Mel (Fallout 3)

Mel is a would-be robber the Lone Wanderer may come across as a random encounter. He wants you to give him all your money.

There may be several conversation options, depending on your skills:
 * (Speech) Back off or I'll make you regret threatening me.
 * (Speech) How about I give you 5 caps and you leave me alone.
 * (Intelligence) Bullshit, A mugger in the Wasteland? A real Raider would've shot me already.
 * (Perception) That gun doesn't look loaded.
 * All right. I haven't killed anyone all day.  Let's go.
 * I can't give you all my stuff, sorry.

If you refuse to give him anything, he will not turn hostile, but you can kill him and not lose Karma. You'll find a Merc Cruiser Outfit and a Sawed-Off Shotgun on his corpse. He will also drop a finger for those with the Lawbringer perk.

After speaking with you, Mel will hang around the area where you encountered him for the rest of the game. You are unable to speak with him, however, as the game informs you that he is fleeing (despite not moving at all).

Mel will fight any roving hostiles that travel near him (i.e. Raiders or critters), but since his shotgun is unloaded, he's limited to fighting with his fists. He's about as tough as an average Raider, although without weapons he's a limited threat.

Appearances
only appears in Fallout 3.

Trivia

 * Mel is likely a tribute to Mel Gibson's Mad Max character, though this guy doesn't have an Australian accent. Being low on ammo fits the role though.

Bugs

 * Mel's appearance may cause slowdowns, especially after his conversation is completed. It is recommended that he be killed immediately.