Harden Simms

Harden Simms is an inhabitant of Megaton in 2277.

Background
Harden was born in 2267. He is Lucas Simms's 10-year-old son. His father has instructed him not to talk to strangers in Megaton, and he reluctantly obeys. He goes to sleep early and rises early, which gives him enough time to meet up with Maggie and play.

By 2297, Harden was the sheriff of Megaton. When drunk, he would often speak about his father's death, and blame it on the Lone Wanderer. It is unknown if Lucas Simms died because of Burke or died at some unknown point between 2277 and 2297.

Daily schedule
He's a good friend of Maggie and is usually seen near her in the mid-morning to late afternoon. It is implied by his father, Lucas Simms that Harden also polishes Deputy Steel on a regular basis, but this is idle chatter as the child is not scripted to enter the Megaton armory.

Quests

 * The Power of the Atom: If Lucas Simms is dead when you disarm the bomb, Harden will reward you with a home in Megaton and any caps you requested at the beginning of the quest. He exhibits little emotion despite his father's death. If the bomb is detonated, he and Maggie supposedly die, making him one of the only 2 killable children in the game.

Other interactions

 * The Child at Heart perk has no effect on this character.
 * Sometimes it may be impossible to engage Harden in a regular dialogue, as he will say something like "I'm not supposed to talk with strangers" and continue walking or standing.
 * If Lucas Simms dies, Harden will claim to be the new self appointed sheriff.

Appearances
Harden Simms appears only in Fallout 3.

Behind the scenes
His dad named him after the Old West outlaw John Wesley Hardin.

Bugs

 * Like all other Megaton characters, Harden Simms might go missing. See Recovering missing NPC in Fallout 3 on how to resolve this issue.
 * Even after his father dies, Harden still says they eat together at the Brass Lantern.
 * Regardless of your Karma level, Harden will occasionally say "What do you want meanie?"