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 the 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] From their exile they were led to the Mount Desert Island Naval Facility by the Mother of the Fog, it was an ancient submarine pen, occupied by DiMA.[8][7][9]
Wandering through the wilds, they happened upon an ancient submarine pen, occupied by DiMA. After a century of loneliness,[10] 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.[11]
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.[12] 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.[13][14]
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 Brother Andrews 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.[15] Although he did his best to contain the rage, his own faith was crumbling.[16]
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.[17][18] 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.[19] Since then High Confessor Tektus has grown increasingly paranoid, those that don't follow his will blindly are as treated as heretics. To weed out the disloyal he has instilled loyalty tests.[20]
Beliefs
“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.”— 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,[21] 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.[22][23] The Children worship Atom by worshiping radiation, his Glow, emphasizing its ability to transform and create something better.[24] Through it, they can achieve the aforementioned Division,[25] as the Glow breaks them apart and they are reborn, releasing all of the worlds within them.[26] 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.[27] 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.[28] 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.[29][30]
The religion emphasizes asceticism and abolition of the self, as the mortal shell is seen as merely the means for creating new life.[31] 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.[32] As a result, any attempts to interfere with the spread of radiation are considered blasphemous.[33][34] 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.[35]
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, it was she whom lead their community after banishment from Far Harbor to the Nucleus.[8] Minor revelations can be delivered to individuals by other messengers, such as a radiant stag.[36] 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.[37]
Religious iconography of the Children is based on scientific diagrams representing atoms.[38]
Organization
The Children have a loosely hierarchical structure, centered around spiritual leaders. Called either confessors or mothers, depending on gender,[39] they hold absolute authority and can issue commandments at will. The Children of Atom are all sworn to follow them or suffer the consequences.[40] To eliminate dissent, inquisitors of Atom can be designated by the leader at their own discretion.[41]
The militant arm of the Children is composed of zealots, sworn to defend the faith and guard its followers and their shrines.[42] 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.[43]
Many Children exhibit congenital immunity to radiation, but the faith accepts all converts as long as their faith is true.[44] Potential converts are typically inducted by drinking irradiated water,[45] 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.[46]
Technology
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.[47] 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.[48]
Members
Fallout 3
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.
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.
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."
This "gift" may have nothing to do with Atom or the church however, as non-members such as the baby Marie also possess an immunity to radiation.
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.
↑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)
↑[clarification needed]!-- conversation not in format... if it is not cut content entirely... -->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)
↑ 7.07.1The 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)
↑ 8.08.1The 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)
↑Brian Richter: "Hmph. You're back. More than I expected. Did Atom reveal something to you?" The Sole Survivor: "I drank from the spring and a woman led me to this icon. Does this mean something?" Brian Richter: "A woman? Led you to that icon? What woman? What did you see?" The Sole Survivor: "Is there something special about this thing?" Brian Richter: "I think it may be a message from someone very important. So I need you tell me what you saw." The Sole Survivor: "It was... otherwordly. The woman, she was like a living shadow, cloaked in mist." Brian Richter: "Atom above. You really did see her. The Mother of the Fog.The Mother is a messenger from Atom. Acts as a guide to those important to His plans and the future of this family. She's the one who led the first of us to this place. And if she revealed herself to you... then I'd say the path He's lain for you is clear.If you are prepared to take the next step, then I believe there is a place for you among Atom's children." The Sole Survivor: "So what exactly happened to me at the spring?" Brian Richter: "Seems Atom granted you a vision. Only those deemed worthy of joining the Children have them... and live. But for some rare souls, he sends... more.A messenger. Or in your case, the Mother." The Sole Survivor: "So was the Mother real?"Brian Richter: "Most believe she's some sort of spirit, a creature of the wilds, though a few claim she's just an old hermit.Regardless, our family wouldn't be here without her. If she figured in your vision... well, there are few signs clearer you're meant to be one of us." (DLC03CoA GrandZealotRichter.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)
↑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)
↑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: "Are you willing to tell me what was happening between you and those two Children when I showed up?" Brian Richter: "Our family is built on trust. Many people on this island would kill us without thought. Those two needed to prove they could be trusted.One did." (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 screens: "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: "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)
↑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?" Sister 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)
↑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)
↑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)
↑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)
↑[clarification needed]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)
