The Origin of the FEV Virus

The Enclave did not create the FEV virus, as it was originally synthesized and used by Dr. Weston Lesko in the Capital Wasteland for genetic manipulation experiments. The FEV virus has been used by various organizations, including the Enclave, for their own agendas, such as creating super mutants and Deathclaws, highlighting the Enclave’s involvement in biological experiments and genetic engineering.

Understanding the FEV Virus

To delve deeper into the world of the FEV virus, let’s explore some frequently asked questions that provide insight into its creation, purpose, and impact on the Fallout universe.

FAQs About the FEV Virus and the Enclave

1. Who created the FEV virus? The FEV virus was synthesized and used by Dr. Weston Lesko in the Capital Wasteland around 2277.
2. Did the Enclave make super mutants? The Enclave never exposed people to FEV to make super mutants deliberately; the second-generation super mutants resulted from accidental exposure to FEV vapors.
3. Should I put the FEV virus in the purifier? If the player chooses to contaminate the purifier with the modified FEV, it becomes completely lethal, confirming President Eden’s statement.
4. What did the Enclave do in Fallout 3? The Enclave, as the main antagonists, fought against the Brotherhood of Steel for control of the former capital, using their power to kill mutated inhabitants and take territory by force.
5. Did the Enclave create Deathclaws? The Enclave developed intelligent Deathclaws for combat before the war, and some escaped, becoming intelligent enough to develop a culture.
6. Why do people hate the Enclave? The Enclave’s plan to release a biological agent to kill all mutated living things made them hated, as they sought to eliminate anyone not part of their group.
7. Did Colonel Autumn survive? Colonel Autumn survived by injecting himself with a special anti-radiation vaccine at the last second.
8. What happens if you put FEV in the water? The water, Aqua Pura, becomes infected, causing -2 STR and -1 INT if consumed.
9. What happens if I insert the modified FEV virus? Inserting the FEV changes the ending cinematic and affects Aqua Pura consumption and karma in Broken Steel.
10. Why was Frank Horrigan allowed in the Enclave? The Enclave does not suffer “muties,” considering anyone outside their group as lower life forms to be purged.
11. Does the Enclave hate ghouls? Yes, the Enclave hates ghouls and super mutants, using professional killers, high-tech weaponry, and power armor to achieve their goals.
12. Why are super mutants sterile? Super Mutants are sterile because the FEV renders their gametes infertile in its attempt to “repair” damaged DNA.
13. How long do super mutants live? Super Mutants have an increased lifespan, living up to 90 years or more, with some like Marcus living over 120 years.
14. How does FEV work? The FEV is a shifting-absorptive megavirus that copies and reinserts the host’s DNA, providing constant DNA repair and effective immortality.
15. Can super mutants reproduce? Super Mutants do not reproduce; instead, they capture humans and expose them to FEV to create more super mutants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Enclave did not create the FEV virus, but they have used it for their agendas, including biological experiments and genetic engineering. Understanding the FEV virus and its role in the Fallout universe provides insight into the complexities of the series and the motivations of factions like the Enclave.