Is Paladin Danse Actually a Synth? Unraveling the Mystery in Fallout 4
Yes, Paladin Danse is indeed revealed to be a synth in Fallout 4. This revelation is a major plot point in the Brotherhood of Steel questline, specifically during the mission “Blind Betrayal.” The discovery of his true nature leads to a moral dilemma for the player, forcing them to choose between their loyalty to the Brotherhood and their potential friendship with Danse. Let’s dive deeper into the complexities surrounding Danse’s synth identity and the ramifications of this revelation.
Unveiling Danse’s Secret: The “Blind Betrayal” Quest
How the Truth is Revealed
The quest “Blind Betrayal” is pivotal in understanding Danse’s true identity. Elder Maxson, suspecting Danse of being a synth, orders the Sole Survivor to investigate and, if the suspicions are confirmed, execute him. The investigation leads the player to Listening Post Bravo, where they discover a hidden Institute terminal.
Upon accessing the terminal, the player uncovers irrefutable evidence: Danse is a Gen 3 synth, a runaway model designated M7-97. The Institute records list him as “missing,” suggesting he escaped or was somehow separated from their control. This confirms Maxson’s fears and sets the stage for a tense confrontation.
The Moral Quandary
The revelation that Danse is a synth presents a significant moral challenge for the player. Danse is a respected and admired member of the Brotherhood, known for his unwavering loyalty and dedication to their cause. He has fought alongside the Sole Survivor, and many players may have formed a strong bond with him.
The player must decide whether to follow Maxson’s orders and execute Danse or defy the Brotherhood and spare his life. This decision has far-reaching consequences, impacting the player’s relationship with the Brotherhood of Steel and shaping the narrative’s trajectory.
Danse’s Past: Fabricated Memories and a New Identity
Rewritten History
The article mentions that Danse is not a replacement of anyone, he is a rewritten runaway Gen 3 Synth that joined the BOS because he thought he was human as that is how he was made to think after the rewrite. This implies that most of Danse’s memories of his childhood and early life are likely fabricated by the Institute. The true Danse’s memories probably begin with him meeting Cutler and joining the Brotherhood of Steel.
The Impact of His Synth Status
The realization that he is a synth profoundly affects Danse. He grapples with questions of identity and purpose, questioning everything he believed about himself. The player’s support and guidance can play a crucial role in helping Danse come to terms with his true nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Danse and His Synth Identity
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide additional valuable information for the readers.
1. How do you find out Danse is a synth?
You discover Danse’s synth identity during the “Blind Betrayal” quest. Elder Maxson instructs you to investigate Danse, leading you to Listening Post Bravo, where you find evidence in an Institute terminal confirming he is a synth.
2. Will Danse become hostile if I destroy the Brotherhood?
If you become an enemy of the BoS before “Blind Betrayal,” Danse will turn hostile. If you become an enemy after “Blind Betrayal,” he won’t turn hostile, but he can no longer be a companion.
3. What happens if you let Danse live?
If you spare Danse, traveling with him will cause the Brotherhood of Steel to be hostile to you. Dismissing Danse will return the Brotherhood to neutral status. However, sending Danse to the Boston Airport after sparing him will make all Brotherhood soldiers hostile.
4. Can you become Sentinel without killing Danse?
Yes, you can let Danse live and keep your rank. However, if Danse is your companion, the BoS will be hostile to both of you until you dismiss him.
5. What happens if I refuse to execute Danse?
During “Blind Betrayal,” refusing to execute Danse leads to a confrontation with Elder Maxson. You can attempt to convince him to spare Danse.
6. Can you save Danse and join the Railroad?
Yes, but to keep the Railroad friendly, avoid talking to Lancer Captain Kells before completing “Blind Betrayal.” While Danse will live and remain friendly, he cannot be a companion after destroying the Brotherhood this way.
7. Can you keep Danse if you side with the Minutemen?
To keep Danse as a companion, you must convince Elder Maxson to spare him after “Blind Betrayal” and then continue with either the Brotherhood or Minutemen storyline. Max out your affinity with Danse before progressing too far in the main story.
8. Why does Danse hate Super Mutants?
Danse hates Super Mutants and Synths due to his alignment with the Brotherhood’s beliefs and his personal experience. He witnessed his friend Cutler becoming affected by the FEV virus, which creates Super Mutants.
9. Does Danse hate you if you side with the Railroad?
If you progress far enough in the BoS storyline to trigger the quest related to Danse, he will become hostile if you side with another faction.
10. What happens to Danse after you destroy the Brotherhood?
If you spared Danse and sided with the Institute or Railroad/Minutemen and destroyed the BoS, he will become a settler.
11. What perk does Danse give you?
Reaching maximum affinity with Danse grants you the “Know Your Enemy” perk, which provides +20% damage against Feral Ghouls, Super Mutants, and Synths.
12. How do you romance Danse after Blind Betrayal?
After completing “Blind Betrayal” and sparing Danse, the romance dialogue options become available after traveling with him for a while. Your actions towards the BoS can affect his availability.
13. Can you convince Maxson to spare Danse?
Yes, you can convince Maxson to spare Danse after initially going there to kill him. This requires a successful conversation with Maxson after completing that part of the quest, allowing Danse to live but forbidding him from ever returning to the BoS.
14. Can you do Blind Betrayal without siding with the Brotherhood?
Yes, “Blind Betrayal” is the last Brotherhood mission you can complete without angering other factions.
15. Is it possible that Danse is unaware that he’s a synth?
Yes, it’s highly probable that Danse is unaware of his synth status prior to the events of “Blind Betrayal.” Gen 3 synths are designed to be virtually indistinguishable from humans, with implanted memories and personalities.
Implications of Danse’s Synth Identity
The Brotherhood’s Prejudice
Danse’s situation highlights the Brotherhood of Steel’s prejudice against synths. Their unwavering belief in eradicating synths, regardless of their individual actions or beliefs, is challenged by Danse’s loyalty and dedication. This raises questions about the morality of their actions and the validity of their cause.
Player Choice and Consequences
The decision to spare or execute Danse demonstrates the importance of player choice in Fallout 4. The consequences of this decision ripple through the game, affecting relationships, questlines, and the overall narrative. It underscores the theme of moral ambiguity and the complexities of decision-making in a post-apocalyptic world.
The Nature of Identity
Danse’s story touches upon the profound question of identity. If a synth can think, feel, and act like a human, does that make them human? Does the origin of their consciousness invalidate their experiences and emotions? These are the philosophical questions that Danse’s situation forces players to confront.
Further Exploration of Game-Based Learning
Exploring narratives like Danse’s synth revelation in Fallout 4 demonstrates the power of games to engage players with complex ethical and philosophical questions. To learn more about how games can be used in educational settings, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization studies the intersection of games, learning, and society, providing valuable insights into the educational potential of games.
Conclusion
The revelation that Paladin Danse is a synth is a pivotal moment in Fallout 4, forcing players to confront their own moral compass and question the very nature of identity and prejudice. Whether you choose to spare him or follow the Brotherhood’s orders, Danse’s story leaves a lasting impact, prompting reflection on the complexities of a world grappling with technological advancements and the ethical dilemmas they present.