Changes: Church of the Children of Atom

Revision as of 18:40, 4 December 2019

Background

Beliefs

Organization

Technology

Members

Notes

Appearances

Behind the scenes

Gallery

References

Fallout 3

Fallout 4

Broken Steel

Far Harbor

This page is about the faction appearing in Fallout 3, Fallout 4 and Far Harbor. For the location, see Children of Atom.

“The members of the Church of the Children of Atom worship Megaton's atomic bomb.”— Fallout 3 loading screen

Children of Atom (sometimes referred to as the Church of the Children of Atom or rad eaters by certain residents of Far Harbor^[1]) is a religious cult built around the worship of radiation and nuclear annihilation as vehicles of creation and life.

The history of the Children of Atom is tied closely to the history of Megaton. The founders of the religion were part of the refugees that took shelter in the crater in the 23rd century, worshipping the bomb that lay at its center.^[2] As the crater was settled, the zealots aided in building the walls and clearing the wreckage to make way for the future town. The fledgling religion's only condition was that the holy bomb remained undisturbed. As it seemed to be a pile of harmless scrap, the town acquiesced.^[3] The Children of Atom became a permanent element of the town and by the mid-2250s, the confessor of the church had enough clout to vouch for newcomers in Megaton. A young wastelander named Cromwell benefited from this and became a fervent adherent of the faith, eventually succeeding the confessor. By 2277, the 44-year-old Confessor Cromwell became an eccentric distraction to most of the citizens,^[4] with church attendance steadily dwindling.^[5]

However, to adherents of the faith, Cromwell was the great prophet of Atom. It is under his auspices that a group of Children of Atom departed from Megaton to the North between late 2260s and early 2270s. Heading towards the Commonwealth and Mount Desert Island, the expedition eventually split up. One expedition, under Mother Isolde, settled in the Crater of Atom.^[6] The second group, led by Confessor Martin and Grand Zealot Tektus, landed in Far Harbor. Initially tolerated by the denizens of the Island, they were driven out when the fog began to encroach on human settlements around the mid-2270s. Anna, the town's doctor, was wounded by the mob that pushed them out of the desolate land.^[7] Wandering through the wilds, they happened upon an ancient submarine pen, occupied by DiMA. After a century of loneliness,^[8] DiMA welcomed the company and struck bonds of friendship with Martin. Eventually, he handed the nuclear submarine base to the Children, deciding to establish Acadia around 2276.^[9]

The Children grew in strength, thriving in their new habitat. As their numbers increased, they began to send out teams to seek out irradiated goods to return to The Nucleus. On one of these expeditions in 2277, Grand Zealot Tektus saved the life of Lt. Brian Richter, accidentally sealed within a containment bunker. After losing his unit to radiation poisoning, the immune Richter became a fervent adherent of the faith, a zealot.^[10] However, the Children's increasing influence was matched by the increasing expansion of the fog. Since 2279, the situation became more and more dramatic for Far Harbormen, eventually resulting in all remaining non-Children humans on the Island herded onto the pier in Far Harbor.^[11]^[12]

This has put the Children on a collision course with the rest of the population on the Island, as they sought to have the radioactive fog blanket every inch of Mount Desert Island. DiMA and Faraday, on the other hand, wanted to save the people of Far Harbor and provided them with fog condensers to keep the fog at bay. As a result, the situation escalated in 2287, when a child of Atom braved the fog to preach to the people of Far Harbor and have them accept their fate. He was gunned down by Allen Lee almost immediately, becoming the latest in a long line of casualties. However, as a peaceful missionary, his death infuriated the Children and undermined the already shaky authority of the peaceful High Confessor Martin.^[13] Although he did his best to contain the rage, his own faith was crumbling.^[14]

The final blow came from Sister Gwyneth. Paging through an old scientific text, she discovered what an atom actually was. The revelation, that it is a single speck of matter in a vast emptiness, ruined her faith. Martin did his best to console her, but the revelation shook him to the core.^[15]^[16] One night in 2287, he simply disappeared from the Nucleus, never to be seen again. High Confessor Tektus took his position, with Grand Zealot Richter as his second.^[17]

“Behold! He is coming with the clouds! And every eye shall be blind with his glory! Every ear shall be stricken deaf to hear the thunder of his voice! Let the men, women, and children of the Earth come forth to gather and behold the power of Atom! Let those who dwell here in his favored land attend now to the words of the Prophet of Atom! Come forth and drink the waters of the Glow, for this ancient weapon of war is our salvation, it is the very symbol of Atom's glory! Let it serve as a reminder of the Division that has occurred in the past and the resplendence of the promise of our division in the times to come! Give your bodies to Atom, my friends. Release yourself to his power, feel his Glow, and be Divided. There shall be no tears, no sorrow, no suffering, for in the Division, we shall see our release from the pain and hardships of this world. Yea, your suffering shall exist no longer; it shall be washed away in Atom's Glow, burned from you in the fire of his brilliance. Each of us shall give birth to a billion stars formed from the mass of our wretched and filthy bodies. Each of us shall be mother and father to a trillion civilizations. Each of us shall know peace, shall know an end to pain, and shall know Atom in his glory. I urge you, my friends -- come, drink with me and pray... Glorious Atom, I give unto you these feeble bones. I present to your will this frail body. I beg of you to use me as your vessel, guide me to your brilliance, divide each particle and give relief to this rotten flesh. Cast the fragile form of this ephemeral body into new life in the forge of your Glow. Atom, come -- bestow your presence on your unworthy servant. ”— Confessor Cromwell's sermon, 2277

The religion of the Children of Atom is centered around the eponymous Atom and the idea that within every atomic mass in all of creation exists an entire universe. When that atomic mass is split, that universe divides and becomes two. As such, Atom is a creator deity,^[18] creating new worlds through the act of nuclear fission (referred to by the Children as Division). As a result, the Great War is seen and cherished as a divine event that created uncountable new universes in one instant. It represents creation and unification in Atom's Glow: radiation.^[19]^[20] The Children worship Atom by worshiping radiation, his Glow, emphasizing its ability to transform and create something better.^[21] Through it, they can achieve the aforementioned Division,^[22] as the Glow breaks them apart and they are reborn, releasing all of the worlds within them.^[23] While obliteration through nuclear explosions is a preferred means of achieving Division, death of natural causes or irradiation is considered perfectly in line with the Children's teachings.^[24] To maintain their devotion and worship, the Children tend to seek out irradiated areas to set up shrines and other centers of worship, which double as staging areas for proselytizing efforts and crusades against the unfaithful.^[25] They will also seek out and defend any stockpiles of nuclear weapons, to prevent their disposal or use in a manner not consistent with the tenets of the teachings of Atom.^[26]^[27]

The religion emphasizes asceticism and abolition of the self, as the mortal shell is seen as merely the means for creating new life.^[28] However, the Children are not pacifists. Territory affected by radiation is considered Atom's holy domain, wreathed in his Glow. The Children are compelled by their religion to protect their path to salvation (Division), through any means necessary.^[29] As a result, any attempts to interfere with the spread of radiation are considered blasphemous.^[30]^[31] However, reason does temper the religious zeal somewhat. For instance, anti-radiation medication is accepted, as it seen as a way for those denied radiation immunity (seen as a special kind of Atom's blessing) to serve Atom. In fact, it seen as a form of penitence, scouring oneself to embrace the Glow anew.^[32]

Revelation is a crucial aspect of the Children of Atom's beliefs. Atom's revelations are imparted to its faithful through a variety of messengers, with the Mother of the Fog being the most revered, at least among the Nucleus branch. The Mother appears as a female figure, shrouded in black mist and smoke, and heralds the most important events. In fact, Nucleus confessors credit the survival of their community after banishment from Far Harbor to the Mother.^[33] Minor revelations can be delivered to individuals by other messengers, such as a radiant stag.^[34] This belief in individual revelation also means that the precise tenets of the Children of Atom are constantly in flux and sufficiently charismatic Confessors can radically alter the course their community takes, from peaceful coexistence to militant expansion and vice-versa.^[35]

Religious iconography of the Children is based on scientific diagrams representing atoms.^[36]

The Children have a loosely hierarchical structure, centered around spiritual leaders. Called either confessors or mothers, depending on gender,^[37] they hold absolute authority and can issue commandments at will. The Children of Atom are all sworn to follow them or suffer the consequences.^[38] To eliminate dissent, inquisitors of Atom can be designated by the leader at their own discretion.^[39]

The militant arm of the Children is composed of zealots, sworn to defend the faith and guard its followers and their shrines.^[40] Zealots are typically former mercenaries or raiders who converted to the faith and operate under the command of a grand zealot. The grand zealot typically designates a deputy, tasked with ensuring the fitness of other zealots.^[41]

Many Children exhibit congenital immunity to radiation, but the faith accepts all converts as long as their faith is true.^[42] Potential converts are typically inducted by drinking irradiated water,^[43] provided by the confessor or, in the case of Mount Desert Island, by drinking from Atom's Spring and experiencing a vision. Naturally, this weeds out the weak and infirm, as well as identifying immune persons who are fit to take on more dangerous tasks in service of Atom.^[44]

The Children of Atom attach little importance to worldly possessions and so they care little for the quality of their equipment. They tend to dress in rags decorated with electrical wiring and salvaged metal items representing the atom's nucleus. For protection, they employ cobbled-together pipe guns or makeshift Gamma guns, relying on the strength of their faith and intensity of local radiation for protection.^[45] Some communities do employ more advanced technologies, for example, the Mount Desert Island sect under Confessors Martin and Tektus has access to old Marine armor suits and ancient combat rifles, which were pressed into service as zealot-pattern armor and radium rifles respectively.^[46]

Confessor Cromwell leads the Church and can usually be found preaching outside in front of the bomb. Cromwell will accept donations on behalf of the Church.
Mother Maya is a Child of Atom and wife to Confessor Cromwell.
Some unnamed Children of Atom.

Mother Curie III, leader of the Holy Light Monastery is a former Child of Atom. Optionally, she can also be encountered as a ghoul.
Atom's Champion, a neutral feral ghoul reaver member.
Brother Gerard, a church guard and possible ghoul.
Novice, a ghoul member.
Sun of Atom, A neutral glowing one member.

Mother Isolde is the leader of the Crater of Atom group, and is interacted with during the quest The Glowing Sea.
Members of the Church, which are hostile to the Sole Survivor on sight.
Sister Verena
Brother Griffith
Sister Layla
Brother Foster
Brother Ward
Brother Ogden
Brother Henri
Atom's Wrath (reprogrammed assaultron)
Mercy before being expelled.

Signs in the Megaton pointing to the church read "Local Cult," indicating that the town's inhabitants think little of the movement.
Unlike the mostly peaceful Children of Atom encountered in the Capital Wasteland, members of the Commonwealth chapter will aggressively attempt to "convert" all nonbelievers by spraying them with lethal amounts of radiation, including the Sole Survivor. Their indiscriminate hostility often leads to three-way fights between the player character, the Children and whatever else happened to cross their path, be it animals or members of other factions like the Gunners or the Minutemen. The only Children of Atom that can be talked to are the ones found in the Crater of Atom and Henri inside the Sentinel site, and even those boast a fairly volatile temper towards non-believers.
True to their beliefs, church members in the Commonwealth rely almost exclusively on radiation weapons in combat, mainly the very dangerous Gamma gun and the even more devastating Nuka grenade. They also make liberal use of nuke mines to secure their strongholds, making assaulting those an even more hazardous undertaking. While the Children usually only wear rags they boast a significantly large health pool compared to similar NPC types. In addition, the amount of damage they can inflict is staggering, especially given their nearly unerring aim with their Gamma guns.
Quite contrary to their beliefs, they keep and feed a glowing one in Kingsport Lighthouse. It could be possible that they are a splinter sect, quite like the Holy Light Monastery.
For a reason that is not yet scientifically known, many of the Children of Atom (and an unknown amount of other people, e.g. Grand Zealot Richter discovered this prior to joining the Children of Atom) are immune to the adverse effects of radiation and live freely in high-radiation zones like the crater of The Glowing Sea without having to suffer from ghoulification or other mutations and some may even be able to remove radiation from others just by being near them. The Children of Atom claim that this is Atom's "gift" to them, but they never elaborate further on the matter of their adaptation or how inductees gain such a "gift".
Some of the Children of Atom do use anti-radiation medication, referring to the act of using it as 'scouring'. They do so either because they need it (since "Atom is picky about sharing His blessing"), or out of religious motivation as a form of penitence: 'Scour oneself and embrace the Glow anew'.
A small group of Megaton's Atom followers were directed by Confessor Cromwell to travel north, they settled on the Island on Maine. Eventually taking up a stronghold in the old Submarine base, thus creating the Far Harbor branch of followers.
So far the Children of Atom have been encountered only on the East coast.

