Born in 2226,[1] James was always an inquisitive, meticulous and determined man;[1][2] this personality led him to form or join a group of like-minded scientists, who were set on changing the wasteland for the better. On these grounds, they pioneered Project Purity, a mass water purification effort designed to purify the water of the tidal basin of Washington, D.C. in addition to what was left of the Potomac River. The project began with a dream of James' wife, Catherine, who envisioned a world with clean water for everyone.[3] His wife was his world and he would do anything to advance her aspirations.[4][5] However, the project was less that idealistic: the Brotherhood of Steel aided as they could, but super mutant attacks were so prevalent that their relationship with the scientists began to strain.[6] Despite the Brotherhood's waning interest to protect the project, James continued dedicating his life to the betterment of others, especially with the news of his pregnant wife; he had a personal mission to improve the wasteland for his child, if nothing else.[7] However, his inspiration for continuing his work became his downfall: when his child was born, Catherine went into cardiac arrest and did not recover. With Catherine gone, James lacked any motivation to continue the project and abandoned it;[4] his focus shifted to his child, a living reminder to the love of his life. The wasteland was much to dangerous for an infant.[8]
Life underground[]
James deduced that the most secure location in the Capital Wasteland was a vault – more specifically, Vault 101. Escorted by Star Paladin Cross, James made his way to Megaton, newborn in tow, and bargained with Overseer Alphonse Almodovar for a spot in Vault 101 soon after.[9][10] James became the chief physician of the Vault and remained there for nearly two decades; he had ensured that his child was safe and research on Project Purity could take priority once more.
For years, James would sneak into restricted areas of the Vault during the night and search for anything of potential use to him. The Vault was constructed with some of the most advanced technology of the era; it stood to reason that there was something that could aid him with Project Purity.[11] Alas, he always came up empty handed. That is, until the night in 2277 when he was encouraged by half a bottle of scotch to break into the Overseer's office and hack into his private network. After sifting through propaganda, spy reports and mad ravings, he found the information he had sought after for so long: mention of Stanislaus Braun and the Garden of Eden Creation Kit.[11] Further digging uncovered that Braun had secured a place in Vault 112: if James could find any of Braun's journals or records there, "Project Purity would become a reality."[12]
Return to the world above[]
With this opportunity right in front of him, James made up his mind and left Vault 101 in the early morning hours of August 17, 2277. His child, now 19 years old, was an adult who could fend for themselves and, more importantly, would be safe and could make a life for themselves within the vault.[5][13] James did not see the situation as abandoning his child, but rather as moving on after knowing his child would be safe.[14]
From Vault 101, James briefly stayed in Megaton before trekking into the D.C. Ruins to make contact with Three Dog to get some information.[15] A lot changes in two decades of isolation, but lucky for James, he and Three Dog had a long talk about the movers and shakers of the Capital Wasteland; James subsequently left for Rivet City, a settlement where his "scientific mumbo-jumbo" would make sense.[16] On his way to Rivet City, James returned to the Jefferson Memorial where Project Purity operated all those years ago; he was able to get a portable fusion generator to function, but it only provided so much power. He needed the help of a Project Purity colleague: Doctor Madison Li.
Upon gaining entrance to Rivet City, he attempted to convince Li to aid him in reviving the project, but it was too far gone and she had heard these false promises before.[17][18] However, Li's dismissal did not deter James from pressing on; he returned to the Jefferson Memorial to muse about Stanislaus Braun and the GECK before committing to a journey across the Capital Wasteland to Vault 112.[19] Unfortunately for James, he was tricked by Braun and became trapped within the Tranquility Lane simulation; if not for his child, who had been looking for him since he left Vault 101, James would have been kept in the simulation for the rest of his life, kept alive only for Braun to play with and taunt.[20] Fortunately, he was rescued and obtained the information he was after. Certain that this information would tip the scales in his favor, he left Vault 112 to journey back to Rivet City.[21]
Sacrifices must be made...[]
The reunion between James and the Lone Wanderer was short-lived: as much as James loved his child, Project Purity had been his responsibly long before they were born and it took precedent. In his words, "Too many people have made sacrifices to give up on [the project] now."[5] Once they got to Rivet City, James' intuition proved to be correct: once Doctor Li was told of the Garden of Eden Creation Kit, she was reluctantly convinced to revive the project.[22] James led Li and the rest of her team to the Jefferson Memorial and, with the most experience in the wasteland, he convinced his child to clear the facility of super mutants. Once the main floor and the rotunda were free of super mutants, James and the scientists got back to work after nearly 20 years. Naturally, the facility had been neglected and the Lone Wanderer was sent into the basement of the facility to clear up pipe blockages, install fuses and bring the mainframe back online.[23]
While the Lone Wanderer was away, EnclaveVertibirds arrived at the memorial. Guarded by several Enclave soldiers, Colonel Augustus Autumn locked James and Janice Kaplinski in the project's activation room to strongarm the facility into Enclave control. James explained that the facility not operational and never had been, attempting to stall Colonel Autumn, but the Colonel's patience wore thin and he executed Kaplinski to further intimidate James into submission. This was the breaking point for James; he caved but had nothing to lose now. He deliberately overloaded Project Purity's system, causing a massive leak of radiation into the control room. As everyone inside the chamber (except Colonel Autumn) perished, James staggered to the blast door and used his last word to his child to order them to run. James collapsed to the ground and died within the nexus of Project Purity.[23][24][25]
With nothing more they could do, the Lone Wanderer and Doctor Li escaped the Jefferson Memorial. With the help of Lyons' Brotherhood of Steel, preparations were made to recapture Project Purity and bring it online.[26] As the Battle of Project Purity raged, the Lone Wanderer entered the Jefferson Memorial and activated Project Purity. It took over twenty years of effort and sacrifice, but Catherine's dream became a reality. James' death was not in vain.[27]
Interactions with the player character[]
Interactions overview[]
This character is essential. Essential characters cannot be killed.
