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The deathclaw control scrambler is a miscellaneous item in the Fallout 3 add-on Broken Steel.

Background[]

A prototype device made by Scribe Vallincourt, the deathclaw control scrambler is a modified standard transmitter that can override the Enclave's deathclaw control signal.[1] The device is constantly broadcasting its override signal, meaning that the device passively takes control of the deathclaw without any action taken by the carrier.[2] Vallincourt provides the device to the player for testing during Shock Value to assist them in entering Old Olney.[3]

Location[]

Obtained from Scribe Vallincourt during Shock Value.

Related quest[]

  • Shock Value: The scrambler automatically turns any Enclave-controlled deathclaw friendly as long as the Lone Wanderer is within range of the transmitters of the domestication units. When the Lone Wanderer is going out of range, the device will first start to beep periodically and finally, the deathclaw will die.

Notes[]

  • The item uses the world model of a fresh apple because it is a quest item and can never be dropped.
  • The scrambler only acts on deathclaws which have an Enclave domestication unit on their head; this can be seen up close as a metal apparatus with what looks to be "blinders" next to the deathclaw's eyes. Not all deathclaws in Enclave cages have been fitted with transmitters, some are still wild and will attack the Lone Wanderer if released.
  • When carrying the device, the friendly deathclaw will follow the Lone Wanderer, attacking any enemies in the deathclaw's range. It will not attack allies although there is a chance the deathclaw will attack a follower once, then stop.
  • Controlled deathclaws will act as temporary followers (though they cannot be spoken to nor otherwise controlled). They will fast travel with the Lone Wanderer, dying instantly when reaching the destination.

Behind the scenes[]

The Pip-Boy image is identical to the device used to control brainless Spock in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Spock's Brain."[Non-game 1]

Bugs[]

  • PCPC After fast traveling or simply entering a new location, there is a possibility that an Enclave-controlled deathclaw will spawn very close to the player. This can happen instantly after you get the device. The deathclaw will always attack anyone who is not a part of your party regardless of their disposition towards you. Known locations where an Enclave-controlled deathclaw has spawned/followed after fast traveling or by simply entering a new area: Megaton, Vault 101's entrance, the Museum of History/Underworld, Canterbury Commons, the Citadel, Warrington station, Point Lookout, the Pitt Downtown, and entering the Ranger compound.[verified]
  • PCPC The controller may turn a deathclaw friendly towards you, but it will not become hostile towards nearby Enclave forces. Instead, the deathclaw simply returns to its cage and completely ignores any combat between the player and Enclave forces. The deathclaw does attack creatures, raiders, or Talon Company mercs that approach near it.[verified]
  • Xbox 360Xbox 360 Mind-controlled deathclaws will sometimes not even leave their cage when interacted with.[verified]
  • PCPC The friendly deathclaw will suddenly die when the Lone Wanderer enters or leaves a location.[verified]

References[]

  1. Lone Wanderer: "What exactly is this thing?"
    Vallincourt: "It's a semi-standard transmitter, only I altered the frequency modulation and jacked up the output. Based on some experiments I ran here in the lab, it should override the signals the Enclave uses to control deathclaws. Don't worry -- It's constantly broadcasting, so you don't need to do anything. Just don't lose it. And so far, I have no evidence of adverse effects of EM interference in humans. Animals maybe, but not humans. Anyway, it doesn't have a huge broadcast range, but it should be enough."
    (Vallincourt's dialogue)
  2. Lone Wanderer: "How does the scrambler work?"
    Vallincourt: "It overrides the Enclave signal, so as far as the deathclaw is concerned, you're in control. And remember, it works passively. As long as you have the scrambler on your person, it'll do its job."
    (Vallincourt's dialogue)
  3. Lone Wanderer: "I hear you can help me get into Old Olney."
    Vallincourt: "Well, maybe. I mean, possibly. I think so, but I'm not certain. I don't know how much this will actually help... I mean, I'm not quite sure how effective it might be since it hasn't really been field tested...But I think I've figured out a way to override the signals the Enclave is using to control their Deathclaws. Here, take this. It's only a prototype, so please don't lose it."
    (Vallincourt's dialogue)

Non-game

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