The Church of the Children of Atom appears in Fallout 3 and its add-on Broken Steel, as well as Fallout 4 and its add-on Far Harbor.

The Children of the Atom are a typical post-apocalyptic cargo religion. They are similar to the apocalyptic mutant cult from Beneath The Planet Of The Apes and the Gravestone Church from Fallout Tactics.

Add-on factions

Automatron

Rust Devils

Far Harbor

Harbormen · Trappers · Children of Atom · Acadia

Nuka-World

Hubologists · Nuka-World raiders (The Pack · Disciples · Operators)

↑ The Sole Survivor: "If you manage to survive despite all that, you must be tough."
Avery: "*chuckle* Ornery, more like. I-"
Allen Lee: "I'm done cowering behind your damned Hull, Avery. Time you let me deal with the real problem. With the right people and my guns I can end those Children of Atom cultists for good."
Avery: "The Fog's been here forever. The Children didn't make it.|Old argument - flare of irritation, raised volume / Irritated}}"
Allen Lee: "Before the rad eaters came, the Fog was under control. They come and it all goes wrong. It's time we do something!"
Avery: "No need to burden the stranger with all this... nonsense."
(Avery's and Allen Lee's dialogue)
↑ The Lone Wanderer: "So it was just a collection of traders in the beginning?"
Manya Vargas: "Not at first. It was a collection of people trying to get into the vault, people worshipping the bomb, and a few other refugees. Then the traders came. Now the caravans take care of most of the trading, but before they were set up, it was all Megaton. I worked on the caravans with my father for a while. That's how I met that worthless bag of liver spots I call a husband."
(Manya.txt)
↑ The Lone Wanderer: "So why didn't they move the bomb?"
Manya Vargas: "Some of us wanted to. But the Church of Atom was just getting its start then. We needed their help to build the walls and clear the wreckage. If we'd have tried to move the bomb, they would have refused to help. Besides, a lot of people just wanted to leave it alone. It didn't seem to be hurting anything and who knows what would happen if we messed with it."
(Manya.txt)
↑ Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.66: "Confessor Cromwell
Little is known about Cromwell's past: He arrived in his early 20s (he's now 44) and was granted permission to stay due to the blessing and high standing of his successor in the church, who fostered him in the ways of Atom. Eventually, Cromwell proved to be a valuable resource in protecting and aiding the town, and he became an eccentric distraction to most of the citizens of Megaton."
(Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)
↑ Cromwell: "I've been concerned about church attendance lately, Mother. The town's inability to fully accept Atom's promise is... most discouraging."
↑ The Sole Survivor: "How did you find this place?"
Isolde: "We'd seen the glow, beckoning us in the distance. Where others ply the Glowing Sea with fear, we strode into this land... ...knowing that Atom would guide us through unharmed. In return for our faith, we were granted this haven, abandoned, pristine, a blessing from Atom. We built here to show our thanks for his grace."
(CoAMotherIsolde.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "How is it you came to this place?"
Tektus: "We were guided here, many years ago, after our exile from Far Harbor. The first of us, my predecessor Martin and I, had come north at the behest of Atom's great prophet, Confessor Cromwell... ...from a small refuge in the Capital Wastes. When we arrived on the island, we found a few souls receptive to Atom's message. Anna... the Archemist... was formerly Far Harbor's doctor before she found the Light. But most... they thought us a menace. We were chased from the town, driven into the wilds. Barely escaped with our lives. Some of us were... never the same. It was only thanks to the grace of Atom that we survived... and finally found a place that we could call home."
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "If this thing involves the whole island, then you need help. I can be your problem-solver if you let me in."
DiMA: "I suppose there's something to be said about refusing help even when it's offered and you're in need. There's a conflict that's been brewing on this island, shortly after we built Acadia. Between Far Harbor and the Children of Atom."
Chase: "Simply put: They want to kill each other, and each side wants us to help them."
Faraday: "We've tried to stay neutral, but Far Harbor was going to be wiped out by the Fog, so that's when we built the Condensers for them."
DiMA: "And I was friends with the previous leader of the Children of Atom, Confessor Martin. I even gave them their headquarters, the submarine base they named the Nucleus."
Chase: "Which was a mistake, because Martin is gone and the new Confessor, Tektus, is completely insane."
DiMA: "He's been threatening us, to force us to choose a side. I left behind something very important in that submarine base I gave them."
Faraday: "DiMA's earliest memories are stored in the military computer banks in that base. The prewar security systems and Confessor Martin's good will were supposed to keep them safe."
Chase: "But now Tektus is in charge, and he's after DiMA's memories. We don't even know what's in them."
DiMA: "But we do know that I spent nearly a century on this island, alone. Whatever's in there is too dangerous to allow Tektus to get his hands on them."
(DiMA's, Chase's, and Faraday's dialogue)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "What's your beef with Avery?"
Mitch: "Avery was born on the island, but she left for a good long spell. Didn't come back until, well, ten? Eleven years ago? And since then she's been trying to make us adopt all sorts of mainland nonsense. I ain't arguing she doesn't do good or her heart being in the right place, but why change what ain't broke."
(DLC03Mitch.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "You seem... different, from most of the people here. Why is that?"
Brian Richter: "Brazen thing, aren't you. All right. I was a soldier before I came to Atom. Lieutenant Brian Richter. Recon, Captial Region. Had been on a long-term scouting mission up north when we picked up the trail of a reserve of Fusion Cores from an old disposal facility. We'd made our way into the containment cellar, only our team engineer hadn't set the door locks right. Fifteen inches of lead-wrapped steel slammed shut behind us and locked tight, not to open again until Division. And I got to watch them all crumble and die while I lasted on two sips of water a day and the occasional roach. The High Confessor - he was still a zealot back then - he eventually turned up a couple weeks later. They cracked the seal on the door, pulled me out, dragged me back here where the Archemist nursed me back to health. It's only thanks to Atom's blessing that I didn't die vomiting my guts onto the floor, forced to eat my own shedding hair. Now, did you have any other questions?"
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "You've lost the whole island?"
Captain Avery: "The Fog's been here forever. There are good years when it recedes and the island's almost normal. Then there are times where it spreads all over. And people have to cling to any patch of land free of the Fog. For the past... oh, eight years or so, it's been getting... as bad as it's ever been. Now, Far Harbor's one of the only places left that's safe."
(DLC03CaptainAvery.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "I heard the Children are responsible for the Fog? Is that true?"
Tektus: "Of course. The Fog predates our arrival on the island, certainly, but before us, it was but an occasional presence. Yet through our faith, our devotion to family, Atom saw fit to reach across the land... ...claiming for us more, year after year, until near all lay beneath His grasp. Now, was there something else I could answer for you?"
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "What happened to this missionary?"
Tektus: "A foul atrocity. Our good Brother Andrews had decided to brave the Fog and attempt to bring Atom's Light to that ghastly town... and remind the heathens of their trespasses. From what I hear, he'd barely spoken a word before they cut him down in cold blood. For nothing more than his devotion. Beasts."
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)
↑ Acadia terminals; Faraday's terminal, Faraday's journal: "Things are bad. Far Harbor and the Children of Atom are at the brink of warring with each other, and we're caught in the middle. It's the Fog Condensers. We just wanted to protect those people from being wiped out by the Fog, but the Children of Atom think that's an affront to their god. They want the Fog to spread all over the island, specifically Far Harbor. And the people of Far Harbor hate them right back. They blame the Children of Atom for spreading the Fog, even though that's scientifically unlikely.
If Confessor Martin was still in charge of the Children of Atom, we might have better chances. DiMA and the old Confessor go way back. Martin was the one that found DiMA in the old submarine base, and when Acadia was founded, it was DiMA who gifted Martin and his followers with the base to serve as their new home. They renamed the base "The Nucleus" and we were originally excited to be working together, making the island a safer place for everyone.
But now Confessor Martin has disappeared, and High Confessor Tektus has taken charge. He's a dangerous megalomaniac who wants to destroy Far Harbor at all costs, and he's been threatening us to help him.
Worse, DiMA left behind his original memory banks in The Nucleus when he left to found Acadia. He blames himself for his lack of judgment, but he's too hard on himself. The Children of Atom were our friends back when Martin was in charge, and those memory banks would have been difficult to transport. DiMA had plenty of reason to believe they would be safe locked behind the prewar defenses that Martin promised to never tamper with.
DiMA has been on this island more than a century. Anything could be in those memory banks. If the Children of Atom find a way to access all that data, they could find something that would threaten the whole island.
We're running out of time. I've convinced DiMA that we need to send someone to get his memories back. Interfacing with DiMA's offloaded data won't be easy for someone else, so we're working on a computer program together. The program includes a set of instructions that DiMA is going to make to help our agent once they're inside the simulation. It'll also need tools to hack through the internal security protocols that the memory banks have.
I think we should send Chase, but DiMA thinks that's too risky. The Children of Atom know her, and if she's spotted, then it's war. We need to send someone else, if possible, but who?"
↑ The Sole Survivor: "What caused Gwyneth to turn her back on Atom?"
Theil: "I can only tell you what I saw. She was praying quietly, when she suddenly leapt up and began to shout that Atom is a lie. When Tektus confronted her, she struck him with such force that she knocked him to the ground. When she realized what she'd done, she fled. Tektus wanted to send someone after her, make an example, but at the time it was not his decision. Confessor Martin insisted we wait... ...hope for her return. Sadly, that never happened and we gave her up for dead. That was the end of Gwyneth, or so we thought. One of the acolytes spied her at a holy site, but she escaped in the Fog. It was not long after that the blasphemous messages appeared... ...and we knew it had to be her."
(DLC03CoA_ZealotTheil.txt)
↑ Sister Gwyneth's visit
↑ The Sole Survivor: "What happened to the Confessor before you?"
Tektus: "Martin? No one knows. One night he was sleeping in his chambers in the vessel, and the next morning, he'd simply vanished. The other zealots and I organized a party to try and find him, to no avail. I wouldn't be shocked if he took up in Far Harbor or fled to the south. His dedication to Atom had become... questionable. He'd done nothing when Far Harbor executed one of our missionaries, so I dare say it's best that he fled."
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "Atom's children? Who are they?"
Brian Richter: "We are the Children of Atom, servants of the creator of this and all worlds. You walk through His domain."
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)
↑ The Lone Wanderer: "What do you believe?"
Cromwell: "The Church of the Children of Atom is based on the idea that each single atomic mass in all of creation contains within it an entire universe. When that atomic mass is split, a single universe divides and becomes two -- thus signifying the single greatest act of Atom's creation. Occasionally, a divine event occurs and trillions upon trillions of new universes are created. The last such event took place here, 200 years ago. Where most of the lost children of Atom see that event as simple war and devastation, we see creation and unification in Atom's Glow."
(ConfessorCromwell.txt)
↑ Fallout 3 loading screen hints: "The Church of the Children of Atom believe the war of 2077 was actually a great holy event perpetuated by their god, Atom."
↑ The Sole Survivor: "So you worship radiation?"
Brian Richter: "We worship its ability to transform. To create something better. Why? That idea call to you?"
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "What can you tell me about the Children's beliefs?"
Brian Richter: "Our belief is in holy Atom, who struck this world two centuries ago, wreathing it in His Glow. That Glow is the Children's way out of this place. To Division."
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "What's Division?"
Brian Richter: "Release. Release of your potential. Of all the worlds locked away inside you. Broken apart and reborn a thousand times over through the Glow. Island's the perfect place for it, thanks to the Fog, the Nucleus. Glow everywhere. With patience, we'll all find Division in this place."
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "What can you tell me about Division?"
Tektus: "Atom's greatest gift. Locked inside us all are billions of invisible worlds, waiting only to be touched by His Glow in order to be born anew through Division. During the Great War, it was granted to many, though they certainly didn't realize it. But today it is often a slow process, taking years of exposure in order to be realized. We are all here to spend our lives seeking the promise of Division, however long it may take. Now, did you have another question?"
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)
↑ Crater of Atom, crater house, etc. are examples of this practice.
↑ Henri
↑ Fallout 4 Vault Dweller's Survival Guide Collector's Edition p.34: "CHILDREN OF ATOM
Considered a cult by most outsiders, the Children of Atom worship nuclear material and the radiation it emits. While most members are compelled to spread the word of Atom, Children of Atom are wary of strangers and generally attack trespassers on sight. Unless important business takes you into their territory, approaching a Child of Atom will trigger a firefight.
Children of Atom congregate in the Crater of Atom, but smaller groups can be found throughout the Commonwealth.
Children of Atom wear rags that offer very little protection, but prolonged exposure has left them immune to radiation and able to withstand a considerable amount of punishment. Although some Children of Atom rely on a variety of handmade pipe guns, others favor the radiation damage offered by gamma guns. Whenever possible, equip armor that offers radiation resistance or stock up on RadAway before engaging these fanatics."
(Fallout 4 Vault Dweller's Survival Guide Groups, Gangs, and Factions)
↑ The Lone Wanderer: "Why do you worship the bomb?"
Cromwell: "Those who were called to Atom during the Great Division were very fortunate. They were permitted to aid in the process of Atom's creation. We seek the same, both in symbol and in fact and the "bomb", as you call it, represents Atom's capacity for creation. We kneel before it and ask that Atom call us to aid him. We pray that out of our meager bodies, he will create new life."
(ConfessorCromwell.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "What do you mean "His domain"?"
Brian Richter: "The island. You've seen the Fog. Heard the Geiger counter on your little bracelet pipe up? That is Atom, spreading His Glow across this land. And that Glow is the path to our salvation."
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "What's your problem with Far Harbor?"
Brian Richter: "Those heathens persecute our missionaries and use profane technology to steal land that rightfully belongs to Atom. Not sure which sin is worse. And I want you to assure me you're not here to do their bidding."
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "What profane technology are you talking about?"
Brian Richter: "Acadia's little lifeline to that den of sin. The Fog Condensers. The only reason they're able to hang onto that blasted dock. ... information you'd be well aware of if they'd sent you... So, explain to me why you're trespassing on sacred ground. Unless... you're here seeking a place among Atom's children?"
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "You mentioned scouring? What's that?"
Mai: "Oh. Right. Well, most of us here, the Glow doesn't harm us. But Atom's picky about sharing His blessing. We keep some anti-rad meds on hand, for those in need. Most folks around here, High Confessor included, consider it a kind of... penitence. Scour oneself and embrace the Glow anew. So did you want to peruse the goods?"
(DLC03CoA_SisterMai.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "What can you tell me about the Mother of the Fog?"
Tektus: "The Mother is one of Atom's most revered messengers. Many years ago, when we were driven from Far Harbor, it was she who guided us through the wilds to this sanctuary. We might all have been lost if it wasn't for her. You should be honored she found you so... interesting."
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)
↑ Devin: "Holy Atom. From this spot I-- I-is that you? Oh holy... ... oh. I-I'm sorry, brother/sister. I thought you were... never mind. Did you need something?"
The Sole Survivor: "You seem like you're expecting someone?"
Devin: "I am. Atom came to me. And I will follow His command."
The Sole Survivor: "Atom came to you? What'd you see?"
Devin: "My saving grace. Jet has been my crutch for many years. One day, I was in the woods, polluting myself, when a figure strode from the sky before me. A verdant stag, wreathed in holy Glow. It commanded me to return to the Nucleus, to leave behind my iniquities and give myself fully to Atom. For my dedication, Atom would send another messenger, who would free me from my shackles once and for all. That, brother/sister, is why I must wait."
The Sole Survivor: "How do you know your vision of Atom's messenger wasn't just a hallucination brought on by the drugs? "
Devin: "What if it was? Holy Atom spoke to me. Promised to free me from my weakness. He gave me a task. And I will obey."
(DLC03CoA_BrotherDevin.txt)
↑ Reformation
↑ Banners, carvings and other imagery throughout Far Harbor.
↑ Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.86: "Mother Maya
Mother Maya is 41 and Confessor Cromwell's female counterpart. She and Cromwell are actually husband and wife, but they don't go out of their way to advertise the fact, because they're both so busy promoting the ideals of the church."
(Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "There must be another way we could make things right."
DiMA: "None that I can see. The authority of the High Confessor is absolute. The Children of Atom won't see the need for peace unless he... changes his mind."
(DLC03DiMA.txt)
↑ Witch Hunt
↑ The Sole Survivor: "So you're a Zealot? What is that exactly?"
Theil: "We are defenders of Atom's faith and guardians of the Nucleus. Most were mercenaries or Trappers before they finally came to Atom. Though Richter apparently was actually a soldier of some rank in his old life, if the rumors are true."
(DLC03CoA_ZealotTheil.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: ""
Theil: "I'm the Grand Zealot's second. It's my job to ensure the Zealots are fit for the conflict to come against all those who offend Atom."
(DLC03CoA_ZealotTheil.txt)
↑ The Sole Survivor: "There's so much radiation on the island. How come people here don't get sick?"
Tektus: "Some do. But most of our family has been blessed at birth with an affinity for the Glow. It's no more to us than a May rain. Warm. Comforting. It's why a place like this island truly is meant for His children. Others simply whither away while we gladly await Division."
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)
↑ Cromwell: "Behold! He is coming with the clouds! And every eye shall be blind with his glory! Every ear shall be stricken deaf to hear the thunder of his voice! Let the men, women, and children of the Earth come forth to gather and behold the power of Atom! Let those who dwell here in his favored land attend now to the words of the Prophet of Atom! Come forth and drink the waters of the Glow, for this ancient weapon of war is our salvation, it is the very symbol of Atom's glory! Let it serve as a reminder of the Division that has occurred in the past and the resplendence of the promise of our division in the times to come! Give your bodies to Atom, my friends. Release yourself to his power, feel his Glow, and be Divided. There shall be no tears, no sorrow, no suffering, for in the Division, we shall see our release from the pain and hardships of this world. Yea, your suffering shall exist no longer; it shall be washed away in Atom's Glow, burned from you in the fire of his brilliance. Each of us shall give birth to a billion stars formed from the mass of our wretched and filthy bodies. Each of us shall be mother and father to a trillion civilizations. Each of us shall know peace, shall know an end to pain, and shall know Atom in his glory. I urge you, my friends -- come, drink with me and pray... Glorious Atom, I give unto you these feeble bones. I present to your will this frail body. I beg of you to use me as your vessel, guide me to your brilliance, divide each particle and give relief to this rotten flesh. Cast the fragile form of this ephemeral body into new life in the forge of your Glow. Atom, come -- bestow your presence on your unworthy servant. We stay true, until the Day of Division -- until the dawn of your return to His humble world."
(ConfessorCromwell.txt)
↑ Visions in the Fog
↑ Children of Atom appearances in Fallout 4.
↑ Far Harbor appearances.

