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Thank you for choosing wisdom over violence.

Mother Curie III, or Curie the Third,[1] is a member of the Church of the Children of Atom and the founder and leader of the Apostles of the Eternal Light in the Fallout 3 add-on Broken Steel.

Background[]

Mother Curie is from Megaton.[2] Ever since her childhood, she believed she was destined for something special, but she always convinced herself otherwise. That ended when she fell asleep while listening to one of Confessor Cromwell's sermons one day. In her sleep, she dreamt of meeting a "Prophet of Atom" enveloped in glowing radiation who called her to the purpose of spreading Atom's message; the strength of her newfound belief is such that only the said Prophet of Atom could ever convince her she was wrong.[3]

Apostles of the Eternal Light[]

In her vision, Atom called upon his flock to seek not Division, but instead "Enlightenment;" she believes that salvation in Eternal Light can only be attained through Atom's supreme and total Enlightenment[4][5] -- in other words, salvation is only possible by taking in radiation and becoming a ghoul, though few are able to surpass the level of Enlightenment and reach Eternal Light (taking in so much radiation that they achieve a visible glow).[6][7] They see this transformation as a "rebirth" for the suffering so that they no longer fall to starvation, illness, or age, needing only "Atom's Glow" (radiation) to be happy.[8][9]

Curie would eventually convince some of Cromwell's other followers, such as Brother Gerard, to reject his ways and follow her teachings (seeing the notion of Division as misguided and the atomic bomb in Megaton as a "Great Symbol of Atom.")[9] They went on to found a new order of the cult in Springvale, the Apostles of the Eternal Light. They constructed their monastery in a ruined home, adding exterior walls in front and installing a tabernacle. From the podium, radiation devices can be activated on the pulpit to irradiate new prospects, between which a bathtub rests. The actual order resides in the basement, while Brother Gerard remains outside as a gatekeeper.

Holy Water[]

It was in Springvale, sometime after the formation of the Water Distribution Network, that Curie was approached by four members of the Brotherhood of Steel who were making a water delivery to Megaton. When Curie told them where she was from, they gave her the barrels of Aqua Pura they were carrying and told her to share it with her people.[10] However, in her religious stupor, Mother Curie took their instructions as another divine message from Atom; she interpreted the Brotherhood members as "armored angels" of Atom who gave her the water to be "blessed" with radiation in order to spread the cult's Enlightenment to everyone.[2][11] Curie quickly set to work overseeing irradiation of the holy water, which has kept her inside the monastery ever since, while Gerard remains outside offering holy water to passersby. In their eyes, this is a noble humanitarian mission, bringing salvation and "warmth" to the suffering people of the wasteland;[12][13][14] however, they do not even tell recipients that it is irradiated.[15][16]

Curie is so focused on her work that she is totally unprepared for any "casual" visitors.[12][17] Firmly believing that she is helping the needy, she is oblivious to the harm her actions could cause, such as the deaths of beggars already sickened by radiation, or the growing unrest in Megaton due to the loss of their intended water shipment, which could quickly spiral into violence. She is used to religious persecution and refuses to answer violence with violence,[18] although the rest of her flock may not be so kind.[19] Although she is a zealous believer in her faith, she will tolerate those who don't practice it.[20] The fact that her own son has (at some point) become a glowing one has only strengthened her beliefs, as she views him as having achieved the final steps of the journey to Eternal Light such that his mind has now transcended the mortal realm (not realizing the radiation has simply erased most of his higher functions, with only instinct keeping him from attacking his mother).[Non-game 1]

Curie III can be convinced that people cannot be forced into accepting "salvation," in that deceiving wastelanders with irradiated water to spread the word of their cult is wrong and a mockery of her faith.[21][22] Alternatively, as she states, she is convinced that only a divine revelation from the Prophet of Atom could convince her to change her ways -- a fact which could be exploited by someone willing to irradiate themselves to the extent of being visibly glowing, and able to survive it.[23][24][25]

Interactions with the player character[]

Interactions overview[]

Interactions
FO76 ui icon quest
This character is involved in quests.

Quests[]

  • Holy Water: The Lone Wanderer has the choice of persuading Curie to stop distributing the holy water to others, or stopping her by killing her and her followers.

Effects of player's actions[]

  • Mother Curie III appears as a hostile feral ghoul reaver if Megaton is blown up after starting Holy Water. According to Brother Gerard, who will also be transformed into a ghoul, this occurs because he and Mother Curie are preaching in Megaton when the bomb goes off.[Non-game 2][26]
  • Although armed with a weapon, Mother Curie III is a peaceful character and does not become hostile if one kills Brother Gerard in order to enter the monastery, or by way of antagonizing speech options. If threatened, she states that she expected some form of religious persecution and that she refuses to respond to violence with violence. If the Lone Wanderer initiates combat against the Apostles, Curie will simply cower and flee, although the rest of her followers will attack.

