I've liked the sound of this faction ever since I first read about them - a group who don't bother scrapping over power or territory, but try to make a difference for the people and prevent war happening again. I'd like to know more about them if possible, for example:

(1.). What would their tag skills be? Science and Medicine naturally, but presumably then Survival, Repair or anything else? Speech, Barter, Sneak?
(2.). Would people say they are complete pacifists (i.e. do not use violence at all) or more non-aggressive (so violence in self defence or to defend others)?
(3.). If Caesar was a member, and later used his combat skills to found the Legion, where did he learn these - was it from the FotA?
(4.). Any other things to consider if making a FotA character - perks, traits etc?

Yea, I also think they are a really cool faction and I was even offered to join them!

1. I think Survival, Repair, Barter and definitely Speech (in addition to Science and Medicine)
2. I think they would first try and talk about a situation, try to handle it peacefully. However, I'm sure they would defend themselves and not just sit by while someone shoots at them lol
3. Based on the Wiki http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/Caesar was a scribe for the Followers. I guess he learned his warfare tactics from old history books.
4. Hmm, there are so many perks, I don't remember them all. LOL Animal friend might be one to consider.

1) Medicine, Science and Unarmed
2) I think they aren't completely againist violence if it's used on them, surely they'd defend themselves - They have armed guards at all their bases.
3) Caesar; "I showed them total warfare. Like I said, there's a lot you can learn from old books." So yeah he learned them from books, Caesar himself though isn't that great a fighter as much as he is a leader.
4) Wear glasses all day everyday because it makes you smarter, and dawn a mohawk so people know you ain't a complete geek

Thanks for the replies, I'm considering attempting a playthrough with no killing people. Is this viable - I assume I'll be using boxing gloves/ tape for constant KOs, then running away before they wake up?

Viable? Yes. Filled with options? No. Your best bet are those two as bean bag rounds for shotguns aren't common/not a ton sold. Lonesome Road has stun grenades but unsure if you can get more than the handful found.

Also pretty much. Be aware that along with fatigue damage you also inflict health damage so careful.

Speech will also obviously be important to avoid fights from bad speech choices/talk people down.

Some people take companions to kill for them.

So it depends if you plan just to be non-lethal yourself, or fully against death so a Pure No Kill Playthrough.

As for RPing a Follower. Long as you provide support to the people of the wasteland through giving knowledge, supplies needed, etc. everything is up to you.

Your personality need not be holier than thou. Actions (Sparing those who attack you) speak louder.

If you're set on not killing yourself I'd invest heavily in companions to do the work for you. As it was already mentioned in this thread, the FoA have armed guards in their places of operation. Arcade and Rex would be the obvious choices.

That said I don't think it's really necessary to *not* kill to roleplay a Follower. You'd probably just end up killing raiders such as the Fiends and the Powder Gangers and there's no real moral obstacle there. In fact, dispatching those kinds of groups would probably be quite in line with the Follower's views.

Mostly why I pointed out the companion/temp companion option.

Largely the issue is that the Followers frown on bloodshed and there's really no quests dealing with large corruption with the FotA and rather it's not as in tune with the NCR as they would want.

The only irony factor comes with Edward Sallow, aka Caesar. That knowledge in the wrong hands can be deadly and that FotA created themselves the antithesis to their values.

Still I'd say a fully pacifist route is the most challenging and rewarding.

Your choice.

But again OP, your personality doesn't have to be kind nor be a sissy. That's where individual uniqueness comes in. As long as you stay true to FotA values, such as providing to those in need or in bad condition, and make sure violence can be undermined your free in perimeters.

And doing that doesn't always mean "good" outfits like the NCR will like you i.e. Sparing the enemy, or helping them from cruelty.

Also note in the 4 MQ paths while self pacifism is supported there's no way to stop NPCs aiding you from killing the opposition.

Some people think pacifism and being a FotA means having the power to stop all deaths as well. Not possible.

Another option could be to svck up to Ranger Andy at Novac (only 30 Speech skill required) and abuse Ranger Takedown.

Not a bad idea. I always find it hit or miss too much for myself to do so. But then again I haven't done a full pacifist romp.

And Super Slam is just too much fun.

Think I'm going to try for the non killing approach, but will kill as a last resort. Animals and robots are fine, I won't go charging in but will kill them in self defence. It might mean a lot of running away, or heading to a place of safety and letting NPCs do the killing, but it'll be a nice challenge. I've not thought about this before, and when playing Fallout 3 it was never really an option - think it was the topic about showing mercy to enemies that made me start thinking about this.

Just started a FOTA rp and goin for one handed energy weapons with a high crit build for the compliance regulator.a critical hit from this will paralyze any target i think, cattle prod for melee KO`s and also flash bangs ,MF breeder Alpha and then pew pew for when i have to tear it up,also high speech to avoid bloodshed when possible.

It's not going badly so far, I've knocked out one person who tried to shoot me with boxing gloves then ran away, got attacked by 2 convicts so ran to the NCR camp for protection. One got killed by frag mines, the other I knocked out, then the NCR trooper shot him while unconscious. Oh and I stealth boyed my way to rescue Deputy Beagle.

Ever consider playing a pragmatic Follower like Arcade? He doesn't like it, but he understands that sometimes it must be done.

Followers are not pussies that WONT fight they just dont WANT to and try to avoid. They are peaceful and help everyone, and that i respect, anyone hating on the followers get to feel my wrath. Ask NCR they will tell u.

That's what I'll try to do, from what I know of the Followers they don't like to use violence as their goal is to avoid the mistakes of the past which led to war and find a peaceful way to resolve any disputes. So if there's no way around it I expect I'll have to kill someone.