Baby Steps: While James runs to his office for a moment, he puts the infant Lone Wanderer in a playpen. He returns and recites Catherine's favorite Bible verse to his child before taking his child to play with Amata.
Growing Up Fast: James has a small conversation with the Lone Wanderer during their tenth birthday party, and later gifts then with a BB gun, tasking them to killing a radroach that got into the ractor.
Future Imperfect: James has a brief conversation with his now 16 year-old son/daughter before their G.O.A.T.
Escape!: James' escape from Vault 101 prompts a security crisis and forces the Lone Wanderer to seek him out in the wasteland
Tranquility Lane: James became trapped in a virtual reality created and controlled by the insane Dr. Braun.
The Waters of Life: James and his child return to Rivet City and later the Jefferson Memorial to bring Project Purity back to standards. The Enclave storm the facility and claim ownership of it; James overloads the facility with radiation to keep it out of the hands of the Enclave.
Effects of player actions[]
As the Lone Wanderer fixes up Project Purity in the basement, James will remark on some stories he has heard about them. His reaction will change depending on how Power of the Atom was resolved: if the bomb was disarmed, he will express his disbelief and pride for child, but if the bomb was rigged and activated, James express his disappointment. He can be lied to about detonating the bomb, but he will not believe it unless the Lone Wanderer had Very Good karma.
If The Power of the Atom quest has not been resolved at all, or if he is talked to commenting on the aforementioned quest, he will instead comment on the Lone Wanderer's current karma level. If it is good karma, he will say "You're a good person, and it shows". If it is bad karma, he will instead comment on how you "seem troubled, like there is a cloud hanging over you." If the karma is neutral, he simply greets his child in the default manner.
James' skin tone and facial features will change depending on how the players make their appearance during character creation.
James counts as a companion, and will use up ammunition on any non-companion weapon (unlike most non-player characters, who have infinite ammunition).
James seems to have a preference for Scotch whiskey. According to Project Purity personal journal #5, he mentions having downed "half a bottle of Scotch" the night he broke into the Overseer's computer. When visiting his living quarters at Project Purity, the player can find a number of empty Scotch bottles around James' living area.
Notable quotes[]
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
"For almost twenty years now, I've done everything I can to see that you have a good life. The Vault wasn't perfect, to be sure, but it was the safest place in the Wasteland. That's why I took you there in the first place. I didn't see it as abandoning you. I saw it as moving on, knowing you were safe."
"That's where you belonged. You were an adult, capable of fending for yourself, and you had a good life ahead of you. What's out here is my task, my responsibility. I never wanted you to have any part of this insanity."
"You must understand. As much as I love you, this project has been my responsibility since long before you were even born. Too many people have made sacrifices to give up on it now. Your mother... If you'll let me, I'd like to show you what we've accomplished. I want you to be there when we change the world. After so many years, I can finally see it through to the end. I can't stop now."
"James? He was very driven. Determined to change the world. Well, we all were back then, I suppose. He was focused on two things, really. Making Project Purity work, and your mother. When she died, I think... I think he gave up. I know he wanted to keep you safe, but I think part of what he did was run away. But it seems that he never really was able to get over the idea. I'm frankly shocked that he waited all this time, and wants to try again."(Madison Li)
"As far as I can tell, you're a perfectly healthy 16-year-old boy/girl. So yes, you have to go to class to take your G.O.A.T. exam!"
"Son/Honey, I brought you into this world. I think you know the rest."(when James is assaulted by his child.)
