#nldoescontent

I'm quite happy with these, but I want to be perfectly transparent: graphic design is not usually my passion, and so there are lots of little ways in which they are a bit amateur or imperfect. I don't mind it, but I just wanted to state up front that I'm well aware lol. This also means that I might have missed clear labels for some layers/folders, and if that's the case, I apologize for any confusion it might cause.

I'm also well aware Benny isn't a companion, but there was a spot open and I know plenty of Couriers have Strong Feelings about the guy, so he seemed like a good fit, you know?

With all that acknowledged, here's a look at what a completed version of the Fallout 4 template might look like:

Featuring my sole survivor and her relationships some as I half-remember them from the last full run I did whoops.

General vibes on using these:

Go wild!

Use them for player characters for these games, or for other relevant OCs you might have.

There are vague guidelines on there for the different acts/points in the game, starting from the center and moving out with time, but you're welcome to turn those off or ignore them, of course.

Right now the companion portraits are pulled from their wiki pages, which means some of them are not super flattering lmao. Feel free to replace them with your own pics/art.

Toggle off characters from DLC you didn't have/didn't meet, or replace them with other characters that mattered more to your OC's story, or just ignore them. Up to you!

Also feel free to tweak the colors/labels for the relationships depending on your own preferences and/or what best fits your OC. Color things in solid, or gradient, or polka dot, whatever floats your boat and shows the relationships best in your opinion.

If you want to adapt these for other Fallout games, go for it! You're welcome to share those templates, too, of course, as long as they're freely accessible. If you do, a link back to this post would be mighty appreciated. And tag me so I can see 👀.

For real, the world is your oyster, just don't find some way to use these for weird heinous bigoted shit, don't smack any A/I slop in there, and we're absolutely golden. <3

⏰Time 1. By their nature, are they more of a morning person or a night owl? Is there a reason? Does their lifestyle generally allow them to keep to their preferred waking hours? If not, how do they handle it? 2. How well do they manage their time? Are they generally easily side-tracked or distracted? What about when they have an important objective or obligation? How do they feel about their habits? 3. Is there a season of the year that they prefer above others? Is that preference because of some enjoyable aspect of their preferred season, or due to disliked aspects of the other season(s)? Do holidays play a part in their ranking? Weather? Certain memories? 4. Do they prefer to make plans for the future or to take life as it comes? What has shaped this preference? Do they generally feel that their habits serve them well? 5. Do they remember or keep track of dates like birthdays and anniversaries? Of their own accord, or when prompted, do they like to celebrate/commemorate such dates, or do they prefer to let them pass quietly?  6. What is the earliest memory of their life that they can recall? Are there any details that stick out or are particularly clear? Is their memory fairly accurate or has it been distorted in any notable way? Has the memory been influenced by any recountings or other events in the time since it occurred?  7. If they had been asked, as a child, to assemble a time capsule for themself to open as an adult, what would they have included? What was the significance of those items to them at that age? If they opened that time capsule as an adult (at least a decade later), would they recognize the objects and recall their significance? 8. How do they feel about the passage of time and aging? Do they feel they have made good use of their time so far? Do they look forward to the future? 9. If they could relive any 24 full, continuous hours from their past, without the ability to alter their behavior or any events, would they choose to do so? Why, or why not? If they would relive the time - what 24 hours would they choose? 10. If given the opportunity to learn exactly when, but not how, they will die, would they take it? Given time, would they come to regret that decision? Why, or why not?

