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Thank God... water... I'm out. You've got to give me some water or I'm done for...

Ben Canning is a water beggar found at random locations in the Capital Wasteland in 2277.

Background[]

Unlike other water beggars in the Capital Wasteland, Ben does not sit outside of a settlement. Rather, he is a friendly wasteland traveler who has ventured out sorely unprepared, leaving him dehydrated after running out of water.[Non-game 1] He does not expect help from other wasteland travelers, and if someone were to donate him some water, he would be pleasantly surprised.[1][2][3]

Interactions with the player character[]

Interactions overview[]

Interactions
Mesmetron icon
This character can be enslaved with the Mesmetron.

Other interactions[]

Ben Canning appears in a random encounter. Upon meeting, the Lone Wanderer may choose to give him water or let him die. Unlike the water beggars found outside Megaton, Tenpenny Tower, and Rivet City who will only accept purified water, Ben will also accept dirty water. However, he will not accept Aqua Pura, Aqua Cura, or holy water.

If one has both purified and dirty water in their inventory, the game will prioritize the latter over the former. If given water, he proceeds to drink it repeatedly; when activated, he apologetically tells the character that he's not up to traveling yet. Standing after a minute or two, he simply says "Good to see you again, friend!" If one refuses to give him water, he will ask them to shoot him in the head, because he is out of ammunition, or else he would do it himself. If one grants this request, they will receive negative Karma.

Effects of player's actions[]

  • If he is given water, he will follow the same looping route as the caravan merchants.
  • If he is not given water, he will die.

Inventory[]

Apparel Weapon Other items On death
Roving trader outfit
Head wrap
Laser pistol

Notes[]

  • Although he is equipped with a laser pistol, Ben only carries microfusion cells, as opposed to the correct ammunition, the energy cell. As he has no ammunition for his weapon, he is forced to fight with his fists if engaged in combat.
  • It is possible to reverse pickpocket energy cells onto Ben. This will allow him to use his laser pistol to defend himself, but the act itself will result in negative Karma.
  • When given water, he takes out an empty Nuka-Cola bottle or a beer bottle instead of the usual plastic water bottles.

Appearances[]

Ben Canning appears only in Fallout 3.

Bugs[]

  • PCPC He may be hostile upon first meeting him. [verified]
  • PCPCXbox 360Xbox 360 When joining the caravan route he may take the place of a caravan merchant, leaving one or all of the existing merchants permanently 'stuck' at their current stop, including him. [verified]

References[]

  1. The Lone Wanderer: "Then I guess you're done for, because I'm not giving you any."
    Ben Canning: "Yeah, that's what I figured. Can you at least shoot me in the head before you leave? I'm out of ammo or I'd do it myself."
    (Ben Canning's dialogue)
  2. Ben Canning: "Thank God... water... I'm out. You've got to give me some water or I'm done for..."
    (Ben Canning's dialogue)
  3. Ben Canning: "I can't travel yet, but I'll be back on my feet soon, thanks to you. I never expected help from a stranger in the Wasteland."
    (Ben Canning's dialogue)

Non-game

  1. Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.62:
    "Ben Canning:
    Canning isn't like those other lay-abouts, waiting on the threshold of of a settlement for a hand-out. No, Canning is an adventure who is almost completingIn-game spelling, punctuation and/or grammar unprepared for Wasteland exploring, a fact he proves when he rushes up to you. He is friendly though, for a beggar."
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