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After the Great War, Appalachia's emergency personnel mobilized to help their fellow citizens. These Responders became part government, part crisis relief.Fallout 76 loading screens

The Responders are a volunteer disaster relief organization operating in Appalachia. Formed shortly after the Great War by local first responder units, they were dedicated to helping local communities survive. To this end, they instituted a variety of programs that ranged from basic outdoor survival training to a specialized combat division called the Fire Breathers.

Like the other regional factions, the original Responders were wiped out by the Scorched Plague. Several years later, those who reclaimed Appalachia began to reform the Responders. A desire to revive the group began with Heather Ellis in Flatwoods. Later, in 2104, the Responders group re-established itself in the Whitespring Resort, led by Rucker.

Background[]

Post-War[]

In the aftermath of the Great War, first responders in Appalachia mobilized to help their fellow citizens. Eventually becoming a unified group known as the "Responders", they encompassed government and crisis relief duties in Appalachia,[3] providing automated survival training to those who needed it.[4] Their goals included helping people who made it through the nuclear holocaust or were born after the dust had settled, as surviving in the post-War world became paramount. They set up numerous locations across West Virginia in a bid to establish some semblance of law and order.[5]

The West Virginian capital of Charleston became the heart of Appalachian reconstruction with the Responders at the forefront, the city itself showing great promise of rebuilding in the aftermath of the Great War.[6] Among these refugees desperate for help were those from the Pleasant Valley Ski Resort, far away in the Savage Divide; left without help, they banded together under one David Thorpe. Thorpe rallied them into what would be the first of the region's raider warbands - and what would soon be a major threat to the Responders' mission.[7]

The Christmas Flood[]

Main article: The Christmas Flood

Weathering post-War hardships, the Responders held steady, despite the new threat of the raiders. The city of Charleston grew with its success and proved to be a safe haven against raider attacks. However, that was to change by 2082; a raiding party led by Rosalynn Jeffries, David Thorpe's lover, was routed handily by the Responders, despite some casualties. Most importantly, some raiders were captured alive - Rosalynn among them. With a powerful bargaining chip, the Responders hoped that they could negotiate some sort of ceasefire in exchange for their prisoners. Thorpe, on the other hand, was convinced that Rosalynn was dead. In a sheer display of cruelty, on Christmas morning, the Summersville Dam was rigged with mini nukes on Thorpe's order. The subsequent destruction of the dam resulted in catastrophic flooding that killed countless Responders, refugees, and other innocents.[7] The survivors resettled at the Morgantown Airport.

Morgantown[]

Despite the devastation, the Responders did not give up. Morgantown proved to be a jackpot, as after containing the trouble with the local gangs, they had a centrally-located base, distance between them and the nearest raider clans in the mountains, and contact with the Free States and the Appalachian Brotherhood of Steel. They also expanded into Flatwoods[8] and began restarting some of the old infrastructures in the town to produce food and provide security.[9]

Their access to food, medicine, and other essential supplies was the foundation of their relationship with the Free States and the Brotherhood, with caravans crossing through the Savage Divide regularly. Four years after the flood, in January 2086, they reached the apex of their power and influence as they fought against the super mutants in Huntersville alongside power-armored troops of Paladin Taggerdy. The victory seemed to signal the beginning of a new era for Appalachia, as the Responders and Brotherhood forged an alliance and their patrols even managed to suppress the mountain raiders.[10] Sanjay Kumar and Miguel Caldera were indispensable for maintaining the fleet and keeping it operational.[11]

However, things would not go their way. The Enclave, hidden away from prying eyes, split apart in the civil war after President Thomas Eckhart decided to have his way and force the automated security systems to raise the DEFCON level by releasing scorchbeasts on Appalachia, after subjecting it to Chinese drones, the Huntersville mutants, and other monstrosities. The civil war that destroyed the faction set the scorchbeasts loose, which rapidly infested the Cranberry Bog and started spreading out into the adjacent areas. The appearance of the Scorched was a shock to all survivors who came into contact with them, as was the plague they spread. The Responders decided to fight back, organizing a special fighting force called the Fire Breathers using the experience of Melody Larkin and Hank Madigan, a Brotherhood deserter, to train and organize the elite fighters. They would face the horrors of the wasteland and protect the lands west of Appalachia from the Scorched, encountering strange hostile creatures along the way.[12]

