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In a perfect world, healthcare would be free... but since you've traveled through the Wastes out there, you know it's not a perfect world. Is it?

Doctor Julius[Non-game 1] Banfield is the only doctor in Tenpenny Tower in Fallout 3.

Background[]

The physician for Tenpenny Tower, Banfield runs the Wellness Clinic, and is responsible for the health of the Tower's residents.[1] He achieves this primarily by providing them with various prescription drugs[2][3] and his own concoctions based on pre-War medicines.[4] While Banfield is not terribly fond of the Tower's landlord, he is wary of crossing him. It's not terribly difficult, as Tenpenny rarely comes down and Banfield only had to treat him once, for "bed sores".[5]

It's not clear where Banfield comes from, but he does make mention of some of his scientific colleagues publishing papers. Much of Banfield's knowledge of ghouls, for example, comes from papers published by his colleagues, although he never actually verified their findings (and, unsurprisingly, has never been published).[6] As a result, he has developed a theory that the ghoul condition is inevitably degenaritve and will always lead them to a feral state, with nothing to cure them or alleviate the symptoms. He's sympathetic to their plight,[7] which together with his scientific rigor, makes him potentially ready to abandon his prejudices and give Roy Phillips and his ghouls a chance. In fact, it might provide him with a chance to perform an independent study of ghoul physiology and publish his findings.[8] It would also help him verify, whether the radiation-damaged immune systems make them vectors of disease, or not.[9]

Of course, his lack of interaction with real ghouls makes it easy to maintain his prejudices, brushing them off as mere caution.[10]

Regardless of his views on ghouls, Banfield is a competent, if conservative doctor. He refuses to perform surgeries unless absolutely necessary, believing that if the risk of infection outweighs the benefits, there's no reason to open up a patient.[11] Cosmetic surgery tops his list of frivolous procedures: It's dangerous, requires specialized equipment, and is prone to infection.[12] He considers surgeons who perform it to be foolish, risking infection and death just to alter someone's looks.[13] It's possible that it stems from his lack of access to specialized tools: He envies Horace Pinkerton's access to high-end tools that enable him to carry out these delicate procedures reliably.[14]

Relationships[]

As the sole doctor in Tenpenny Tower, Banfield has a complex web of relationships with most of its residents (although not with Tenpenny, as mentioned above). Anthony Ling, the Tower's fashion expert, consistently tries to convince Banfield for a makeover. The doctor consistently refuses, believing that labcoats never go out of style. In fact, Ling tends to grate a bit with his insistence,[15] and Banfield will eventually just humor him to get rid of him.[16] There is an element of mutuality: Banfield regularly suggests that Ling schedule a medical check-up, but since Anthony hates the feeling of metal on his skin, he only visits when he absolutely must.[17]

He's on good terms with Security Chief Gustavo,[18] maintaining a professional, if gruff relationship.[19] The sticking point is the health of the security staff, as Banfield noted an increase in accidents in recent times. Gustavo routinely dismisses Banfield's concerns that someone might get eventually hurt if horseplay continues, believing that his men need to blow off steam due to the recent tensions. Banfield doesn't like it, but has no real power to force change.[20]

The situation is different with Margaret Primrose and other women. The two are good friends, engaging frequently in playful banter. Banfield believes Margaret works too hard and routinely threatens to prescribe her a vacation, making her aghast.[21][22] Margaret loves cooking, and taps Banfield for advice. He appreciates her efforts to add healthy alternatives to the menu, though he's aware convincing the residents is difficult.[23] He's less appreciative of some of her culinary experiments: Margaret once found a sushi cookbook and promptly tried to recreate it using raw mirelurk meat. The risk of the meat being bad meant Banfield had to go through her customers to ensure it had no adverse effects.[24]

With Lydia Montenegro, his relationship is friendly and more professional.[25] She's his primary supplier of holodisks and other supplies, somewhat annoyed that Banfield treats her as a merchant, rather than purveyor of a high class boutique.[26] Banfield, in turn, is annoyed by the fact that while she takes the tranquilizer medicine he prescribes her to help her relax, she routinely exceeds the dosage and mixes them with alcohol.[27] She also tries to get him to perform cosmetic surgery on her, to make her look young again. Banfield always refuses, believing that there's no point to such frivolous surgery, considering the risks of infection and complications.[11]

