Brahmin (Fallout 3)

Brahmin are two-headed cattle found in the Capital Wasteland in 2277.

Background
Most brahmin have been domesticated throughout the years since the Great War. However, some can still be seen wandering through the wasteland. Brahmin are used primarily for meat and milk. Their hides are also valuable, as they are tanned to make leather. Traders often use domesticated brahmin as pack animals. The Brotherhood of Steel uses them to distribute clean water to the wasteland inhabitants after Project Purity was launched.

Biology
It would seem that over time, radiation has transformed brahmin into apparently conjoined organisms which are in fact a single creature. As a result of the constant exposure to radiation, these formerly normal cows have sprouted a second, independent head. Brahmin also have eight stomachs. When talking to Rose, it is revealed that male brahmin also have four testicles. Their skin has turned a toasty, dusty rust color from the fallout exposure and their horns have in turn become a dirty brown. Their udders have also grown abnormally large, almost dragging on the ground. Brahmin milk is used by Moira Brown as part of a homemade radiation poisoning remedy, along with magnets and "a few happy thoughts."

Gameplay attributes
Brahmin are low level creatures and are little more than a nuisance at the beginning of the game if a hostile one is even found. In fact, most brahmin throughout the game are non-hostile and will only attack if provoked, as they are highly domesticated, and they are mainly found in ranches and small settlements. When they attack, they charge and ram into their foes, swinging their horns wildly in an attempt to dissuade and deter any threat, though generally when attacked, they will attempt to flee instead of fight. Although their hide is thick, bullets will still penetrate it with ease, and kill them rather quickly.

Brahmin
Brahmin are the only bovine in the game, mostly being seen in makeshift settlements like Republic of Dave, Megaton and Arefu. They are also found just outside the Regulator HQ and even as pack brahmin, carrying goods. They will seldom be encountered as enemies. If a hostile one is found, they can easily be killed.

Mad brahmin
Mad brahmin are brahmin that have gone insane. It is unknown whether their brain degeneration is from radiation or from a disease such as mad cow disease, but one thing is for sure: They will be hostile to the Lone Wanderer without the Animal Friend perk. However, having as much health as a normal brahmin, they are also fairly easy to kill. Mad brahmin may be encountered in groups, and are also known to stampede as a random encounter.

Sounds

 * When wild, aggressive brahmin are encountered, they make a very loud roar.
 * Most common sound of a brahmin, mooing.

Appearances
Brahmin appear in Fallout 3.

Behind the scenes

 * Mad brahmin may be a reference to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, commonly known as mad cow disease.
 * On October 22, 2008, Microsoft announced that the game would not be released in India on the Xbox 360 platform. Religious and cultural sentiments were cited as the reason. Microsoft stated, "Microsoft constantly endeavors to bring the best games to Indian consumers in sync with their international release. However, in light of cultural sensitivities in India, we have made the business decision to not bring Fallout 3 into the country." Although the specific reason was not revealed in public, it is possible that it is because of the brahmin. Brahmin is also the name of an ancient caste of Hindu priests and religious scholars in India. In-game brahmin also have a similarity to cows, that are revered by Hindus. The game's use of the creature as grotesquely mutated pack animals, or the numerous opportunities to kill brahmin, may have been the impetus behind the cancelation.