Factions in Fallout 3

Major factions

Brotherhood of Steel · Enclave

Secondary factions

2nd Monument Defense Detachment · Abolitionists · Brotherhood Outcasts · Chinese remnants · Church of the Children of Atom · Enclave Department of the Army · Enclave Research and Development Division · The Family · The Institute · Littlehorn & Associates · Lyons' Pride · Nuka-Cola fan club · Project Purity · Raiders · The Railroad · Regulators · Reilly's Rangers · Rivet City Council · Rivet City Security Force · Slavers · Sudden-Death Overtime · Talon Company · Treeminders · Tunnel Snakes · Vault 101 security

Add-on factions	Mothership Zeta	Alien (Fallout 3)

	Broken Steel	Apostles of the Eternal Light

	Operation: Anchorage	People's Liberation Army · United States Army · United States Army Corps of Engineers

	The Pitt	Pitt slaves · Pitt raiders

	Point Lookout	Tribals

Factions in Fallout 4

Major factions

Brotherhood of Steel · Commonwealth Minutemen · The Railroad · The Institute

Secondary factions

Atom Cats · Cabot family · Church of the Children of Atom · Covenant · Diamond City security · Forged · Gunners · L&L Gang · Neighborhood Watch · Pillars of the Community · Publick Occurrences · Raiders · Recon Squad Gladius · Triggermen · Salem Volunteer Militia · Synth Retention Bureau · Alien (Fallout 4)

[1] The Sole Survivor: "If you manage to survive despite all that, you must be tough."
Avery: "*chuckle* Ornery, more like. I-"
Allen Lee: "I'm done cowering behind your damned Hull, Avery. Time you let me deal with the real problem. With the right people and my guns I can end those Children of Atom cultists for good."
Avery: "The Fog's been here forever. The Children didn't make it.|Old argument - flare of irritation, raised volume / Irritated}}"
Allen Lee: "Before the rad eaters came, the Fog was under control. They come and it all goes wrong. It's time we do something!"
Avery: "No need to burden the stranger with all this... nonsense."
(Avery's and Allen Lee's dialogue)

[2] The Lone Wanderer: "So it was just a collection of traders in the beginning?"
Manya Vargas: "Not at first. It was a collection of people trying to get into the vault, people worshipping the bomb, and a few other refugees. Then the traders came. Now the caravans take care of most of the trading, but before they were set up, it was all Megaton. I worked on the caravans with my father for a while. That's how I met that worthless bag of liver spots I call a husband."
(Manya.txt)

[3] The Lone Wanderer: "So why didn't they move the bomb?"
Manya Vargas: "Some of us wanted to. But the Church of Atom was just getting its start then. We needed their help to build the walls and clear the wreckage. If we'd have tried to move the bomb, they would have refused to help. Besides, a lot of people just wanted to leave it alone. It didn't seem to be hurting anything and who knows what would happen if we messed with it."
(Manya.txt)

[4] Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.66: "Confessor Cromwell
Little is known about Cromwell's past: He arrived in his early 20s (he's now 44) and was granted permission to stay due to the blessing and high standing of his successor in the church, who fostered him in the ways of Atom. Eventually, Cromwell proved to be a valuable resource in protecting and aiding the town, and he became an eccentric distraction to most of the citizens of Megaton."
(Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)

[5] Cromwell: "I've been concerned about church attendance lately, Mother. The town's inability to fully accept Atom's promise is... most discouraging."

