“You're making me carry the heavy stuff, aren't you?”
Veronica is a Brotherhood of Steel Scribe and a possible companion found at the 188 Trading Post in Fallout: New Vegas.
Background
Veronica is a member of the Mojave Brotherhood, sent out of the Hidden Valley Bunker to trade, scavenge, and gather supplies.[1][2] The Brotherhood is an isolationist faction that lives underground in the Mojave Wasteland.[3]
Veronica and her parents were part of a division of the Brotherhood under the leadership of Elder Elijah that traveled to the Mojave to secure the power production capacity of the Hoover Dam.[4][5] On the way, the group found the HELIOS One solar power plant, and Elijah ordered the Brotherhood contingent to occupy that location instead.[4][6]
Elijah was a mentor to Veronica, who described him as a "wizard with technology."[7] She wanted to watch him at work and was interested in the new technology he sought to explore and develop.[7][8] After both of her parents, a paladin and a scribe, were killed fighting the New California Republic, Elijah looked after her.[9][10] Veronica was not at HELIOS One when the NCR attacked and took it from the Brotherhood.[11] Everyone thought Elijah had died, and the remainder of the division retreated into the Hidden Valley Bunker.[11][12]
Hidden Valley
Afterward, Veronica was at odds with the leadership of Elder McNamara who ordered the group into a permanent lockdown.[13] The Brotherhood did not recruit externally, and the expectation to have children did not increase their numbers sufficiently, nor entice all members to stay when they reach adulthood.[14] She argued with McNamara, expressing her concern that the isolationism will lead to the group fading away.[15]
Veronica described the Brotherhood's previous mission as controlling technology so it could not destroy anything again, but has stagnated, lacking any growth or adaptation, "stuck in a hole, not carrying out our mission."[16] She described how her former girlfriend, Christine Royce, decided to leave, defying her parents who expected her to procreate.[17] Veronica explained that she didn't choose to join her, as she couldn't bring myself to leave everyone else behind, but simultaneously could not convince Christine to stay.[17] She stated that she had "hoped love would be enough to influence her decision" but it wasn't, as they were both too stubborn.[17] Although Veronica commented that she is sure Christine has already moved on, she admitted that she "still thinks about her, though. Once in a while."[17]
Companion
When first meeting the Courier, she is evasive in her answers regarding where she is from and doing, asking the player instead what they think of the Brotherhood.[18] Responding in a way that is neutral or positive results in Veronica continuing the conversation, asking if she can join the Courier in their travels.[19]
She states that she doesn't want to go anywhere in particular, and wants to see the world and look for a fresh perspective.[20] She explains that her interest involves discovering how different groups have adapted to survive in the Mojave, in order to see if there is something she can learn from.[20] If the Courier agrees, she admits she is part of the Brotherhood and explains her evasiveness, stating that she "had to know how you'd react when I told you. We've made a lot of enemies."[21] She thanks the Courier, telling them that she is thankful they took "a chance on a naive young girl from California with stars in her eyes and a pneumatic gauntlet on her hand."[22]
- If the Courier talks negatively about the Brotherhood when first conversing with Veronica, she will refuse to join up as a companion, and further attempts to talk to will be unsuccessful.
- Becoming Vilified with the Brotherhood of Steel causes Veronica to quit as a companion.
- Equipping NCR faction armor while Veronica is a companion leads her to issue her "last chance" warning.
- Veronica will enable access to Hidden Valley without being stripped of gear, having an Explosive Collar put on, and having to get rid of Ranger Dobson from one of the bunkers.[23]
- Completing her companion quest in favor of the Followers of the Apocalypse causes Veronica not to enter the Brotherhood bunker anymore. As a companion, she will always wait outside the entrance.
