Siding with Rahmani: How One Fallout 76 Decision Could Reshape Appalachia‘s Brotherhood Future
As a hardcore Fallout fan who has analyzed the lore extensively over the years, the Steel Reign questline introduces some fascinating dynamics for the Brotherhood of Steel faction. And at the heart lies one major decision: whether to support Paladin Rahmani or Elder Maxson during the climactic "Over and Out" quest.
Background on Rahmani‘s Arrival in Appalachia
Sent on a 7-year expedition to Appalachia in 2103, Rahmani sought to establish a new, more progressive Brotherhood chapter that protects the people of the wasteland – not just hoard technology. As she tells you:
“It‘s time for something new. It‘s time for them to stand in the light and do what‘s right.”
This mindset already clashed with Lost Hills leadership back in California. So when satellite trouble allows Elder Maxson a slim window to locate her, Rahmani faces pressure to follow the Brotherhood‘s orthodox vision or be branded as defiant.
Over and Out: Stand with Rahmani‘s Vision or Lost Hills Doctrine?
The pivotal quest – Over and Out – eventually forces you to decide between the two philosophies.
You can either override the uplink terminal to enable communication (supporting Maxson), or encourage Rahmani to smash the equipment (backing her goals).
Here‘s a breakdown of the choice from my perspective as a Brotherhood devotee:
| Support Elder Maxson | Support Paladin Rahmani | |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Uphold chain of command and Lost Hills orthodox Brotherhood vision of hoarding tech | Embrace Rahmani’s progressive vision to use tech to help Appalachia’s people |
| Morality | Rahmani brought this on herself by defying leadership’s orders | Elder Maxson is betraying the Appalachia chapter and her vision to help rebuild civilization |
| Impact | Temporary setback in re-contacting California chapter | Permanent act of defiance that cements schism between chapters |
This table summarizes the deeper ideological conflict at play – whether to follow doctrine or forge a new path that challenges the Brotherhood‘s core tenets.
Defiance Causes Short-Term Tensions among Appalachia NPCs
Whatever you decide, Paladin Rahmani ultimately smashes the equipment in a show of defiance. In the short term, this causes varying reactions among Appalachia‘s Brotherhood NPCs based on your earlier choice:
If you backed Rahmani: Most named Brotherhood NPCs like Scribe Valdez will continue treating you warmly, seeing you as loyal to Rahmani’s vision for Appalachia over Lost Hills leadership.
If you enabled the uplink: Some NPCs will be more hostile at the defiance you helped cause. For example, after destroying the uplink, Rahmani herself will have sharply critical dialogue calling out your betrayal.
However, no major gameplay impact occurs yet – you can still freely interact with Brotherhood questgivers throughout Fort Atlas.
Future Consequences: Appalachia Chapter Permanently Goes Rogue
While your decision changes some short-term NPC attitudes, the long-term consequences could dramatically reshape the Brotherhood’s presence in Appalachia:
By destroying the only means of contact, Rahmani may have permanently severed ties with Lost Hills, cementing her autonomy to transform the local chapter on her own terms without Elder Maxson intervening.
As community manager Valseek hinted, this could allow the Brotherhood to fully devote themselves to Rahmani’s vision moving forward – using their technological expertise to genuinely support Appalachia’s rebuilding efforts instead of just hoarding weapons and tech.
Alternatively, if relations with the West Coast Brotherhood sour too severely, they could condemn Rahmani’s chapter as rogues – risking Lost Hills sending forces to bring them in line or wipe them out.
Either way, Fallout 76 writers have set up this schism between the Appalachian and Californian factions that future updates can now capitalize on to take the story in exciting directions.
As a Passionate Fallout Fan, This Promising Story Hook Has Me Hyped
For long-time series fans like myself who obsess over the lore, I find the possibilitiesthrilling from a narrative perspective as a pivotal moment that lays the groundwork for evolving Fallout’s iconic faction:
- Will Rahmani’s progressive vision turn Appalachia’s Brotherhood into noble protectors serving local needs over hoarding tech advances?
- Or will defiance make this splinter faction more isolationist and extreme in their beliefs without Lost Hills oversight?
With Fallout 76’s extended timeline, our choices could transform this chapter over years of updates – either towards a righteous beacon of hope or a rogue element warped by unchecked power.
I can’t wait to see where the writers take it next. And as always, I’ll be eagerly sharing my in-depth analysis here whenever new Brotherhood quests or story updates emerge!
Let me know your hopes for the Brotherhood down below! Do you think Rahmani went too far stepping out of line from Lost Hills? Or is Appalachia better off guiding its own future?
