Bunker Regulations

Preface
The Codex, the very light that guides us through this bleak world, is an immortal document. A work of literary craft by Richard Maxson and those who recorded his conversations, mindset and philosophy. The codex is infallible; though it does not dictate law or procedure. It dictates a way of thought. A way of life.

As such the Codex fails to dictate how our order operates in all capacities. The Codex, even in its infallibility, is unable to render judgment. For what if a mutinous act is just, such as the killing of those who subjected humanity to experiments at Mariposa? To render all acts as such would brand Maxson a traitor to this philosophy.

Thus we, the Brotherhood of Steel, created this document. A set of regulations, to act as a sword to the Codex’s wisdom. To work alongside the teachings of the Codex and to maintain order of our chapter - and to protect not only our brothers, not only our chapter, but the very fabric of our most cherished works. The Codex itself.

For what is most damaging to it is not the destruction of its words. But the bastardization or abuse of its goals.

Caste Overview
In the beginning Maxson set forward two castes who would guide the Brotherhood forwards. That of the most intelligent minds of the chapter, the Scribes. To that of the Knights and Paladins, the warriors that protected the knowledge that humanity must not have access to. While many of our brothers have deviated from Maxson‘s original model, we have attempted to stay true to it - unless the situation or time has dictated changes for integrity.

We must always attempt to stay true to who we are. No matter the caste - we are all brothers bound by steel.

Warrior Caste Organisation
The Warrior Caste is composed of fit, able bodied defenders of the chapter; ready to act as both the chapter's shield to defend one's brothers and the sword to those who would see to our collective destruction.

The authority of the caste starts at the Head Paladin, an able bodied fighter of both intellect and brawn, who heads the chapter's policy with the outside world as well as seeing to internal and external operations. With such an immense domain the Head Paladin is to delegate to two positions under them, the Senior Paladin and the Head Knight.

The Senior Paladin rank should be made of most senior ranking Paladin on-duty, acting as the usual operation commander executing the Head Paladin’s goal. The Head Knight is similarly equivalent to a Senior Paladin but is to see to internal bunker affairs, such as enforcement of regulations, and organizing the caste’s most numerous numbers, the Knights, to fall into line when required by Paladins.

Outside of the bunker, the Senior Paladin holds authority on all external operations. While inside the bunker in contrast, the Head Knight holds authority on all internal operations. This is to avoid conflicts of interest and efficient delegation to those of expertise.

Beneath the Senior Paladin and Head Knight are the Paladins, the field officers made of elites who act as fire team leaders. Beneath that is the Senior Knights, Knights who show promise and skill in leadership. The most numerous rank though is the Knights, the men and women who specialize in infantry-grunt work, scouting, field engineering, manufacturing and other aspects of bunker life.

While the Warrior Caste is the most numerous it is suggested that its brain, the Scribes, be consulted when necessary to their expertise. Brute force is not always the answer.


 * The Warrior Caste maintains authority over bunker order and regulation enforcement.
 * The Warrior Caste maintains authority over external diplomatic affairs.
 * Scribes should be consulted or included in any affairs that relate to technology, information gathering or other affairs that may require Scribe intuition.
 * The Warrior Caste maintains authority over field operations.
 * The Warrior Caste may aid in both production and maintenance of weaponry; though focus should be towards the latter.

Scribe Caste Organisation
The Scribe Caste is a linear structure of authority. The Head Scribe heads the caste as one of the most wise and intelligent minds of the chapter, delegating projects of technology maintenance or development down the caste’s chain. Scribes are thus the researchers, surgeons, medics, roboticists, advanced engineers, and scientists of the chapter. The brains to the warriors brawn.


 * The Scribe Caste maintains authority over the chapter’s Research & Development and Botany.
 * The Scribe Caste maintains authority over the chapter's surgery bays, medical facilities, and field hospitals.
 * The Scribe Caste maintains authority over medical and psychological evaluations.
 * Scribes may place a ‘hold’ on one's active service duty, temporarily rendering them as ‘not fit for duty’, until circumstances are met. This must be approved by a Head Scribe OR two Senior Scribes. Violations of Medical Orders count as Insubordination / Gross Insubordination.
 * The aforementioned circumstances may not be indefinite; either rehabilitation, counseling or a set time period must be issued. Otherwise said hold to active service is moot.
 * The Scribe Caste maintains authority over technological evaluation, maintenance, and storage of such technologies.
 * The Scribe Caste is responsible for maintenance of all archives, digital or physical, within the Brotherhood of Steel.
 * The Scribe Caste may aid in both production and maintenance of weaponry; though focus should be towards advanced weaponry.

