The Punishers emerged during the early collapse of surface settlements, shortly after the first major ARC incursions. While most survivors fled underground, a small group refused to abandon the Topside. They were originally a loose band of scavengers, ex-military deserters, and civilians who lost everything to ARC machines. What unified them wasn’t hope, it was vengeance. Their goal is simple, defeat the ARC and punish those who betrayed their fellow Raiders.