Scorched[]

However, the Responders failed to consider the big picture. Maria Chavez, their de facto leader, did not believe the threat was as severe as the Brotherhood made it out to be and disliked their militarism and repeated demands for supplies. What just a few years earlier promised to be a long-lasting alliance was unraveling fast, culminating on March 12, 2095, when the Brotherhood demanded information about Amy Kerry's project. At gunpoint. Although Chavez relented, the relations were soured permanently.[13] The fall of the Brotherhood in August 2095 left the Responders alone on the board and it was a matter of time until the scorchbeasts finally took them out. The raiders, desperately fleeing the Savage Divide, swept through the Forest, taking out many of the Responder outposts, including Flatwoods.

The research project into a Scorched vaccine at AVR Medical Center was launched too late to provide a cure in time to protect the Fire Breathers. By September 2096, all of the pieces were in place to create it, but communications breakdowns due to constant Scorched attacks prevented Dr. Hudson from completing it and the Fire Breathers were forced to launch their operation to seal the Big Bend Tunnel and buy time for Appalachia without it. The operation took place in late October and failed. So did Hank Madigan on his attempt to establish the Scorched Detection System developed in conjunction with the Free States, captured and killed by the raiders. Finally, Morgantown Airport fell after a desperate defense against hordes of scorchbeasts and their minions on November 7, 2096. The Responders were wiped out.[14]

Resettling[]

By 2103, however, as people came back to Appalachia, Heather Ellis, who had returned with the Settlers, moved to Flatwoods, discovered the history of the Responders, and decided to revive the group and their efforts by becoming one herself, continuing to live in Flatwoods with her dog Chloe and wearing the Responders paramedic jumpsuit to show her support to revive the group.[15] Another woman, Tiffany Brantley, decided to join the elite Fire Breathers and is with Vendor bot Mack and the firefighter Protectrons at the Charleston Fire Department, already suited up in her Fire Breather uniform, currently stuck on having to take the exam.[16]

Full reformation and the Refuge[]

Around 2104, a woman named Rucker returned to Appalachia and found some of these people wearing the Responders uniform. Rucker researched the history of the original Responders by finding people who could tell her about the old group and expressed a desire to truly re-form the Responders.[17] Rucker helped the ideals of the original Responders grow, reviving the faction and eventually needing to set up a permanent base. With waves of refugees coming to Appalachia, the new Responders needed a large place suitable to treating and housing the refugees. They eventually established themselves at the seemingly abandoned Whitespring Resort, turning it into a refuge. After setting up shop, they received the assistance of the enigmatic Orlando, who claims to be a liaison between the resort's "Management" and the Responders.[18][19][20]

During this time, the new Responders also managed to find and repair a vertibird, which allowed them to explore and help the regions outside of the Appalachian wasteland. One of the first groups they contacted were the Union, a group of survivors found in the ruins of Pittsburgh, now known as "The Pitt" following the Great War. Orlando and the Management provided the Responders with Ultracells as fuel to fly the vertibird.[21][22]

Organization[]

Photo responderleaders

Responder founders: from left to right, Jeff Nakamura, Maria Chavez, Melody Larkin, Sanjay Kumar

The original Responders had a decentralized, horizontal structure designed to address the needs of people under their care and aid them in need. Regular supply trains were established between the nearby farms and the Responder headquarters, with full members assigned to their protection, such as Jerry Abernathy. For rapid response in emergencies, the Responders also established an emergency response team, trained by Felix O'Dell and consisting of Derek Castle (guard and escort), Veronica Chang and Kevin Trayjor (field medics).[23]

In the early years, Responders largely operated under their pre-existing chains of command (police, paramedics, firefighters, etc.), ignoring attempts by the Charleston Emergency Government to assert their leadership over them. However, this early structure was far from unified and required a good deal of tact and diplomacy to keep them from falling apart. This problem was exposed less than a year after the war, when the responders grappled with the problem of Chief Mayfield's heavy-handed rule of Morgantown. After he ordered his police officers to open fire on the rebellious VTU students and imposed a mandatory curfew, Melody Larkin realized that moving on him would risk splitting law enforcement Responders from the organization.[24]

After relocating operations to Morgantown Airport, the faction was effectively guided by five senior members: Maria Chavez (senior Responder and de facto leader), Claire Hudson (chief medical officer), Sanjay Kumar (chief engineer), Melody Larkin (combat trainer), and Jeff Nakamura (quartermaster). However, the division of labor was handled on a merit basis, with the senior Responders working together with junior members. The Fire Breathers combat unit was a notable exception, operating with a strict chain of command under Melody, as a matter of necessity.