The Chains & Delegation of Authority
The Chains that Bind is a simple to understand phrase found all throughout the Codex, its premise is simple yet may at times be complex. The chain is that of the chain of authority. One answers to their direct superior, who then takes this up the chain. This system exists to make use of individual initiative of seniors as well as to effectively allow the delegation of powers or tasks to subordinates.

The Scribes follow the linear system of their chain, starting from the Head Scribe who holds authority over the Senior Scribes. Beneath the Seniors comes the Scribes who make up the majority of the caste. Head Scribes may issue projects but, if Seniors are active, they are to organize the Scribes to fulfill said task.

The Warriors follow a system of delegation. At its head is the Head Paladin who oversees the delegation of powers to its two direct subordinates. The authority of external bunker activities is the Senior Paladin. The authority of internal bunker activities is the Head Knight. Paladins are to follow the orders depending on which domain the authority pertains to. Senior Knights and Knights follow suit; listening to the Paladin or Senior Knight above them for their assignment to fulfill either order. While this chain should not be broken unless required. Requirements may occur due to a lack of brothers during a shift, limited manpower in an operation or the loss of a brother.

For example, if no Senior Scribe is on duty a Head Scribe may need to delegate tasks directly to scribes. Or if a Senior Knight is KIA, a Paladin may need to directly order all knights under them rather than delegate tasks. While one should not break the chains, one should also be willing to communicate or coordinate with those of ranks higher. To ask feedback or input is not breaking the chains, but to request orders directly over a designated superior may result in such.

Right of Way
The Right of Way is a simple concept but one of high importance. The Codex states;

“He who is in the lead at the time may hold more knowledge than he who comes to lead after.”

The notion is that if a subordinate is dealing with a situation then the superior should not interfere if assuming command during it without knowledge of the ongoing issue. If, for example, a Paladin is actively negotiating with an outsider, then a Senior Paladin should not assert their authority in rank to intervene.

To properly assert authority into a situation as such, the following needs to be done, if able at the time:


 * A debrief of the ongoing affair must be provided to the superior.
 * A clear understanding must be had by the superior of the situation; uncertainty will lead to indecisiveness or errors.
 * The subordinate must be willing to hand the authority over to the superior.
 * Note: This step may only be ignored in cases of regulation violation.

If any of the listed stipulations are not met then the superior must let the subordinate take charge until the situation is concluded; after which the superior may then take authority over the operation after the ongoing affair is settled.

Standard Operating Procedure
The chapter’s Standard Operating Procedure may vary bunker to bunker due to different needs but the premise remains the same. The procedure exists as a guideline to maximize efficiency of bunker operation. These are not hard-coded laws, and may be ignored if a situation calls for it. However within a standard shift this guideline should be the way in which a bunker should operate.


 * All caste’s should see to the bunker’s setup; including the following requirements.
 * Scrapping for materials for research and maintenance.
 * Research for optimal bunker operations. (Scribe Authority)
 * Mining for resources needed for optimal efficiency.
 * Botany for medical supplies required for optimal bunker defense and external operations. (Scribe Authority)
 * Note: If no scribes are active other castes may see to scribe authority duties.
 * Both castes should see to basic defenses or precautions to prepare the bunker to dispatch external operations and to protect itself if required.
 * The Warrior Caste should see to scouting the local region; including garrisons of other forces in the region.
 * The Scribe Caste should see to acquiring more advanced technologies.
 * Both castes should coordinate operations regarding technological acquisition; be it through trade, scavenging, recovery or - if required - hostile action.
 * Both castes hold the right to handle trade at the Brotherhood’s bunker. Be it topside at the doors or, if permitted by Paladins, in the field.
 * Trade should remain in line with the following regulations: No advanced weaponry (lasers / plasma) should be sold nor its ammo, no power armor - restored or working - should be sold under any circumstances, upgrades equal to the Brotherhood’s should not be sold (Femto-manips, quantum tech, etc). The only exemptions to this is in the case of Civilian-market technology. (I.e - Excavator armor, Wattz-1ks, AEP-7s, etc.)
 * Laser and plasma weaponry should be prioritized for purchase alongside power armors; broken or working.
 * Upgrades below that of what the Brotherhood has, and any circuit boards short of protolathes or smoke machines, may be sold at one's own discretion.
 * The Brother or Sister who first made contact and began the trade of technology has authority in how the trade is conducted, unless they hand over control to another. They may be asked to step back from the trade by a direct superior of their caste if the said superior believes that they have failed to carry out the trade properly or conduct themselves appropriately.
 * The ranking Knight or Paladin on-duty or present at the time may intervene in a trade regardless of caste if, and only if, they believe that there is an immediate risk to either the bunker’s security or the operational security of a Lance pursuing its duties on the surface.

