Born in 2237, Father Clifford is the head of the Catholic[Non-game 2] derived Saint Monica's Church in Rivet City. He is the spiritual guide for the inhabitants of Rivet City, and spends his time tending to his flock. However, he does not spend all of his time in the church. Every day, he leaves for a few hours to engage the community[Non-game 1] and encourage more people to attend mass,[3][4][5] especially those he sees as living immorally or unproductively, such as Brock,[6]Flak,[7] and Trinnie.[8]
Father Clifford also concerns himself with the community as a whole. He and Diego occasionally visit the Rivet City clinic to pray for the patients.[9] As he puts it, "the Holy Spirit can be a balm to the soul."[10]Doctor Preston doesn't mind so long as they don't disturb the patients' rest or try to convince them of faith healing.[11][12] He advocates for community coherence, preaching tolerance and acceptance to try and ease tensions between the Upper Deck and Hangar Deck denizens. However, Diego believes no one is listening to him, and fears that things will develop into actual conflict.[13] Meanwhile, Chief Harkness does not see it as a problem to begin with, claiming it is just "folks blowing off steam."[14] In fact, Clifford's care extends beyond Rivet City. He is also a member of the Railroad and helped A3-21 escape the Institute. Believing that the android is as equal under God as any other creature, Clifford sent him to Horace Pinkerton for further aid. When representatives of the Institute arrived, he shut down operations with the rest of the Railroad, concealing themselves by inaction.[15]
Clifford is especially fond of telling the sermon about a version of Saint Monica. Monica is popular among the faithful of Rivet City, described as a mother who went on a journey to be with her son and saved his soul in the process.[16][Non-game 1] Even though his church is empty every day but Sunday, he will still preach to an empty house. He believes that it is enough even if only God and Saint Monica hear his sermons.[17] Although popular, his sermons are also repetitive, and many attendees (including Diego)[18][19] struggle to stay awake during mass.[20][21][22] Oblivious to this,[23] he intends to make his next sermon on one of the seven deadly sins, though he hasn't decided which one.[24]
Relationships[]
Reception towards Father Clifford is widely varied, though everyone seems to agree his sermons are boring. His regular audience is very appreciative of his services, which help them find comfort through faith.[25][19][26]Vera Weatherly particularly appreciates him, giving both Clifford and his acolyte free meals as a sign of her devotion.[27] His counseling helps assuage Mei Wong's fears about those who seek to harm her,[28][25] and he has helped Mister Lopez, a regular churchgoer, to spend less time contemplating suicide (even though Lopez himself believes it is not working).[Non-game 1][29][30] On the other end, he is poorly received by the staff and patrons of The Muddy Rudder, who consider him an unwanted, moralizing intrusion into their way of life.[31][32] This has even led to Belle Bonny throwing him out before.[33] Among others, Ted Strayer also refuses his guidance, as Ted does not believe faith has ever provided for him.[34]
His most significant relationship is with Diego: After Diego's father abandoned him in Rivet City, Father Clifford took the boy in, and the pair have become like father and son, with Diego eventually deciding to follow in his footsteps and become a priest. Clifford is well aware of Angela Staley's attempts to seduce Diego,[1][35] and he has told Diego that she is his trial of temptation before he can be accepted into the priesthood.[36] As so many of Clifford's hopes for the Church lie in Diego, particularly because he has no other acolytes, he believes it would be devastating if Diego left.[Non-game 2][37][38] This is despite having met Marcella, a Christian missionary from the Abbey of the Road, a sign that the religion continues to persist in the wasteland.[39]
Daily schedule[]
Father Clifford is normally seen in and around Saint Monica's Church but will roam around the inside of Rivet City talking to other residents. On occasion, Father Clifford can be found in the Muddy Rudder, lecturing anyone present about sin. Every Sunday, he holds a mass which many of Rivet City's inhabitants attend.
Father Clifford wakes up at 6 a.m. every day and eats at the Weatherly Hotel. At 8 a.m., he returns to Saint Monica's Church to deliver his sermon until 10 a.m., and roams around the church for another hour. If the day is Sunday, he spends that hour interacting with his audience. Afterwards, the father's schedule depends on the day of the week. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, he will wait until 2 p.m., then go visit the Rivet City clinic with Diego until 4 p.m., then return. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he will visit the common room until 1 p.m., then return. On weekends, he will stay in the church. At 5 p.m., regardless of the day, he will get dinner at the Weatherly Hotel until 7 p.m. Afterwards, his schedule changes again. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, he will go preach in the Muddy Rudder until 10 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he will visit the common room again and return at 9 p.m. On weekends, he returns to the church. On all days, he will go straight to bed at 10 p.m.