[6] The Sole Survivor: "How did you find this place?"
Isolde: "We'd seen the glow, beckoning us in the distance. Where others ply the Glowing Sea with fear, we strode into this land... ...knowing that Atom would guide us through unharmed. In return for our faith, we were granted this haven, abandoned, pristine, a blessing from Atom. We built here to show our thanks for his grace."
(CoAMotherIsolde.txt)

[7] The Sole Survivor: "How is it you came to this place?"
Tektus: "We were guided here, many years ago, after our exile from Far Harbor. The first of us, my predecessor Martin and I, had come north at the behest of Atom's great prophet, Confessor Cromwell... ...from a small refuge in the Capital Wastes. When we arrived on the island, we found a few souls receptive to Atom's message. Anna... the Archemist... was formerly Far Harbor's doctor before she found the Light. But most... they thought us a menace. We were chased from the town, driven into the wilds. Barely escaped with our lives. Some of us were... never the same. It was only thanks to the grace of Atom that we survived... and finally found a place that we could call home."
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)

[8] The Sole Survivor: "If this thing involves the whole island, then you need help. I can be your problem-solver if you let me in."
DiMA: "I suppose there's something to be said about refusing help even when it's offered and you're in need. There's a conflict that's been brewing on this island, shortly after we built Acadia. Between Far Harbor and the Children of Atom."
Chase: "Simply put: They want to kill each other, and each side wants us to help them."
Faraday: "We've tried to stay neutral, but Far Harbor was going to be wiped out by the Fog, so that's when we built the Condensers for them."
DiMA: "And I was friends with the previous leader of the Children of Atom, Confessor Martin. I even gave them their headquarters, the submarine base they named the Nucleus."
Chase: "Which was a mistake, because Martin is gone and the new Confessor, Tektus, is completely insane."
DiMA: "He's been threatening us, to force us to choose a side. I left behind something very important in that submarine base I gave them."
Faraday: "DiMA's earliest memories are stored in the military computer banks in that base. The prewar security systems and Confessor Martin's good will were supposed to keep them safe."
Chase: "But now Tektus is in charge, and he's after DiMA's memories. We don't even know what's in them."
DiMA: "But we do know that I spent nearly a century on this island, alone. Whatever's in there is too dangerous to allow Tektus to get his hands on them."
(DiMA's, Chase's, and Faraday's dialogue)

[9] The Sole Survivor: "What's your beef with Avery?"
Mitch: "Avery was born on the island, but she left for a good long spell. Didn't come back until, well, ten? Eleven years ago? And since then she's been trying to make us adopt all sorts of mainland nonsense. I ain't arguing she doesn't do good or her heart being in the right place, but why change what ain't broke."
(DLC03Mitch.txt)

[10] The Sole Survivor: "You seem... different, from most of the people here. Why is that?"
Brian Richter: "Brazen thing, aren't you. All right. I was a soldier before I came to Atom. Lieutenant Brian Richter. Recon, Captial Region. Had been on a long-term scouting mission up north when we picked up the trail of a reserve of Fusion Cores from an old disposal facility. We'd made our way into the containment cellar, only our team engineer hadn't set the door locks right. Fifteen inches of lead-wrapped steel slammed shut behind us and locked tight, not to open again until Division. And I got to watch them all crumble and die while I lasted on two sips of water a day and the occasional roach. The High Confessor - he was still a zealot back then - he eventually turned up a couple weeks later. They cracked the seal on the door, pulled me out, dragged me back here where the Archemist nursed me back to health. It's only thanks to Atom's blessing that I didn't die vomiting my guts onto the floor, forced to eat my own shedding hair. Now, did you have any other questions?"
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)

[11] The Sole Survivor: "You've lost the whole island?"
Captain Avery: "The Fog's been here forever. There are good years when it recedes and the island's almost normal. Then there are times where it spreads all over. And people have to cling to any patch of land free of the Fog. For the past... oh, eight years or so, it's been getting... as bad as it's ever been. Now, Far Harbor's one of the only places left that's safe."
(DLC03CaptainAvery.txt)

[12] The Sole Survivor: "I heard the Children are responsible for the Fog? Is that true?"
Tektus: "Of course. The Fog predates our arrival on the island, certainly, but before us, it was but an occasional presence. Yet through our faith, our devotion to family, Atom saw fit to reach across the land... ...claiming for us more, year after year, until near all lay beneath His grasp. Now, was there something else I could answer for you?"
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)

[13] The Sole Survivor: "What happened to this missionary?"
Tektus: "A foul atrocity. Our good Brother Andrews had decided to brave the Fog and attempt to bring Atom's Light to that ghastly town... and remind the heathens of their trespasses. From what I hear, he'd barely spoken a word before they cut him down in cold blood. For nothing more than his devotion. Beasts."
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)

[14] Acadia terminals; Faraday's terminal, Faraday's journal: "Things are bad. Far Harbor and the Children of Atom are at the brink of warring with each other, and we're caught in the middle. It's the Fog Condensers. We just wanted to protect those people from being wiped out by the Fog, but the Children of Atom think that's an affront to their god. They want the Fog to spread all over the island, specifically Far Harbor. And the people of Far Harbor hate them right back. They blame the Children of Atom for spreading the Fog, even though that's scientifically unlikely.
If Confessor Martin was still in charge of the Children of Atom, we might have better chances. DiMA and the old Confessor go way back. Martin was the one that found DiMA in the old submarine base, and when Acadia was founded, it was DiMA who gifted Martin and his followers with the base to serve as their new home. They renamed the base "The Nucleus" and we were originally excited to be working together, making the island a safer place for everyone.
But now Confessor Martin has disappeared, and High Confessor Tektus has taken charge. He's a dangerous megalomaniac who wants to destroy Far Harbor at all costs, and he's been threatening us to help him.
Worse, DiMA left behind his original memory banks in The Nucleus when he left to found Acadia. He blames himself for his lack of judgment, but he's too hard on himself. The Children of Atom were our friends back when Martin was in charge, and those memory banks would have been difficult to transport. DiMA had plenty of reason to believe they would be safe locked behind the prewar defenses that Martin promised to never tamper with.
DiMA has been on this island more than a century. Anything could be in those memory banks. If the Children of Atom find a way to access all that data, they could find something that would threaten the whole island.
We're running out of time. I've convinced DiMA that we need to send someone to get his memories back. Interfacing with DiMA's offloaded data won't be easy for someone else, so we're working on a computer program together. The program includes a set of instructions that DiMA is going to make to help our agent once they're inside the simulation. It'll also need tools to hack through the internal security protocols that the memory banks have.
I think we should send Chase, but DiMA thinks that's too risky. The Children of Atom know her, and if she's spotted, then it's war. We need to send someone else, if possible, but who?"

[15] The Sole Survivor: "What caused Gwyneth to turn her back on Atom?"
Theil: "I can only tell you what I saw. She was praying quietly, when she suddenly leapt up and began to shout that Atom is a lie. When Tektus confronted her, she struck him with such force that she knocked him to the ground. When she realized what she'd done, she fled. Tektus wanted to send someone after her, make an example, but at the time it was not his decision. Confessor Martin insisted we wait... ...hope for her return. Sadly, that never happened and we gave her up for dead. That was the end of Gwyneth, or so we thought. One of the acolytes spied her at a holy site, but she escaped in the Fog. It was not long after that the blasphemous messages appeared... ...and we knew it had to be her."
(DLC03CoA_ZealotTheil.txt)

[16] Sister Gwyneth's visit

[17] The Sole Survivor: "What happened to the Confessor before you?"
Tektus: "Martin? No one knows. One night he was sleeping in his chambers in the vessel, and the next morning, he'd simply vanished. The other zealots and I organized a party to try and find him, to no avail. I wouldn't be shocked if he took up in Far Harbor or fled to the south. His dedication to Atom had become... questionable. He'd done nothing when Far Harbor executed one of our missionaries, so I dare say it's best that he fled."
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)

[18] The Sole Survivor: "Atom's children? Who are they?"
Brian Richter: "We are the Children of Atom, servants of the creator of this and all worlds. You walk through His domain."
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)

[19] The Lone Wanderer: "What do you believe?"
Cromwell: "The Church of the Children of Atom is based on the idea that each single atomic mass in all of creation contains within it an entire universe. When that atomic mass is split, a single universe divides and becomes two -- thus signifying the single greatest act of Atom's creation. Occasionally, a divine event occurs and trillions upon trillions of new universes are created. The last such event took place here, 200 years ago. Where most of the lost children of Atom see that event as simple war and devastation, we see creation and unification in Atom's Glow."
(ConfessorCromwell.txt)

[20] Fallout 3 loading screen hints: "The Church of the Children of Atom believe the war of 2077 was actually a great holy event perpetuated by their god, Atom."

[21] The Sole Survivor: "So you worship radiation?"
Brian Richter: "We worship its ability to transform. To create something better. Why? That idea call to you?"
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)

[22] The Sole Survivor: "What can you tell me about the Children's beliefs?"
Brian Richter: "Our belief is in holy Atom, who struck this world two centuries ago, wreathing it in His Glow. That Glow is the Children's way out of this place. To Division."
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)

[23] The Sole Survivor: "What's Division?"
Brian Richter: "Release. Release of your potential. Of all the worlds locked away inside you. Broken apart and reborn a thousand times over through the Glow. Island's the perfect place for it, thanks to the Fog, the Nucleus. Glow everywhere. With patience, we'll all find Division in this place."
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)

[24] The Sole Survivor: "What can you tell me about Division?"
Tektus: "Atom's greatest gift. Locked inside us all are billions of invisible worlds, waiting only to be touched by His Glow in order to be born anew through Division. During the Great War, it was granted to many, though they certainly didn't realize it. But today it is often a slow process, taking years of exposure in order to be realized. We are all here to spend our lives seeking the promise of Division, however long it may take. Now, did you have another question?"
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)

[25] Crater of Atom, crater house, etc. are examples of this practice.

[26] Henri

[27] Fallout 4 Vault Dweller's Survival Guide Collector's Edition p.34: "CHILDREN OF ATOM
Considered a cult by most outsiders, the Children of Atom worship nuclear material and the radiation it emits. While most members are compelled to spread the word of Atom, Children of Atom are wary of strangers and generally attack trespassers on sight. Unless important business takes you into their territory, approaching a Child of Atom will trigger a firefight.
Children of Atom congregate in the Crater of Atom, but smaller groups can be found throughout the Commonwealth.
Children of Atom wear rags that offer very little protection, but prolonged exposure has left them immune to radiation and able to withstand a considerable amount of punishment. Although some Children of Atom rely on a variety of handmade pipe guns, others favor the radiation damage offered by gamma guns. Whenever possible, equip armor that offers radiation resistance or stock up on RadAway before engaging these fanatics."
(Fallout 4 Vault Dweller's Survival Guide Groups, Gangs, and Factions)

[28] The Lone Wanderer: "Why do you worship the bomb?"
Cromwell: "Those who were called to Atom during the Great Division were very fortunate. They were permitted to aid in the process of Atom's creation. We seek the same, both in symbol and in fact and the "bomb", as you call it, represents Atom's capacity for creation. We kneel before it and ask that Atom call us to aid him. We pray that out of our meager bodies, he will create new life."
(ConfessorCromwell.txt)

[29] The Sole Survivor: "What do you mean "His domain"?"
Brian Richter: "The island. You've seen the Fog. Heard the Geiger counter on your little bracelet pipe up? That is Atom, spreading His Glow across this land. And that Glow is the path to our salvation."
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)

[30] The Sole Survivor: "What's your problem with Far Harbor?"
Brian Richter: "Those heathens persecute our missionaries and use profane technology to steal land that rightfully belongs to Atom. Not sure which sin is worse. And I want you to assure me you're not here to do their bidding."
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)

[31] The Sole Survivor: "What profane technology are you talking about?"
Brian Richter: "Acadia's little lifeline to that den of sin. The Fog Condensers. The only reason they're able to hang onto that blasted dock. ... information you'd be well aware of if they'd sent you... So, explain to me why you're trespassing on sacred ground. Unless... you're here seeking a place among Atom's children?"
(DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt)

[32] The Sole Survivor: "You mentioned scouring? What's that?"
Mai: "Oh. Right. Well, most of us here, the Glow doesn't harm us. But Atom's picky about sharing His blessing. We keep some anti-rad meds on hand, for those in need. Most folks around here, High Confessor included, consider it a kind of... penitence. Scour oneself and embrace the Glow anew. So did you want to peruse the goods?"
(DLC03CoA_SisterMai.txt)

[33] The Sole Survivor: "What can you tell me about the Mother of the Fog?"
Tektus: "The Mother is one of Atom's most revered messengers. Many years ago, when we were driven from Far Harbor, it was she who guided us through the wilds to this sanctuary. We might all have been lost if it wasn't for her. You should be honored she found you so... interesting."
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)

[34] Devin: "Holy Atom. From this spot I-- I-is that you? Oh holy... ... oh. I-I'm sorry, brother/sister. I thought you were... never mind. Did you need something?"
The Sole Survivor: "You seem like you're expecting someone?"
Devin: "I am. Atom came to me. And I will follow His command."
The Sole Survivor: "Atom came to you? What'd you see?"
Devin: "My saving grace. Jet has been my crutch for many years. One day, I was in the woods, polluting myself, when a figure strode from the sky before me. A verdant stag, wreathed in holy Glow. It commanded me to return to the Nucleus, to leave behind my iniquities and give myself fully to Atom. For my dedication, Atom would send another messenger, who would free me from my shackles once and for all. That, brother/sister, is why I must wait."
The Sole Survivor: "How do you know your vision of Atom's messenger wasn't just a hallucination brought on by the drugs? "
Devin: "What if it was? Holy Atom spoke to me. Promised to free me from my weakness. He gave me a task. And I will obey."
(DLC03CoA_BrotherDevin.txt)

[35] Reformation

[36] Banners, carvings and other imagery throughout Far Harbor.

