Vault 12

Vault 12 is one of the Vaults constructed by the Vault-Tec Corporation. It is located in Bakersfield, California, in the post-War ghoul settlement of Necropolis.

Background
Constructed under the sprawling metropolis of Bakersfield, Vault 12 was billed as "built with every amenity in mind for the prospective Vault Dweller," and that it had "been fitted with the newest in Vault Water Purification Systems. Able to take even the waste located in the sewers of Bakersfield, this system is able to deliver over 15,000 gallons of pure, refreshing drinking water every day." Those who signed on for this particular Vault took their preparedness very seriously, earning the "Pressed Vault Suit" award for their efforts. The Vault's true purpose, however, was to study the effects of radiation on the residents. To ensure this, Vault-Tec designed the Vault door not to close.

On October 23, 2077, the populace of Bakersfield learned that the other Vaults had been sealed. In desperation, they took to their local shelter, forcing their way in to protect themselves and their families. The door worked as designed: the radiation flooded in; those who survived suffered from ghoulifcation. In the summer of 2083, the survivors would leave the shelter. Those that chose to stay founded the city of Necropolis.

By the spring of 2084, Set took control of Necropolis, wresting control from the original overseer. He, not wanting to be killed, was driven north and lost to history. For the next seventy-three years, Set would lead the city unmolested from outside parties. Instead, internal political strife caused some to leave, while a much more peaceful group was forced to take shelter underground. Despite Set's disgust for the group, he reluctantly sent them whatever water they needed, fearful that he wouldn't have enough people to defend the city if it ever needed to be.

Layout
Vault 12 is essentially identical in layout to the other Vaults encountered by the Vault Dweller. The first level contains the medical lab and entrance, the second is entirely living quarters and the third houses the recreation area, armory and command center. The command center lacks the space for an overseer which appears in other Vaults. Indeed, as the Vault was never entirely sealed, it is very dirty and weathered through 85 years of exposure and lack of maintenance. Only a handful of doors, computers and the elevators remain operable.

A number of glowing ones still inhabit the Vault. They can be evaded fairly easily by sneaking past, though they will attack the Vault Dweller if the water chip is removed and the water pump has not been repaired. This is one of the few occasions in which glowing ones demonstrate that they retain their full mental faculties. Additionally, if the water pump has been repaired, the glowing ones will not attack at all so long as the Vault Dweller does not attempt to loot. Considering the small number of items, this is not an undue burden on the Vault Dweller, with them even able to notice that the Vault has been picked clean.

The water chip is located in the command center. It is easily spotted as it is attached to the only operational computer. If the first glowing one that one would encounter is left alive, and the water chip taken without repairing the water pump, he will remain even after the other ghouls have died of dehydration, and comment on this fact.

Sewer entrance (Fallout)
This area can be accessed going down through a hole in the watershed sewers. Previously, a ladder had to be descended and was situated at the right of the ghoul prisoner cell. Two glowing ones are located here. At the end of the corridor on the left is an elevator.

Living quarters
The 2nd level. Six glowing ones are located here. Level 3 can be accessed using the elevator.

Command center
The final or 3rd level. Again, there are six glowing ones but also one dead body. A computer with red and blue lights is located in the eastern part, interacting with that computer will yield the water chip.

Inhabitants
2077
 * Set
 * Typhon
 * Willie
 * Lenny
 * Garret
 * Cain

Appearances
Vault 12 appears in Fallout and also is mentioned in the Fallout Bible.