- As long as she's in the party, the player character can talk to her and activate a workbench interface anywhere in the world, as she can help them craft, stating she has "been taking things apart and putting them back together since before I said my first word."[24]
- Veronica states that she wants an Old World designer gown, as it is hard to get "a date wearing Scribe robes. Might as well be wearing sweatpants."[25]
- After completion of Dead Money, the Courier can retrieve Elijah's holomessage from his console in the Abandoned Brotherhood of Steel Bunker and give it to Veronica, but only after exhausting all of Veronica's dialogue options regarding Father Elijah. In the same conversation, the Courier can choose to keep the holotape's knowledge instead, gaining the Elijah's Ramblings perk. Giving Veronica the message will give her the Elijah's Last Words perk.
Interactions
| Interactions | ||
|---|---|---|
| This character is essential. Essential characters cannot be killed. Essential status expires when in Hardcore Mode. | ||
| This character is a permanent companion. They grant the Scribe Assistant perk. | ||
 |
This character identifies as LGBTQ+. | |
| This character starts quests. |
| |
| This character is involved in quests. |
| |
Veronica has the following SPECIAL:
| Attribute | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 7 | Beach Bully |
| Perception | 5 | Wary Trout |
| Endurance | 6 | Hardy |
| Charisma | 3 | Creepy Undertaker |
| Intelligence | 6 | Gifted |
| Agility | 7 | Knife Thrower |
| Luck | 3 | Sickly Albatross |
Inventory
| Apparel | Weapon | Other items | On death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veronica's hood Veronica's armored robes |
Veronica's Power Fist Veronica's 10mm Pistol |
Random food, miscellaneous items or ammo. |
Endings
| # | Slide | Voice-over narration | In-game condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
At odds with leadership over the Brotherhood's future, Veronica looked to the Mojave Wasteland for an answer both she and they could live with. But the answer would never come, and the dangers of the world that had left the Brotherhood of Steel behind would eventually claim her life. |
Veronica dies. (Will override all other endings) |
| 2 |  |
Hoping to lead the Mojave Brotherhood down a new path, Veronica sought to learn from the thriving cultures of the desert. Absent a firm solution, Veronica's expression of frustration with Brotherhood leadership would lead to her banishment. She ended her days a wandering tinker. |
Do not complete I Could Make You Care. |
| 3 | |
Despite her departure from the group, the Brotherhood's peace treaty with NCR came as some relief to Veronica. Though she remained friendly with surface patrols, she was never again permitted to enter the bunker she once called home. Fearing for the safety of anyone she associated with, she continued her solitary life as a scavenger. But reports would emerge from Mojave scientists and social workers of old equipment miraculously repaired and research notes mysteriously completed. |
Complete I Could Make You Care by encouraging Veronica to join the Followers of the Apocalypse. Form a truce between the Brotherhood of Steel and the NCR during the quest For the Republic, Part 2. |
| 4 | |
Though she'd seen the writing on the wall, the destruction of the Mojave Brotherhood came far more suddenly than Veronica had expected. The news devastated her. Despite her best efforts to leave her past behind, she found herself compelled to make one final journey to Hidden Valley. There, she paid her last respects to the only family she had ever known. |
Complete I Could Make You Care by encouraging Veronica to join the Followers of the Apocalypse. Destroy the Brotherhood of Steel in the Hidden Valley bunker. |
| 5 | |
The Brotherhood's open aggression along the New Vegas highways troubled Veronica greatly. Nevertheless, it removed all doubt from her mind that in leaving them she had made the right choice. Eventually she would take to the road, less in hopes of finding a new home than of leaving memories of the old one behind her. |
Complete I Could Make You Care by encouraging Veronica to join the Followers of the Apocalypse. Complete No Gods, No Masters. |
| 6 | |
The peace with NCR served to ease Veronica's worries about the Brotherhood's immediate future. Still, a distance had arisen between her and her fellow members that would never be bridged. She began secluding herself in crumbling libraries of the Old World, learning of promising technologies she knew the Brotherhood would never adopt. |
Complete I Could Make You Care by encouraging Veronica to stay with the Brotherhood of Steel. Form a truce between the Brotherhood of Steel and the NCR during the quest For the Republic, Part 2. |
| 7 | |
The death of the Mojave Brotherhood came much too soon for Veronica, and in their absence, she felt truly lost. Yet in its wake, she took small comfort in her decision to remain by their side through their few remaining days. |
Complete I Could Make You Care by encouraging Veronica to stay with the Brotherhood. Destroy the bunker in any quest. |
| 8 | |
Veronica put her moral sensibilities aside and supported the Brotherhood's new campaign of aggression as best she could. Yet deep down, she understood that it meant their end would surely be soon to follow. |
Complete I Could Make You Care by encouraging Veronica to stay with the Brotherhood, do not destroy the Hidden Valley bunker and complete No Gods, No Masters. Do not form a truce between the Brotherhood of Steel and the NCR. |
Quotes
Character
- "Well, thanks for taking a chance on a naive young girl from California with stars in her eyes and a pneumatic gauntlet on her hand."
