The Institute Commonwealth Faction Bases

Description

The Institute, a secretive scientific society nestled in the Commonwealth, has a rich and intricate history, shaping its present and future endeavors.

Background / History

The Institute traces its origins back to the Commonwealth Institute of Technology (C.I.T.), which existed before the Great War. When the bombs fell, survivors sought refuge underground within the C.I.T. ruins, eventually founding what would become the Institute. Over time, they expanded their underground facilities and developed revolutionary technologies, notably including teleportation and synthetic humans.

The Institute’s relationship with the outside world has been fraught with tension. Initially attempting to cooperate with the Commonwealth, their isolationist tendencies grew due to mutual mistrust and internal conflicts. Incidents like the Broken Mask Incident and the Massacre of the CPG further soured their reputation among surface dwellers.

The Institute operates under a directorate system, with individual heads of divisions overseeing various aspects of its operations. The divisions, including Advanced Systems, BioScience, Robotics, Synth Retention Bureau, and Facilities, function relatively autonomously but come together under the director’s leadership to set policy and resolve disputes.

Each division specializes in crucial areas, such as advanced physics, biotechnology, facilities management, synth manufacturing, and synth retrieval. Despite their autonomy, divisions often operate in silos, with information compartmentalized to a significant degree.

Society

Founded by descendants of Commonwealth Institute of Technology members, the Institute embodies generations of devotion to technological advancement. However, their society reflects isolation, elitism, and moral ambiguity. Despite claiming benevolent intentions, Institute members justify their actions, including resource scavenging and synth retrieval, as necessary for technological advancement.

Scientists within the Institute are highly intelligent and motivated but often lack social skills and empathy, having spent generations in isolation. They maintain a productive yet pushy demeanor, especially towards Gen 1 and Gen 2 synths performing menial labor. However, outsiders who align with Institute values, like Dr. Madison Li, are welcomed.

Notes

Outside Relations:
The Institute views threats to its secrecy, autonomy, and technology with apprehension. It employs infiltration, subterfuge, and sabotage to address perceived threats, preferring to avoid direct confrontation. Major adversaries include the Brotherhood of Steel and the Railroad, both of which oppose Institute activities.

Military:
While primarily a scientific institution, the Institute boasts a formidable military force composed of synths. Synths, particularly Coursers, are highly capable operatives deployed for combat, reconnaissance, and retrieval missions. The Synth Retention Bureau oversees synth retrieval efforts and maintains a network of informants and surveillance devices.

Technology:
The Institute stands at the forefront of technological innovation in the wasteland. Their achievements include synthetic entities, teleportation, advanced weaponry, armor, and genetically modified crops. They leverage pre-War technology, such as the C.I.T. Code Defender, and continue to advance their capabilities, seeking energy independence through the revitalization of a nuclear reactor.