[37] Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.86: "Mother Maya
Mother Maya is 41 and Confessor Cromwell's female counterpart. She and Cromwell are actually husband and wife, but they don't go out of their way to advertise the fact, because they're both so busy promoting the ideals of the church."
(Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)

[38] The Sole Survivor: "There must be another way we could make things right."
DiMA: "None that I can see. The authority of the High Confessor is absolute. The Children of Atom won't see the need for peace unless he... changes his mind."
(DLC03DiMA.txt)

[39] Witch Hunt

[40] The Sole Survivor: "So you're a Zealot? What is that exactly?"
Theil: "We are defenders of Atom's faith and guardians of the Nucleus. Most were mercenaries or Trappers before they finally came to Atom. Though Richter apparently was actually a soldier of some rank in his old life, if the rumors are true."
(DLC03CoA_ZealotTheil.txt)

[41] The Sole Survivor: ""
Theil: "I'm the Grand Zealot's second. It's my job to ensure the Zealots are fit for the conflict to come against all those who offend Atom."
(DLC03CoA_ZealotTheil.txt)

[42] The Sole Survivor: "There's so much radiation on the island. How come people here don't get sick?"
Tektus: "Some do. But most of our family has been blessed at birth with an affinity for the Glow. It's no more to us than a May rain. Warm. Comforting. It's why a place like this island truly is meant for His children. Others simply whither away while we gladly await Division."
(DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt)

[43] Cromwell: "Behold! He is coming with the clouds! And every eye shall be blind with his glory! Every ear shall be stricken deaf to hear the thunder of his voice! Let the men, women, and children of the Earth come forth to gather and behold the power of Atom! Let those who dwell here in his favored land attend now to the words of the Prophet of Atom! Come forth and drink the waters of the Glow, for this ancient weapon of war is our salvation, it is the very symbol of Atom's glory! Let it serve as a reminder of the Division that has occurred in the past and the resplendence of the promise of our division in the times to come! Give your bodies to Atom, my friends. Release yourself to his power, feel his Glow, and be Divided. There shall be no tears, no sorrow, no suffering, for in the Division, we shall see our release from the pain and hardships of this world. Yea, your suffering shall exist no longer; it shall be washed away in Atom's Glow, burned from you in the fire of his brilliance. Each of us shall give birth to a billion stars formed from the mass of our wretched and filthy bodies. Each of us shall be mother and father to a trillion civilizations. Each of us shall know peace, shall know an end to pain, and shall know Atom in his glory. I urge you, my friends -- come, drink with me and pray... Glorious Atom, I give unto you these feeble bones. I present to your will this frail body. I beg of you to use me as your vessel, guide me to your brilliance, divide each particle and give relief to this rotten flesh. Cast the fragile form of this ephemeral body into new life in the forge of your Glow. Atom, come -- bestow your presence on your unworthy servant. We stay true, until the Day of Division -- until the dawn of your return to His humble world."
(ConfessorCromwell.txt)

[44] Visions in the Fog

[45] Children of Atom appearances in Fallout 4.