The reformed Responders at the Whitespring Refuge are decentralized much in the same way as the original group was, with their main focus being on helping others. Rucker, who led the effort to revive the group, is de facto in charge of the new Responders, though she rejects being labeled as a singular leader.[1]

Ranks[]

Sign responders checkinherebanner d

Note: These ranks apply only to the original Responders before being wiped out. The reformed Responders at the Whitespring Refuge are never mentioned as having any system of ranks or divisions.

  • Senior Responders: The de facto leadership of the organization, typically people who have been with the organization since the beginning.
  • Responders: Fully trained members of the faction who each had a job, a specialty, and housing assignment. The job of Responders was to help everyone, including volunteers and candidates.
  • Fire Breathers: An elite combat unit specializing in fighting in toxic areas of the wasteland, especially the Ash Heap.
  • Volunteers: People who underwent the automated training, enjoying weekly rations from the self-serve kiosks, access to the Forest Watch and other Responder communications, and a discount at the official vendors. Like Responders, volunteers also had jobs, specialties, and housing assignments. Survivors registered to become volunteers with a Responder or at the self-serve registration kiosk. Survivors and candidates became volunteers by participating in two experiments and/or training sessions.
  • Volunteer Candidates who are undergoing training (whether automated or under another Responder), or are too young to become Volunteers or Responders. At the age of 13, candidates could be promoted. While candidates were assigned housing, they were not assigned jobs or specialties.

Divisions[]

Original Responders[]

The original Responders relied on volunteers, organized in a horizontal manner according to their area of expertise, bolstered by automated systems such as the Forest Watch.

Fire Breathers[]

Main article: Fire Breathers

Led by Melody Larkin, this division was assembled with the goal of exploring the Ash Heap sometime after the Responders had been formed.[25] They were based in the former Charleston Fire Department and made up of a mix of pre-War Charleston F.D. and post-War volunteers. Player characters can become Fire Breathers by undertaking the requisite exams during the quest Into the Fire.

Flatwoods paramedics[]

Along with the primary Responder forces in Flatwoods, they provided medical services and helped in recruiting efforts before the Scorched overran Morgantown Airport. Their cosmetic uniform is rewarded upon the completion of the main questline in Flatwoods.

Responders' police force[]

  • Morgantown P.D. - assisted in the large scale defense of Morgantown Airport and also protected civilians within the city itself. Most of the police force was wiped out in the failed defense against the Scorched, and many police officers are seen to have turned into Scorched themselves.
  • Charleston P.D. - responsible for maintaining law and order in the city of Charleston, they were wiped out along with most of the city following their capture of raider Rosalynn Jeffries, which her partner David Thorpe responded to by stealing a mini nuke and destroying Summersville Dam in what would come to be called The Christmas Flood.

Their uniform is rewarded upon the completion of the main questline in Morgantown.

Refuge Responders[]

The reformed Responders at the Whitespring Refuge are never mentioned as having any specific divisions or sub-groups. However, they are aware of their former presence at Flatwoods and Heather Ellis' membership in the Responders,[17] and consider Flatwoods to be an active outpost.[26] They also occasionally send members to other locations in Appalachia, and many are thankful for not being assigned to dangerous locales, like Morgantown Airport.[27]

Outside relations[]

Original Responders[]

