Deacon

"I'll tell you when we get inside. I know that's a bum deal, but strategic ignorance has saved our organization more times than I can count."

Deacon is an experienced field agent for The Railroad in 2287. Deacon makes up the backbone of the Railroad's operation intelligence, making him an invaluable member of the organization. He is also a potential companion for the Sole Survivor.

Background
Surrounded by a thick web of lies and mystery, Deacon is a riddle even to his allies from the Railroad. His primary job is intelligence and subterfuge and thus he tends to lie quite frequently - getting on the nerves of everyone in the organization. He claims that the lies are a complication stemming from his nature: He's one of the first synths the Railroad ever attempted a cranium reboot on and he's a botched job. Not in the sense that his brain was fried, but in the sense that all his memories have been wiped. His past is one, big void. Of course, that's assuming he doesn't simply lie about this fact as well. At another point, he claims that he was one of the original founders of the Railroad, with Desdemona acting as a figurehead. While it may be a false claim, he was responsible for creating an escape plan and getting many Railroad members evacuated when Institute Coursers found their original headquarters in 2273.

Due to his aloof nature, Deacon is essentially a ghost. He has undergone dozens of facial reconstructions (including a stint as a woman and a very disturbing time spent as a ghoul ) and has run afoul of gangs across the Commonwealth numerous times. In his own words, he goes under the knife every year or two. New face, new body, all to keep enemies guessing.

The truth is more complicated. Once a violent bigoted youth, he was formerly a member of the University Point Deathclaws, a gang that regularly committed hate crimes against synths or anyone suspected of being synths. Eventually the gang performed a lynching, which shook Deacon to the core and caused him to leave the gang. Eventually becoming a farmer, he fell in love with and married a woman by the name of Barbara. Unfortunately, his past came back to bite him as the Deathclaws somehow learned that Barbara was a synth and killed her. The last thing Deacon remembers was killing most of the Deathclaws and leaving a big impression on them. Soon afterwards he was recruited by the Railroad, who deemed him sympathetic to their cause after seeing his actions.

However, none of the stories he tells the player have any conclusive evidence. With his constant reiteration of the theme: "You can't trust everyone," it's entirely possible that all of Deacon's personal history is entirely fabricated.

<!-- Deacon: "We've been traveling for a spell. I was hoping to have some words with you." The Sole Survivor: "What do you want to talk about?" Deacon: "I'm used to flying solo. But I gotta admit, working with you makes me think I've been missing out. Having someone watching your back... is refreshing. Especially since you never know when the Institute is watching." The Sole Survivor: "You've never had a partner?" Deacon: "Not for a long time. Besides, partnering up in the Railroad can leave you vulnerable. One more person who can finger you to the Institute." The Sole Survivor: "The feeling's mutual." Deacon: ''"I got to say, you make it look easy. But you have some built in advantages. Some people at HQ are jealous. You took the Big Nap and everyone you knew is long gone. Wait, hear me out on the silver lining. If a human in the Railroad slips up then they expose friends and loved ones to danger. You're safe from that." The Sole Survivor: "Why would the people they care about be in danger?" Deacon: "When the Coursers start kicking down doors - they just don't hit Railroad safehouses. Some friends and family have been known to get axed. Whether the Institute's motivated by vengeance or faulty intel, it doesn't matter to the people left behind.

" Sole Survivor: "

I hadn't thought of it that way. When the Switchboard went sideways some people lost family as well as comrades. That's got to be tough.

Well, I guess I'm a little lucky then. What's done is done, and the up shot is you're in a position where you can act openly. If you go to ground, there's little the Coursers can do about it.

It doesn't matter much to me. I'm a synth. At least that's what they tell me. So I really don't have anything to lose.|Somber}} For Glory and me, and the others, it's easier to dedicate ourselves to the cause.|Somber}}

I had no idea. I figured you deserved to know. I was one of the first to get the whole cranium reboot and let's just say it was a learning experience for everyone.

You expect me to believe that? Why not? I was one of the first to get the good old cranium reboot and it was a learning experience for everyone. Makes me quirky and fun that way.

That's interesting. That's one word for it.

Since we're traveling together I want you to take this. It's my recall code. If you ever need to know something about the Institute, read it to me.

What's the recall code do? That's the safety net the brain docs put in. An ejector seat to bring back your old synth self. I don't know for certain, but I imagine it's a big old wad of trauma and cupcakes. Except with no cupcakes.