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Behind the scenes[]
James' voice is provided by actor Liam Neeson, after whom the character is also physically modeled. "This role was written with Liam in mind, and provides the dramatic tone for the entire game. "Liam is absolutely amazing to work with," said Todd Howard, Executive Producer of Fallout 3. "It's been a pleasure bringing the father to life and working with the wonderfully talented people at Bethesda on Fallout 3," said Neeson. "I hope the fans of the franchise and the game will be excited by the results."
According to released concept art, the story of Fallout 3 was different at one point, and James would be encountered by the player in the middle of Vault 87 FEV transformation.
PlayStation 3 On the way back to Rivet City from Vault 112, he will sometimes get stuck while traveling with him. If this occurs, fast travel to Rivet City and wait 24 hours in the Science Lab. He will appear and start talking to Doctor Li.
↑ 1.01.1Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.67: "Dad (James) Before your birth, your father was the leader of an impossibly ambitious scientific endeavor—Project Purity. Leading a group of scientists, he planned to turn the ruins of the Jefferson Memorial into the most technologically advanced water purifier ever imagined. But when you were born (your mother dying in childbirth), your father had little choice but to abandon Project Purity and get you to the only safe place he knew—the underground fallout shelter known as Vault 101." (Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "I've been to Project Purity. He wasn't there." Madison Li: "Well I know he was going there. Perhaps there's some indication of what he was up to. Did you find any notes? James was always taking notes. Recordings, holotapes... that sort of thing. Go back and search for something like that if you're so determined." (Madison Li's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "What exactly is this "Project Purity"?" James: "It started as an idea, really. Remember the Bible passage your mother loved so much? Free, clean water for everyone. What a difference it could make in the lives of everyone here in the Wastes. Over time, that idea took the form of a purifier. Not like the one in the Vault, though. This one was gigantic, capable of purifying millions of gallons of water at once. We used the old Jefferson Memorial for the location, right on DC's Tidal Basin. Someday soon, I hope you'll see it work." (James' dialogue)
↑ 4.04.1The Lone Wanderer: "What was my father like back then?" Madison Li: "James? He was very driven. Determined to change the world. Well, we all were back then, I suppose. He was focused on two things, really. Making Project Purity work, and your mother. When she died, I think... I think he gave up. I know he wanted to keep you safe, but I think part of what he did was run away. But it seems that he never really was able to get over the idea. I'm frankly shocked that he waited all this time, and wants to try again." (Madison Li's dialogue)
↑ 5.05.15.2The Lone Wanderer: "You've got to be kidding me..." James: "You must understand. As much as I love you, this project has been my responsibility since long before you were even born. Too many people have made sacrifices to give up on it now. Your mother... If you'll let me, I'd like to show you what we've accomplished. I want you to be there when we change the world. After so many years, I can finally see it through to the end. I can't stop now." The Lone Wanderer: "What about me? What am I supposed to do?" James: "Yes, what about you? Why, in fact, are you outside the Vault at all? I don't even want to know HOW you got out. As much as I appreciate your help, you were supposed to stay there, to make a life for yourself there, not out here!" The Lone Wanderer: "What the hell is wrong with you? Why did you just leave me like that?" James: "That's where you belonged. You were an adult, capable of fending for yourself, and you had a good life ahead of you. What's out here is my task, my responsibility. I never wanted you to have any part of this insanity." (James' dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "You knew my father?" Cross: "I did. And you as well! Long ago, I helped guard the water purifier against the Super Mutant horde. When your father left, I escorted the two of you to Megaton. He was... a noble man. I was saddened to hear of his passing. But from what I've heard, he died with honor. He died for you. I only pray that my own death has such meaning." (Cross' dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "How could abandoning me be the right choice?" James: "For almost twenty years now, I've done everything I can to see that you have a good life. The Vault wasn't perfect, to be sure, but it was the safest place in the Wasteland. That's why I took you there in the first place. I didn't see it as abandoning you. I saw it as moving on, knowing you were safe." (James' dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "I was kidding! Dad talked about you all time. Now really, where is he? <Lie.>" Colin Moriarty: "Did he? Well, our time together was brief, but... that is the way of it out here. When a bond is forged, little else matters, hmm? Well, he did come through here, but he left. I'm truly sorry. But maybe you can catch up to him? He headed southeast, into the city. Said he needed information from those loonies at the station. You know, Galaxy News Radio, what there is of it." (Colin Moriarty's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "I know he will. He's always talked about doing what's right." Three Dog: "When your dad passed through here, I spent a good long time talking to him about all kinds of stuff. He mentioned some scientific mumbo-jumbo which didn't make sense to me... ummm... something about a "Project Purity." He also said something about going to visit a Doctor Li in Rivet City. Then, he left in a hurry." (Three Dog's dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "Where's my father? Tell me now!" Madison Li: "Calm down, calm down! What are you doing here? James said you were still in the Vault. Look, this is all terribly irrational. Your father just shows up here as if nothing happened... He walked out on us. I know he had his reasons, I know it was to protect you, but still. Project Purity was our life. It was the only thing that mattered, and then he just gave up. He abandoned us, and we were forced to move on. I've already told him that it's over. There's no going back. Project Purity was a failure, and he needs to move on." (Madison Li's dialogue)