The original Brotherhood of Steel tried to recruit skilled Responders away to join the fledgling Appalachian chapter, with Hank Madigan eventually deserting the chapter for the Responders himself. The organization did not have the equipment or expertise that came with being a former military unit like the Brotherhood, as much of their equipment came from their origins as civilian emergency services, meaning members of that caliber were both needed and in short supply. Like the Brotherhood, the Responders fought against the encroaching Scorched, and also researched a means to develop a vaccine against the Scorched Plague, but their efforts ultimately fell short and they were wiped out sometime before Vault 76 opened. There is evidence of a Responders Radio station that operated prior to the group's destruction.[28][29]

The Responders also collaborated to some extent with the Free States, such as through aiding the residents of Harpers Ferry before and after the Free States' arrival in the town.[30] After they rebuilt Harpers Ferry, they also created a trade route to Charleston in the hopes of furthering their relations with the Responders.[31]

Refuge Responders[]

The reformed Responders allow a Settler representative from Foundation and a Raider representative from the Crater to reside within the Whitespring Refuge. They are friendly with the Settlers,[32] but many members are distrustful of the Raiders,[33] to the point of outright rejecting those who even associate with the Raiders.[34] They appear to be somewhat neutral towards the Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force at Fort Atlas, and Initiate Ellison is present at the Refuge as a representative of the group. Ellison privately believes the Responders would be better off being absorbed by the Brotherhood, who have more resources available to them.[35]

Locations[]

For specific locations occupied by the Fire Breathers, see: Fire Breathers.

Active locations:

Former locations:

Members[]

See also: Fire Breathers

Active[]

Name Role
Rucker Whitespring refuge, Responder leader
Esme Rousseau Whitespring refuge, Refuge chef
Giuseppe Della Ripa Whitespring refuge, Stamp vendor
Lennox Whitespring refuge, Vertibird pilot
Sophie Wagoner Whitespring refuge, donation drive manager
June Seaver Gilman lumber mill outpost, quartermaster
Lane Platte Gilman lumber mill outpost, quartermaster
Frustrated nurse Whitespring refuge, nurse
Responder custodian Whitespring refuge, custodian
Responder janitor Whitespring refuge, janitor
Responder medic Whitespring refuge, doctor
Responder recruiter Whitespring refuge, recruiter
Responders Whitespring refuge, volunteers
Heather Ellis Flatwoods, new volunteer
Tiffany Brantley Charleston, Fire Breather initiate
Vault 76 Dwellers (optional) Volunteer, Fire Breather
Hopeful refugee (optional) Whitespring refuge, potential recruit

Robots[]

Name Role
Bernie Fire Breather teacher
Mr. Fluffy Miguel Caldera bodyguard (formerly)
Responders vendor Whitespring Mall vendor
Steelheart Morgantown patrol bot
Vendor bot Bob Flatwoods vendor
Vendor bot Chad Camden Park vendor
Vendor bot Greg Grafton vendor
Vendor bot Mack Charleston vendor
Vendor bot Responder Vendor found at various locations, including at some of Appalachia's train stations
Vendor bot Responder Random encounter vendor

Original Responders[]

Name Role
Maria Chavez Senior Responder
Dr. Claire Hudson Chief medical officer
Sanjay Kumar Chief engineer
Melody Larkin Combat trainer
Jeff Nakamura Quartermaster
Derek Castle Rapid response team, guard
Veronica Chang Rapid response team, field medic
Kevin Trayjor Rapid response team, field medic
Jerry Abernathy Supply train guard
Chelsea McKee Forest Watch, mechanic
Atkins Major crimes division, Charleston
Goldman Major crimes division
Smith Major crimes division, Charleston
Dassa Ben-Ami Flatwoods, leader
Miguel Caldera Flatwoods, roboticist
Colonel Flatwoods, volunteer
Kesha McDermott Flatwoods, water treatment specialist
Delbert Winters Flatwoods, cook and trainer
A. Huso Point Pleasant, search team
Fields Point Pleasant, guard
Jackson Point Pleasant, guard
J. Lake Point Pleasant, search team
McCoy Point Pleasant, guard
M. Martinez Point Pleasant, search team
M. Sparkman Point Pleasant, search team
Q. Moore Point Pleasant, search team
S. Powers Point Pleasant, search team
R. Tate Point Pleasant, search team
T. Lambert Point Pleasant, search team
S. Whitaker Point Pleasant, search team
Lucas de Blaison Volunteer
Buck Volunteer
Casey Volunteer
De'Andre Volunteer
Marcus Volunteer
Olivia P. Henderson Quarantine guard
Janson Volunteer
Wyatt Johnson Quarantine guard
Major Darion Jones Ammunition maker
Dr. Madison Psychologist
Cullen McLeeder Volunteer
Felix O'Dell Emergency response trainer
Paul Scout
Scott Shepherd Nurse
David Strauss Computer technician
Tammy Scout
Tanner Volunteer
Lillian Thompkins Provisioner
Caleb Widmer Paramedic
Garry Wilkins Courier
Sofie Yates Volunteer
Ryan Zelnack Chems expert