I appreciate the trust. Yeah, well, about that. Don't use the code unless you absolutely have to. It'll wipe my memories. I'm not sure how much of me will even be left. You know, I'd just feel better if you didn't read it until you need it.

If you expect me to believe you, I want proof. Alright, you got me. No fooling you, huh? Don't take it personally, I lie to everyone. Maybe I'm just another human that has people back home he wants to protect. Then again, maybe not.

Is that really why you lied to me? I'm supposed to be showing you the ropes in the Railroad, so let's say this is lesson, well, whatever number we're at.

You still could be a synth. Are you? I think I'll wait until the betting pool back at HQ gets higher before I answer that one. When I need some beer money.

Well, you're good in my book. Whatever or whoever you are. I want... If you believe anything, believe this. I'm in your corner. Always have been.

I don't like being lied to. My relationship with the truth rubs some people the wrong way. But believe this one thing: I'm in your corner. Always have been. Not everyone can say that.

That code I gave you is a hard truth. You can't trust everyone. Even if someone sounds sincere they could be a synth replacement working for the Institute. The bitch of the problem is recognizing the 90% of the time someone's on the up and up and the 10% of the time you're being played.

Why shouldn't I read it? Just in case it gets stuck in your head. You know, like if I say 'radroach'. Now don't think of 'radroach'. See you thought of it. And if it's a real simple code then one slip and goodbye Deacon. Anyway, only read it if you have to.

No, I haven't read it yet. Good. Please don't. It'll make it easier to sleep at night.

I read it, all right. Don't tell me what it said. You know, it's probably just safer if we don't talk right now.

"You can't trust everyone."
 * Convulsions* Did I have you going? Don't take it personal. I lie to everyone. Maybe I'm just another human that has people back home he wants to protect. Then again, maybe not.

Deacon: "We've been making the rounds, doing the job. It's time you learn the Big Secret. Everyone thinks that Desdemona is the big boss. She calls the ops, gives the ra-ra speeches. But it's just an act. She does what I tell her to because the Railroad's my show. It's been that way since I founded it." The Sole Survivor: "You? You founded the Railroad?" Deacon: ''"Sure. Me and Johnny D and Watts. Hell, that was over 60? 70 years ago? After awhile you lose count. I tell everyone I get the occasional face change to stay anonymous. Truth is, it takes a lot of work to keep this mug handsome.

I'm not so sure about that. Like I said. The Big Secret.

Do you really think I'm going to fall for this? Fall for what? Haven't you noticed when I say the word Desdemona does a 180. Hey, there's an intruder. No, I vouch for him. Then welcome. Every time. It works best that way, gives me room to maneuver.

We've come a long way since the beginning. We've done a lot of good. Saved a lot of synths. But we're about more than that. We're the last and only line of defense between the Institute and the Commonwealth. Hell, maybe even the world.

How are we defending anyone? We keep everyone in cells so no one knows just how large our organization actually is. And just how many things we're doing day-to-day.

Any perks being close to the big boss? Now that I don't have to hide, sure. Tinker Tom will set you up. But the best perk is seeing behind the curtain.

People think our missions are all about synths. But there's more going on. We're building a better, brighter Commonwealth. The Railroad really is the best, noblest organization that's ever lived. We're... I can't keep up with this bullshit.

Why the hell are you lying to me? Again? Because it's what I do. And, there's a point to this - a lesson, if you will.

Sometimes I think you're crazy. Sometimes I think you're right. But there's a point to this. A lesson, if you will.

Traveling with you is never dull. I aim to please. But I had a point here. A lesson, if you will.

I knew you were lying to me, you bastard. Of course you did. But hopefully there's a point here. A lesson, if you will.

You've lied to me at least once. This is just more of the same. Yeah, you got me. But you're going to hear the same sort of lies elsewhere.

There're other organizations out there. And, in time, I'm sure they're going to spoon-feed you their own patented form of bullshit. Ignore the verbage and look at what they're doing. What they're asking you to do. What sort of world they'd have you build and how they're going to pay for it.

So what's the Railroad's deal? We're not about saving the world, too big a job for too few. But we're trying to make it a better one. One synth at a time. And care about the little guys. Maybe lend a hand on the side. Not as much as some would like. But hey, it's something. But the real question is: what do you think of us? And at the end of the day you'll need to make a choice. Make it the right one.

I don't need any more of your lies. Then boy, did you choose the wrong traveling companion. But hey, listen.

