Did the Enclave Create the FEV? Unraveling Fallout’s Viral Mystery

No, the Enclave did not create the Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV). The FEV was an artificial virus created by West Tek’s NBC Division before the Great War. However, the Enclave definitely utilized and modified the FEV for their own nefarious purposes, most notably in Fallout 3 where they developed a strain intended to eradicate super mutants and ghouls. Let’s delve into the complexities of the FEV and the Enclave’s involvement with it.

The Origins of FEV: West Tek’s Deadly Discovery

The Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV), at its core, was conceived as a pre-war experiment, a desperate attempt to create a biological defense against potential threats. West Tek, under contract by the U.S. government, was tasked with developing this supposed countermeasure. They envisioned it as a tool to protect against biological warfare, but the experiments rapidly evolved beyond its original purpose.

The true potential of the FEV – the ability to radically alter and enhance organisms – was soon recognized. This led to more ambitious and ethically dubious research, ultimately birthing the various strains of FEV seen throughout the Fallout universe. The most well-known effects of FEV exposure include significant increases in size, strength, and resilience, but at the cost of intellect and often leading to physical and mental instability.

The Enclave’s Twisted Experiments with FEV

While the Enclave didn’t invent the FEV, they became major players in its post-war manipulation. Unlike many groups who simply stumbled upon existing strains, the Enclave actively sought to weaponize it. Their goal was to “purify” the wasteland by eliminating those they deemed “mutated,” seeing themselves as the only true inheritors of America.

In Fallout 3, the Enclave developed a modified strain of the FEV specifically designed to target super mutants and ghouls. This modified FEV, when introduced into the water supply, would kill any individual with significant mutations. However, it was also discovered that it was not a targeted cure, and would kill humans that had even mild mutations. This highlights the Enclave’s ruthlessness and disregard for innocent lives, showcasing that their agenda supersedes all else.

The Enclave’s use of FEV underscores their fundamental ideology: a belief in genetic purity and the eradication of anyone who deviates from their perceived ideal. This makes them one of the most consistently antagonist factions in the Fallout universe. Exploring such narratives is a fascinating way to explore ethical dilemmas, which can be further explored through educational games and research supported by organizations like the Games Learning Society.

Other Factions and FEV: A Shared History of Exploitation

The Enclave weren’t alone in their fascination with the FEV. Other groups, such as the Master in Fallout 1, Vault-Tec, and the Institute in Fallout 4, also experimented with it. Each organization had its own motives, ranging from creating a unified super mutant army (the Master) to understanding the potential for human enhancement (the Institute).

Vault-Tec, as part of their grand social experiment, deliberately exposed the residents of Vault 87 to FEV, creating a new generation of super mutants. The Institute, in their pursuit of advanced synth technology, also used FEV in attempts to create more resilient and adaptable synths.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FEV and the Enclave

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV) and the Enclave’s role within the Fallout universe, helping to clarify misconceptions and provide a deeper understanding of this vital element of the lore:

1. Who actually created the FEV?

   • The Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV) was created by West Tek’s NBC Division prior to the Great War, under contract from the US government.

2. What was the original purpose of the FEV?

   • The FEV was initially intended to be a biological defense against potential biological warfare threats.

3. Did the Enclave create super mutants?

   • While the Enclave experimented with FEV, they didn’t initially create super mutants. Super mutants were independently created in several locations, including Vault 87 and Mariposa Military Base. The Enclave did create specific strains of FEV to target super mutants.

4. What were the effects of the FEV?

   • Exposure to FEV typically results in increased size, strength, and resilience. However, it also often leads to decreased intelligence, physical deformities, and mental instability. Effects vary depending on the strain and the individual exposed.

5. What is the FEV virus in Fallout 4?

   • In Fallout 4, the Institute is experimenting with FEV in an attempt to create more advanced synths. The FEV strain used by the Institute is different from those seen in previous games.

6. Why was the FEV virus created?

   • The FEV was created to protect against biological warfare, and the West Tek soon realized it had a much greater ability to enhance those exposed.

7. Is there a cure for FEV?

   • A potential cure for FEV is mentioned in Fallout 4. The experimental serum is located in the Institute. You can use this serum to return Virgil to human form after 3 days.

8. Were Deathclaws made with FEV?

   • While Deathclaws were not originally created with FEV, some strains of FEV were later used to enhance them, such as the intelligent Deathclaws seen in Fallout 2. They were derived from a mixed animal stock, primarily the popular Jackson’s chameleon.

9. How long do Super Mutants live?

   • Super Mutants generally have an extended lifespan compared to normal humans, potentially living for over a century.

10. Why do people hate the Enclave?

    • The Enclave’s extreme ideology of genetic purity, their willingness to commit mass murder to achieve their goals, and their overall oppressive nature make them a hated faction.

11. Why was Frank Horrigan allowed in the Enclave?

    • Frank Horrigan was considered an exceptional specimen, a highly trained and rigorously controlled individual enhanced through technological and chemical means, making him valuable to the Enclave despite his modified state.

12. Did the Brotherhood of Steel fight the Enclave?

    • Yes, the Brotherhood of Steel and the Enclave engaged in a significant conflict known as the Brotherhood-Enclave War in Fallout 3.

13. Why is the Enclave not in Fallout 4?

    • The Enclave was largely destroyed in previous games, with their main bases and outposts wiped out by the NCR and the Brotherhood of Steel. Their inclusion in Fallout 4 would have required significant retconning and potentially undermined the established lore.

14. What did the Enclave do wrong?

    • The Enclave’s greatest misdeeds included their plan to release a modified strain of FEV to kill all mutated humans in the wasteland, viewing them as impure.

15. What is the saddest vault in Fallout?

    • Of all the cruel experiments that Vault-Tec executed on unsuspecting victims, the one taking place at Vault 11 has to be the worst. Vault 11’s inhabitants were instructed to select one of their own as a human sacrifice each year.

In conclusion, while the Enclave didn’t invent the FEV, their manipulation and weaponization of it solidify their status as formidable antagonists in the Fallout universe. The FEV remains a powerful symbol of pre-war scientific ambition gone awry, and the Enclave’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and ideological extremism. To learn more about gaming, narratives, and their impact, consider visiting the GamesLearningSociety.org website.