Inventory[]

Apparel Weapon Other items On death
Wastelander outfit Low tier weapon

Notes[]

Notable quotes[]

  • "Why... you ARE the Prophet of Atom! I didn't recognize you until now... Your eyes are aglow, your very skin radiates with Atom's Heat! I didn't realize... My Lord, now that you have revealed yourself to me, I do... I see the errors of my ways. Forgive me, for I knew not what I was doing... we will spread your word without the use of the holy water... we will return the Aqua Pura to Megaton. It shall be a test: the worthy will seek us out, and finding us they will find the Message of Atom, drinking the Waters of Light in their souls. Yes! I leave you now, Lord. I can not bear to look upon your shining face any longer."
  • "Why, to offer Enlightenment to all those who suffer, of course. No more, no less. Atom came to me with a vision: the starving, the ill, the weak, all being made whole and well by receiving the sacrament of Atom's Glow. And so, with our holy water, we can make this vision a reality. When exposed to Atom's supreme Glow, the ill are reborn in his glowing visage. Those reborn never hunger, never suffer, and never age. All our Enlightened brethren need is to know Atom's Glow, and they are happy."
  • "Thank you for choosing wisdom over violence."
  • "Children of the Light, hear my words and feel Atom's warmth! For too long, our world has been barren, and our people have become empty. Their hearts have become dry and cold, and thirst consumes the weak and the strong alike. But we can save them! For Atom's bounty has granted us the gifts of mercy and compassion! Oh, my brethren, let us share with them the Waters of Light! Let them be fulfilled by Atom! Let them know his glow and be truly Enlightened! And let them live forever, and walk with us in the grace of Atom's Glow, and never be empty again!"[27]
  • "Be at peace, dear."
  • "Strive for the Eternal Light."
  • "May Atom be with you, always."
  • "May you know Eternal Light."[28]
  • "Give it time, child. Soon Atom will enlighten your eyes and you will come to realize the truth for yourself."[29]
  • "You may not agree with us, but you need not mock our beliefs. The Prophet of Atom would be so aglow as to outshine the sun. You are not he/she."[25]

Appearances[]

Mother Curie III appears only in the Broken Steel add-on for Fallout 3.

Behind the scenes[]

Mother Curie III's name is a reference to Dr. Marie Curie, the discoverer of radiation and two radioactive elements, who eventually died of radiation poisoning.