🔧Adaptation 11. How do they feel about unexpected obstacles or changes of plans? Are they able to roll with the punches fairly easily, or do they need significant time or effort to adjust? 12. When something goes wrong on the first try, are they more likely to give up or try again and again? Have there been any notable exceptions in their life? If so, what made those times different? 13. When a situation doesn’t resolve how they’d hoped or expected, are they more likely to view it as an opportunity for growth, to carry it as a regret, or some middle ground? Generally, do they first turn inward or to others when looking to lay blame? 14. Do they know their limits, both mental and physical? Are they likely to push through confusion, upset, fatigue, or pain even when it is not absolutely necessary? Are they able to push through when it is? 15. Do they have any intentional body modifications (tattoos, piercings, implants, surgeries, etc.)? What motivated them? Are they any modifications they would like but don’t yet have? What’s stopping them? 16. How easy or difficult do they find it to form new habits? Are there any habits they admire or appreciate and would like to pick up? Are they working on that in any way? 17. Are there any distinct coping strategies or habits which they’ve picked up over time? Any which no longer serve them well? If so, are they aware that those strategies/habits have become less helpful, or even unhelpful? How do they feel about those strategies/habits? 18. Are there skills they have picked up with more ease than they expected? Were their expectations inaccurate for a reason, did they have help of some kind, or were other factors at play? How do they feel about the ease with which they acquired the skill? 19. When a situation calls for it, how willing are they to alter their behavior or manner of dress to fit the expectations or preferences of others? For how long? How do they feel about such a change? 20. When presented with information that conflicts with their beliefs, how likely are they to disregard it outright as opposed to considering or investigating it? Are they aware of their habits in this regard? If so, how do they feel about it? Are there any notable factors that can circumvent their usual disposition?

🖐️Sensation 21. What is their favorite color? Do they have a reason it's their favorite? Do they show that it's their favorite in any way (i.e. painting their living space, wearing it, etc.)? 22. What sort of lighting do they prefer in their personal space? Lots of natural light or kept to a minimum? Warm or cool white lights? How do they feel about candles, string lights, or neons? 23. Are there any scents that they strongly dislike? Is it a matter of simple preference or is there a deeper reason? How do/would they react to being near those scents? 24. How do they smell on an average day? Given the opportunity, are there any particular scents they do/would seek out and wear (in the form of soaps, perfumes, oils, etc.)? 25. How well can they recognize specific sounds (i.e. a particular person’s footsteps, a certain animal’s vocalizations, etc.)? Is it something they have a natural knack for or an ability which they have trained? 26. Are there any sounds that they find particularly soothing or pleasant, or which they seek out when looking to relax? Any sounds which they find particularly annoying, or can’t stand to be around? 27. Given their choice, independent of environment, what sort of clothing would they favor? Heavier or lighter fabrics? Many layers or as few as possible?  28. How would they rank the following fabrics, by preference of texture - silks, furs, denim, leather, velvet, latex, lace - ? Any particular reasons? Is there any texture, fabric or otherwise, that they can't stand? Any they love above all others? 29. Do they have a favorite food and/or a favorite drink? How would they describe the dish/beverage to someone who has never tried it? Is their preference based purely on the qualities of the dish/beverage, or do they like it for other reasons? 30. Are there any foods that they firmly avoid due to the flavor or texture? Any foods that they avoid for other reasons? Do they have any dietary restrictions?

💭Thoughts 31. How does their own assessment of themself (their personality, demeanor, moral quality, etc.) differ from how those around them perceive them? Is one more accurate than the other? 32. Are they quick to form opinions, or do they tend to take their time doing so? Once they've formed an opinion, how difficult is it to get them to reassess? 33. How is their memory when it comes to everyday happenings? Faces? Names? Numbers? Is there anything they do to help themself remember things? 34. When inconvenienced, are they likely to take it personally? Is that reception a gut reaction, or a matter of genuine belief? Do they maintain the sentiment? 35. Are they often truly, meaningfully angered? Are they comfortable with their own anger? Do they revel in it? Do they seek to avoid or alleviate it? 36. Are they confident in their perception of reality? How often, if ever, do they doubt their own understanding of events or experiences? Are they right to? 37. Are there any types of thoughts which they tend to dwell on more than others? If so, are they aware of the habit? Is there anything they do to try to get out of the rut? 38. Are they generally of a more optimistic, neutral, or pessimistic bent? Do they feel justified in their inclination? From an outside perspective, are they? 39. Do they ever think about their place in the universe, their purpose, or the meaning of life? Have they drawn any conclusions? If they have, how do they feel about them? 40. Do they consider their own ideas and opinions to be worthwhile and valuable? If they share their ideas and opinions with others, do those others generally find them to be worthwhile or valuable? Are they aware of the discrepancy (if any) in how their ideas and opinions are valued by themself vs. by others?