- "Great. Thanks. Thank you. I'll encourage people to name their non-ugly children after you. Seriously."
- "Yes! Finally. Everything's coming up Veronica."
- "But... you don't have a "this is good news" expression on your face."
- "He was dead when I got there."
- "A lifetime supply of Fancy Lads Snack Cakes, revenge against my enemies, and world peace. In that order."
NPC
- Nightkin: "Book girl has hard decision to make."
- NCR civilians: "Your lady friend seems out of place here."
- NCR tourist: "Your friend seems too civilized for a place like this."
- Boomers: "I can spot a Brotherhood spy from a thousand yards. Even the cute ones."
- Brotherhood of Steel: "If you're planning to take Veronica with you, be sure to have a good pair of earplugs with you. I'm kidding, Veronica! Put the power fist down!"; "Keep an eye on Veronica here. She's a sharp one."; "Try to keep Veronica out of trouble, would you?"
- Powder Gangers: "Now there's a fine-looking woman. Just needs to ditch the robe."
- Great Khans: "Your friend's cute - is she single?"
- Followers: "I didn't know the Brotherhood had any people out here."
- Freesiders: "Your lady friend needs to lighten up."
- The Kings: "Your girl's kinda cute, but not my type at all. I don't go for smart chicks."
- Omertas: "Let me know if the pretty lady with you is looking for some work."
- Outer Vegas inhabitants: "Your friend's not from the desert, is she?"
Notes
- Veronica will still "open" the door to the bunker when visiting it with her for the first time even if the player character has already gained access by dealing with Ranger Dobson.
- Doing all of the Brotherhood's quests before recruiting Veronica makes it impossible for her to get either of her own perks. As a result, her ending will not show once the game is finished.
- If the player character has destroyed the Brotherhood bunker in Hidden Valley before recruiting Veronica, she will ask what they know about the Brotherhood when they meet at the 188 Trading Post. Telling her results in her stating "In that case, this is for them" and turning hostile.
- Veronica will wear Brotherhood Power Armor, such as the one found on dead paladins at Black Mountain, REPCONN or near Nellis.
Appearances
Veronica appears in Fallout: New Vegas.
Behind the scenes
- Chris Avellone stated that fake topic lines where Veronica discusses Elijah were added as placeholders in the game files so not to spoil then-upcoming DLCs.[Dev 1]
- Veronica was written by Eric Fenstermaker.[Dev 2]
- Veronica was featured in the Meet the Companions Playstation blog, written by Jason Bergman. The transcript appears below.