Wasteland Survival Guide: If asked about the history of Rivet City, he will direct the player character to Vera Weatherly, Bannon, or both, depending on whether they are alive or not. If both are dead, he will simply claim no knowledge of the subject.
Church Donations: If the Lone Wanderer wants to gain Karma, the player character can talk to Father Clifford and make a donation to the church; the more caps, the better the Karma reward.
A Nice Day for a Right Wedding: Encouraging the relationship between Diego and Angela Staley will, one way or another, cause Diego to leave the church, though the circumstances and Father Clifford's opinions will depend on the actions taken.
If the Lone Wanderer convinces Father Clifford that Diego has abandoned his vow of chastity, Clifford will, in a fit of shock and rage, declare Diego excommunicated. This is exaggerated, though, as Diego is merely kicked out of the priesthood.[40] However, this will encourage Diego and Angela to go through with their marriage,[41][42] and by that point Clifford will have calmed down as well.[43]
Should the Lone Wanderer help Angela seduce Diego by the usage of ant queen pheromones, the couple will be caught in the act by the Father,[44] and the pair will decide to get married. The father will see this as God's will and will both plan[45] and perform the ceremony.[46] Although this means Diego will leave the faith, Clifford will be happy because of the marriage, which he views as proper and faithful.[43][47]
Other interactions[]
If one talks to Father Clifford, he gives them a brief history of his church and role.
Father Clifford often says "May Saint Monica bless you" upon arrival and when one stops talking to him.
Clifford is mildly envious of Doctor Preston, which is exacerbated by Preston's lack of church attendance.[Non-game 1]
When Father Clifford goes out to eat he chooses the Weatherly Hotel, although it annoys him that Mister Buckingham keeps referring to him as "Mister Father Clifford" rather than just "Father Clifford."[48]
Father Clifford is surprised that a stranger would like to donate to the Church. Although he will accept minor cash donations he will emphasize that Saint Monica will look most favorably on large cash donations.[49] He however will not accept donations in kind, referring to such charity as "cast off belongings".[50] It is plus one positive Karma per cap.
There is a whiskey bottle and a syringe of Med-X in his podium in the church.
If Father Clifford dies, Diego will continue some of his activities as the new priest. Diego will continue visiting the Rivet City clinic alone and will also start delivering sermons every day in Father Clifford's stead.
Notable quotes[]
"We are gathered here today to witness the union of Diego and Angela in holy matrimony. They have asked that their marriage be blessed by God and by Saint Monica. They have also asked that it be witnessed by their friends and family. I now pronounce you man and wife. What God has joined, let no man tear asunder."
"Diego, will you take Angela for your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward... for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part? Angela, will you take Diego, for your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?"
PCPlaystation 3Xbox 360 The Sunday sermon is often glitched: either Father Clifford is not present at all, but non-player characters shush each other because he is speaking, or he will be present, but not speaking. It is advisable to go to church before starting A Nice Day For a Right Wedding, as the Sunday sermon seems to get stuck because of a bug in that quest.[verified]
↑ 1.01.1The Lone Wanderer: "If you're the acolyte, who's the priest?" Diego: "Father Clifford. The sanctuary is in the ship's fore, on the upper deck. The good father holds services every Sunday morning." (Diego's dialogue)
↑Clifford: "I am Father Clifford. This is Saint Monica's church." "I am Father Clifford of Saint Monica's church." (Clifford's dialogue)
↑Clifford: "Saint Monica bless you, Angela. I hope your father is well. You really should try to get him to come with you to church." Angela Staley: "Thank you, Father. I'll ask him again, but he doesn't want to close the restaurant on Sunday mornings." (Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and Angela Staley's dialogue)
↑Father Clifford: "Saint Monica bless you, C.J. Have you spoken to James about coming to church? I'd really like to see him here." C.J. Young: "Thank you, Father. I tried, but his mother said no. Sorry." (Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and C.J. Young's dialogue)
↑Father Clifford: "Deep down you are a good man, Brock. Come away from this den of iniquity. Come into the light of the Lord!" Brock: "Actually, Father, I'm a real asshole. Now get out of my face before I toss you in with the Mirelurks." (Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and Brock's dialogue)
↑ Clifford: "Forsake the evils of alcohol, Flak. They tempt you with oblivion when you should be glorifying God." Flak: "It's a mighty sweet temptation, Father. Now leave me the fuck alone." (Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and Flak's dialogue) Note: This conversation incorrectly targets Flak instead of Father Clifford.