On the other end is Tiffany Cheng. The wife of Irving Cheng doesn't make frivolous requests, instead suffering from high levels of stress due to her husband's inattentiveness and preoccupation with communism. Banfield would like her to relax and stop daydreaming about violence directed at her spouse,[28] and the regular half-serious inquiries about killing him are making him question her mental health.[29] He does find the blackly humorous situation somewhat amusing, leveraging her hate towards more productive ends: Taking sedatives to help her deal with the situation.[30]

Finally, there's Susan Lancaster. Banfield is one of her primary lovers, and the two frequently indulge in a roleplay fetish, playing doctor and nurse.[31] Entire Tuesdays and Thursdays are set aside for "examinations",[Non-game 1] in Lancaster's penthouse, during what they both jokingly refer to as a "house call".[32] They openly flirt with each other,[33] with virtually every exchange containing some sort of double entendre.[34]

Interactions with the player character[]

Interactions overview[]

Interactions
FO76 ui icon quest
This character is involved in quests.
FO76 vaultboy firstaid
This character is a doctor.
FO76 ui trading team
This character is a merchant. Bottle cap 60-240
Sells: consumables
Icon severed ear color
This character drops an ear upon death (Contract Killer).

Quests[]

  • Tenpenny Tower: Banfield has always wanted to experiment on ghouls so he can learn more about them but hasn't had the opportunity. As a result, Banfield is willing to allow ghouls to move into the tower so he can perform some tests on them. If the Lone Wanderer asks him about it, he will tell them that he has found, through research, that all ghouls will eventually become feral (though he also spouts this theory before the ghouls are let in).

Other interactions[]

  • Banfield keeps to a regular schedule, working at the wellness center, with a break at noon to eat lunch at the Café Beau Monde or the Federalist Lounge On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he's locked up in a penthouse with Susan Lancaster. Talking to him at different points of the day leads to different responses and interactions, as does asking for healing at varying levels of health.[Non-game 1]

Inventory[]

Notable quotes[]

Appearances[]

Doctor Banfield appears only in Fallout 3.

