The Enclave and FEV: Separating Fact from Fallout Fiction
No, the Enclave did not create the Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV). The FEV was created by West Tek’s NBC Division before the Great War, commissioned by the U.S. government. While the Enclave utilized and experimented with FEV, even creating their own modified strain, the original virus predates their existence as an organization.
The Origins of FEV: A Pre-War Project
The story of FEV begins long before the bombs fell. Facing the rising threat of biological warfare, the U.S. government sought a method of defense, contracting with West Tek, a leading research and development corporation. The aim was to create a countermeasure, a way to protect soldiers and the populace from potential bio-weapons. This led to the development of the FEV, originally envisioned as a cure against various diseases. However, its potential for genetic modification was quickly realized, shifting the project’s focus towards creating super soldiers. This research ultimately led to the Mariposa Military Base experimentation, and eventually, the release of FEV into the atmosphere after the bombs fell.
The Enclave’s Involvement: Experimentation and Modification
While not the creators, the Enclave played a significant role in FEV’s post-war story. They sought to exploit its potential, often with morally questionable objectives. Specifically, the Enclave’s interests were in eradicating mutated populations.
- Modified FEV Strain: The Enclave, operating out of Raven Rock in Fallout 3, developed a modified strain of FEV. This variant was designed to target and eliminate super mutants and ghouls, recognizing that these groups often proved to be a nuisance to them. It was engineered to trigger a fatal reaction in individuals with significant mutation.
- Gen 2 Super Mutants: The Enclave, after gaining access to the Mariposa ruins, utilized slaves that were taken from nearby settlements to excavate the area. The FEV they encountered caused these slaves to transform into super mutants, however they lost much of their intelligence as a result of higher radiation exposure.
- Testing and Deployment: The Enclave leadership considered the virus as a tool to “purify” America by eliminating all mutated humans and leaving only “pure” humans behind to repopulate.
FEV’s Broader Impact on the Fallout Universe
The FEV virus is responsible for a large portion of the mutated life forms that populate the Fallout world. From super mutants to deathclaws, the virus altered DNA and created the monstrous landscape of the wasteland. Learning about the FEV and the science behind it can be an exciting way for students to connect with science. The Games Learning Society can offer more insight on how video games can impact education! You can also visit GamesLearningSociety.org to find more resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who actually invented the FEV virus?
West Tek’s NBC Division, under contract by the U.S. government, is credited with the creation of the Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV).
2. What was the original purpose of the FEV?
The FEV was initially created to protect against biological warfare agents. Its potential as a tool for genetic modification quickly led to research into its potential use for creating super soldiers.
3. Did the Enclave create super mutants?
The Enclave was responsible for a particular group of Super Mutants called Gen 2 Super Mutants, also called Enclave Super Mutants or Dumb Dumbs.
4. Is FEV contagious in Fallout?
Yes, FEV is a virus and it is contagious. It is described as a “shifting-absorptive virus” that copies DNA patterns and re-injects them into host cells in a typical viral fashion.
5. Were Deathclaws created using FEV?
Deathclaws were refined by the Master through genetic manipulation and the FEV virus.
6. Who created the Deathclaws?
The U.S. military originally developed Deathclaws before the Great War. They were intended to replace human soldiers in close-quarters combat situations.
7. Why are Nightkin blue?
The blue skin of Nightkin is a result of prolonged exposure to Stealth Boys, not directly from the FEV itself.
8. How did FEV spread to the East Coast?
FEV was distributed to various research locations before the war, eventually leading to the emergence of super mutant populations on the East Coast.
9. Why are there no female super mutants?
There are no male or female super mutants. Super mutants are sterile, and the transformation process eliminates primary and secondary sexual characteristics.
10. Why are super mutants sterile?
The FEV virus rewrites the genetic code, removing both primary and secondary sexual characteristics, resulting in sterility.
11. What is the largest type of super mutant in Fallout?
The Behemoth is the largest super mutant variant, primarily found in Fallout 76.
12. What exactly does the FEV virus do?
FEV modifies the genetic structure of living organisms, causing significant physical and mental changes. It was intended as a cure for diseases, however, when the full potential of the virus was realized, the project was moved to the study of super soldiers.
13. How did Vault 87 acquire FEV?
Super mutants from Vault 87 kidnap humans from the Capital Wasteland and bring them to the vault to be mutated. They have been doing so for nearly 200 years until their source of FEV started to run out.
14. Did the Institute create super mutants in Fallout 4?
Yes, the Institute conducted research on FEV and created super mutants in the Commonwealth.
15. Why do Nightkin use Stealth Boys?
Nightkin use Stealth Boys for the effects of being stealthy and difficult to detect. Huge and strong = good. Huge and strong and invisible = super good.