↑Father Clifford: "Trinnie, can't you see what whiskey has done to your life? You've sold your body to men and your soul to the Devil." Trinnie: "I prefer beer to whiskey, Father. And unless you want to buy me the next round, get lost." (Rivet City conversations; Trinnie's and Clifford's dialogue)
↑Doctor Preston: "Diego, I assume you are here to visit my patients." Diego: "Yes, Doctor Preston. Father Clifford and I will minister to the needs of their souls. We let you minister to the needs of their bodies." (Rivet City conversations; Preston and Diego's dialogue) Note: This version of Diego's line is spoken while Father Clifford is alive.
↑Father Clifford: "Your patients appreciate my visits, even if you don't, Doctor Preston. The Holy Spirit can be a balm to the soul." Doctor Preston: "I suppose it can't hurt. Just try not to disturb anyone that's sleeping." (Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and Preston's dialogue)
↑Doctor Preston: "Father Clifford, I'll let you pray with my patients, but only for a short time. They need their rest." Father Clifford: "They need their eternal souls saved too, Doctor Preston. Have no fear, I won't occupy them for long." (Rivet City conversations; Preston's and Clifford's dialogue) Note: Father Clifford's response is bugged and will not play.
↑The Lone Wanderer: "What is this I hear about the Hangar Deck and Upper Deck?" Diego: "It's a shame really. Everyone should just get along. It's not too bad now, but if it keeps going this way, in a few years they'll start fighting in the streets. Father Clifford keeps preaching about tolerance and acceptance, but nobody seems to be listening." (Diego's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "What is this I hear about the Hangar Deck and Upper Deck?" Harkness: "That's just folks blowing off steam. Every place has it's haves and have nots. We got Upper Deck and Hangar Deck. Don't let it bother you." (Harkness' dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "I know you know where this android received his operations. Talk." Father Clifford: "To Pinkerton at Rivet City. He doesn't remember his old life, and now he can't be forced to betray us. The Lord will protect us, but just to be safe we've shut down the railroad. Agents of the Commonwealth are still looking for him." (Clifford's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "Who is this Saint Monica?" Father Clifford: "She is the patron saint of lost children. Very popular among the faithful of Rivet City. I'm surprised you've never heard of her. If you want to hear her story, it will be the topic of my sermon on Sunday. Services begin at 8 am. You should come." (Clifford's dialogue)
↑Diego: "Father, doesn't it bother you to preach to an empty church everyday but Sunday?" Father Clifford: "God and Saint Monica hear my sermons. That's good enough for me." (Rivet City conversations; Diego's and Clifford's dialogue)
↑Mei Wong: "Diego, try and get Father Clifford to put some energy in his sermons. Some of us were trying not to fall asleep." Diego: "I'll try, but he's pretty set in his ways. See you next week, Mei." (Rivet City conversations; Mei Wong's and Diego's dialogue)
↑Diego: "Have you decided on the message for your next sermon?" Father Clifford: "I'm thinking of preaching about one of the seven deadly sins. I haven't decided which one though." (Rivet City conversations; Diego's and Clifford's dialogue)
↑Father Clifford: "Have faith in Saint Monica, Mei. She will protect you from those that seek to hurt you." Mei Wong: "I am trying Father. I just don't see how Saint Monica can stop a bullet or break a set of manacles. But, I will try." (Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and Mei Wong's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "I think Mister Lopez is suicidal." Father Clifford: "Yes, I know. I've been counseling him for some time now. He used to go stand on the observation balcony all afternoon. He's down to only a hour or so at three o'clock." (Clifford's dialogue)
↑Belle Bonny: "Every week you come down here preaching this crap. Why don't you just stay in your god damned church?" Father Clifford: "Your sins call me down here. Your souls need to be cleansed of the Devil's brew you serve." Belle Bonny: "That's a load of crap. Preach to them if you have to, but don't get in the way of their drinking." (Rivet City conversations; Belle Bonny's and Clifford's dialogue)
↑Father Clifford: "Belle, you are an unwitting servant of the devil. You serve his demon brew down here." Belle Bonny: "You're full of crap, Father. If you keep bothering my customers, I'm going to throw you out. Again." (Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and Belle Bonny's dialogue)
↑Father Clifford: "My son, you are drifting through life. God can provide you a purpose, just as He did for Saint Monica." Ted Strayer: "No offense Father, but Saint Monica has never done anything for me. I've always had to take care of myself." (Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and Ted Strayer's dialogue)