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. Doctor Banfield: "This is the Tenpenny Wellness Clinic, and I am Doctor Banfield. I keep the residents healthy."
  2. Anthony Ling: "Of course! Shopping is wonderful therapy, isn't it? Better than any old pill Doc Banfield prescribes. {excited to help a customer find something fabulous} "
  3. Doctor Banfield: "Remember: Just say no to drugs. Unless I prescribe them."
  4. Doctor Banfield: "Now, this is a special concoction of pre-war medicine, should flush your system right out... "
  5. Lone Wanderer: "Tell me about Allistair Tenpenny. "
    Doctor Banfield: "He's the landlord, although you hardly ever see him. I had to treat him once for bed sores, if you know what I mean. Wait...don't tell him I said that. "
  6. Lone Wanderer: "I don't suppose you've consulted any Ghouls on your little theory? "
    Doctor Banfield: "Well... not exactly. But my colleagues have published papers... {self important indignation} I suppose I someone ought to verify their findings... Perhaps I'll do that. Who knows? I might even finally get published! {growing excitement} "
  7. Lone Wanderer: "Know much about those Ghouls? "
    Doctor Banfield: "My current theory is that the destructive disease of the Ghoul condition will always eventually render him little more than a mindless killer. {self important doctor telling his theory} The proverbial Wasteland "zombie" with a predilection for raw human flesh. {self important doctor unveiling his theory} They can't be cured. And there's nothing to alleviate the symptoms. All in all, it seems rather sad, really. {with a hint of sympathy}"
  8. Lone Wanderer: "How would you feel about having a few Ghoul neighbors? "
    Doctor Banfield: "I knew it was only a matter of time before you asked me about that... I've decided I want to do my own study of Ghoul physiology. {hesitant but sincere} Who knows, I could even publish my findings! {unknowingly conceited} "
  9. Lone Wanderer: "How would you feel about having a few Ghoul neighbors? "
    Doctor Banfield: "I'm not sure. My first responsibility is the health and welfare of the residents of Tenpenny Tower. {snobby doctor} Ghouls often carry diseases due to radiation damaging their immune systems. {snobby doctor} It would give me a chance to do my own study of Ghoul physiology. {hesistant but sincere} "
    Lone Wanderer: " Sure they look a little weird, but they're not diseased vermin. "
    Doctor Banfield: "Well, umm. I guess I must confess... I've never examined a Ghoul up close... you're right. I shouldn't make assumptions. {self important doctor realizing he was prejudiced}"
  10. Lone Wanderer: "You're a wise man, Banfield. Ghouls are meant to be feared."
    Doctor Banfield: "I'm not afraid. Just cautious. But perhaps you're right. It's better not to take chances."
  11. 11.0 11.1 Lydia Montenegro: "Have you ever considered performing, what do they call it? Plastic surgery? You know, where you make people look young again?"
    Doctor Banfield: "Surgery of any kind is always extremely dangerous. The risk of infection is great. A doctor should never cut open a patient unless it's necessary."
    Lydia Montenegro: "Right. Until next time, then."
  12. Lone Wanderer: "Ever do any facial surgery? Maybe on someone from the Commonwealth?"
    Doctor Banfield: "Facial surgery's too dangerous. Plus you need some specialized prewar equipment. Hmm. That reminds me of an old hoax. Here's a copy of that holotape. Need specialized equipment and and expertise. It's also prone to infection. Too dangerous."
  13. Lone Wanderer: "I found this holotape. What do you know about facial reconstruction?"
    Doctor Banfield: "Old Pinkerton over at Rivet City's rumored to have done it. Damn fool. High risk of infection and death. Though, I admit, I'm slightly jealous."
  14. Lone Wanderer: "You know who might have a Lipoplasticator or Micro Dermal Graftilizer?"
    Doctor Banfield: "I heard old Pinkerton at Rivet City had a Lipoplasticator and Micro Dermal Graftilizer. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous. "
  15. Anthony Ling: "Doctor Banfield! I haven't seen you in New Urban Apparel for quite some time. Aren't you afraid you've gone out of style in the meantime?"
    Doctor Banfield: "I'm afraid the lab coat never goes out of style for me. But I appreciate your concern. {amused but hinging on annoyance.} "
    Anthony Ling: "Ewwww! Labcoats are so last century. I have a better idea, Doc. Why don't you come to New Urban Apparel, and I'll give you a complete make-over! {playfully chiding a customer} "
    Doctor Banfield: "Well, that's more than I had in mind. Maybe I'll just order a new labcoat instead. {amused} "
  16. Doctor Banfield: "I got a spot of blood on my labcoat recently. Any chance you've got something that'll take that out in the wash?"
    Anthony Ling: "An outfit a day keeps the frumpy away, eh doctor? Come visit me soon."
    Doctor Banfield: "Right. Sure thing, Anthony."
    Anthony Ling: "Fine. Keep wearing those rags. But when you're ready for fabulous, you come see me; I've got just the thing!"
  17. Doctor Banfield: "You feeling alright these days Anthony? It's time we do a regular check up soon; it's been a while."
    Anthony Ling: "What's the point? Besides, I hate all that cold metal touching my skin. It gives me the willies! So, I'll just stick with visiting when I get sick."
  18. Chief Gustavo: "Doctor. I trust everything's okay?"
    Doctr Banfield: "Everythings fine, Chief. Thanks for keeping us safe."