Thanks for the advice. I don't know if it's your good old fashion Pre-War values or you just won the genetic lottery, but anyone that has you in their corner has an advantage.

You killed someone? That one was enough for me. It was his eyes... Those eyes haunt me. Bulging.

I had no idea. No one does.

Why you're telling me this? What game are you playing? It's called a confession. Good for the soul or something.

I'll withhold judgment until you finish. Thanks.

So I turned my back on my brothers - broke all contact. Time passed, I became a farmer, if you can believe that. Then one day I found someone. She saw something in me I didn't know was there. Barbara, well, she was... She just was.

What was she like? She had a smile like on those old magazine covers. Her eyes...

She sounds special. Being with her made me feel like the whole world had a chance. That one day we could climb out of this wreckage. She could do that to people.

Leaving the Deathclaws took a lot of courage. Leaving wasn't free - they took it out on my sad hide. But by the time I met Barbara, they'd moved on.

If you're telling the truth, you didn't deserve her. I know. I still know. But I married Barbara all the same.

We were trying for kids, ekeing out a living. Then one day... It turns out my Barbara... She was a synth. She didn't know that. I certainly didn't. I don't know how the Deathclaws found out. But... there was blood.

So they killed her? Yes.

Sounds like karma sucker punched you. That she most certainly did.

I don't remember much clearly after that. I know I killed most of the Claws. I must've made a big impression. The Railroad contacted me, figuring I'd be sympathetic. Seeing that I lost my wife. And, well, what I did afterwards.

The Railroad let you in? Even though you once were in the Deathclaws? So many years had passed that I don't think anyone, well except the Claws, knew that. All they knew is someone fought back.

That's a hell of a story. It was no picnic to live through, either.

Is this the part where you admit it's a lie? And try teaching some stupid lesson? I deserve that. But no. That's the end of the story.

After what happened to my family. I can understand. I thought you might.

{{Tooltip|I don't even know why I lie any more. But I can't tell the truth. Everyone - Tom, Dez, you, even that asshole Carrington - they deserve to be in the Railroad.|Depressed {{Tooltip|I don't. I'm everything wrong with this whole fucking Commonwealth. You're the only friend I got. I don't deserve you being OK with this.|Angry {{Tooltip|Hell, I'm not even asking for it. But I figured you should know.|Somber}}

Everyone's got a past. The important thing is you're trying to make up for it. I'm still on your side. {{Tooltip|I'm not the hugging type. So, yeah. Good talk.|Relieved}}

So you're a liar, hypocrite, murderer, and am I missing anything? Damn right you don't belong in the Railroad. {{Tooltip|And that's why I don't tell anyone this. I should've fucking known. You know what, it's all a big lie. Good talk.|Angry}}

That's a lot to process. {{Tooltip|I can imagine. Listen, you must be wondering, Hey, is Deacon messing with my head? Again? But even if you don't believe anything else. Know that you're my friend. Maybe my only one. So. Good talk.|Defiant}}

I don't buy your whole story. {{Tooltip|Very understandable. But believe this. You are my friend. Maybe my only one. When shit goes down, I'm with you to the end.|Defiant}} {{Tooltip|So, yeah. Good talk.|Sad}}

// https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz5pccgVFpg // 25:14

The Sole Survivor: "Deacon, is that you?" Deacon: ''"{{Tooltip|Like the disguise? It's wastelander camo.|He's changed into a drab ugly outfit, making like he's all dolled up}} {{Tooltip|"This is my pile of garbage, asshole. Back off." Good, right? You're lucky I didn't do one of my face swaps, too.|Does a caricature of a greedy unfriendly asshole for a laugh, then being comical - the player should wonder if he's serious about the "face swap" / Friendly}} You can change your face? {{Tooltip|I put myself under the knife every year or two. New face, new body - you know, the full makeover. It keeps our enemies guessing.|Bantery casual explanation of such a major surgery, the player may still wonder if he's serious}}

I almost didn't recognize you. {{Tooltip|That's the point. So about the job.|Pleased with himself}} {{Tooltip|The Railroad's only recently been using the Old North Church.|Exposition}} {{Tooltip|Our old base was underneath a Slocum's Joe. We had a pretty sweet setup until the Institute found us.|Wistful turned to restrained sadness / Somber}}

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Quests

 * Tradecraft: Deacon starts the quest and accompanies the player throughout.

Appearances
Deacon appears only in Fallout 4.