Preface - Offense & Punishmen
This section acts as a preface and explanation of what an offense within the chapter is and what punishments are deemed fitting, fair or otherwise.

=
A. Any and all demotions must be done by the head of the caste or, in the Warrior caste’s case, the Head Knight or Senior Paladin. To demote a head of caste themselves an Elder must directly do so. One of a different caste may not demote one of another caste. As such a Head Paladin may not demote a scribe or vice versa. =====


 * 1) The Knight Captain may demote or promote members of the Knights, such as from Jr Knight to full Knight. They may not promote Senior Knights into Paladincy.
 * 2) The Senior Paladin may demote Jr Paladins and Paladins, controlling in part who is part of the caste. They also can promote Senior Knights into the Paladin caste; but require either Head Paladin approval or at least two vouches from Paladins. Similarly to demote a Jr Paladin out of the caste they require a Head Paladin’s approval or at least two suggestions of demotion from relevant Paladins and an offense committed that would warrant such a demotion.
 * 3) The Head Paladin is to review any promotions or demotions to and from the Paladin caste. They may actively overrule any demotions or promotions within the Warrior caste if deemed necessary. Unlike that of Senior Paladins, Head Paladins may see to knight promotions/demotions as well.
 * 4) The Head Paladin may approve exemptions from the typical promotion structure. Such as a Knight being promoted to Paladincy. These are rare occurrences but at times validated by need. The superior of the member should be interviewed alongside two Paladins vouching for such an exemption.
 * 5) A Head Paladin may be removed from their post by a 2/3rds vote between a Head Knight, Senior Paladin and Head Scribe. If the vote passes with the minimum 2/3rds vote, a review by Elders will be required. If the vote is passed unanimously the vote may go without review unless a proper case is presented. Voting to demote this way, and not through criminal indictment, implies a demotion without a formal charge. The Head Paladin, if voted to be unable to perform to the standard of their post, is to be rendered off-duty for the duration of the shift.

=
B. The term ‘NJP’ (Non-Judicial Punishment) refers to punishments that may be recorded in official documents but cannot be used in conjunction with official punishments. For example, if an NJP is issued it may not be held against the offender at a later date. Repeat offenses should be treated with brig time, NJPs do not count towards ‘legal’ recognition of repeat offenses. All offenses to be recognized for punishments such as repeat offense demotions must result in brig time first. =====


 * 1) A Non-Judicial Punishment may be refused by the offender. If the offender refuses an NJP, one must proceed to a judicial punishment, such as brig time, or drop the charge levied against the offender.
 * 2) A Non-Judicial Punishment may not be degrading, humiliating or unreasonable in nature. For example, one may not mandate nudity, the expression of humiliating statements and/or use physical force in any NJP.

Examples of proper NJPs are:


 * Bunker cleaning duties
 * Cooking duties
 * Organization/Storage duties
 * Training duties
 * Initiate training duties
 * Docking of RnR time
 * Repayment through labor, monetary or sentimental means in cases of damaged / stolen property.

NJPs are to be tedious or ‘unpleasant’, but not to degrade, humiliate or lead to the besmirchmentof one’s name.


 * Summary of Offenses

This section will be dedicated to summarizing the Codex’s offenses, it should not need to be stated to our chapter members why as that can be found within the Codex itself.

The following are PROHIBITED with only some exemptions.


