is a result of a confluence of factors: his heavy responsibilities, the hardships of the post-apocalyptic world, the weight of his lineage, and intentional character design. These elements combine to create a compelling and complex leader who embodies the struggles and complexities of the Fallout universe.