[46] Far Harbor appearances.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{For|about=the '''faction''' appearing in ''Fallout 3'', ''Fallout 4'' and ''Far Harbor''|the location|Children of Atom|the characters|Child of Atom (Fallout 3)}}
+{{For|about=the '''faction''' appearing in ''Fallout 3'', ''Fallout 4'' and ''Far Harbor''|the location|Children of Atom}}
 {{Infobox faction
 |games        =FO3, FO3BS, FO4, FO4FH
@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 |headquarters =[[Children of Atom]] {{Icon|FO3}}
 |locations    =[[Megaton]] {{Icon|FO3|link=Fallout 3}}<br />[[Crater of Atom]] {{Icon|FO4|link=Fallout 4}}<br />[[Kingsport Lighthouse]] {{Icon|FO4|link=Fallout 4}}<br />[[Crater house]] {{Icon|FO4|link=Fallout 4}}<br />[[Sentinel site]] {{Icon|FO4|link=Fallout 4}}<br />[[The Nucleus]] {{Icon|FO4FH|link=Far Harbor (add-on)}}
-|members      =[[Curie III|Mother Curie III]] (formerly) {{Icon|FO3BS|link=Broken Steel}}, [[Martin (Far Harbor)|High Confessor Martin]] (exile) {{Icon|FO4FH|link=Far Harbor (add-on)}}
+|members      =[[Curie III|Mother Curie III]] (formerly) {{Icon|FO3BS|link=Broken Steel}}<br />[[Martin (Far Harbor)|High Confessor Martin]] (exiled) {{Icon|FO4FH|link=Far Harbor (add-on)}}
 |related      =[[Apostles of the Holy Light]]
 |baseid       ={{ID|0002fb84}} {{Icon|FO4}}
@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 {{Quotation|The members of the Church of the Children of Atom worship [[Undetonated atomic bomb|Megaton's atomic bomb]].|[[Fallout 3 loading screens|''Fallout 3'' loading screen]]}}
+'''Children of Atom''' (sometimes referred to as the '''Church of the Children of Atom''' or '''rad eaters''' by certain residents of [[Far Harbor (location)|Far Harbor]]<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"If you manage to survive despite all that, you must be tough."''<br />[[Avery (Far Harbor)|Avery]]: ''"{{Tooltip|<nowiki>*</nowiki>chuckle* Ornery, more like. I-|Wry amusement - cut off rudely / Amused}}"''<br />[[Allen Lee]]: ''"{{Tooltip|I'm done cowering behind your damned Hull, Avery.|Fed up, coming down off adrenaline / Irritated}} {{Tooltip|Time you let me deal with the real problem.|Irritated}} {{Tooltip|With the right people and my guns I can end those Children of Atom cultists for good.|Deadly serious - holding in murderous rage / Angry}}"''<br />Avery: ''"The Fog's been here forever. The Children didn't make it.|Old argument - flare of irritation, raised volume / Irritated}}"''<br />Allen Lee: ''"{{Tooltip|Before the rad eaters came, the Fog was under control. They come and it all goes wrong.|Old argument - not buying Avery's bullshit at all, angry / Angry}} {{Tooltip|It's time we do something!|Renewed heat / Angry}}"''<br />Avery: ''"{{Tooltip|No need to burden the stranger with all this... nonsense.|Apologetic to be having another scene in front of the player (dirty laundry) / Irritated}}"''<br />([[DLC03CaptainAvery.txt|Avery's]] and [[DLC03AllenLee.txt|Allen Lee's dialogue]])</ref>) is a [[religion|religious cult]] built around the worship of [[radiation]] and nuclear annihilation as vehicles of creation and life.
-The '''Church of the Children of Atom ''' is a [[Religion|religious]] faction in ''[[Fallout 3]]'', ''[[Fallout 4]]'' and its add-on ''[[Far Harbor (add-on)|Far Harbor]]''.
 ==Background==
+<section begin="History" />
-The exact origins of the Church of the Children of the Atom is unknown, but it seems to have already existed as far back as Megaton's construction, as [[Manya Vargas|Manya]] mentions that they were just starting out and were instrumental in getting the town built. The citizens of Megaton do not mind them residing there as their technologies and workforce were needed to build the city, in exchange for it being "built around the bomb."
+The history of the Children of Atom is tied closely to the history of [[Megaton]]. The founders of the religion were part of the refugees that took shelter in the crater in the 23rd century, worshipping the bomb that lay at its center.<ref>The [[Lone Wanderer]]: ''"So it was just a collection of traders in the beginning?"''<br />[[Manya Vargas]]: ''"Not at first. It was a collection of people trying to get into the vault, people worshipping the bomb, and a few other refugees. Then the traders came. Now the caravans take care of most of the trading, but before they were set up, it was all Megaton. I worked on the caravans with my father for a while. That's how I met that worthless bag of liver spots I call a husband."''<br />([[Manya.txt]])</ref> As the crater was settled, the zealots aided in building the walls and clearing the wreckage to make way for the future town. The fledgling religion's only condition was that the holy bomb remained undisturbed. As it seemed to be a pile of harmless scrap, the town acquiesced.<ref>The [[Lone Wanderer]]: ''"So why didn't they move the bomb?"''<br />[[Manya Vargas]]: ''"Some of us wanted to. But the Church of Atom was just getting its start then. We needed their help to build the walls and clear the wreckage. If we'd have tried to move the bomb, they would have refused to help. Besides, a lot of people just wanted to leave it alone. It didn't seem to be hurting anything and who knows what would happen if we messed with it."''<br />([[Manya.txt]])</ref> The Children of Atom became a permanent element of the town and by the mid-2250s, the confessor of the church had enough clout to vouch for newcomers in Megaton. A young wastelander named [[Cromwell]] benefited from this and became a fervent adherent of the faith, eventually succeeding the confessor. By 2277, the 44-year-old Confessor Cromwell became an eccentric distraction to most of the citizens,<ref>[[Fallout 3 Official Game Guide]] Game of the Year Edition p.66: ''"'''Confessor Cromwell'''''<br />''Little is known about Cromwell's past: He arrived in his early 20s (he's now 44) and was granted permission to stay due to the blessing and high standing of his successor{{sic}} in the church, who fostered him in the ways of Atom. Eventually, Cromwell proved to be a valuable resource in protecting and aiding the town, and he became an eccentric distraction to most of the citizens of Megaton."''<br />([[Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census]])</ref> with church attendance steadily dwindling.<ref>{{Color|Gray|[[Cromwell]]: "''I've been concerned about church attendance lately, Mother. The town's inability to fully accept Atom's promise is... most discouraging.''"<!-- conversation not in format... if it is not cut content entirely... -->}}</ref>
+However, to adherents of the faith, Cromwell was the great prophet of Atom. It is under his auspices that a group of Children of Atom departed from Megaton to the North between late 2260s and early 2270s. Heading towards [[the Commonwealth]] and [[Mount Desert Island]], the expedition eventually split up. One expedition, under [[Isolde|Mother Isolde]], settled in the [[Crater of Atom]].<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"How did you find this place?"''<br />[[Isolde]]: ''"{{Tooltip|We'd seen the glow, beckoning us in the distance. Where others ply the Glowing Sea with fear, we strode into this land... ...knowing that Atom would guide us through unharmed. In return for our faith, we were granted this haven, abandoned, pristine, a blessing from Atom. We built here to show our thanks for his grace.|Neutral}}"''<br />([[CoAMotherIsolde.txt]])</ref> The second group, led by [[Martin (Far Harbor)|Confessor Martin]] and [[Tektus|Grand Zealot Tektus]], landed in Far Harbor. Initially tolerated by the denizens of the Island, they were driven out when the fog began to encroach on human settlements around the mid-2270s. [[Archemist|Anna]], the town's doctor, was wounded by the mob that pushed them out of the desolate land.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"How is it you came to this place?"''<br />[[Tektus]]: ''"{{Tooltip|We were guided here, many years ago, after our exile from Far Harbor. The first of us, my predecessor Martin and I, had come north at the behest of Atom's great prophet, Confessor Cromwell... ...from a small refuge in the Capital Wastes. When we arrived on the island, we found a few souls receptive to Atom's message.|Neutral}} {{Tooltip|Anna... the Archemist... was formerly Far Harbor's doctor before she found the Light.|No one has called her Anna in many years. You catch yourself after saying her name. Pronounced Arkemist not Arch-emist. / Neutral}} {{Tooltip|But most... they thought us a menace. We were chased from the town, driven into the wilds. Barely escaped with our lives.|Building anger. You hate the town for what they did to you and your family. / Angry}} {{Tooltip|Some of us were... never the same.|This was the moment that you truly began to hate Far Harbor. This is an old, unhealed wound. / Stern}} {{Tooltip|It was only thanks to the grace of Atom that we survived... and finally found a place that we could call home.|Calming yourself. / Neutral}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt]])</ref> Wandering through the wilds, they happened upon an ancient submarine pen, occupied by [[DiMA]]. After a century of loneliness,<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"If this thing involves the whole island, then you need help. I can be your problem-solver if you let me in."''<br />[[DiMA]]: ''"{{Tooltip|I suppose there's something to be said about refusing help even when it's offered and you're in need.|persuaded by the player to talk / Thinking}} {{Tooltip|There's a conflict that's been brewing on this island, shortly after we built Acadia. Between Far Harbor and the Children of Atom.|Concerned}}"''<br />[[Chase]]: ''"{{Tooltip|Simply put: They want to kill each other, and each side wants us to help them.|talking to the player, who has persuaded DiMA to tell you about what's going on}}"''<br />[[Faraday]]: ''"{{Tooltip|We've tried to stay neutral, but Far Harbor was going to be wiped out by the Fog, so that's when we built the Condensers for them.|talking to the player, who has persuaded DiMA to tell you about what's going on}}"''<br />DiMA: ''"{{Tooltip|And I was friends with the previous leader of the Children of Atom, Confessor Martin. I even gave them their headquarters, the submarine base they named the Nucleus.|Concerned}}"''<br />Chase: ''"Which was a mistake, because Martin is gone and the new Confessor, Tektus, is completely insane."''<br />DiMA: ''"{{Tooltip|He's been threatening us, to force us to choose a side. I left behind something very important in that submarine base I gave them.|Concerned}}"''<br />Faraday: ''"DiMA's earliest memories are stored in the military computer banks in that base. The prewar security systems and Confessor Martin's good will were supposed to keep them safe."''<br />Chase: ''"But now Tektus is in charge, and he's after DiMA's memories. We don't even know what's in them."''<br />DiMA: ''"{{Tooltip|But we do know that I spent nearly a century on this island, alone. Whatever's in there is too dangerous to allow Tektus to get his hands on them.|Concerned}}"''<br/>([[DLC03DiMA.txt|DiMA's]], [[DLC03Chase.txt|Chase's]], and [[DLC03Faraday.txt|Faraday's dialogue]])</ref> DiMA welcomed the company and struck bonds of friendship with Martin. Eventually, he handed the nuclear submarine base to the Children, deciding to establish [[Acadia]] around 2276.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"What's your beef with Avery?"''<br />[[Mitch (Far Harbor)|Mitch]]: ''"{{Tooltip|Avery was born on the island, but she left for a good long spell.|Sharing a story - doesn't like Avery / Irritated}} {{Tooltip|Didn't come back until, well, ten? Eleven years ago? And since then she's been trying to make us adopt all sorts of mainland nonsense.|Busy body know-it-all, who likes them? / Irritated}} {{Tooltip|I ain't arguing she doesn't do good or her heart being in the right place, but why change what ain't broke.|Has to concede she's not wholly wrong / Irritated}}"''<br />([[DLC03Mitch.txt]])</ref>
-By [[Timeline#2287|2287]], the church's influence has grown over into [[the Commonwealth]], and even as far north as Maine, with Children of Atom being active on the distant [[the Island|island]]. The Children of Atom residing in the Commonwealth are also far more fanatical, with most members opting to attack the [[Sole Survivor]] on sight. However, those found in the [[Crater of Atom]] are passive during the quest [[The Glowing Sea]].
+The Children grew in strength, thriving in their new habitat. As their numbers increased, they began to send out teams to seek out irradiated goods to return to [[The Nucleus]]. On one of these expeditions in 2277, Grand Zealot Tektus saved the life of [[Brian Richter|Lt. Brian Richter]], accidentally sealed within a containment bunker. After losing his unit to radiation poisoning, the immune Richter became a fervent adherent of the faith, a zealot.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"You seem... different, from most of the people here. Why is that?"''<br />[[Brian Richter]]: ''"{{Tooltip|Brazen thing, aren't you. All right. I was a soldier before I came to Atom.|Impressed}} {{Tooltip|Lieutenant Brian Richter. Recon, Captial Region. Had been on a long-term scouting mission up north when we picked up the trail of a reserve of Fusion Cores from an old disposal facility. We'd made our way into the containment cellar, only our team engineer hadn't set the door locks right. Fifteen inches of lead-wrapped steel slammed shut behind us and locked tight, not to open again until Division. And I got to watch them all crumble and die while I lasted on two sips of water a day and the occasional roach. The High Confessor - he was still a zealot back then - he eventually turned up a couple weeks later.|Neutral}} {{Tooltip|They cracked the seal on the door, pulled me out, dragged me back here where the Archemist nursed me back to health.|Pronounced Arkemist not Arch-emist. / Neutral}} {{Tooltip|It's only thanks to Atom's blessing that I didn't die vomiting my guts onto the floor, forced to eat my own shedding hair.|Question}} {{Tooltip|Now, did you have any other questions?|Neutral}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt]])</ref> However, the Children's increasing influence was matched by the increasing expansion of the fog. Since 2279, the situation became more and more dramatic for Far Harbormen, eventually resulting in all remaining non-Children humans on the Island herded onto the pier in [[Far Harbor (location)|Far Harbor]].<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"You've lost the whole island?"''<br />[[Captain Avery]]: ''"{{Tooltip|The Fog's been here forever. There are good years when it recedes and the island's almost normal.|Thoughtful answer, maudlin / Thinking}} {{Tooltip|Then there are times where it spreads all over. And people have to cling to any patch of land free of the Fog.|Recollecting difficult times - tinged with real suffering / Sad}} {{Tooltip|For the past... oh, eight years or so, it's been getting... as bad as it's ever been.|Very grim - things are DESPERATE / Somber}} {{Tooltip|Now, Far Harbor's one of the only places left that's safe.|A terrible fate / Sad}}"''<br />([[DLC03CaptainAvery.txt]])</ref><ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"I heard the Children are responsible for the Fog? Is that true?"''<br />[[Tektus]]: ''"{{Tooltip|Of course. The Fog predates our arrival on the island, certainly, but before us, it was but an occasional presence.|Amused}} {{Tooltip|Yet through our faith, our devotion to family, Atom saw fit to reach across the land... ...claiming for us more, year after year, until near all lay beneath His grasp. Now, was there something else I could answer for you?|Neutral}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt]])</ref>