↑Garza: "Hello Diego. Has Father Clifford decided to ordain you as a full priest yet?" Diego: "No, not yet. I'm still studying the life of Saint Monica. Hopefully someday soon." (Rivet City conversations; Garza's and Diego's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "You're a fool to pass up a chance at love with Angela." Diego: "Father Clifford says she is my trial. My temptation. I must chose between her and the Church. I have chosen the Church." (Diego's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "It's just a rumor. I'd ask Diego about it first." Father Clifford: "Of course, you're right. It's not like you saw it with your own eyes. I'm sure it's just gossip. Sorry I overreacted. So many of my hopes for the church lie in Diego that it would be devastating to have him leave." (Clifford's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "I saw them myself, on the light deck. Under the stars... <Lie.>" Father Clifford: "Ah! Diego! What have you done! He has forced my hand. I cannot let him be a priest now. This may be the end of the faith if I cannot find another acolyte." (Clifford's dialogue)
↑Father Clifford: "Diego, you have been fornicating with that strumpet, Angela Staley. Don't try to deny it. I have a witness." Diego: "No, it's not true! Yes, she has been tempting me, trying to seduce me, but I've resisted." Father Clifford: "Just leave. I cannot bear to look at you. You are hereby excommunicated from the church. May your soul wither in purgatory." (Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and Diego's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "How are things between you and Angela?" Diego: "Father Clifford accused me of having relations with Angela. He wouldn't listen when I told him it was a lie. I am no longer an acolyte. I've been expelled. Sometimes when God shuts one door though, he opens another. I've asked Angela to marry me, and she said yes." (Diego's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "So how are things with Diego lately?" Angela Staley: "Someone told Father Clifford that Diego and I were...you know. Father Clifford expelled Diego. So now we can get married!" (Angela Staley's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "Is Angela still mooning over Diego?" Gary Staley: "Mooning over him? Not any more. She's going to marry him! I'm so happy for my little girl. Father Clifford caught the two of them rutting like Brahmin. Thank God Diego has enough good sense to make an honest woman of her." (Gary Staley's dialogue)
↑Father Clifford: "Can this wait? I'm very busy planning a wedding." (Clifford's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "When are Angela and Diego getting married?" The Lone Wanderer: "Angela and Diego's wedding? I'd love to attend." Father Clifford: "You'll have to be at the church by 3 o'clock tomorrow. Don't worry. There will be plenty of seating." (Clifford's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "How are things between you and Angela?" Diego: "I...I don't know what came over me. I just lost control and seduced her. But I am an honorable man. I will make her an honorable woman. We're going to get married. I thought I would be more upset about leaving the church, but she makes me so happy." (Diego's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "I'd like to make a donation to the church." Father Clifford: "You would? I mean, certainly! We humbly accept whatever you can spare. However, Saint Monica looks most favorably on donations of 100 caps or more." (Clifford's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "Caps? Oh. I thought I could give you some items..." Father Clifford: "A kind thought, but we don't need your cast off belongings." (Clifford's dialogue)
Non-game
↑ 1.01.11.21.31.4Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.72: "Father Clifford Father Clifford, 40, spends most of his days in the church, but leaves for a couple hours every day to walk around the carrier. He's a nice guy and likes just about everyone he meets. He is especially fond of telling the story of Saint Monica, who went on a journey to be with her son and saved his soul. He counsels Mister Lopez during his frequent visits to the church. He's mildly envious of Doctor Preston; it doesn't help that Doctor Preston never attends church." (Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)
↑ 2.02.1Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.69: "Diego Diego, 18, is Father Clifford's assistant. He came to Rivet City a few years ago with his father but was abandoned. Father Clifford took Diego in, and the two have become like father and son. Diego assists Father Clifford with his church work and wants to be a priest when he gets older. He has strong feelings for Angela and spends much of his free time with her. However, he is also a devoted Catholic. Because she is only 16, he does everything he can to keep his feelings secret, although Angela sees right through him." (Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)