The Commonwealth has changed in the two years since the downfall of the Institute. The Sole Survivor had changed the game. The once timid and small Minutemen had grown in size and influence under the new General. Things were still harsh. Raiders still raided, super mutants still hunted in packs and ghouls still sprout out of nowhere. However, the Minutemen were quick to dispatch aid where needed at a moment’s notice. There was hope in the air. 

The sole survivor did what he thought was best for the Commonwealth. He saw, the Minutemen as the one reasonable option for the future. The Brotherhood were outsiders that in effect had invaded the area. The Railroad only cared for synths and they could care less for the plight of humans. The Institute had fostered fear and intimidated the populace. They kidnapped people and replaced them with identical synths that would do their bidding. 

However, in order to prevent the Minutemen from going into direct conflict with the Brotherhood, he used the Railroad to bring down The Prydwen. The Railroad wanted the BOS gone as they would hunt down synths and eliminate them. The Sole survivor infiltrated The Prydwen disguised with Railroad agents and planted bombs that brought the dirigible down, along with a large number of BOS personnel. While the agents were installing the bombs, the sole survivor planted evidence that could be later found implicating The Railroad in the attack.

The Minutemen were apprehensive of this plan, but they along with the Sole survivor shared the view in regards to the BOS. However, it was either this plan or going on a full offensive with the BOS and losing many of their men. When The Prydwen fell, the Minutemen immediately dispatched aid and men to help survivors. In the midst of the confusion, the BOS bought the ruse and they blamed the Railroad. The survivors launched an attack on the Railroad, and they were scattered. Most of their leadership was killed. As far as most people were concerned, the surviving BOS retreated from the area. 

With the BOS and Railroad handled, the Minutemen could now focus on the Institute. The Sole survivor faced a daunting choice after all; his own son led the Institute. However, he felt that he had been corrupted and abused his position. However, even when faced with the daunting task of bringing down the Institute, he issued an evacuation order and delayed the destruction of the Institute to allow them time to escape. 

Now it would be up to the Minutemen to bring about a change to The Commonwealth. Perhaps once again the prospect of a unified government would take hold.

However, to the regular folk, all of that seems distant. You’re focused mostly on survival and settling somewhere safe. While wandering the Commonwealth, you come across the old town of Salem. You head there to take refuge due to the Children of Atom activity being reported south of the area. They have settled an old crater, and control the old lighthouse.

When you arrive, you expect to find the town in ruins, but surprisingly, there are settlers. You’re greeted by a man called Barney Rook. He introduces himself as the leader of the Salem Volunteer Militia and current de facto mayor of the settlement. He informs you that all ae welcomed as long as hostilities are dealt with out of town.