Aegis Accord

The Aegis Accord isn't just a militia; it's a movement. A direct answer to the Cerberus Pact's oppressive rule, they sabotage the organization's operations outside of Detroit to protect independent communities. They operate both openly and covertly, making them the most pressing threat to the Cerberus Pact's control over the Midwestern wastelands. The Aegis Accord isn't just made up of fighters, but doctors, engineers, scientists, and diplomats as well. Their growing influence isn't without its own set of problems, though.
Internal conflict has broken out over differences in the ideas of justice and governance. Justice isn't always fair and sometimes takes a brutal form that risks mirroring the cruelty they're fighting against. While most members have a personal stake in the fight against the Cerberus Pact, others joined the group seeking personal gain. The Aegis Accord rejects the idea of being rulers, but their increasing power has made them de facto law enforcers regardless of their intentions. With such high expectations placed on them, every decision they make can have unintended consequences.

Structure

The Aegis Accord is an active presence across the Midwestern wastelands and presents a constant threat to the Cerberus Pact's daily operations. While they fight against larger threats, they also serve as mediators between smaller factions to prevent unnecessary conflict. Cerberus Pact outposts and supply lines outside of Detroit's walls are prime targets for Aegis. They attack their infrastructure and intercept supplies to undermine the Pact's influence outside of the city. Additionally, they run hidden clinics, repair stations, and trade routes to ensure that settlements have access to essential resources like medicine and food.
While they operate openly in most regions, the Aegis Accord has infiltrators working to dismantle the Cerberus Pact from the inside. Their headquarters remains in Redline, which has evolved from a scrappy town into a rebel stronghold filled with workshops, training grounds, and a marketplace where allied traders can contribute to the cause. Despite the Aegis' rapid growth, they maintain a semi-democratic command structure. Leadership is held just as accountable for their actions as lower-ranking members.
Cherry Butler is the heart of the organization. She leads from the frontlines, rallying soldiers and making key tactical decisions. Malik Frazier is the mind behind the Aegis' operations. She manages logistics, intelligence, and long-term planning. The Aegis Accord isn't just made up of fighters; they have several specialized teams, including frontline units, saboteurs, medics, engineers, scientists, and diplomats. Everyone has an important role to play in the group.

Culture

Unlike the Cerberus Pact, the Aegis Accord believes in restoring autonomy to the people of the wasteland. They seek justice for the oppressed and cut down those who exploit others for personal gain. They work to ensure that independent settlements can reach a certain level of self-sufficiency and are able to defend themselves in emergencies. Education is another vital aspect of society, and the Aegis aims to make knowledge accessible to the masses. They frequently train medical professionals, engineers, and scientists alongside their fighters.
Despite their good nature, the Aegis Accord aren't always seen as heroes. Their stance against the Cerberus Pact has led to collateral damage on a number of occasions. Civilians who relied on the Pact's supply lines are harmed and left to fend for themselves. On rare instances, a settlement resents their presence, fearing that it'll bring the Pact's wrath down upon those around them. Rules are made to be broken, and the Aegis Accord, despite having its own code, doesn't always play fair. They're not above cutting deals with morally ambiguous factions if it grants them more resources for their people.
While the Aegis Accord aims to empower locals rather than rule them, they walk a fine line between being liberators and enforcers themselves. In recent years, the group has suffered from internal conflicts due to differing perspectives and goals. Some members have no objections towards the Aegis' increased inclination for morally gray decisions; others worry that allowing such behavior is a slippery slope. Public opinion on them is generally favorable.

Public Agenda

The Aegis Accord is publicly presented as protectors of the people and truth seekers. They're outspoken critics of oppressive factions such as the Cerberus Pact and are willing to confront them directly for the sake of freedom. They believe in restoring order to the wasteland, but in a way that allows people to retain their autonomy. They seek to unify independent communities to build a stronger front against those wishing to harm and exploit the weak. They fight for a better future so that no one else has to.
The Aegis Accord provides what they can to those in need while helping communities achieve self-sufficiency. The Aegis Accord doesn't see themselves as rulers, but their growing influence in the Midwest means that they're becoming the law, even if they don't admit it. Unfortunately, not all members of the Aegis are in it for the right reasons. Mostly everyone in the group has a personal stake in the fight against the Cerberus Pact, but some members are in it for the fame and benefits it comes with.
Not all of their intentions are selfless. Justice isn't always dealt with fairly; sometimes it's swift and brutal. The differences of opinion on what's truly "justice" have caused internal conflict and instability within the group. These conflicts have given the Cerberus Pact plenty of information to twist in their favor. They push that the Aegis Accord's idea of justice is another form of tyranny. They question the rapid growth of the group despite their claims that they don't want power. In the eyes of a propaganda machine, the Aegis Accord are self-righteous, violent anarchists who only protect those who agree with them.

History

Originally a small mercenary company, the Aegis Accord was founded by Cherry Butler and Malik Frazier in the year 2070. Cherry was a seasoned militia fighter from the western United States. After losing her wife to violence, she moved east to live a quiet life away from battle. Lawlessness and corruption were rampant throughout the country, though, and Cherry couldn't stand by idly while criminals and self-proclaimed rulers abused those they deemed inferior. She met Malik Frazier, a former military strategist turned bounty hunter, in the town of Redline just outside of Detroit's walls.
They were disillusioned with the region's power struggles and bonded over a shared vision: a world where the strong didn't trample the weak. They gathered a group of like-minded individuals and gained a reputation for taking on contracts that benefited the greater good. Their efforts caught the attention of the Cerberus Pact, who launched a smear campaign against them and other vigilante groups, painting them all as violent anarchists. As more people sought refuge under their flag, the Aegis Accord transformed from a band of freedom fighters to a full-blown military force capable of standing against the Cerberus Pact.

"A spark is all it takes."

Founding Date

2070

Type

Illicit, Rebel

Alternative Names

Shieldborn
Aegean Guard

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Veteran

Demonym

Aegians
Sentinels