📝Experience 41. Are they more likely to seek out new experiences or avoid them? Why? Are there any particular factors likely to make them act otherwise? 42. Are there any experiences in their life (events, connections, media, locations, etc.) which they regularly revisit specifically for the sake of reliving the experience (not for convenience, obligation, etc.)? Do they find that the revisited experience continues to live up to their expectations, or are they chasing some now-absent novelty/magic? 43. When experiencing something new, if given the choice, are they more likely to breeze through and gain a surface-level understanding/appreciation first, perhaps revisiting parts later, or to take a slow and in-depth approach from the get-go? 44. Have they ever had a mundane experience transformed into something more significant by its recontextualization through the lens of another’s perspective? What in particular made them see it differently? 45. What was their training or education like? Did they get to choose it? Do they make use of it, or benefit from it in some way, on the regular? With the advantage of hindsight, would they pursue the same type of education or training again? 46. Are there any topics/fields/activities in which they consider themself an expert? Is that a reasonable assessment? Do others recognize their expertise (or lack thereof)? 47. When engaging with a new experience, do they generally learn best or get the most out of it on their own, in a one-on-one setting, or in a group? On average, are they more of a text-based, lecture-based, or visual learner? 48. Are there any experiences that have had an unexpectedly profound, spiritual, or inspirational impact on them? What aspect of the experience made it so meaningful to them? Have others reacted to its significance to them? 49. If prompted to share an experience with someone in order to grant that person a better understanding of them, what experience would they choose? Would it provide an honest insight? What aspect/trait (true or not) would that experience convey? 50. Are there any particularly rare or out-of-reach experiences they dream of, even knowing they are unlikely? How do they feel about that unlikelihood?

🔗Tethers 51. Do they have a stable job/position? How do/would they feel about that kind of commitment? Is there something else they would prefer? 52. Do they have a consistent living space/housing situation? Do they share it with anyone else? How do they feel about this arrangement?  53. Do they have any belongings which they would be, or have been, particularly upset to part with? If so, what makes/made those specific belongings valuable or dear to them? 54. When they occupy a space, either temporarily or longterm, do they tend to adjust it, to make it their own? What is their reasoning or motivation? If they do make changes, what change is most important?  55. Do they have any habits or turns of phrase that they’ve picked up from a particular person or group in their life? Are they aware of where they got it from? If so, how do they feel about it? And vice versa - is there anyone who has picked up specific habits or turns of phrase from them? 56. Are there any notable traditions or beliefs they were exposed to growing up, either by their family or community? Do they remember those traditions or beliefs later in life? How do they feel about them? Do they participate in them as an adult, of their own volition? 57. Are they aware of or in contact with any siblings, parents, or older family members? If so, what is the relationship like? Would they change the situation if they could? 58. Do they have any younger family members or children that depend on them? Any pets? If they do, how do they feel about that responsibility? Would they change anything, if they could? 59. Do they have ties to any organizations in their community/area? If so, what kind - faith-based, recreational, volunteer-oriented, etc. - and what led to their affiliation with the group(s)? How do they feel about those ties (or lack thereof)? 60. If they could leave tomorrow and go to a place where no one knows them, with the guarantee of a clean break from their current identity and commitments, would they? If they would, is there a particular place they would want to go to start over? If not, what’s stopping them?

♻️Effects 61. Do they tend to act quickly or to take time to weigh the consequences of their actions? Do they generally feel that this strategy serves them well? Have there been any notable exceptions? 62. In either their personal or professional life, have they been a pawn or played a role in someone else’s plans? Were they aware of those plans? Were they a willing participant? How do they feel about their involvement? 63. Have they drastically changed the trajectory of someone’s life, outside of their own? For better, for worse? Are they aware of the impact they had? If so, how do they feel about it? 64. Have they ever caused (or attempted to cause) significant destruction of someone else’s belongings/property? If so, intentionally? For a purpose? Did they face any consequences? How do they feel about it? 65. Have they ever caused (or attempted to cause) significant harm to someone else’s reputation or relationship(s)? If so, intentionally? Did they benefit from it? Did they face any backlash? How do they feel about it? 66. What is one thing they have added to the world, whether it is something physical/concrete or something more abstract/conceptual? Is it meaningful to them? Is it something others will build upon, ignore, or work to destroy? 67. If they had to guess, what is the most significant thing they think they’ll be remembered for doing? How do they feel about that? In time, will other people actually remember their involvement/actions? If they will - (generally) accurately? 68. Do they have any notable scars or apparent lasting injuries? What is the story behind those scars/injuries? Are they open about the origin of their scars/injuries, do they prefer not to discuss them, or do they have a fake story they like to give instead? 69. Is there a single event which has shaped their life, or them as a person, far more than any other? If so, why was that event so meaningful, and how did it change them/their life? Are they aware of just how significantly that event has impacted them? 70. Is there any big change that they dream of making in the world? How feasible is that dream? Are they taking any action to pursue it?

