Pillars of the Community

Pillars of the Community is a faction based in the Charles View Amphitheater in The Commonwealth.

Background
The Pillars of the Community are a new cult-like movement based in the Charles View Amphitheater. Its leader (whose name varies between platforms) claims to have discovered a path back to the prosperity of a prewar Commonwealth, and has even managed to gather a small flock of followers. Members must detach themselves from material possessions, which means giving everything they own to the leader. When challenged in private, the leader is open about the cynical scam he is pulling.

The Pillars of the Community aren't initially hostile, but they're easily provoked.

Interactions with the player character
Upon approach, Brother Thomas will initiate the Sole Survivor in dialogue. Whether you accept to join or not, at the end of his dialogue he will ask you to follow him to his office. In his office, Brother James will tell you to give him all of your belongings, to which you can either give them to him, or opt not to.

On non-compliance, Brother Thomas will drop the act and inform the player that their belongings can either be given voluntarily or be taken by force. Choosing not to will result in being attacked by the group, or threatening James through a red speech challenge will allow the Sole Survivor to leave peacefully.

If you agree to hand over all your possessions, Brother Thomas will take every item from your inventory (excluding companions) and store them indefinitely in his. At this point, you are free to go, but the only way to retrieve your items is to pickpocket or kill him.

Emogene Takes a Lover
The Pillars of the Community are part of the quest Emogene Takes a Lover. You are told by Magnolia at The Third Rail that Emogene Cabot has gone to join the Pillars. If you have killed Brother James, you will have a chance to threaten Brother Thomas by mentioning that you killed the last leader. You can completely avoid this confrontation by picking the lock to Emogene's room.

You can also complete this quest simply by having a high Charisma and convincing Brother Thomas to avoid any violence.

Appearances
Pillars of the Community appears only in Fallout 4.