This is a little slice of how the Coalition came to be.

Before the war the government, knowing of the inevitable nuclear war spent years cultivating an above top secret project known as “The Ark”. This was a base like no other; it was a barracks, a university, a hospital, a science lab. Truly the greatest stronghold in US history.

It was designed to save the pre-war world in its entirety, its technology, its culture and its customs. Thousands upon thousands of civilians were handpicked along with the countries best and brightest to populate this pre-war world frozen in time. And with the greatest minds went the greatest technology, the best weapons and armor and all the latest prototypes.

Over the decades the inhabitants of the Ark prospered, capable of manufacturing and improving the great technology that the old world gave them. When the original dwellers had passed, the truth of the outside became uncertain and the young became curious about what awaited them outside the great blast doors of the Ark.

Their answer came sooner than they expected.

In May, 2235 the agricultural system suffered a catastrophic failure, and with a dwindling supply of food the people had no choice but to open their great blast doors to the wide world from which they had sheltered for so long. They were soon approached by the Enclave, they had seen the technology that the dwellers possessed, and it made their own weapons look like toys. In an attempt to create trusting relations between the two groups, the Enclave helped the Arks Residence to cultivate farmland and breed animals.

For a time all was well and the people were confident about taking greater steps into the outside world. However things quickly became sour, the Enclave began to encroach on their territory, culling their rights and imposing curfews. They hoped that the many decades of living in this sheltered environment would have weakened them, what they didn’t know however, was that military discipline had been maintained for over 150 years. In a great battle that few now remember, the Arks people pushed the Enclave back and were free once more.

They then began scouting their surroundings, sending emissaries to towns and settlements all around. In December 2236 these groups of towns formed The Coalition for mutual protection, the Ark acting as the faction’s capital. Each town had a representative at the Coalition Council and matters were solved democratically.

It didn’t last.

Sometime in 2240 the council was dissolved and in its place stood the First High Commander, Leader of the Coalition Defense Network and Ruler of the Coalition. Naturally there was some dissent, some rebellions. However the High Commander deemed that long term stability should precede short term relations. The Coalition was now a great sovereign nation, united under one man.
In 2277 the High Commander sets his eyes on the Capital Wasteland, eager to explore and expand across this untouched land.

The Enclave
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Ever since their hostilities 40 years ago, these two factions have been fighting, although little more than skirmishing. Eventually one faction will have to dominate the war though, they are both looking for an opportunity to deal a crushing blow.

The Brotherhood of Steel
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This relationship began much as you would expect from the BOS, when they saw the technology the Coalition possessed they prepared to mobilize and attack, taking these new weapons by force. But they soon realized however, that the Coalition was far too powerful for a frontal assault and the Coalition were also not yet ready to launch such a costly campaign. So for now they enjoy a relative peace and have agreed to share some technologies between them for mutual gain.

Towns and Cities
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Those few people of the Wasteland who knew about the Coalitions arrival viewed them as dangerous outsiders, and who could blame them? A group with weapons and armor of the likes no one had ever seen setting up shop seemingly overnight. They know that the Coalition are major players and just hope that they aren't here to increase the body count.

Moral Standing and Government
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The Coalition is a fascist primarily military state governed by the High Commander. The choice of one leader was made long ago to increase long term Coalition stability and to form a united nation. The Coalition towns and cities however follow the ways of the Old World, with prewar laws and similar power structures. Its people are not actively repressed and the military police cannot simply arrest civilian without any evidence. The population of the Coalition ranges from between 100,000-150,000 citizens estimated from a number of different incomplete censuses with 5% of that currently in active voluntary service.

Propaganda is a big part of Coalition life, posters and announcements are a common thing to see on the streets. All propaganda is based on true information however as the High Commander believes that spreading lies will make the enemy wary, and the people distrustful.
Despite the relative freedoms of the Coalitions people, newly occupied settlements or towns showing signing of dissent will get a visit from the Enforcers. Equipped with riot shields and batons, these brutal figures are sent in to suppress the rebellion by any means necessary.

The Coalition is very much a mixed bag, some have called them oppressors, and some call them heroes. But one thing is for sure, they are here to stay.

This fantastic piece of lore was written by Jamo12.