👥Socialization 71. Do they generally prefer to be the center of attention, part of a group, or unnoticed in the background? Are there any notable exceptions? 72. Do they tend to keep a broader, somewhat more distant network, a smaller, more intimate social circle, or very few connections altogether? By preference, habit, or just happenstance? 73. When meeting new people, do they generally put effort into making a good first impression, or are they more likely to just let the chips fall where they may? What motivates their decision? 74. How comfortable are they with silence? Do they look to fill it themself, prompt others to do so, or simply sit with it? Do they ever try to initiate it? 75. What’s their sense of humor like? Did they ‘get it’ from someone, or develop it in response to something specific? Do they think they’re funny? Do others? 76. Are they generally expressive - in their tone, their facial expressions, their body language? Is this level of expressiveness their natural state, or something they put effort into? Are they comfortable/satisfied with it? 77. What does their voice sound like, naturally? Do they have an accent? Distinctive vocabulary? Are there situations where they make an effort to alter these characteristics? Why? How do they feel about doing so? 78. When attempting to convince someone of a point they feel strongly about, are they more likely to use appeals of charisma/to emotion, to use arguments of rationality/logic, or to use intimidation/implied threats? On average, how successfully do they apply this approach? 79. How do they feel about physical, non-sexual intimacy (such as hugging, hand-holding, kissing, etc.)? Are they able to participate in it as much (or as little) as they would like? 80. Are they comfortable in intensely emotional conversations, where they and/or the person(s) they are conversing with are emotionally vulnerable? How do they typically handle such conversations? Are others comfortable having those kinds of conversations with them?

🚫Taboos 81. Do they generally try to adhere to the law (or established societal guidelines) when possible? Why? How extreme would a situation need to be to get them to break the law/guidelines? How do/would they feel about committing such an act? 82. Do they partake in any illicit/non-prescribed substances? If so, in what settings (social vs. solitary, etc.)? Is it a habit or a rarity? How do they feel about it? 83. How do/would they feel about participating in violence directed at another person? If violence seemed imminent, would they be more likely to act first, to wait and defend themself, or to flee? Why? 84. Have they ever betrayed the sincere trust of a close friend, partner, or family member? In the aftermath, did they feel justified in their betrayal? How, if at all, was the relationship affected? 85. Are they a gambler when it comes to their own money/property? Their safety? When the property or wellbeing of others is on the line? Do they think they’re good at assessing risk? Are they actually? 86. Have they ever stolen something or intruded on someone else’s private belongings/property? If so, what motivated them? How did they feel about it? Would they do it again - or do it for the first time - if they thought they could avoid getting caught? 87. Do they lie often, for fun or convenience, or only when it seems necessary - or strictly not at all? Do they mentally differentiate between direct deception and lies of omission, either when they are the deceiver or when they are on the receiving end? 88. How do they feel about instances where people or groups have practiced survival cannibalism? Do they believe they would partake if the alternative was starvation? Is their self-assessment accurate? 89. Have they ever attempted to control someone via threats or blackmail? Were they successful? Do they have any lingering thoughts or feelings about it? 90. Do they have any “gross” or particularly socially unacceptable habits? Are they aware of how others might feel or react to seeing them in the act? If so, does that impact how/when they partake in that habit?

Agamemnon

[hc] Pre-War. Became a ghoul in the years shortly after 2077.

[hc] Spurred to action by the rise of anti-synth sentiments and groups. Investigated notable Institute actions/sightings in the lead up to founding the Railroad, including one near Vault 111 circa 2227.

[c] Date of Railroad joining and/or founding unknown. Earliest recorded leader of the Railroad; start of tenure unknown, spanning till their death in the HQ massacre of 2266.

