Preston Garvey’s Perspective on the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 4
Preston Garvey, the steadfast Minuteman, holds a disapproving view of the Brotherhood of Steel (BoS) in Fallout 4. He sees them as a potential threat to the Commonwealth, primarily viewing them as a large, heavily armed military force with unclear objectives. While he doesn’t necessarily hate the Brotherhood, his concerns stem from their overwhelming presence and the uncertainty surrounding their long-term plans for the region and its people. He prioritizes the safety and self-determination of the Commonwealth’s settlements, and the Brotherhood’s imposing presence clashes with his vision of independent, self-governing communities.
Preston’s Concerns and Motivations
Preston’s aversion to the Brotherhood arises from his core values. As a dedicated Minuteman, his primary goal is to protect the innocent and establish a secure, stable Commonwealth. He believes in the power of community and the right of settlements to govern themselves.
The Brotherhood, on the other hand, operates with a rigid hierarchy and a focus on acquiring technology, often disregarding the needs and desires of the local population. Their “us versus them” mentality, particularly their distrust of synths and ghouls, clashes directly with Preston’s inclusive and protective nature. He sees the Brotherhood’s presence as a potential source of conflict and instability, rather than a solution to the Commonwealth’s problems. He is always willing to extend the hand of diplomacy, but the Brotherhood’s actions don’t convey such a position.
Furthermore, Preston’s past experiences likely shape his view of powerful, external forces. Having witnessed the destruction of Quincy by the Gunners, he is wary of any large, well-equipped group that could potentially exploit or oppress the Commonwealth’s settlements. He values individual freedom and self-reliance, traits that the Brotherhood’s authoritarian structure seems to undermine.
Influence on Gameplay and Choices
While Preston disapproves of the Brotherhood, it’s important to note that his opinion doesn’t necessarily lock the player out of pursuing quests or alliances with them. You can still work with the Brotherhood and even rise through their ranks while maintaining Preston as a companion, albeit with a constant stream of disapproving comments.
This is part of the brilliance of the Fallout 4 narrative – it allows for nuanced choices. You can explore different factions, experience their storylines, and form your own opinions, even if those opinions clash with your companions’. Preston’s disapproval serves as a moral compass, reminding you of the potential consequences of your actions and the perspectives of those you are sworn to protect. This kind of decision making and story choices is what makes Fallout 4 a classic.
Understanding Preston’s motivations allows you to make informed decisions about your character’s allegiances and playstyle. You can choose to ignore his disapproval and prioritize your own goals, or you can attempt to reconcile your actions with his values. This dynamic creates a more engaging and immersive gaming experience, forcing you to consider the ethical implications of your choices. The GamesLearningSociety.org website could have a whole module on these types of gameplay situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Preston Garvey’s relationship with the Brotherhood of Steel, providing more insight into the dynamics of the game:
Does Preston Garvey leave you if you join the Brotherhood of Steel?
No, Preston Garvey does not leave you simply for joining the Brotherhood of Steel. He will, however, disapprove of your actions and constantly express his concerns. You can still have him as a companion while doing quests for the Brotherhood.
Will Preston Garvey hate me if I do Brotherhood quests?
Preston dislikes you doing quests for the Brotherhood, and this can affect your affinity level with him. Certain actions, particularly those that align with the Brotherhood’s more controversial policies, will result in significant disapproval. Be mindful of your choices if you want to maintain a high affinity with Preston.
Can I still do Minutemen quests if I join the Brotherhood?
Yes, you can still complete Minutemen quests even if you are a member of the Brotherhood. The game allows you to progress through the storylines of multiple factions simultaneously until you reach a point where you must make a definitive choice.
Which companions like the Brotherhood of Steel?
Paladin Danse and Curie generally approve of the Brotherhood of Steel, though Curie’s approval can wane if the Brotherhood takes actions that she deems morally questionable (such as destroying the Railroad).
Does Piper like or dislike the Brotherhood of Steel?
Piper is neutral to positive toward the Brotherhood. She acknowledges their redeeming qualities but believes they could do more to help the local population.
Does Nick Valentine like or dislike the Brotherhood of Steel?
Nick Valentine dislikes the Brotherhood of Steel due to their prejudice against synths and other non-human entities.
Can I romance Preston Garvey even if I work with the Brotherhood?
Yes, you can still romance Preston Garvey even while working with the Brotherhood. However, his constant disapproval of your actions may make the romance a bit awkward!
What happens if I destroy the Railroad as part of the Brotherhood?
Destroying the Railroad will result in severe disapproval from Preston, as the Railroad’s goals and values align more closely with his. It will also negatively impact your affinity with other companions who support the Railroad.
Can I avoid Preston’s disapproval altogether when dealing with the Brotherhood?
It’s difficult to completely avoid Preston’s disapproval while working with the Brotherhood, as his fundamental values clash with their methods. However, you can mitigate his disapproval by making choices that prioritize the safety and well-being of the Commonwealth’s settlements, even while pursuing Brotherhood objectives.
Does Codsworth have an opinion on the Brotherhood of Steel?
Codsworth is clueless about the Brotherhood’s true intentions, but he does seem to realize that they are “midsguided.” He also shows sympathy for the Brotherhood, though, and doesn’t feel they should be destroyed.
How do the Brotherhood of Steel see the Minutemen?
The Brotherhood of Steel mostly view the Minutemen as a scattered and disorganized group, but not necessarily a threat. Their focus is mainly on securing technology and eliminating threats like synths and super mutants. Some within the Brotherhood might see the Minutemen as potential allies, while others may view them with disdain due to their lack of structure and centralized authority.
Will Sturges hate me if I join the Brotherhood of Steel?
There is nothing to indicate that Sturges, as a synth, is programmed to hate any particular faction.
What is the most evil faction in Fallout 4?
Many players consider the Institute to be the most “evil” faction due to their cold and calculating nature, their disregard for human life, and their creation and manipulation of synths.
Can you marry Preston Garvey?
Yes, Preston Garvey is a romance option, so you can marry him.
Does Preston ever run out of radiant quests?
Unfortunately, no. Preston never runs out of radiant quests. Be prepared for an endless stream of settlement requests!
In conclusion, Preston Garvey’s perspective on the Brotherhood of Steel is one of cautious disapproval. He values the safety and self-determination of the Commonwealth’s settlements above all else and views the Brotherhood’s imposing presence with suspicion. While you can still work with the Brotherhood and maintain Preston as a companion, his disapproval serves as a constant reminder of the ethical implications of your choices and the perspectives of those you are sworn to protect.