| Playstation Blog |
|---|
|
Full Name: Veronica Renata Santangelo |
| Developer Quotes |
|---|
“Hi Josh! My question is about F:NV and the DLC Dead Money (my favorite~ ha) I have to admit, after meeting Christine and running as fast as I could to Veronica to explain my experience in that world, I was disheartened to only give her a holotape from her previous Elder and not get a reaction from her about, who I assumed to be, her previous lover. Was there ever going to be a dialogue option about them? I guess I'm asking for closure :')
I cannot speak for Chris Avellone (who wrote and directed Dead Money), but I believe we were limited by time/scheduling. Veronica was written and recorded for the base New Vegas game with (IIRC) only a few hooks for Dead Money. I think reactions to Dead Money content itself would have required a more comprehensive level of (way) advanced planning, i.e., we would have needed to know exactly what Veronica was reacting to in Dead Money at the time that we recorded her for New Vegas. Either that or we would have needed to book Felicia Day for more studio time during the development of Dead Money. That can also be difficult and expensive, especially since voice actors and studio time are generally booked in multiple hour blocks. It’s difficult to justify if the character is only saying two or three new lines. It also gets a little messy when trying to decide where to draw the line. I think a lot of people would love to see some resolution between Christine and Veronica, but what about Caesar responding to the events of Honest Hearts? I wrote Joshua Graham and directed Honest Hearts, so I can speak more definitively to that. The limited reactivity Caesar could have about JG/HH wouldn’t really justify the expense of bringing John Doman back into the studio. And of course the new dialogue (minor as it might be) would still need to be tested. Caesar had one of the most complex dialogues in New Vegas, so it’s something we really tried to avoid messing with once the game shipped. I know that might seem a little silly, but because recording expenses can be high and recording sessions typically happen late in development, it’s often safer to err on the side of caution.”— Joshua Sawyer on Tumblr[Dev 4]“There are technical reasons (that I’ve gone over before) for why DLC characters can’t come back into the main game/reference each other. That’s separate from any narrative reasons why Christine and Veronica couldn’t interact, though I should also say that I conceived Veronica’s F:NV plot arc before/separately from what Chris Avellone developed for Dead Money.
I think Veronica is relatively happy (an important qualifier in setting where most things are miserable) and any tragedy in her ending slides has more to do with the state of the BoS than her personal relationships. Most other companions don’t speak of their romantic relationships. Arcade and Cassidy mention some in passing, but nothing in particular. Boone's wife is the source of a lot of personal anguish. You could make an argument that Boone’s or Veronica’s relationships are more tragic than the other, but both of them qualify as not good.”— Joshua Sawyer on Tumblr[Dev 5] |
Bugs
After giving Veronica Formal Wear or White Glove Society Attire, she may thank you and say she'll teach you an unarmed move, and the screen will fade out and in, but the perk won't be added. According to the GECK, the object that does the timing for the fade-out/in when she teaches the player the move is shared with the nine triggers used to start I Could Make You Care. The script for giving the move doesn't fully reset the object, so if any of the nine triggers have activated, she will no longer be able to give the perk.- At Hidden Valley, she may glitch and stay at the intercom and the door to the bunker will become locked. In the PC version, the following commands can be used to fix this glitch: prid 000e32a9 then SayTo player HVVeronicaEnter.
- Sometimes she will randomly stop following the player after accessing her inventory. In the PC version, the following commands can be used to fix this glitch: prid 000e32a9, resurrect 1, disable, finally followed by enable.
- When paying Dawes the caps to enter the NCR Correctional Facility, she will randomly attack Dawes when you get in, but the Powder Gangers will not be hostile.
- After destroying the Brotherhood bunker, Veronica will say how it is your last chance. After this, she will continuously engage in conversation with you and you have to dismiss her to the Lucky 38.
- As with other non-player characters, Veronica will appear bald if wearing the atomic-valence tri-radii-oscillator or the Valence Radii-Accentuator from Old World Blues.
Gallery
References
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- ↑ Chris Avellone: "Doing these hooks aren’t easy to mask because everyone can have access to the GECK and files on release, so as one example – with Felicia Day’s recordings where Veronica discusses Elijah post-Dead Money, we had to make up fake topic lines in order to mask who she’d really be talking about when the DLC was released."
