Edgar Blackburn

Doctor Edgar Blackburn is an independent scientist and researcher operating in Appalachia. He is visiting Fort Atlas to request technology and equipment from the Brotherhood of Steel.

Background
Blackburn worked as a research scientist before the Great War, and was trained in multiple specialties. As he was fortunate enough to survive the bombs dropping, he decided to continue his research, despite the conditions, and instead focus his efforts on the health of the people of Appalachia. He is mostly interested in the diseases and viruses present in the region, as many of its residents have been over-reliant on "folk remedies and makeshift medicines." He is especially concerned by the long-term effects of radiation in the area, stating that just because it is survivable, does not mean that it is safe. He prefers to work in solitude, and although he has more appreciation for the hygiene standards of Foundation than the Crater, he remains independent in his scientific pursuits. Doctor Blackburn freely admits that his social skills are not the best, and although he attempts to remain professional, he recognizes that he can be "rather unthinkingly brusque."

As the Brotherhood returned to Appalachia, led by the First Expeditionary Force, Doctor Blackburn heard that they possessed advanced technology. Interested, he traveled to Fort Atlas to see if an arrangement could be made with the group, as his research occasionally requires items that are hard to obtain through normal scavenging and bartering. However, upon arrival, Blackburn saw that the Brotherhood was less organized than he expected, and theorized that their technological needs likely outweighed his own.

Quests
Forging Trust: Dr. Blackburn is one of four civilians inside Fort Atlas, each with their own problems and requests for the Brotherhood of Steel. Knight Shin asks that the player character interview these civilians, though ultimately Shin discards Blackburn's request. Unless Blackburn is willing to fully work for the Brotherhood, conducting his research for and under the supervision of the Brotherhood, Shin cannot give resources to a civilian scientist, especially if this research proves dangerous.

Appearances
Edgar Blackburn appears only in Fallout 76, introduced in the Steel Dawn update and expanded upon in the Steel Reign update.