Related quests[]

Original Responders[]

The Whitespring Refuge[]

Interactions with the player character[]

Notes[]

The generic police uniform counts for purposes of the "Level up while wearing" challenge requiring a Responders uniform.

Appearances[]

The Responders appear in Fallout 76.

Behind the scenes[]

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Orlando: "Our lovely Ms. Rucker is the closest thing to a leader the Refuge has, though I believe she's less than comfortable with the title. You can find her in their headquarters, beyond the dining area. The darling chef, Ms. Rousseau, needs some assistance in the kitchen, I hear. And as Ms. Wagoner, over in the common area, is looking for donations, I'm sure your generosity will be well rewarded."
    (Orlando's dialogue)
  2. Charleston Capitol Building terminal entries; Crime log terminal
  3. Fallout 76 loading screens: "After the Great War, Appalachia's emergency personnel mobilized to help their fellow citizens. These Responders became part government, part crisis relief."
  4. Fallout 76 loading screens: "The Responders provided automated survival training to anyone in need. And it was needed quite a bit."
  5. Fallout 76 loading screens: "Survival and security became paramount after the devastation of the Great War, and the Responders desperately tried to help as many of their neighbors as they could."
  6. Sharon's angry letter
  7. 7.0 7.1 The Christmas Flood
  8. Flatwoods terminal entries; Delbert's terminal, Delbert's Diary, Feb 20: Responders
  9. Mama Dolce's Food Processing terminal entries; Food processing control terminal, Read this first
  10. Riverside Manor terminal entries; Headmistress' terminal, Personal Journal, 6/1/86
  11. Responder Protectron config tape
  12. Lt. Thomas' Action Report
  13. Tygart water treatment terminal entries; Amy Kerry's terminal, Personal Journal, March 12, 2095
  14. AVR Medical Center terminal entries; AVR Medical laboratory terminal, Project Journal
  15. Heather Ellis: "Me? There's not that much to tell, really. I came in with Paige and the rest, and stayed up at Foundation for awhile. It was nice. But eventually I wanted to go my own way, you know? Get out and see some places I've never seen, figure out who I am. When I heard the message on the radio about Flatwoods, I was curious to meet the Responders, so I made my way here. Of course, they were long gone by then, but I was interested in the work they'd been doing. The more I learned about them, the more I admired them. I decided to stay here and see what else I could learn. That's pretty much my story."
    (Heather Ellis' dialogue)
  16. A Vault Dweller: "Where are the Fire Breathers now?"
    Tiffany Brantley: "They all gave their lives fighting against the Scorched, bless their souls. If only they had access to the vaccine that we do now... The best way to pay respects is to continue their mission and keep fighting those Scorched!"
    (Tiffany Brantley's dialogue)
  17. 17.0 17.1 Rucker: "Well, it took a minute--and a miracle--but yeah. When I first got back to Appalachia the Responders were all but wiped out. Couple of folks wandering around wearing the uniform, but not a one doing any organizing or, hell, making any real work out of it. I started reading everything I could find and listening to anything anyone could tell me about the group before they all passed. I realized that while the Responders themselves didn't make it, the idea could be brought back--and this time, for good."
    (Rucker's dialogue)
  18. Orlando: "Ah, perhaps you have not heard? The Whitespring is now home to the Refuge, a place of safety and care for all in need. The Refuge is being run by the Responders, individuals committed to the well-being of their fellows. They founded the Refuge in response to new waves of refugees coming to Appalachia - people in great need of help. Food, medical care, clothing, a place to sleep - all of these are available for those who need them."
    (Orlando's dialogue)