+This has put the Children on a collision course with the rest of the population on the Island, as they sought to have the radioactive fog blanket every inch of Mount Desert Island. [[DiMA]] and [[Faraday]], on the other hand, wanted to save the people of Far Harbor and provided them with [[fog condenser]]s to keep the fog at bay. As a result, the situation escalated in 2287, when a child of Atom braved the fog to preach to the people of Far Harbor and have them accept their fate. He was gunned down by [[Allen Lee]] almost immediately, becoming the latest in a long line of casualties. However, as a peaceful missionary, his death infuriated the Children and undermined the already shaky authority of the peaceful High Confessor [[Martin (Far Harbor)|Martin]].<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"What happened to this missionary?"''<br />[[Tektus]]: ''"{{tooltip|A foul atrocity.|Speaking of a lost follower. / Stern}} {{Tooltip|Our good Brother Andrews had decided to brave the Fog and attempt to bring Atom's Light to that ghastly town... and remind the heathens of their trespasses.|You're trying to drum up sympathy for your cause. Prove you're in the right. / Stern}} {{Tooltip|From what I hear, he'd barely spoken a word before they cut him down in cold blood. For nothing more than his devotion. Beasts.|Venom. You hate this town for what they've done. / Stern}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt]])</ref> Although he did his best to contain the rage, his own faith was crumbling.<ref>[[Acadia terminal entries#Faraday's Journal|Acadia terminals; Faraday's terminal, Faraday's journal]]: "''Things are bad. Far Harbor and the Children of Atom are at the brink of warring with each other, and we're caught in the middle. It's the Fog Condensers. We just wanted to protect those people from being wiped out by the Fog, but the Children of Atom think that's an affront to their god. They want the Fog to spread all over the island, specifically Far Harbor. And the people of Far Harbor hate them right back. They blame the Children of Atom for spreading the Fog, even though that's scientifically unlikely.
+<br />''If Confessor Martin was still in charge of the Children of Atom, we might have better chances. DiMA and the old Confessor go way back. Martin was the one that found DiMA in the old submarine base, and when Acadia was founded, it was DiMA who gifted Martin and his followers with the base to serve as their new home. They renamed the base "The Nucleus" and we were originally excited to be working together, making the island a safer place for everyone.
+<br />''But now Confessor Martin has disappeared, and High Confessor Tektus has taken charge. He's a dangerous megalomaniac who wants to destroy Far Harbor at all costs, and he's been threatening us to help him.
+<br />''Worse, DiMA left behind his original memory banks in The Nucleus when he left to found Acadia. He blames himself for his lack of judgment, but he's too hard on himself. The Children of Atom were our friends back when Martin was in charge, and those memory banks would have been difficult to transport. DiMA had plenty of reason to believe they would be safe locked behind the prewar defenses that Martin promised to never tamper with.
+<br />''DiMA has been on this island more than a century. Anything could be in those memory banks. If the Children of Atom find a way to access all that data, they could find something that would threaten the whole island.
+<br />''We're running out of time. I've convinced DiMA that we need to send someone to get his memories back. Interfacing with DiMA's offloaded data won't be easy for someone else, so we're working on a computer program together. The program includes a set of instructions that DiMA is going to make to help our agent once they're inside the simulation. It'll also need tools to hack through the internal security protocols that the memory banks have.
+<br />''I think we should send Chase, but DiMA thinks that's too risky. The Children of Atom know her, and if she's spotted, then it's war. We need to send someone else, if possible, but who?''"</ref>
+The final blow came from [[Gwyneth|Sister Gwyneth]]. Paging through an old scientific text, she discovered what an atom actually was. The revelation, that it is a single speck of matter in a vast emptiness, ruined her faith. Martin did his best to console her, but the revelation shook him to the core.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"What caused Gwyneth to turn her back on Atom?"''<br />[[Theil]]: ''"{{Tooltip|I can only tell you what I saw. She was praying quietly, when she suddenly leapt up and began to shout that Atom is a lie. When Tektus confronted her, she struck him with such force that she knocked him to the ground. When she realized what she'd done, she fled. Tektus wanted to send someone after her, make an example, but at the time it was not his decision. Confessor Martin insisted we wait...|Neutral}} {{Tooltip|...hope for her return. Sadly, that never happened and we gave her up for dead. That was the end of Gwyneth, or so we thought.|Somber}} {{Tooltip|One of the acolytes spied her at a holy site, but she escaped in the Fog. It was not long after that the blasphemous messages appeared... ...and we knew it had to be her.|Neutral}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_ZealotTheil.txt]])</ref><ref>[[Sister Gwyneth's visit]]</ref> One night in 2287, he simply disappeared from [[the Nucleus]], never to be seen again. High Confessor [[Tektus]] took his position, with Grand Zealot [[Brian Richter|Richter]] as his second.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"What happened to the Confessor before you?"''<br />[[Tektus]]: ''"{{Tooltip|Martin? No one knows. One night he was sleeping in his chambers in the vessel, and the next morning, he'd simply vanished. The other zealots and I organized a party to try and find him, to no avail. I wouldn't be shocked if he took up in Far Harbor or fled to the south. His dedication to Atom had become... questionable.|Neutral}} {{Tooltip|He'd done nothing when Far Harbor executed one of our missionaries, so I dare say it's best that he fled.|A little smile at the end of this. Martin's flight is why you're in charge. / Stern}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt]])</ref><section end="History" />
 ==Beliefs==
+{{quote|Behold! He is coming with the clouds! And every eye shall be blind with his glory! Every ear shall be stricken deaf to hear the thunder of his voice! Let the men, women, and children of the Earth come forth to gather and behold the power of Atom! Let those who dwell here in his favored land attend now to the words of the Prophet of Atom! Come forth and drink the waters of the Glow, for this ancient weapon of war is our salvation, it is the very symbol of Atom's glory! Let it serve as a reminder of the Division that has occurred in the past and the resplendence of the promise of our division in the times to come! Give your bodies to Atom, my friends. Release yourself to his power, feel his Glow, and be Divided. There shall be no tears, no sorrow, no suffering, for in the Division, we shall see our release from the pain and hardships of this world. Yea, your suffering shall exist no longer; it shall be washed away in Atom's Glow, burned from you in the fire of his brilliance. Each of us shall give birth to a billion stars formed from the mass of our wretched and filthy bodies. Each of us shall be mother and father to a trillion civilizations. Each of us shall know peace, shall know an end to pain, and shall know Atom in his glory. I urge you, my friends -- come, drink with me and pray... Glorious Atom, I give unto you these feeble bones. I present to your will this frail body. I beg of you to use me as your vessel, guide me to your brilliance, divide each particle and give relief to this rotten flesh. Cast the fragile form of this ephemeral body into new life in the forge of your Glow. Atom, come -- bestow your presence on your unworthy servant. {{Tooltip|We stay true, until the Day of Division -- until the dawn of your return to His humble world.|Amen}}|Confessor Cromwell's sermon, 2277}}
-{{Quotation|The Church of the Children of Atom believe the war of 2077 was actually a great holy event perpetuated by their god, Atom.|[[Fallout 3 loading screens|''Fallout 3'' loading screen]]}}
+The religion of the Children of Atom is centered around the eponymous Atom and the idea that within every atomic mass in all of creation exists an entire universe. When that atomic mass is split, that universe divides and becomes two. As such, Atom is a creator deity,<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"Atom's children? Who are they?"''<br />[[Brian Richter]]: ''"{{Tooltip|We are the Children of Atom, servants of the creator of this and all worlds.|Emphasis on we. / Stern}} {{Tooltip|You walk through His domain.|Neutral}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt]])</ref> creating new worlds through the act of nuclear fission (referred to by the Children as Division). As a result, the [[Great War]] is seen and cherished as a divine event that created uncountable new universes in one instant. It represents creation and unification in Atom's Glow: [[radiation]].<ref>The [[Lone Wanderer]]: ''"What do you believe?"''<br />[[Cromwell]]: ''"The Church of the Children of Atom is based on the idea that each single atomic mass in all of creation contains within it an entire universe. When that atomic mass is split, a single universe divides and becomes two -- thus signifying the single greatest act of Atom's creation. {{Tooltip|Occasionally, a divine event occurs and trillions upon trillions of new universes are created. The last such event took place here, 200 years ago.|Reverent and lost in his own words.}} Where most of the lost children of Atom see that event as simple war and devastation, we see creation and unification in Atom's Glow."''<br />([[ConfessorCromwell.txt]])</ref><ref>[[Fallout 3 loading screen hints]]: ''"The Church of the Children of Atom believe the war of 2077 was actually a great holy event perpetuated by their god, Atom."''</ref> The Children worship Atom by worshiping radiation, his Glow, emphasizing its ability to transform and create something better.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"So you worship radiation?"''<br />[[Brian Richter]]: ''"{{Tooltip|We worship its ability to transform. To create something better. Why? That idea call to you?|Question}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt]])</ref> Through it, they can achieve the aforementioned Division,<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"What can you tell me about the Children's beliefs?"''<br />[[Brian Richter]]: ''"{{Tooltip|Our belief is in holy Atom, who struck this world two centuries ago, wreathing it in His Glow.|Neutral}} That Glow is the Children's way out of this place. To Division."''<br />([[DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt]])</ref> as the Glow breaks them apart and they are reborn, releasing all of the worlds within them.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"What's Division?"''<br />[[Brian Richter]]: ''"Release. Release of your potential. Of all the worlds locked away inside you. Broken apart and reborn a thousand times over through the Glow. {{Tooltip|Island's the perfect place for it, thanks to the Fog, the Nucleus. Glow everywhere. With patience, we'll all find Division in this place.|Neutral}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt]])</ref> While obliteration through nuclear explosions is a preferred means of achieving Division, death of natural causes or irradiation is considered perfectly in line with the Children's teachings.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"What can you tell me about Division?"''<br />[[Tektus]]: ''"{{Tooltip|Atom's greatest gift. Locked inside us all are billions of invisible worlds, waiting only to be touched by His Glow in order to be born anew through Division. During the Great War, it was granted to many, though they certainly didn't realize it. But today it is often a slow process, taking years of exposure in order to be realized. We are all here to spend our lives seeking the promise of Division, however long it may take.|Neutral}} {{Tooltip|Now, did you have another question?|Question}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt]])</ref> To maintain their devotion and worship, the Children tend to seek out irradiated areas to set up shrines and other centers of worship, which double as staging areas for proselytizing efforts and crusades against the unfaithful.<ref>[[Crater of Atom]], [[crater house]], etc. are examples of this practice.</ref> They will also seek out and defend any stockpiles of nuclear weapons, to prevent their disposal or use in a manner not consistent with the tenets of the teachings of Atom.<ref>{{Color|Gray|[[Henri]]}}</ref><ref>[[Fallout 4 Vault Dweller's Survival Guide]] Collector's Edition p.34: ''"'''CHILDREN OF ATOM'''''<br />''Considered a cult by most outsiders, the Children of Atom worship nuclear material and the radiation it emits. While most members are compelled to spread the word of Atom, Children of Atom are wary of strangers and generally attack trespassers on sight. Unless important business takes you into their territory, approaching a Child of Atom will trigger a firefight.''<br />''Children of Atom congregate in the Crater of Atom, but smaller groups can be found throughout the Commonwealth.''<br />''Children of Atom wear rags that offer very little protection, but prolonged exposure has left them immune to radiation and able to withstand a considerable amount of punishment. Although some Children of Atom rely on a variety of handmade pipe guns, others favor the radiation damage offered by gamma guns. Whenever possible, equip armor that offers radiation resistance or stock up on RadAway before engaging these fanatics."''<br />([[Fallout 4 Vault Dweller's Survival Guide Groups, Gangs, and Factions]])</ref>