 * Human Experimentation
 * Cadavers may be used in certain experiments at the approval of a Head Scribe such as anatomy or basic, safe experiments - use reasoning.
 * Usage of MMIs (Machine-Man Interfaces) are strictly prohibited. Human brains may never be put into one to restore one's consciousness. Animal brains may be used but only at the Head Scribe’s discretion.
 * Usage of so-called “Chems” or Drugs in non-medicinal manners.
 * The following chems may not be used in any circumstances nor prescribed: Turbo, Jet, Psycho, Buffout, Hydra, Methamphetamines
 * The following chems may only be used if prescribed for a medicinal purpose or used by a Scribe in surgery and/or treatment: Med-X / Morphine (Painkiller, surgery sedative), Mentats (Medicinal, surgery alternative), Marijuana (Medicinal, treatment)
 * The following are not restricted in usage: Cateye, Healing Powder, Morning Poultice
 * Intimate Outsider Relationships or Intimate Relationships formed by Fear
 * Intimate meaning romantic, sexual, or in any way done for self gratification.
 * Relationships with outsiders of the chapter is strictly prohibited. Any intimate or romantic relationships formed before one's entry to the chapter are dropped when entering the chapter.
 * Relationships that use one's rank, title, any form of coercion or force are strictly prohibited. This is considered typically an exileable or executable offense depending on the severity. See Gross Sexual Misconduct.
 * Usage of Chemical Weapons that cause Inhumane Suffering
 * Examples of banned chemicals include morphine (if not used medicinally), acid trchoral (if used on people) and all other heavily lethal chemicals that cause suffering, asphyxiation, leaves one unrecognizable, or otherwise causes death through inhumane means such as the use of cyanide or acidic gases.
 * An exemption to chemical weapons is the usage of non-lethal alternatives such as pepper spray, smoke containing temporary agents that leave the system with minimal harm done, or other similar agents.
 * Sedatives may be used in moderation but only upon prisoners, unruly offenders and in medicinal needs. Death or suffering that occurs due to this is punishable.
 * Undermining of Chapter Integrity
 * To commit acts of gross insubordination, to defame the chapter or other means such as collaboration with hostile forces fall under this.
 * Mutants and ghouls similarly can be worked with if reasonable, such as through trade or other agreements, as not all are considered hostile. The codex does specify to ‘avoid placing trust in them’, as such chapter members should proceed with dealing with these mutants with caution at all times.
 * Interaction with known Exiles
 * Exiles from the chapter fall into two categories: Self-Exiles and Offender Exiles.
 * Self-Exiles are Ex-chapter members who, for one reason or another, wished to leave the Brotherhood of Steel on their own volition. As such all self exiled are to be treated as a normal waster. No punishment of interaction is given to these brothers who have blinded themselves but they should not be treated any differently from an outsider. They are not shunned but should not be treated as allies. They have decided to blind themselves so they must be treated as the other blind wastelanders.

Offender Exiles are those who have committed a severe violation of our bunker’s regulations and are therefore shunned. One may not help, interact, or otherwise trade with these people. They may be negotiated with in terms of tech acquisition but sevre caution is suggested. Any unreasonable aid offered to offender exiles counts as Treason.

Minor Offenses
Minor offenses, in general, refers to relatively minor infractions or to borderline civil matters that require authority arbitration.

A superior may choose between an official punishment, such as brig time, or an ‘unofficial’ or ‘non-judicial’ punishment (NJP) as punishment for minor infractions.

Moderate Offenses
Moderate offenses are offenses that, unlike most minor offenses, directly break the teachings of the codex. While not being capital these offenses show a lack of understanding of our Codex and what it means to be bound by steel.

The offender may be subjected to demotion, at the discretion of their caste’s head/superior, or to brig time. Cases of demotion and brig time may occur in unison but it is typically not suggested except in the case of a repeat offense or if multiple offenses are committed.

Major Offenses
Major offenses are offenses that go against the very mission statement and mindset of the Brotherhood of Steel. Those who commit such acts endanger our chapter, our goals and our way of life.

The offender must be brigged and held till either a demotion and punishment is issued either by the caste’s head, or - in cases of exile or execution is slotted as the punishment, by tribunal or elder mediation.

Field Offenses
Field offenses are not unique offenses but rather a subcategory of ones typically deemed to be of detriment to the chapter while on the field. Field offenses are offenses that endanger the chapter’s mission on the field. Thus offenses outside the bunkers confines are considered serious; and may net serious consequences. Such as immediate detainment and arrest or summary execution.

The following are labeled as field offenses:


 * Gross insubordination
 * Clear and purposeful ignorance of orders given at the detriment of the operation.
 * Endangerment of the Chapter
 * To act in such a way that puts one’s life purposefully at risk or to through such an action endanger the lives of others in the chapter.
 * Treason
 * To conspire, engage with and/or otherwise aid those hostile to the Brotherhood of Steel or its goals.

If any of the listed offenses occurs, the offender should be ordered to stand down and be arrested immediately. If the offender does not stand down, lethal force can be used if the following steps are followed and not heeded by the offender:


 * 1) The offender should be ordered clearly to stand down at least twice. If the behavior continues or the order is rejected in either time asking, proceed.
 * 2) The offender shall be warned either in the previous statements or another that failure to comply will result in lethal force. If met with non-compliance, resistance or threats, proceed.
 * 3) A clear order should be given to all personnel that the offender is non-compliant and that lethal force is authorized to subdue them. Proceed to use lethal force.
 * 4) If deemed necessary or unavoidable, the offender may be executed on the spot if they in any way resist, return fire or run from the legal order.
 * 5) * The body must be returned to the bunker with its gear if an execution occurs.
 * 6) * A report from the personnel who authorized the use of lethal force must be submitted along with all names of involved or witness parties.
 * 7) * Failure to follow ANY of the aforementioned steps will be considered as murder of a Chapter member as well as an abuse of power; netting extremely sevre consequences.