Iron Rivers

The Iron Rivers are a group of nomadic tribals.

Background
The tribe traveled from the West for many years to reach the Great Circle. They followed the path of the "Great Roaring Machine", a pre-War train, because they believe it to be a sign of the Old World's return. Once part of a larger tribe in the West, they have long since split. The Iron Rivers are religious, believing in many tales such as the "Chain Walkers" and "Mad King Scorpion," in a similar vein to Native American folklore. However, the tribe has recently become a target for Caesar's Legion as potential slaves, who prey on these weak nomads and antagonize them occasionally.

Characteristics
The tribe charted the railways of the pre-War world. They collect and often use handcarts to make their way across the wilderness. When they travel, they usually form handcart caravans for mutual safety. They resist the Daughters of Hecate and have remained largely immune to the plagues that haunt other tribes who go against Hecate’s wishes. However, the Vipers never pass up an opportunity to butcher any Iron Lines they discover. The Iron Lines decorate their bodies with paintings of parallel lines. Although they are nomadic, their main headquarters is Circle Junction, a circular collection of railways that intersect and go in a number of different directions, located east and south of Denver.

Interactions with the player character
The Prisoner can help rejoin the Iron Rivers with their old tribe to gain bonus XP.

Appearances
The Iron Rivers were planned for inclusion in Van Buren, the canceled Fallout 3 game by Black Isle Studios.

Behind the scenes
J.E. Sawyer also refers to them as "Iron Lines" because of their body art and general association with the railroads.