+The religion emphasizes asceticism and abolition of the self, as the mortal shell is seen as merely the means for creating new life.<ref>The [[Lone Wanderer]]: ''"Why do you worship the bomb?"''<br />[[Cromwell]]: ''"Those who were called to Atom during the Great Division were very fortunate. They were permitted to aid in the process of Atom's creation. {{Tooltip|We seek the same, both in symbol and in fact and the "bomb", as you call it, represents Atom's capacity for creation.|He says that word "bomb" with distaste.}} We kneel before it and ask that Atom call us to aid him. We pray that out of our meager bodies, he will create new life."''<br />([[ConfessorCromwell.txt]])</ref> However, the Children are not pacifists. Territory affected by radiation is considered Atom's holy domain, wreathed in his Glow. The Children are compelled by their religion to protect their path to salvation (Division), through any means necessary.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"What do you mean "His domain"?"''<br />[[Brian Richter]]: ''"{{Tooltip|The island. You've seen the Fog. Heard the Geiger counter on your little bracelet pipe up? That is Atom, spreading His Glow across this land. And that Glow is the path to our salvation.|Neutral}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt]])</ref> As a result, any attempts to interfere with the spread of radiation are considered blasphemous.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"What's your problem with Far Harbor?"''<br />[[Brian Richter]]: ''"{{Tooltip|Those heathens persecute our missionaries and use profane technology to steal land that rightfully belongs to Atom.|A little taken aback. You thought everyone knew about this. / Stern}} {{Tooltip|Not sure which sin is worse. And I want you to assure me you're not here to do their bidding.|Stern}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt]])</ref><ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"What profane technology are you talking about?"''<br />[[Brian Richter]]: ''"{{Tooltip|Acadia's little lifeline to that den of sin. The Fog Condensers. The only reason they're able to hang onto that blasted dock.|Stern}} {{Tooltip|... information you'd be well aware of if they'd sent you...|Neutral}} {{Tooltip|So, explain to me why you're trespassing on sacred ground. Unless... you're here seeking a place among Atom's children?|Not too stern. This person is a possible convert who's convinced you they're not with your sworn enemies. / Neutral}}"''<br/>([[DLC03CoA_GrandZealotRichter.txt]])</ref> However, reason does temper the religious zeal somewhat. For instance, anti-radiation medication is accepted, as it seen as a way for those denied radiation immunity (seen as a special kind of Atom's blessing) to serve Atom. In fact, it seen as a form of penitence, scouring oneself to embrace the Glow anew.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"You mentioned scouring? What's that?"''<br />[[Mai]]: ''"{{Tooltip|Oh. Right. Well, most of us here, the Glow doesn't harm us. But Atom's picky about sharing His blessing.|Neutral}} {{Tooltip|We keep some anti-rad meds on hand, for those in need.|Friendly}} {{Tooltip|Most folks around here, High Confessor included, consider it a kind of... penitence. Scour oneself and embrace the Glow anew.|Second line should be a little mystical. / Neutral}} So did you want to peruse the goods?"''<br/>([[DLC03CoA_SisterMai.txt]])</ref>
+Revelation is a crucial aspect of the Children of Atom's beliefs. Atom's revelations are imparted to its faithful through a variety of messengers, with the [[Mother of the Fog]] being the most revered, at least among the Nucleus branch. The Mother appears as a female figure, shrouded in black mist and smoke, and heralds the most important events. In fact, Nucleus confessors credit the survival of their community after banishment from [[Far Harbor (location)|Far Harbor]] to the Mother.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"What can you tell me about the Mother of the Fog?"''<br />[[Tektus]]: ''"{{Tooltip|The Mother is one of Atom's most revered messengers. Many years ago, when we were driven from Far Harbor, it was she who guided us through the wilds to this sanctuary. We might all have been lost if it wasn't for her.|Neutral}} {{Tooltip|You should be honored she found you so... interesting.|Question}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt]])</ref> Minor revelations can be delivered to individuals by other messengers, such as a radiant stag.<ref>[[Devin]]: ''"{{Tooltip|Holy Atom. From this spot I-- I-is that you? Oh holy...|You've been starving yourself and are extremely sick. Initially you're reciting to yourself, then you think you see your god then you realize its not / InPain}} {{Tooltip|... oh. I-I'm sorry, {{Tooltip|brother|Male}}/{{Tooltip|sister}}. I thought you were... never mind. Did you need something?|Thinking you see your god then you realize its not / InPain}}"''<br/>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"You seem like you're expecting someone?"''<br />Devin: ''"{{Tooltip|I am. Atom came to me. And I will follow His command.|InPain}}"''<br />The Sole Survivor: ''"Atom came to you? What'd you see?"''<br />Devin: ''"{{Tooltip|My saving grace. Jet has been my crutch for many years. One day, I was in the woods, polluting myself, when a figure strode from the sky before me. A verdant stag, wreathed in holy Glow. It commanded me to return to the Nucleus, to leave behind my iniquities and give myself fully to Atom. For my dedication, Atom would send another messenger, who would free me from my shackles once and for all. That, {{Tooltip|brother|Male}}/{{Tooltip|sister|Female}}, is why I must wait.|InPain}}"''<br />The Sole Survivor: ''"How do you know your vision of Atom's messenger wasn't just a hallucination brought on by the drugs?	"''<br />Devin: ''"{{Tooltip|What if it was? Holy Atom spoke to me. Promised to free me from my weakness. He gave me a task. And I will obey.|InPain}}"''<br/>([[DLC03CoA_BrotherDevin.txt]])</ref> This belief in individual revelation also means that the precise tenets of the Children of Atom are constantly in flux and sufficiently charismatic Confessors can radically alter the course their community takes, from peaceful coexistence to militant expansion and vice-versa.<ref>[[Reformation]]</ref>
+Religious iconography of the Children is based on scientific diagrams representing atoms.<ref>Banners, carvings and other imagery throughout ''[[Far Harbor (add-on)|Far Harbor]]''.</ref>
+==Organization==
+The Children have a loosely hierarchical structure, centered around spiritual leaders. Called either confessors or mothers, depending on gender,<ref>[[Fallout 3 Official Game Guide]] Game of the Year Edition p.86: ''"'''Mother Maya'''''<br />''Mother Maya is 41 and Confessor Cromwell's female counterpart. She and Cromwell are actually husband and wife, but they don't go out of their way to advertise the fact, because they're both so busy promoting the ideals of the church."''<br />([[Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census]])</ref> they hold absolute authority and can issue commandments at will. The Children of Atom are all sworn to follow them or suffer the consequences.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"There must be another way we could make things right."''<br />[[DiMA]]: ''"{{Tooltip|None that I can see. The authority of the High Confessor is absolute. The Children of Atom won't see the need for peace unless he... changes his mind.|implying that he will change his mind because you're going to replace him / Sad}}"''<br />([[DLC03DiMA.txt]])</ref> To eliminate dissent, inquisitors of Atom can be designated by the leader at their own discretion.<ref>[[Witch Hunt]]</ref>
+The militant arm of the Children is composed of zealots, sworn to defend the faith and guard its followers and their shrines.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"So you're a Zealot? What is that exactly?"''<br />[[Theil]]: ''"{{Tooltip|We are defenders of Atom's faith and guardians of the Nucleus. Most were mercenaries or Trappers before they finally came to Atom. Though Richter apparently was actually a soldier of some rank in his old life, if the rumors are true.|Neutral}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_ZealotTheil.txt]])</ref> Zealots are typically former mercenaries or raiders who converted to the faith and operate under the command of a grand zealot. The grand zealot typically designates a deputy, tasked with ensuring the fitness of other zealots.<ref>{{Color|Gray|The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''""''<br />[[Theil]]: ''"{{Tooltip|I'm the Grand Zealot's second. It's my job to ensure the Zealots are fit for the conflict to come against all those who offend Atom.|Stern}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_ZealotTheil.txt]])}}</ref>
+Many Children exhibit congenital immunity to radiation, but the faith accepts all converts as long as their faith is true.<ref>The [[Sole Survivor]]: ''"There's so much radiation on the island. How come people here don't get sick?"''<br />[[Tektus]]: ''"{{Tooltip|Some do. But most of our family has been blessed at birth with an affinity for the Glow. It's no more to us than a May rain. Warm. Comforting. It's why a place like this island truly is meant for His children. Others simply whither away while we gladly await Division.|Neutral}}"''<br />([[DLC03CoA_HighConfessorTektus.txt]])</ref> Potential converts are typically inducted by drinking irradiated water,<ref>[[Cromwell]]: ''"Behold! He is coming with the clouds! And every eye shall be blind with his glory! Every ear shall be stricken deaf to hear the thunder of his voice! Let the men, women, and children of the Earth come forth to gather and behold the power of Atom! Let those who dwell here in his favored land attend now to the words of the Prophet of Atom! Come forth and drink the waters of the Glow, for this ancient weapon of war is our salvation, it is the very symbol of Atom's glory! Let it serve as a reminder of the Division that has occurred in the past and the resplendence of the promise of our division in the times to come! Give your bodies to Atom, my friends. Release yourself to his power, feel his Glow, and be Divided. There shall be no tears, no sorrow, no suffering, for in the Division, we shall see our release from the pain and hardships of this world. Yea, your suffering shall exist no longer; it shall be washed away in Atom's Glow, burned from you in the fire of his brilliance. Each of us shall give birth to a billion stars formed from the mass of our wretched and filthy bodies. Each of us shall be mother and father to a trillion civilizations. Each of us shall know peace, shall know an end to pain, and shall know Atom in his glory. I urge you, my friends -- come, drink with me and pray... Glorious Atom, I give unto you these feeble bones. I present to your will this frail body. I beg of you to use me as your vessel, guide me to your brilliance, divide each particle and give relief to this rotten flesh. Cast the fragile form of this ephemeral body into new life in the forge of your Glow. Atom, come -- bestow your presence on your unworthy servant. {{Tooltip|We stay true, until the Day of Division -- until the dawn of your return to His humble world.|Amen}}"''<br />([[ConfessorCromwell.txt]])</ref> provided by the confessor or, in the case of Mount Desert Island, by drinking from [[Atom's Spring]] and experiencing a vision. Naturally, this weeds out the weak and infirm, as well as identifying immune persons who are fit to take on more dangerous tasks in service of Atom.<ref>[[Visions in the Fog]]</ref>
+==Technology==
-The Children of Atom believe that each atom contains within it an entire universe, and when an atom is split many universes are created. Therefore, instead of seeing the [[Great War]] as destructive, the Church believes it was a creative and unifying holy event. The Children of Atom also see death more as a celebration of life and unification to Atom through "the Glow." "The Glow" is the earthly embodiment of Atom and the Children of Atom's direct connection to Atom. The Children of Atom view the [[ghoul]]s as "Atom's forsaken" or those who have unfinished business and, for denying the ghouls their unification with Atom himself, Atom touches them with "the Glow" and asks that they spread the word of Atom to those around the world. Those ghouls that refuse to accept the "gift of the Glow" and refuse to spread the word of Atom are doomed to becoming [[Feral ghoul|feral ghouls]].
+The Children of Atom attach little importance to worldly possessions and so they care little for the quality of their equipment. They tend to dress in rags decorated with electrical wiring and salvaged metal items representing the atom's nucleus. For protection, they employ cobbled-together pipe guns or makeshift [[Gamma gun]]s, relying on the strength of their faith and intensity of local radiation for protection.<ref>Children of Atom appearances in ''[[Fallout 4]]''.</ref> Some communities do employ more advanced technologies, for example, the Mount Desert Island sect under Confessors Martin and Tektus has access to old [[Marine armor]] suits and ancient combat rifles, which were pressed into service as zealot-pattern armor and [[radium rifle]]s respectively.<ref>''[[Far Harbor (add-on)|Far Harbor]]'' appearances.</ref>
 ==Members==
@@ Line 37: / Line 72: @@
 * [[Curie III|Mother Curie III]], leader of the [[Holy Light Monastery]] is a former Child of Atom. Optionally, she can also be encountered as a ghoul.
 * [[Atom's Champion]], a neutral feral ghoul reaver member.
-* [[Brother Gerard]], a church guard and possible ghoul.
+* [[Gerard (Broken Steel)|Brother Gerard]], a church guard and possible ghoul.
 * [[Novice]], a ghoul member.
 * [[Sun of Atom]], A neutral glowing one member.
@@ Line 51: / Line 86: @@
 * [[Ogden|Brother Ogden]]
 * [[Henri|Brother Henri]]
+* [[Atom's Wrath]] (reprogrammed assaultron)
+* [[Mercy (character)|Mercy]] before being expelled. {{Icon|FO4CC|link=Creation Club}}
 ====''Far Harbor''====
@@ Line 57: / Line 94: @@
 * [[Mai|Sister Mai]]
 * [[Kane (Far Harbor)|Brother Kane]]
-* [[Brian Richter|Grand Zealot Richter]]
+* [[Brian Richter|Grand Zealot Brian Richter]]
 * [[Theil|Zealot Theil]]
 * [[Ware|Zealot Ware]]
@@ Line 65: / Line 102: @@
 ==Notes==
-* One sign directly below the Megaton church reads "Local Cult," which means that either they acknowledge themselves as a cult, despite the Confessor's arguments, or that they are unaware of the sign or the meaning of the word.
+* Signs in the Megaton pointing to the church read "Local Cult," indicating that the town's inhabitants think little of the movement.
 * Unlike the mostly peaceful Children of Atom encountered in the Capital Wasteland, members of the Commonwealth chapter will aggressively attempt to "convert" all nonbelievers by spraying them with lethal amounts of radiation, including the [[Sole Survivor]]. Their indiscriminate hostility often leads to three-way fights between the player character, the Children and whatever else happened to cross their path, be it animals or members of other factions like the [[Gunners]] or the [[Commonwealth Minutemen|Minutemen]]. The only Children of Atom that can be talked to are the ones found in the [[Crater of Atom]] and [[Henri]] inside the [[Sentinel site]], and even those boast a fairly volatile temper towards non-believers.
 * True to their beliefs, church members in the Commonwealth rely almost exclusively on radiation weapons in combat, mainly the very dangerous [[Gamma gun (Fallout 4)|Gamma gun]] and the even more devastating [[Nuka grenade (Fallout 4)|Nuka grenade]]. They also make liberal use of [[Nuke mine (Fallout 4)|nuke mines]] to secure their strongholds, making assaulting those an even more hazardous undertaking. While the Children usually only wear rags they boast a significantly large health pool compared to similar NPC types. In addition, the amount of damage they can inflict is staggering, especially given their nearly unerring aim with their Gamma guns.
@@ Line 78: / Line 115: @@
 ==Behind the scenes==
-The Children of the Atom are a reference to the film and book ''[[wikipedia:Beneath the Planet of the Apes|Beneath The Planet Of The Apes]]'' which included a cult that revolved around the worship of an atomic bomb. Within the [[Fallout series|''Fallout'' series]], said cult previously served as inspiration for the town of [[Gravestone]] in ''[[Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel|Fallout Tactics]]''.
+The Children of the Atom are a typical post-apocalyptic cargo religion. They are similar to the apocalyptic mutant cult from ''[[wikipedia:Beneath the Planet of the Apes|Beneath The Planet Of The Apes]]'' and the [[Gravestone]] Church from [[Fallout Tactics|''Fallout'' Tactics]].
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+CoA Banner 1.svg
+CoA Banner 2.svg
+CoA Banner 3.png
+CoA Banner 4.svg
+CoA Banner 5.svg
+</gallery>
+{{RTB}}
 {{Navbox factions FO3}}
 {{Navbox factions FO4}}
-[[Category:Children of Atom]]
+[[Category:Children of Atom| ]]
 [[Category:Fallout 3 religions]]
 [[Category:Fallout 4 religions]]