[hc] Responsible for the founding of the Railroad in the early 2250's.

[hc] Responsible for Deacon's recruitment; served as both his mentor and last real friend. Encouraged Deacon's recovery from chem addiction and helped him to gain perspective beyond solely revenge/grief. Deacon remains extremely grateful.

[hc] Well-read and philosophically inclined. Could say much more. I have a pretty fleshed out concept for this character, and about a billion feelings about their role in D's life, but it's all entirely speculative, so that'll have to be it's own post if I ever get up the courage to share it lmao.

Desdemona

[hc] Wife of (now-deceased) Sam (formerly Lamda 8); [c] Lamda 8 was a synth who was rescued by the Railroad and became a homesteader. She was later killed by coursers in January 2276. Her wife (a farmer) was injured in that same attack.

[c] First mentioned by name in records from September 2276.

[hc] Mentored/trained by Deacon; his last trainee/partner of note until the Sole Survivor (potentially) in 2287/2288.

[c] Elected to leadership as of December 2277. Immediately prioritized operational security as a fundamental necessity.

[hc] Late 30's, early 40's in age as of 2287/2288.

[hc] Places a high priority on synth freedom, to an extent that she is sometimes willing to sacrifice the stability/wellbeing of agents for even a markedly slim chance at rescuing a synth. Uncompromising in her view that the Railroad is acting for a noble cause. Does not like to be confronted with the consequences of her prioritization, nor the idea that some agents are 'sullying the cause' by acting in revenge.

[d] Deacon wishes Desdemona would also approve missions to help humans instead of focusing the organization solely on synths.

[hc] As her ex-mentor/partner, Deacon feels that he failed to help her find a broader perspective, a sense of purpose and responsibility beyond the very narrow pursuit of synth rescue. This sense of failure is intensified by the striking similarities in their personal histories; Deacon regrets that he could not do for Desdemona what he feels Agamemnon did for him.

Carrington

[c] Full name: Stanley Carrington. First mentioned by name in records from September 2276.

[c] As of 2287/2288, identifies himself as the "third senior-most member of [the] organization" and the second-in-command.

[c] Believes that Desdemona, as a leader, "is inspirational" but that "strategy may not be her forte".

[hc] Carrington considers Desdemona to be overly idealistic regarding the Railroad's mission. While he does truly believe in the cause, his personal nature and his role as the organization's medic both push him to favor a strategic pivot to prioritizing agent wellfare, and thus, in his mind, the staying power of the Railroad as a whole.

[hc] Late 40's in age as of 2287/2288.

[c] As of 2287/2288, Deacon is looking into Carrington, in some fashion, via his tourist network.

[hc] While never formally a member of the group, Carrington briefly trained with the Brotherhood of Steel's medics in the Capital Wasteland, up until the organization abandoned its protection of Project Purity. Carrington remained in the area for a few years, then traveled to the Commonwealth and established a traveling practice in the early 2260's. This fleeting association with the BoS is the matter Deacon is investigating.

[hc] Deacon appreciates Carrington's more grounded and cautious approach at times, but their personalities are such that the two are often prickly at best with each other, even when in agreement. Carrington is also less susceptible than Desdemona when it comes to Deacon's persuasion, prodding, and manipulation, which Deacon finds to be both frustrating and a good reason to support Desdemona's continued leadership of the organization.

Tinker Tom

[c] Full name: Thomas Weatherby. First mentioned in 2279.

[c] Family farm was destroyed by an Institute attack.

[c] Very intelligent. Brought in to HQ in 2279 to improve the Railroad's weapons and equipment.

[c] Noted as becoming "increasingly eccentric" throughout 2280, which Carrington attributed to the severe psychological repercussions of stress. Desdemona refrained from changing his position or responsibilities.

[c] Relocated to the Switchboard after its discovery in 2281, where he located P.A.M. and notified Desdemona.

[c] Built the Deliverer pistol for Tommy Whispers in 2282.

[c] Spent much of 2283 attempting to decode a holotape carried by an escaped synth, the first of several sent by the Institute-insider, Patriot. Was able to decipher the message in 2284 - "Mass Fusion" - as well as another similarly coded message later that year.

