Why Does Paladin Danse Hate Super Mutants?
Paladin Danse’s intense dislike for Super Mutants in Fallout 4 stems from a combination of his unwavering adherence to the Brotherhood of Steel’s ideology and a deeply personal traumatic experience involving a former comrade. The Brotherhood views Super Mutants, along with Ghouls and Synths, as abominations and threats to humanity. This core belief, ingrained through years of service, forms the foundation of Danse’s prejudice. However, the catalyst for his especially strong hatred is the tragic fate of his friend, Cutler. Cutler was brutally killed by Super Mutants, leaving a lasting scar on Danse and solidifying his commitment to eradicating them. This personal loss fuels his zeal and makes him particularly unsympathetic towards any perceived deviation from human purity.
The Brotherhood’s Ideology: A Foundation of Distrust
The Brotherhood of Steel, a technologically advanced paramilitary organization, operates on a rigid code that prioritizes the preservation of pre-War technology and the safety of “true” humans. They see Super Mutants, Ghouls, and Synths as threats to this ideal. Super Mutants, in particular, are viewed as monstrous beings warped by forced evolution, possessing brute strength but lacking the intellectual and moral compass deemed necessary for a stable society. This viewpoint is deeply engrained in every member of the Brotherhood, and Danse is no exception. He fully embraces the Brotherhood’s doctrine and sees it as his duty to protect humanity from these perceived threats. This is important to remember when talking about the Games Learning Society and the ways people interact and respond to ideologies presented by interactive games like Fallout 4.
Cutler’s Fate: A Personal Tragedy
While the Brotherhood’s ideology provides a framework for Danse’s beliefs, the death of his friend Cutler adds a layer of personal animosity. The exact details of Cutler’s demise are not explicitly stated in the game, but it is strongly implied that he was killed in a brutal attack by Super Mutants. This event transformed Danse’s general distrust into a burning hatred. It solidified his conviction that Super Mutants are inherently dangerous and deserving of extermination. He doesn’t see them as individuals but as a collective threat responsible for the death of someone he cared about.
The Implications of Danse’s Prejudice
Danse’s hatred of Super Mutants has significant implications for the player’s interactions with him. For example, he disapproves of the player character’s decision to cure Virgil, a Super Mutant scientist seeking to revert back to his human form. This is in stark contrast to other companions like John Hancock, Piper, Nick Valentine, and Codsworth, who generally approve of helping Virgil. Danse’s reaction highlights the depth of his prejudice and his inability to see Super Mutants as anything other than monsters. This inflexible worldview is a key aspect of his character and plays a significant role in the events of the game, particularly the quest “Blind Betrayal”.
A Complex Character: Beyond Prejudice
Despite his prejudice, Danse is not a simple caricature. He is a disciplined and honorable soldier who deeply cares about his comrades and the mission of the Brotherhood. He struggles with his own identity and the revelations surrounding his true nature. While his hatred of Super Mutants is a defining characteristic, it is not the only aspect of his personality. He is a complex and multi-faceted character whose motivations are driven by a combination of ideology, personal experience, and a strong sense of duty. To explore this complex characterization further, you can check out GamesLearningSociety.org for resources on how games can portray and explore difficult topics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does Danse dislike curing Virgil?
Danse strongly disapproves of curing Virgil because he views all Super Mutants as inherently dangerous and beyond redemption. His past experience with Cutler, who was killed by Super Mutants, reinforces this belief. He struggles to see Virgil as an individual deserving of help, instead focusing on his Super Mutant nature.
2. What happens if you refuse to execute Danse during “Blind Betrayal”?
If you refuse to execute Danse, Elder Maxson will appear, suspecting insubordination. You can attempt a speech check to convince Maxson to spare Danse’s life. If successful, Maxson will reluctantly agree to let Danse live, but he will be exiled from the Brotherhood.
3. Can Paladin Danse be romanced?
Yes, Danse is a potential romance option. The romance unlocks after reaching maximum affinity with him. However, you cannot max out your relationship until after completing the “Blind Betrayal” quest.
4. Will Danse become hostile if I destroy the Brotherhood of Steel?
If you become an enemy of the Brotherhood before completing “Blind Betrayal”, Danse will turn hostile. If you become an enemy after completing the quest, he will not turn hostile, but he will no longer be available as a companion.
5. Is Paladin Danse actually a Synth?
Yes, Danse is revealed to be a Synth during the quest “Blind Betrayal.” The Institute’s records list his model as “missing,” suggesting he was likely a rescued Synth with fabricated memories.
6. Can you avoid killing Danse during “Blind Betrayal”?
Yes, you can avoid killing Danse by passing a speech check during your conversation with him. This allows you to convince Elder Maxson to spare his life, although he will be exiled.
7. Can you marry Paladin Danse in Fallout 4?
You can romance Danse, but there is no formal marriage system in Fallout 4. You can reach maximum affinity with him and establish a romantic relationship.
8. How do you reach max affinity with Danse?
To reach maximum affinity with Danse, perform actions he approves of, such as helping settlers, using power armor, and supporting the Brotherhood of Steel’s ideals. Avoid stealing or being mean to Brotherhood members. Completing “Blind Betrayal” is necessary to reach max affinity.
9. Can you become Sentinel without killing Danse?
Yes, you can become Sentinel within the Brotherhood without killing Danse if you convince Elder Maxson to let him live. However, if Danse is your active companion, the Brotherhood will remain hostile towards both of you until you dismiss him.
10. What do you get for killing Danse?
If you kill Danse, you must retrieve his Holotags and return them to Elder Maxson. You will be promoted to Paladin, given Danse’s quarters, and inherit all his possessions, including his power armor.
11. Can you save Danse and join the Railroad?
You can avoid killing Danse even if you side with the Railroad by not talking to Lancer Captain Kells prior to the quest that prompts the Railroad to become hostile. Danse will still be alive and friendly to you.
12. Can you avoid killing Virgil?
Yes, you can choose to let Virgil live after obtaining the serum. This will allow him to continue his research in the Rocky Cave.
13. What happens if you tell Virgil you can’t find the serum?
You can lie to Virgil by passing three consecutive speech checks, claiming you couldn’t find the serum. However, you can still choose to give him the serum by breaking and re-initiating the dialogue.
14. What happens to Paladin Danse if you side with the Railroad or the Institute?
If you side with either the Railroad or the Institute, Danse will eventually become hostile towards you, and you will no longer be able to have him as a companion. This is due to the conflict between these factions and the Brotherhood of Steel.
15. How did the Brotherhood find out Danse was a Synth?
The Brotherhood discovers that Danse is a Synth after the player completes the “Liberty Reprimed” quest. Elder Maxson summons the Sole Survivor and reveals that Danse’s true identity was discovered in the Institute’s records.