  19. Doctor Banfield: "Chief. How're things out there in the Wasteland?"
    Chief Gustavo: "Same old shit. See something big and ugly moving in the distance. Shoot the hell out of it. Go an' check to make sure it's dead. Rinse and repeat."
  20. Doctor Banfield: "Chief. There's something we should discuss. There's been an increase in "accidents" among your crew. I'm afraid someone's going to get really hurt."
    Chief Gustavo: "Thank you for your concern, Doctor. But things've been tense is all, and my men are just blowing off steam. Don't worry. They'll be fine."
    Doctor Banfield: "Alright. They're your men. I just don't want to have to sew anything back on because one of your guys got a little carried away."
  21. Doctor Banfield: "Margaret, you work too hard. I might have to prescribe a vacation for you."
    Margaret Primrose: "Nonsense. I'm fine. I enjoy making food and keeping the residents happy. A vacation from this would only make me anxious."
    Doctor Banfield: "Fine. For now. I got my eye on you. If you seem to be getting exhausted, I'm prescribing that vacation!"
  22. Doctor Banfield: "Don't work too hard!"
    Margaret Primrose: "Shoo! Away with you. Leave me alone!
  23. Margaret Primrose: "Have you noticed the newer, healthier additions to the menu, Doc?"
    Doctor Banfield: "Yes. They are a fine addition. Now, if we can only get the residents to start eating them!}"
  24. Margaret Primrose: "Doctor, I've been meaning to ask you. Do you think it's safe to serve raw Mirelurk meat? It can be quite delicious."
    Doctor Banfield: "Absolutely not. All Wasteland meat MUST be thoroughly cooked. Disease and parasites are killed by the heat. I'm surprised I have to tell you this."
    Margaret Primrose: "I found this old cook book for something called "sushi." Um... well, you might want to check up on a few residents I already served it to. Whoopsie."
  25. Lydia Montenegro: "I trust everyone in the tower is healthy? No plagues to worry about, are there Doctor?"
    Doctor Banfield: "Yes, of course. There's nothing to worry about. Though, it's been awhile since I've seen you. We should schedule a checkup soon."
  26. Doctor Banfield: "Lydia. Don't suppose you can scrounge up a few more holodisks for me?"
    Lydia Montenegro: "I don't scrounge for anything. I run a high class Boutique, doctor, as you know. However, I can check with my supplier about holodisks for you."
  27. Doctor Banfield: "Hello Lydia. How are you faring these days? Did those pills finally help you start to relax?"
    Lydia Montenegro: "Yeah, I pop a couple, then have a Martini. Does wonders. Thanks Doc."
    Doctor Banfield: "That's good to hear... only, you should stick to the suggested dosage, and avoid alcohol for at least two hours after taking it. Come see me soon."
  28. Doctor Banfield: "You finding some time to relax, Ms. Cheng?"
    Tiffany Cheng: "If you mean day dreaming about killing Mr. Cheng and knocking a few back in the lounge, then yeah, I'm able to relax once in a while."
  29. Tiffany Cheng: "Is it hard to tell if someone has been murdered, or just died in his sleep? {half joking about killing her husband} "
    Doctor Banfield: "I'm worried about you, Mrs. Cheng. Come by the Wellness Center, I might have a pill or two that'll help you relax and cope with things. {concerned about a patients mental health} "
    Tiffany Cheng: "Ha! Well, doc. If you got a pill that will make my husband disappear, I'll gladly take it. {annoyed with her husband} "
  30. Tiffany Cheng: "Hey Doc. You got any poison pills in your hospital? {annoyed with her husband and joking about murder} "
    Doctor Banfield: "Why? Has someone been poisoned?! {concerned} "
    Tiffany Cheng: "Not yet. {smoldering anger}"
    Doctor Banfield: "No. I'm afraid you'll need to take care of that one on your own. But I might have something that'll help you cope. Come see me for a prescription. {(amused) doctor offering sedatives to a high strung wife who hates her husband} "
  31. Doctor Banfield: "It's play time. I wonder if we will play doctor and nurse again? {to himself under his breath, thinking about his mistress} "
  32. Susan Lancaster: "I'm not feeling well, Doctor."
    Doctor Banfield: "Ahem. Yes. It has been too long since you've been properly examined."
    Susan Lancaster: "Doctor Banfield! Have you lost your appointment book? I thought we've made a regular appointment. A "house call" I do believe!"
    Doctor Banfield: "Ah! I remember now. Yes of course. I'll be sure to bring my medicine bag with me."
    Susan Lancaster: "A house call, perhaps? I'll be waiting! Hahah!"
  33. Susan Lancaster: "Doctor Banfield..."
    Doctor Banfield: "Susan..."
  34. Doctor Banfield: "Susan, I haven't seen you in a while. Shouldn't you be coming in for a regular "check up" soon?"
    Susan Lancaster: "It hasn't been that long since my last "check up." So you know EXACTLY how I'm feeling, doctor."

Non-game

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.69: "Doctor Julius Banfield:
    Banfield spends most of his days in the Wellness Center, tending to any patients who may stop in. He takes a break at noon to eat lunch at the Cafe Beau Monde and sometimes pops into the Federalist Lounge for a drink. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the good doctor is gone for long stretches at a time; that's when he goes upstairs to the penthouse suites to "examine" Susan Lancaster."
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