(Unmasking the Gamers Chris Avellone - Part 3 - ↑ Question: "Who did the writing for Veronica? She's my favorite companion by far and quickly becoming one of my favorite female characters in gaming, period."
Joshua Sawyer: "Eric "Hollywood" Fenstermaker."
(Fallout: New Vegas developer statements; Joshua Sawyer Formspring posts; 25 October 10) - ↑ Question: "Where do the brotherhood of steel get all their food from?
Joshua Sawyer: "Veronica buys much of the HV BoS' food for them. That's essentially her job: acquiring things that the BoS cannot produce within Hidden Valley."
(Fallout: New Vegas developer statements; Joshua Sawyer Formspring posts; 2011 May 9) - ↑ momodeary: "Hi Josh! My question is about F:NV and the DLC Dead Money (my favorite~ ha) I have to admit, after meeting Christine and running as fast as I could to Veronica to explain my experience in that world, I was disheartened to only give her a holotape from her previous Elder and not get a reaction from her about, who I assumed to be, her previous lover. Was there ever going to be a dialogue option about them? I guess I'm asking for closure :')"
Josh Sawyer: "I cannot speak for Chris Avellone (who wrote and directed Dead Money), but I believe we were limited by time/scheduling. Veronica was written and recorded for the base New Vegas game with (IIRC) only a few hooks for Dead Money. I think reactions to Dead Money content itself would have required a more comprehensive level of (way) advanced planning, i.e., we would have needed to know exactly what Veronica was reacting to in Dead Money at the time that we recorded her for New Vegas. Either that or we would have needed to book Felicia Day for more studio time during the development of Dead Money. That can also be difficult and expensive, especially since voice actors and studio time are generally booked in multiple hour blocks. It’s difficult to justify if the character is only saying two or three new lines.It also gets a little messy when trying to decide where to draw the line. I think a lot of people would love to see some resolution between Christine and Veronica, but what about Caesar responding to the events of Honest Hearts? I wrote Joshua Graham and directed Honest Hearts, so I can speak more definitively to that. The limited reactivity Caesar could have about JG/HH wouldn’t really justify the expense of bringing John Doman back into the studio. And of course the new dialogue (minor as it might be) would still need to be tested. Caesar had one of the most complex dialogues in New Vegas, so it’s something we really tried to avoid messing with once the game shipped. I know that might seem a little silly, but because recording expenses can be high and recording sessions typically happen late in development, it’s often safer to err on the side of caution."
(Fallout: New Vegas developer statements/Characters; Joshua Sawyer: Veronica and Christine Interacting, 2016 March 2) - ↑ cybirdpunk: "Hi Josh, I just wanna say I'm a huge fan and new vegas is my second favorite game of all time. One complaint I always had though was the reliance on the "tragic lesbian" trope or having lesbians be victims of assault. Obviously the game is a product of its time but did you ever think during the development about maybe having a lesbian character who could be happy? (for example, why couldn't veronica and christine see each other after dead money or even have it be mentioned by mr. perlman?)"
Josh Sawyer: "There are technical reasons (that I’ve gone over before) for why DLC characters can’t come back into the main game/reference each other. That’s separate from any narrative reasons why Christine and Veronica couldn’t interact, though I should also say that I conceived Veronica’s F:NV plot arc before/separately from what Chris Avellone developed for Dead Money. I think Veronica is relatively happy (an important qualifier in setting where most things are miserable) and any tragedy in her ending slides has more to do with the state of the BoS than her personal relationships. Most other companions don’t speak of their romantic relationships. Arcade and Cassidy mention some in passing, but nothing in particular. Boone’s wife is the source of a lot of personal anguish. You could make an argument that Boone’s or Veronica’s relationships are more tragic than the other, but both of them qualify as not good."
(Fallout: New Vegas developer statements/Characters; Joshua Sawyer: Sexuality, 2016 December 18)
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