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. The Lone Wanderer: "There. I've gotten a little irradiated. Can I go in now?"
    Gerard: "Ah, I can feel the Light within you. By all means, you are welcome in our sanctuary. Please, speak with our leader, our Luminescent Mother, Curie the Third."
    (Gerard's dialogue)
  2. 2.0 2.1 The Lone Wanderer: "How do you make your "holy water"?"
    Curie III: "It was a gift from Atom. I was meditating right here in Springvale, when four of His armored angels came to me. When I said I was from Megaton, they gave me barrels of 'Aqua Pura,' and said I should share it with my people. They were very clear on that. Naturally, I understood Atom's message. And so, I've been busy blessing this holy water and sharing it with the world."
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  3. The Lone Wanderer: "What makes you so sure you're right, anyway? Who are you to speak for Atom?"
    Curie III: "I suppose it's a fair question... Ever since I was a girl, I knew I was destined for something special. I always resisted the feeling. Me? Special? But one day I fell asleep during one of the Confessor's sermons. And I had a dream. A dream of the Prophet of Atom. Ablaze with Holy Light! He/She told me of my destiny. Of my mission. I was called to service, and I answered. The only being able to convince me I was wrong, would be the Prophet of Atom himself/herself."
    (Curie III's dialogue) Note: The sex of Atom changes based on the player's choice during character creation.
  4. The Lone Wanderer: "Tell me about your order."
    Gerard: "Ah, the Apostles of the Eternal Light were first introduced to the majesty of Atom's Glow by the holy teachings of Confessor Cromwell. And we were content to stay in Cromwell's Church, until Atom gave a vision unto our Luminous Mother. She learned that Atom did not call for Division, that sundering which drives us apart. Atom calls for Enlightenment, the warmth which feeds us. For it is only through Atom's supreme and total Enlightenment that we may attain salvation in Eternal Light."
    (Gerard's dialogue)
  5. Holy water pamphlet
  6. The Lone Wanderer: "You mean, you turn people into Ghouls?"
    Curie III: "That's a vulgar term, used only by those who are jealous of their gifts. We recognize them for the Enlightened beings they are. But to receive such Enlightenment, people need to be exposed to a tremendous dose of Atom's Glow. That's why our holy water is so important! Sadly, only a small number of supplicants truly achieve Eternal Light. The rest must be satisfied with Enlightenment and an end to their suffering."
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  7. The Lone Wanderer: "Turning people into Ghouls? But that requires an amazing amount of radiation!"
    Curie III: "That's correct, it does. But we can work miracles with our holy water. Free of impurities, this 'Aqua Pura' is perfect for carrying Atom's blessing. Sadly, only a small number of supplicants truly achieve Eternal Light. The rest must be satisfied with Enlightenment and an end to their suffering."
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  8. The Lone Wanderer: "Why are you doing all of this?"
    Curie III: "Why, to offer Enlightenment to all those who suffer, of course. No more, no less. Atom came to me with a vision: the starving, the ill, the weak, all being made whole and well by receiving the sacrament of Atom's Glow. And so, with our holy water, we can make this vision a reality. When exposed to Atom's supreme Glow, the ill are reborn in his glowing visage. Those reborn never hunger, never suffer, and never age. All our Enlightened brethren need is to know Atom's Glow, and they are happy."
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  9. 9.0 9.1 The Lone Wanderer: "You'll see the true power of Atom when I detonate that bomb in Megaton."
    Curie III: "No! No you mustn't! We left Cromwell's church precisely because we DON'T believe in the Great Division. Atom calls us to reach Enlightenment through becoming one with his Glow. We believe in transformation - not destruction. Please, leave the Great Symbol of Atom alone. Let the Confessor preach his misguided message to the heathens. Join us here. Gain enlightenment."
    (Curie III's dialogue) Note: This line can be spoken if the player has yet to complete the quest The Power of the Atom.
  10. Jefferson Memorial terminal entries; Bigsley's terminal, Megaton Report
  11. The Lone Wanderer: "Where did you get your water?"
    Gerard: "Our Luminescent Mother went to meditate outside of the city, and as she wandered in a trance, she was visited by Atom's angels of war. These angels brought her 'Aqua Pura.' Water so pure, so pristine, and so unsullied that she knew it would make the perfect vessel for Atom's Glow. Since that day, she has busied herself consecrating Atom's pure water into the Waters of Light."
    (Gerard's dialogue)
  12. 12.0 12.1 The Lone Wanderer: "I'm sure you mean well, but this has to stop."
    Gerard: "Stop helping the needy? I don't think so. And even if I did, it's not my decision to make. Blessing of the holy water is overseen by Mother Curie the Third, our Luminescent Mother. And she's far too busy to speak with outsiders."
    (Gerard's dialogue)
  13. The Lone Wanderer: "Isn't there some way I can convince you to stop?"
    Curie III: "We're doing holy work here, tending to the suffering and hopeless. Our holy water gives warmth to those who would only die unsaved, otherwise."
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  14. 14.0 14.1 The Lone Wanderer: "How do you make your "holy water"?"
    Curie III: "It was a gift from Atom. I was meditating right here in Springvale, when four of His armored angels came to me. When I said I was from Megaton, they gave me barrels of 'Aqua Pura,' and said I should share it with my people. They were very clear on that. But when I shared some with my Enlightened brethren, it made them terribly ill. I questioned why Atom had brought a pestilence upon us. That's when I thought to consecrate it with Atom's Light. And lo and behold, it removed the pestilence and made the finest holy water imaginable!"
    (Curie III's dialogue) Note: This is the response given should the player have completed the quest Project Impurity by infecting the water supply with modified FEV.
  15. The Lone Wanderer: "You can't trick people into enlightenment. They have to accept it knowingly."
    "You judge what you do not understand. By introducing them to Atom's Light, we are saving them from a life of misery."
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  16. The Lone Wanderer: "You know this water is full of radiation, right?"
