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I've never known someone to show as much caring as you did towards us. It seems to be rare to run into anyone like that anymore.

Branchtender Linden is a member of the Treeminders and one of Oasis' armed defenders in Fallout 3.

Background[]

Prior to his arrival in Oasis, Linden was a member of the Brotherhood Outcasts, and, by extension, was once a member of the Brotherhood of Steel.[1][Non-game 1] During a mission to scavenge technology, Linden's squad was set upon and attacked by deathclaws, leaving the rest of the squad dead and Linden badly wounded.[1] He was found by a trader caravan and taken to Oasis, where Bloomseer Poplar of the Treeminders saved his life and nursed him back to health.[2] After he awoke, he felt that he owed a great debt to the group that had saved his life and decided to remain with them, leaving the Outcasts behind and becoming one of the settlement's guardians.[3][4][5] He is somewhat hesitant to discuss his past as some people might not appreciate the fact that he was once a Brotherhood Outcast,[6] but he can still be convinced to tell his story.[1] Leaf Mother Laurel and Tree Father Birch have treated him like a son since his arrival despite only knowing him for a short time, something that he is amazed by.[7]

Upon meeting the Lone Wanderer, Linden is friendly and welcoming towards them, but will become angry and frustrated if they decide to insult the Treeminders.[8][9] He can also provide the Lone Wanderer with information about the caves below Oasis, as he knows that the settlement is located near what used to be an old mining town and that many people took shelter in the area's natural caves when the bombs fell.[10]

Linden is loyal to the ideals of Leaf Mother Laurel, and fully believes in sharing Oasis's gifts with the rest of the Capital Wasteland.[9][Non-game 1] Although he does not necessarily believe that Harold is a god, he still realizes that the mutant is extremely special and something greater than any of the other creatures in the wasteland.[11] If the Lone Wanderer decides to resolve the group's dilemma by applying Leaf Mother Laurel's liniment to Harold's heart in order to accelerate Oasis's growth, Linden will gift them his old suit of Outcast power armor.[12]

Interactions with the player character[]

Interactions overview[]

Interactions
FO76 ui icon quest
This character is involved in quests.
Icon severed ear color
This character drops an ear upon death (Contract Killer).

Quests[]

Inventory[]

Notable quotes[]

Appearances[]

Branchtender Linden appears only in Fallout 3.

Behind the scenes[]

Linden is the common name in North America for genus Tilia, a type of tree. All of the human residents in Oasis have horticultural names.

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Lone Wanderer: "[Speech] Dying? How awful! What happened to you?"
    Linden: "[SUCCESS] I was a Brotherhood of Steel Outcast. We had a deep patrol out here, looking for some tech and then got jumped by some Deathclaws. They shredded everyone else and left me bleeding to death. If it wasn't for Oasis and Bloomseer Poplar, I'd be dead right now. Honestly, I've never seen anything like this place... it's beautiful. It's a shame only a few people will ever get to see it."
    (Branchtender Linden's dialogue)
  2. The Lone Wanderer: "So, how did you end up here?"
    Linden: "I was found dying in the Wastes not far from here by a trader caravan. They knew about this place and brought me to Bloomseer Poplar. She nursed me back to health, and I've stayed ever since."
    (Branchtender Linden's dialogue)
  3. The Lone Wanderer: "Why'd you stay here after you recovered?"
    Linden: "I felt I owed these people for bringing me back from the brink. Honestly, I've never seen anything like this place... it's beautiful. It's a shame only a few people will ever get to see it."
    (Branchtender Linden's dialogue)
  4. The Lone Wanderer: "What will you do now?"
    Linden: "I'll remain here and help in anyway that I can. I owe them my life, and I intend to repay that debt until my last breath."
    (Branchtender Linden's dialogue)
  5. The Lone Wanderer: "What did you have to do to become a Treeminder?"
    Linden: "I sort of fell into it I guess. I woke up here and I just stayed. After a while, I became one of them."
    (Branchtender Linden's dialogue)
  6. The Lone Wanderer: "[Speech] Dying? How awful! What happened to you?"
    Linden: "[FAILED] I'd prefer not to talk about it. Some people wouldn't appreciate my past."
    (Branchtender Linden's dialogue)
  7. The Lone Wanderer: "What's your opinion of Tree Father Birch and Leaf Mother Laurel?"
    Linden: "I've only known them for a very short time, but when I first arrived they immediately took me in and treated me just like a son. There aren't many people in the world left like that."
    (Branchtender Linden's dialogue)
  8. Linden: "It's very nice to meet you, Outsider. I'm Branchtender Linden."
    (Branchtender Linden's dialogue)
  9. 9.0 9.1 The Lone Wanderer: "I'm not sure I could live with these loonies."
    Linden: "You have a lot of nerve! We've shown you nothing but hospitality and then instead of thanks, you chose to hurl insults? I'm all for sharing Oasis with the rest of the Wasteland, but if you're an example of what we face in doing so, perhaps it's a mistake!"
    (Branchtender Linden's dialogue)
  10. The Lone Wanderer: "Any information you could give me on the caves below Oasis would be helpful."
    Linden: "Oasis is located near what used to be an old mining town before the bombs fell. When the attacks started about 200 years ago, many people took shelter in the natural caves that dotted the area. The old gate that stands at the mouth of Oasis Cave is the last piece of architecture from those days."
    (Branchtender Linden's dialogue)
  11. The Lone Wanderer: "Tell me about your "god.""
    Linden: "Well, I'm not so sure the Great One is a god... I mean, I don't believe in that sort of thing. However, I am beginning to realize He's special... something greater than any of the creatures in the Wasteland."
    (Branchtender Linden's dialogue)
  12. The Lone Wanderer: "Leaf Mother Laurel said you may have a gift for me?"
    Linden: "I've never known someone to show as much caring as you did towards us. It seems to be rare to run into anyone like that anymore. That's partly why I never returned to my former life after I found myself in this place. Allow me to present a piece of my past to you, friend. Perhaps it will serve you better than it served me."
    (Branchtender Linden's dialogue)

Non-game

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.63
    "Branchtender Linden:
    He is one of the other main armed guardians of this sacred settlement. He is generally found wandering the woods of Oasis or on guard relief for Branchtender Maple. This 25-year-old used to be a Brotherhood of Steel Outcast, but a near-death experience and being healed in Oasis changed his outlook on life. He professes his loyalty to Leaf Mother Laurel."
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