The Gunners are a paramilitary mercenary organization and are the largest single unaligned faction in the Commonwealth, acting independently of any government or settlement. They are well-disciplined, highly-equipped soldiers for hire with their own customs and signage, who control numerous strongholds both in and around the Boston area. The Gunners are lead by Captain Wes, with their headquarters being Gunners Plaza. The origins of the Gunners and their recruitment techniques are largely unknown although it is known they employ from raiders, who upon joining, may have difficulty adjusting to the strict environment and regimentation of being a Gunner, the only known example being Tessa. Based on patterns of speech and terminal entries, the Gunners place great emphasis on loyalty and do not tolerate insubordination. Many Gunners also get their blood types tattooed onto their foreheads by their medics, as this is both a practical measure and a rite of passage. Desertion from the Gunners is not unknown, examples being Private Tyler and MacCready.
Similar to raiders and the Capital Wasteland's Talon Company, most Gunners will attack strangers on sight. They differ from raiders in their lack of drug dependency, extensive use of superior equipment such as laser or plasma-based weaponry, higher tier combat armor, assaultrons, sentry bots, Mister Gutsies and their commanders are even known to make use of power armor. The Gunners possess functional Vertibirds, which permits them to employ vertical envelopment and air assault tactics, transporting two to four man strike teams with one or two attack dogs. The player character can even find Gunners trying to steal Vertibirds from other factions.
Gunners can typically be found on the ruined overpasses throughout the Commonwealth. This gives them elevated firing positions, unhindered movement throughout most of the Commonwealth and safety from the dangers down below.
The lowest of the Gunners, the generic Gunner is generally pretty weak when compared with their counterparts. Armed with low-mid level weapons like 10mm pistols and laser rifles, these enemies aren’t much stronger than a typical raider.
Those who were conscripted into fighting for the Gunners. They are slightly better equipped and stronger than their basic counterparts. Gunner Conscripts lack the facial blood-type tattoos of the other Gunner variants.
Gunner corporals are a stronger variant of the low-ranking Gunners. They are usually seen in groups of other Gunners, mainly with other rank-and-file Gunners. While armed with automatic 10mm pistols, laser and plasma rifles, these Gunners shouldn't be taken on at a low level.
Gunner sergeants will generally be found in the company of privates and conscripts, at moderate levels. They are equipped with mostly energy weapons,(plasma and laser) combat armor chest piece and at least one other combat armor piece. Can be found with power fists or rippers.
Armored head to toe, these enemies usually act as the final engagement for areas under Gunner control. Not only strong, these opponents rarely go anywhere without at least several strong gunner sub-types besides them. Found inside the HalluciGen, Inc. building and other gunner strongholds. They will be at least level 38 and can often be found in T-45A power armor without the helmet.
While not in the top echelons of the Gunners, these mercenaries sport heavier armor and attack with melee weapons and plasma weapons. They sometimes work alongside Gunner assaultrons and act as aids for officers above them.
These Gunners are high ranking and appear to be able to run large operations and/or run the Gunner faction (example Captain Wes). Often adorned in sturdy or heavy armor, they usually carry laser/plasma or heavy ballistic weapons (such as assault rifles).
The Gunner major is a high level Gunner that usually carries an automatic plasma rifle or laser pistol coupled with plasma grenades. Only named one is found in the Museum of Witchcraft
Extremely high ranking, utilizes Stealth Boys, carries plasma and laser rifles/pistols or modded combat and assault rifles and a full set of combat armor (with or without the helmet). Only named variant is Colonel Cypress.
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Strongest of the Gunners. They begin spawning at level 94. Uses a Stealth Boy when combat is initiated. They wear highly modified heavy combat armor and wield powerful modifications of laser and plasma weapons.
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Gunners, in some areas, will not openly fire on the Sole Survivor, though will appear hostile on the radar - instead they will warn them to back off, if the Survivor ignores them and approaches then they will become hostile and attack.
Gunners will occasionally attack settlements owned by the Sole Survivor.
Two non-hostile Gunner mercenaries can be found protecting the trader Dreth.
The Gunners' ranking structure is never clarified, as there is a Gunner major (A rank traditionally higher than captain) in the Museum of Witchcraft leading a small squad of Gunners, while Captain Wes appears to run the entire southeastern portion of Gunner territory. In addition, Gunners of a higher rank than the CO of a base can be found, amassed, at that base.
Gunner brigadiers can spawn at levels lower than 94 if one uses Wasteland Workshop cages for Gunners.
The blood type tattoos are possibly a reference to the Schutzstaffel of Nazi Germany, who also had blood type tattoos on the underside of the left arm.
In combat they will occasionally shout "get some!" This is possibly a reference to the helicopter gunner scene from the 1987 war drama, Full Metal Jacket.
With the Ambush Kit, the Gunners will use Vertibirds from wave #5 onwards. If the player character manages to kill the pilots and is close enough to listen to them, they will be using Brotherhood vertibird pilot dialogue.[verification needed][platforms tag needed]
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