↑James: "Son... You've saved me. I was afraid I'd be trapped in there forever.It's so good to see you, but... What are you DOING here?" The Lone Wanderer: "What are YOU doing here? You could've been killed!" James: "Well I didn't expect Dr. Braun to be alive and insane. I thought I'd just find notes, or holotapes. I needed information about Braun, and his work on the G.E.C.K." The Lone Wanderer: "Good thing I showed up to save you." James: "It certainly is! It's nice to feel like I'm on two legs again. And thanks to Doctor Braun, I know that Project Purity isn't lost after all." (James' dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "Did you get the information you needed?" James: "I did indeed. Braun's work, the G.E.C.K., was designed to re-adapt environments for living after a nuclear war. It's not entirely stable, but I'm sure that components of that technology are just what we need, what we've been missing all this time. I need to return to Rivet City. Once Madison knows about the G.E.C.K., I can get her to see that it really will work." (James' dialogue)
↑James: "I told you it would work, Madison, and now I can prove it." Madison Li: "James! You're back!" James: "And with good news. I was right about Braun and the G.E.C.K. If we can find one, we can adapt it to work with the purifiers." Madison Li: "I'd like to believe you, James. Really I would. This is all just so... So sudden." James: "Madison, I'm telling you this is real. I talked to Braun himself. He confirmed it. Don't you see? This is what we've been waiting for!" Madison Li: "I... I don't know, James. So many years have passed. Is it really still worth trying?" James: "How could it not be worth improving the lives of everyone in the Wasteland? What could be a more worthy endeavor?" Madison Li: "You haven't lost any of your passion, have you James." James: "It's as important to me as ever, Madison. I know it's important to you too. Let's finish this together." Madison Li: "James, I... We don't have a G.E.C.K. I can get a small team together, but we'll need proof that it works before people believe us." James: "I know, I was thinking about that. The lab at the facility had some old pre-war computers that we scavenged. One of them might be useful." Madison Li: "From the last reports, there's no power at the facility. Even if one of those computers had a database, we couldn't access it." James: "That's why we're going to head over there right now and get things up and running as best we can." Madison Li: "You know if it were anyone else asking me to do this, I'd have them run right out of Rivet City." James: "And you know I wouldn't be here if I didn't think this would really work. It's time, Madison." Madison Li: "Damn you, James. When this is all over, you owe me a drink. I'll get the team together." James: "Thank you, Madison. It's good to be working with you again." (Madison Li's and James' dialogue)
↑Augustus Autumn: "By the authority of the President, this facility is now under United States government control. The person in charge is to step forward immediately, and turn over all materials related to this project." James: "That's quite impossible. This is a private project; the Enclave has no authority here. I'm going to have to ask you to leave at once." Augustus Autumn: "Am I to assume, sir, that you are in charge?" James: "Yes, I'm responsible for this project." Augustus Autumn: "Then I repeat, sir, that you are hereby instructed to immediately hand over all materials related to the purifier." James: "I'm sorry, but that's...." Augustus Autumn: "Furthermore, you are to assist Enclave scientists in assuming control of the administration and operation of this facility at once." James: "Colonel... Is it Colonel? I'm sorry, but the facility is not operational. It never has been. I'm afraid you're wasting your time here." Augustus Autumn: "Sir, this is the last time I am going to repeat myself. Stand down at once, and turn over control of this facility." James: "Colonel, I assure you that this facility will not function. We have never been able to successfully replicate test results..." Augustus Autumn: "I suggest you comply immediately, sir, in order to prevent any more incidents. Are we clear?" James: "Yes, Colonel. I'll do whatever you want; there's no need for more violence." Augustus Autumn: "Then you will immediately hand over all materials related to this project, and aid us in making it operational at once." James: "Very well. Give me a few moments to bring the system online." James: "Nearly finished..." James: "...run... Run!..." (Augustus Autumn's and James' dialogue)
↑The Lone Wanderer: "What the hell just happened?" Madison Li: "James... Your father caused an overload. He sacrificed himself to keep the Enclave from getting the purifier, and to buy us time to escape. There'll be more of them coming. We need to get out of here before they find us, or else your father died in vain." (Madison Li's dialogue)
On the way back to Rivet City from Vault 112, he will sometimes get stuck while traveling with him. If this occurs, fast travel to Rivet City and wait 24 hours in the Science Lab. He will appear and start talking to Doctor Li.
Dad as he looks during Baby Steps.
Dad as he looks during Growing Up Fast.
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