Marsh Vegaa: The Institution File

The pursuit of freedom in a digital age of Chaos.

By LUiS Wrote THiS UNiVERSEPublished 11 months ago • Updated 11 months ago • 3 min read

Written by LUiS Thompson

The Institute (Fallout 4)

Even if the "parenthood" element of this particular game might not be the direction Nolan and Joy may want to explore, part of Fallout 4’s main story does fit within their “big business intermingling with AI” wheelhouse. The Institute is a perfectly nebulous “big bad” that sits on the tongue of every resident of The Commonwealth with murky beginnings and operations, which is a great baseline for an inevitable confrontation between the citizens forced to live above ground and the seedy underbelly of the shadiest of Fallout factions.

My first contact with others outside of Vault 101, with Nick Valentine, was surprisingly gloomy.

Act 1:

Setup: Nick Valentine and the protagonist continue their search for the commander of the deceased Brotherhood of Steel squad.

Catalyst: The idea of traveling to Diamond City arises as a potential solution to their search.

Debate: Despite their heavy hearts, Nick Valentine and the protagonist decide to proceed with the plan, knowing the risks involved.

Break into Two: The duo gets imprisoned, facing the consequences of their actions.

I've learned that "constant movement" is the law in this wasteland.

Act 2:

B Story: The encounter with the Mr. Handy Robots reveals a deeper issue within the facility they are exploring.

Fun and Games: Nick Valentine and the protagonist navigate through the enslaved area, facing challenges and uncovering information about the airborne pathogen.

Midpoint: The discovery of the ingredients needed to flush out the pathogen presents a turning point in their mission.

Bad Guys Close In: The threat of the Mr. Handy Robots intensifies as they become aware of the protagonists' presence.

All Is Lost: The protagonists find themselves trapped and outnumbered, seemingly defeated.

I continue to search for this rouge Synth on my journey.

Act 3:

Break into Three: A moment of realization or inspiration sparks a new plan or revelation.

Finale: Nick Valentine and the protagonist, armed with newfound knowledge and determination, launch a daring escape and confront the Mr. Handy Robots.

Climax: A high-stakes battle ensues as the protagonists fight to retrieve the ingredients and secure their survival.

Resolution: They successfully acquire the necessary elements, flushing out the airborne pathogen and saving the infected scientists.

Closing Image: The protagonists, victorious but weary, continue their journey with renewed purpose, ready to face new challenges.

The most ferocious and unthinking assailants could surprise us at any time.

Act 4:

New Direction: With the airborne pathogen crisis averted, Nick Valentine and the protagonist regroup and reassess their mission. They discover a lead that suggests the commander they seek might be hiding in a remote settlement.

Rising Stakes: As they travel to the settlement, they encounter dangerous factions and hostile individuals who are also searching for the commander. The race to find the commander intensifies, and the protagonists must confront both physical and moral challenges along the way.

Rising Action: Clues and confrontations lead them closer to their target, but the commander's true motives and allegiance become increasingly unclear. Doubts and conflicts arise between Nick Valentine and the protagonist, testing their partnership and loyalty.

I've ended these lives in order to preserve my own. The real question is for how long?

Act 5:

Final Confrontation: Nick Valentine and the protagonist reach the remote settlement and confront the commander. They engage in a tense and emotionally charged encounter, where truths are revealed, alliances are tested, and the fate of the Brotherhood of Steel hangs in the balance.

Climax: A climactic battle ensues as the protagonists face off against the commander and their forces. They must use their skills, resources, and the knowledge they've acquired throughout their journey to overcome the powerful enemy and protect the Brotherhood.

Resolution: The battle concludes with a decisive outcome. The fate of the commander and the Brotherhood is determined, and the aftermath of the conflict sets the stage for the future of the wasteland. Nick Valentine and the protagonist reflect on their journey, the sacrifices made, and the lessons learned, finding closure and understanding.

Denouement: The fallout of their actions reverberates in the world, and the impact of their mission and choices is felt by the remaining factions. The story concludes with a glimpse of the wasteland's future, leaving room for further exploration and potential sequels.