  19. Orlando: "No, not by any prior arrangement. Perhaps you visited us before? I must apologize for the state you found it in, if so. Regular operation of the facilities had been stopped, of course, due to a lack of guests. Only the robotic staff remained. The Responders, believing it abandoned, took up residence - a completely understandable occurrence, of course. With new and worthy occupants, the Management felt it wholly appropriate that it find a new purpose, and sent me. Until such time as the world needs leisure resorts again, the Whitespring is happy to support the Refuge."
    (Orlando's dialogue)
  20. Rucker: "Nice enough place. Heard it used to be some kind of fancy trading post before the war. Can't say I'm overly fond of this 'management' that Orlando's wrapped up in, but I've got work needs doing, and I'm not one to turn down a safe place to do it in. I'm also not in love with all the hammering and drilling they got going on--but I'm not complaining. Well, starting now I'm not."
    (Rucker's dialogue)
  21. Orlando: "As it happens, the Responders are looking for volunteers to assist them in a particular outreach effort. Those industrious wonders have repaired a vertibird to full working order, and are using it to make contact with more distant settlements. They've made allies with people in Pittsburgh - the locals call it the Pitt, now - who seem to be in dire need of outside assistance. If you don't mind me saying so, you look like you can handle yourself. You might be just who they're looking for."
    (Orlando's dialogue)
  22. Orlando: "Why, from me, of course. Rather, from the Management via me, that is. When Management heard the Responders were restoring the vertibird, they wished to help. They provided the Ultracells, and I suggested them to the Responders as an alternative means of fueling the vertibird. Per Management instructions, I distribute a quantity to certain individuals regularly. Management feels this encourages collective decision making, rather than stockpiling. I'm sure they'd be willing to part with them in exchange for your aid."
    (Orlando's dialogue)
  23. Morgantown Airport terminal entries; Responders HQ terminal, Personnel Files, Other Members
  24. Charleston Capitol Building terminal entries; Poole's terminal, Morgantown
  25. The Fire Breathers
  26. Responder: "If you're caught out and about with no place to go, the Responders have an outpost in Flatwoods."
    (Generic Responder's dialogue)
  27. Responder: "I heard about what happened in Morgantown. I know it was way back, but I'm glad they chose to send me somewhere safe and not somewhere...like that."
    (Generic Responder's dialogue)
  28. Riverside Manor terminal entries; Headmistress' terminal, Personal Journal, 8/2/82
  29. Riverside Manor terminal entries; Headmistress' terminal, Personal Journal, 3/5/83
  30. Lydia's journal page 20
  31. Harpers Ferry Armory terminal entries; Raleigh's terminal, Trade Routes
  32. Responder: "How are the folks at Foundation doing? If I wasn't so busy I'd go visit sometime."
    (Generic Responder's dialogue)
  33. Responder: "Don't bother talking to that person from Crater. Nasty bunch, aren't they?"
    (Generic Responder's dialogue)
  34. Responder: "If you hang around those raiders, I want nothing to do with you."
    (Generic Responder's dialogue)
  35. Ellison: "Oh, you mean Rucker's people? They're alright, I guess. I'd say they do a lot of good for the people of Appalachia. But there's hardly enough of them around anymore for everything that needs to get done. Between you and me, they'd probably be a lot more useful if they just got absorbed into the Brotherhood. They may have good aims, but they don't have the resources to do it. Meanwhile, the Brotherhood is making amazing strides every day. Uh, you're not going to tell Rucker I said any of this, right? Please don't."
    (Ellison's dialogue)

Non-game

  1. @Fallout on Twitter
  2. Fallout 76 Vault Dweller's Survival Guide p.5: "THE RESPONDERS
    After the Great War, Appalachia's emergency personnel mobilized to help their fellow citizens. These Responders became part government, part crisis relief. The Responders provided automated survival training to anyone in need. And it was needed quite a bit. Survival and security became paramount after the devastation of the Great War, and the Responders desperately tried to help as many of their neighbors as they could."
    (Fallout 76 Vault Dweller's Survival Guide faction profiles)
Responders and Fire Breathers
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