“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, now 18, was abandoned by his father in Rivet City a few years prior to 2277. Father Clifford took Diego in, and the pair have become like father and son.[Non-game 1] As a result, Diego has become the acolyte of Saint Monica's Church and next in line for the priesthood, currently studying the life of Saint Monica to prepare for this succession.[1] Most of Father Clifford's sermons are centered around this saint; he delivers one daily even though he only has an audience on Sundays. Diego is mildly concerned by this, though Clifford believes that God and Saint Monica are in his audience as well.[2] Although popular, these repetitive sermons easily bore the audience to sleep. Though he tries to be neutral when others complain about this,[3][4] secretly even Diego himself falls victim to this.[5][6]
As part of his trainee duties, Diego is responsible for preparing Sunday service in the church and helping Father Clifford aid the community, such as providing spiritual support for Doctor Preston's patients.[7][8] The doctor does not mind as long as they do not overly disturb the patients.[9] Diego is also less confident about the effectiveness of their aid, believing Clifford's sermons of tolerance and acceptance do little for class tensions between the upper deck and hangar deck residents.[10] However, he does have some impact. For example, Mister Lopez, a regular churchgoer with suicidal thoughts, receives counseling of sorts (more like advice to see Father Clifford for counseling) from Diego and appreciates the acolyte for it.[11]Vera Weatherly of the Weatherly Hotel also gives him and the father free meals out of appreciation for their service.[12]
Diego is pursued romantically by Angela Staley, who has tried all manner of methods to seduce him, including direct verbal propositions.[13][14][15] Diego does have feelings for Angela, but he does not reciprocate both because of his vow of celibacy for the priesthood and the fact that she is only 16 (and therefore "jailbait," in the words of Commander Danvers).[16] This is in vain, as Angela sees right through his facade.[Non-game 1] Although he has chosen the church over her so far,[17] he keeps her company in the late afternoon to early in the evening on the flight deck.
Father Clifford is also aware of Angela Staley's attempts to seduce Diego, or at least the rumors. He has told Diego that she is his temptation before he can be accepted into the priesthood.[17] As he has no other acolytes to succeed him in the priesthood, he believes it would be devastating if Diego left.[Non-game 1][18][19][20]
This character can be enslaved with the Mesmetron.
Quests[]
A Nice Day for a Right Wedding: There are rumors of his involvement with Angela Staley. Depending on player actions, his relationship with Angela or with the church may suffer:
If one threatens to tell Father Clifford of Diego and Angela's actions, Diego will resolve not to see Angela again, even as a friend.[21] This will break her heart, and they will no longer interact with each other.[22][23][24]
If one lies Father Clifford that Diego has broken his vow of chastity, Clifford will excommunicate Diego, kicking him out of the priesthood.[20][25] He would then ask Angela to marry him, to which she would say yes.[26] However, this will then allow Diego and Angela to marry,[27][28] by which point Father Clifford will also have calmed down.[29]
If one helps Angela seduce Diego using ant queen pheromones, the lovers will be caught in the act by Father Clifford.[30] Diego will leave the priesthood, but will still decide to get married, and Clifford will perform the wedding ceremony.[29][31] The couple would move into their own apartment together, with Angela continuing her work with her father to support the couple.[32][33] However, this is alluded to in dialogue only; Diego and Angela will not actually start sharing a room.
Diego may also unofficially start the Church Donations quest. If asked about donating to the church, he will tell the Lone Wanderer to give their donations to Father Clifford.
Other interactions[]
Should Father Clifford die, Diego will take his place as priest of the church.
"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."
↑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)
↑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)
↑Doctor Preston: "Diego, I assume you are here to visit my patients." Diego: "Yes, Doctor Preston. I will minister to the needs of their souls. You can minister to the needs of their bodies." "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; Diego's and Preston's dialogue) Note: The first response is used if Father Clifford is dead, and the second if he is alive.
↑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)
↑Mister Lopez: "Diego, I am a troubled man. My life has no meaning. There is no point in going on." Diego: "That is a sin in the eyes of God, Mister Lopez. Surely he has a greater purpose for you. You should speak with Father Clifford." Mister Lopez: "That might be best. Would you please ask Father Clifford if I might have a few moments of his time?" (Rivet City conversations; Lopez's and Diego's dialogue)
↑Diego: "Angela, I'm not sure you should spend so much time around me. I am to be married to God soon." Angela Staley: "Wouldn't you rather be with a real girl? Maybe you should try it before you decide." Diego: "Lord give me strength." (Rivet City conversations; Diego's and Angela Staley's dialogue)
↑Angela Staley: "Diego, do you think I'm sexy? I mean, if you weren't a priest and everything, would you be turned on by me?" Diego: "Well, I, uh, that is, sure. You are incredibly sexy. Not that I've noticed. I am going a priest, and they don't...um, well, you know." (Rivet City conversations; Angela Staley's and Diego's dialogue)
↑ 17.017.1The 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)
↑ 20.020.1The 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)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "If you don't stop seeing her, I'll tell Father Clifford about it." Diego: "I swear to you, our relationship is chaste. I am only her friend. However, I must confess, I have not done all I could. I am sorely tempted. You have given me new resolve. I will tell Angela we cannot see each other again. Even as friends." (Diego's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "I haven't seen Angela bothering Diego lately." Gary Staley: "That coward! He told her to stay away from him. She still cries about it at night. It's a good thing I would never hurt a priest." (Gary Staley'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: "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)
↑Angela Staley: "Are you nervous about getting married?" Diego: "A little. Aren't you? We don't have a place to live, and your father is going to have to support us." Angela Staley: "Don't worry, Diego. I'll take care of you. I even found a room below decks for us. Our love will sustain us." (Rivet City conversations; Angela Staley's and Diego's dialogue)
↑ 1.01.11.21.3Fallout 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)