[c] Able to decode the courser chip and decipher the schematics for the molecular relay, if the Sole Survivor provides the chip/plans.

[c] Prone to paranoia and conspiracy-based thought.

[hc] While Deacon does not generally believe Tom's theories, he is genuinely sympathetic to the impact that Tom's time with the Railroad has had on his mental wellbeing and will usually patiently humor Tom, or even encourage him, as he spins a new theory.

Glory

[c] First mentioned in 2280. Formerly G7-81. Opted out of Amari's memory wipe procedure.

[c] Worked with High Rise at Ticonderoga for some time. Called to HQ and promoted to Railroad heavy in 2280.

[c] Firmly opposed to killing Gen 2 synths unless absolutely necessary, such as in self-defense, as she considers them to be people. Also generally tries to avoid killing Gen 1s.

[c] Following Tommy Whisper's move to HQ in 2281, Desdemona noted that Glory had "taken him under his [sic] wing".

[c] As of 2287/2288, dismissive of some aspects of current Railroad security procedures, such as compartmentalization.

[c] Favors 'guns blazing' type tactics, hitting targets fast and hard as opposed to subtlety. Criticized by Desdemona for being too willing to kill humans, as opposed to seeking alternate solutions.

[d] Deacon recognizes the tactical value of having varied skill sets within the Railroad, however, he is not willing to engage in the same tactics as Glory, nor is he willing to work with a partner who does.

[d] Deacon views Glory's approach ([hc] and to an extent, Glory herself) as short-sighted and dangerous, not only to the agents participating in such actions but to the Railroad's mission as a whole; collateral damage is likely to turn public opinion even further against synths and those helping them, making the Railroad's job that much harder.

John D. / Deacon As I favor the theory that Deacon is John D., the two are discussed as one below. Canon notations here up through March 2273 refer to John D., while those after that date refer to Deacon.

[d] Spent a portion of his youth as a member of the UP (University Point) Deathclaws, a gang that harassed and assaulted those they suspected to be synths. This eventually lead to the murder of one such suspected synth.

[d] Cut ties with the UP Deathclaws after the above-mentioned murder. Became a farmer and eventually settled down with and married Barbara.

[hc] While Deacon states he did not know Barbara was a synth, he passingly suspected it, or at least had reason to; Barbara had no significant memories, supposedly as a result of head injury, but in fact caused by an early attempt at a memory wipe. Deacon would later "borrow" this fact for a lie. I don't know if I'd die on this hill but I do think about it and its further implications So Much.

[d] The UP Deathclaws found the couple and killed Barbara, seemingly somehow aware that she was a synth. Deacon then killed most of the gang. Some time later, he was contacted by the Railroad.

[hc] Recruited to the Railroad in the late 2250's.

[c] A runner for the Railroad as of November 2266. Sole HQ-based survivor of the 2066 Railroad HQ massacre, one of only 13 members total who survived and chose to remain involved after the event.

[c] "Finding tourists at a pretty good clip" as of February 2267. Insisted on operational security; kept tourists' identities to himself.

[c] Developed the dead drop system prior to March 2273.

[c] Responsible for planning the escape route utilized by most survivors of the mid-2273 attack on Railroad HQ.

[c] Kicked out of HQ, temporarily, in June 2275.

[c] In 2281, detected a synth infiltrator at Mercer safehouse before P.A.M. was able to. As a result, HQ operations were moved to safety an hour prior to the related courser attack.

[c] Spent a portion of 2284 investigating "Institute sightings from years, even decades before". [hc] This included further investigating several sightings Agamemnon had taken note of and discussed with Deacon several decades prior - particularly the Vault 111 sighting.

[c] Largely absent from HQ throughout 2286; "chasing ghosts".

[c] As of 2287, working on a secret project, code-named Wanderer, based on a "wild theory" and building toward an "even wilder plan (Tea Party)". While the exact nature of the plan is not described, dialogue between Desdemona and P.A.M. suggests its successful completion would result in the freedom of all living synths.

[hc] Mid-to-late 50's in age as of 2287/2288.

[d] Views the Railroad's mission as somewhat broader, meant to help both humans and synths. Acknowledges that this isn't a viewpoint shared by everyone in the organization.