    Gerard: "It's full of Atom's Light, if that's what you mean. Brighter and warmer than any water I've ever seen before. Blessing of the holy water is overseen by Mother Curie III, our Luminescent Mother. But her work keeps her busy within the monastery at all times."
    (Gerard's dialogue)
  17. Curie III: "Oh, my! I wasn't expecting a pilgrim to our shrine! We're hardly prepared for casual visitors, I'm afraid. You must have made quite an impression on Brother Gerard. He's a lovely boy, but rather strident. I hope he wasn't a bother. But where are my manners? I'm Mother Curie the Third, and I lead the Apostles of the Eternal Light. What can I do for you, my dear?"
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  18. The Lone Wanderer: "I'm putting an end to your twisted cult, right now."
    Curie III: "Ah. We are accustomed to this sort of religious persecution. However, I refuse to respond to violence with violence."
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  19. The Lone Wanderer: "If you don't stop, I'll have to make you stop. Forcibly if I have to."
    Curie III: "If you feel you must resort to violence, then you will do so. I will not fight you. But I cannot say that my disciples share my commitment to peace."
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  20. 20.0 20.1 The Lone Wanderer: "Enough cultist crap. This is sick."
    Mother Curie III: "You are welcome to your own beliefs, of course. But I would ask you not to profane in our monastery."
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  21. The Lone Wanderer: "You can't trick people into enlightenment. They have to accept it knowingly."
    Curie III: "Hmm... You have a point, one cannot be forced into salvation against one's will. To do so would be unjust, even in Atom's name. Perhaps you're right. We must not use deception to spread the word of Atom's Light. To do so would be to make a mockery of salvation itself. We will stop using the Aqua Pura for our holy water. We will save our ministrations for those who seek us out."
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  22. Curie III: "We will spread our word without this holy water. The Light of Atom need not be spread through deceit."
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  23. The Lone Wanderer: "I am the Prophet of Atom. Stop irradiating water."
    Curie III: "Why... you ARE the Prophet of Atom! I didn't recognize you until now... Your eyes are aglow, your very skin radiates with Atom's Heat! I didn't realize... My Lord, now that you have revealed yourself to me, I do... I see the errors of my ways. Forgive me, for I knew not what I was doing... we will spread your word without the use of the holy water... we will return the Aqua Pura to Megaton. It shall be a test: the worthy will seek us out, and finding us they will find the Message of Atom, drinking the Waters of Light in their souls. Yes! I leave you now, Lord. I can not bear to look upon your shining face any longer."
    (Curie III's dialogue) Note: This is the successful option if the player character has over 800 rads. The sex of the Prophet of Atom changes biased on the player's choice during character creation.
  24. Curie III: "My Lord. I can not bear to look upon your shining face... I am unworthy..."
    (Curie III's dialogue) Note: This line is spoken after the player convinced Curie that they are Atom in a greeting.
  25. 25.0 25.1 The Lone Wanderer: "I am the Prophet of Atom. Stop irradiating water."
    Curie III: "You may not agree with us, but you need not mock our beliefs. The Prophet of Atom would be so aglow as to outshine the sun. You are not he/she."
    (Curie III's dialogue) Note: This is the failure option if the player character has over 800 rads. The sex of the Prophet of Atom changes based on the player's choice during character creation.
  26. Gerard: "We came to Megaton to preach of the Eternal Glow... I saw Atom's Holy Light. I TOUCHED Atom himself! I felt his warm embrace! Mother Curie she... she changed... I changed, too, but I'm still myself. Poor Mother Curie... she saw the face of Atom and it drove her mad. I don't know what to do! I think I'll stay here; pray to Atom. Pray for his guidance, for he has made me of the Eternal. The undying. I am his now."
    (Gerard's dialogue)
  27. Curie III: "Children of the Light, hear my words and feel Atom's warmth! For too long, our world has been barren, and our people have become empty. Their hearts have become dry and cold, and thirst consumes the weak and the strong alike. But we can save them! For Atom's bounty has granted us the gifts of mercy and compassion! Oh, my brethren, let us share with them the Waters of Light! Let them be fulfilled by Atom! Let them know his glow and be truly Enlightened! And let them live forever, and walk with us in the grace of Atom's Glow, and never be empty again!"
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  28. The Lone Wanderer: "I have to go now."
    Curie III: "May you know Eternal Light."
    (Curie III's dialogue)
  29. The Lone Wanderer: "There must be something I can do to convince you."
    Curie III: "Give it time, child. Soon Atom will enlighten your eyes and you will come to realize the truth for yourself."
    (Curie III's dialogue)

Non-game

  1. 1.0 1.1 Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.97: "SonIn-game spelling, punctuation and/or grammar of Atom
    When a human transcends mortality and straddles the ether, they can be seen to be both living in the 'real' and 'spiritual' realm. Mother Curie III firmly believes her own son to have taken the final steps on this journey. In fact, much of her son's higher functions have disappeared, and only instinct is preventing this confused Glowing One from attacking."
    (Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)
  2. Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.86: "Mother Curie III
    Overseeing the operation is Mother Curie, who believes firmly that she is doing Atom's will and helping the world grow, and they find that consecrated Aqua Pura is actually much more potent than any other 'dirty water.' She has prepared a rich and varied history to read to her 'flock.' Should you find her in her second state; she has received her greatest wish, as she bathed in the light of infinite candles, and reached a higher realm of consciousness. In fact, this worked so well, her mortal corpse has become a frothing, savage Ghoul with no knowledge of your previous interactions."
    (Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)
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