Lobotomites are surgically-altered and cybernetically-enhanced humans found at Big MT in Fallout: New Vegas.
Background
Lobotomites are the result of medical experiments performed at Big MT. The Auto-Doc, programmed by Doctor Mobius[1], removed their brains[2] with a laser incision around the skull[3] and replaced them with Tesla coils,[4][1] their hearts and their spines with cybernetics[5] The heart and spine are removed due to "complications caused by removing the brain".[6], under the supervision of Doctor Dala[7][8]. After the procedure, they are sutured with lasers[9] and the removed organs are then put into tanks[8]. This routine was designed to keep all inhabitants of the Big MT inside and therefore secret[10], as only a brain inside a functioning human body can bypass the radar fence[11] which prevents them from "straying beyond the facility"[12]. Without a brain, if wandering outside the radar fence, it renders them unconscious and forces them to walk back inside "instantaneously by their deadened perceptions"[13][14]. It also prevents Lobotomites from attacking the Think Thank thanks to the pacification field inside the Dome[15].
Their removed organs were supposed to be kept safe inside storage tanks[8] while being connected to remotely,[16] but the procedure left them mentally impaired, mute[17][18], and some of them even "only hearing static" or "left as gibbering wrecks".[19] The Think Tank makes use of Lobotomites for cleaning duties,[20] and are also used for experiments, such as the X-8 Research Center splicing experiments.[21]
Gameplay
Lobotomites are only capable of simple tasks such as using doors, walking, and fighting with firearms, hand-to-hand or using melee weapons. They have a proclivity for collecting random objects, as evidenced by their base, the Cuckoo's Nest. Although they wear almost no armor, the modifications made to their bodies make them significantly tougher and more resistant to damage than the average human. The lobotomization process leaves most without comprehensible speech[22], so they mainly grunt but some can at times be heard saying "die," "stop you," and "never."
They are actively hostile against non-Lobotomites. Usually, they attack in groups of three - with two melee-oriented members and one ranged. A single Nightstalker occasionally can be found in their group, and nearby Y-17 Trauma Override Harnesses will fight alongside lobotomies if both spot the Courier.
They have an unique "lobotomy scarred" skin applied on them that has a lobotomy scar on their forehead and dark spots on their eyesockets.
Named
- Test Subject 1 - Found in the Cuckoo's Nest.
- The Courier - After being operated on by the Think Tank.
- Christine Royce, turned into a Lobotomite at Y-17 after being trapped there by Father Elijah.[23][19]
Locations
- Found all over Big MT, even after completion of the DLC.
- The Cuckoo's Nest (1-3, after completion).
- Waste Disintegration Platform (2-3 before completion, only one after).
Inventory
| Apparel | Weapon | Other items |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Gown or Lobotomite Jumpsuit and Lobotomite Mask and Goggles or Lobotomite Mask or Lobotomite Goggles |
Lobotomite level: <10 Varmint Rifle, Single Shotgun, Knife, Cleaver Lobotomite level: 10-20 Hunting Revolver, Brush Gun, 10mm Submachine Gun, Saturnite Fist, Proton Axe, Shishkebab |
Medical Brace Cherry Bomb Fission Battery Wonderglue Camera Cup Abraxo Cleaner Steam Gauge Assembly Coffee Mug Shot glass |
Notes
- Lobotomites will still spawn in great numbers at pre-designated locations after the completion of Old World Blues.
- Lobotomites make the same sounds as a Fallout: New Vegas Ghoul and a Trog from Fallout 3. Some Lobotomites equipped with melee weapons are completely silent.
- The Courier becomes a Lobotomite upon visiting Big MT, but still keeps their mental faculties. They are still considered a Lobotomite to Dr. Klein and the other scientists upon completion of Old World Blues.
- Randomly appearing Lobotomites are always male, but a few female Lobotomites can be encountered in the X-8 Research Center. These will not respawn.
- Doctor Dala calls Lobotomites "skinvelopes"[24] and "teddy bears."[25]
- According to Christine Royce, lobotomization made her difficult to read and write, but she is still able to do math, formulas and equations. She also claims that some of the Lobotomite surgery records say some of the Lobotomites could only hear static or became gibbering wrecks.[19]
Appearances
Lobotomites appear in Fallout: New Vegas.
Behind the Scenes
Lobotomites were to appear in Fallout 2, but were cut and appeared only in a Fallout loading screen.[Dev 1]
Bugs
Lobotomites are notorious for spawning right in front of the player. For example, fast-traveling to Ulysses' Point and waiting for a few seconds will cause Lobotomites to spawn near Higgs Village and in front of the entrance to Ulysses' Point as well. The Lobotomite that spawns at the entrance to Ulysses' Point may actually exit from the entrance at times, but generally just pops up upon fast travel.
Gallery
A Lobotomite swinging a Sledgehammer
Lobotomite head
Fallout 2 concept art by Leonard Boyarsky
Painted
References
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- ↑ Leonard Boyarsky: "Original sketch for above - interesting story behind this image. Jason and I had already done a first draft of the story for FO2, and at one point the player was to be ambushed by lobotomized creatures (lobotomites), when a renegade brotherhood soldier comes to his rescue. Get it? It's Fallout Tales # 2 and it was an illustration of a scene from FO2. Of course, the story was changed after FO1 was released, but it seemed like a good idea at the time."
(Fallout 2 developer statements/Creatures and enemies; Leonard Boyarsky: Lobotomite sketch, 2007 September 23)
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