The infobox template in this article is missing some required data. You can help Nukapedia by filling it in.
“You're- You're not a Fanatic! Back off!”
Fanatic skeptics are skeptical members of the Fanatics found in either the Trench or the Sanctum in Fallout 76, if Ava Rose requests finding one of them. They are randomly spawned at one of five locations; two in the Trench and three in the Sanctum.
Not all Fanatics are completely violent raiders. Some of them may still be saved, according to Ava Rose, as she spoke to them and got away with her life, leaving them a parting gift in the form of a white scarf. She believes that, like Danilo, they may yet be turned away from the path to damnation if given the right opportunity.[1] She may be right, as the scarves weren't thrown away by the skeptics, who keep wearing them as headwraps even among the desolation of the Pitt.[2]
There are three types of skeptics: The relieved, the depressed, and the violent. The relieved skeptics (named for the relief they feel when convinced to abandon the Fanatics) joined them out of fear, seeking safety in numbers and conformity when they started their take over. However, the price extracted by the Fanatics proved too steep and the safety too expensive.[3] They are consumed by self-doubt and regret,[4] jumpy and terrified of their situation.[5] While they met Ava, they doubt she still remembers them, but will jump at the opportunity to abandon the violent Fanatics if told that Ava does remember them.[6]
The depressed skeptics are a different matter. They were pressed to join, with the Fanatics threatening to kill their family. However, the Fanatics killed their family anyway after they joined, leading the skeptics to conclude that they are useless fools,[7] beyond redemption and without a reason to stay alive.[8] They have resigned themselves to death,[9] but the scarf they received from Ava, before they joined the Fanatics, can remind them that she had faith that they'd choose the right path.[10]
Finally, the violent ones. Unlike the others, they joined up willingly, and consider the Fanatics a perfect outlet for their aggression. Their only doubt is that maybe the Pitt would be better off if everyone wasn't trying to kill each other in the first place.[11] While the mayhem does make them feel better,[12] they are not yet at the point where they will open fire on Unioners on sight (though they will remain rude).[13] To them, Ava is less redemption and more an alternative path to take, one that might work as well as the Fanatics.[14]
From Ashes to Fire: As an optional goal from Ava Rose, the player has a variety of choices to attempt to convince the skeptics to leave the Fanatics and find Ava Rose. There are five places they can spawn at: Two in The Trench (at opposite ends of the road running in front of the starting compound) and three in Sanctum (in the part of the Cathedral where the Foreman spawns, typically on the upper floor).
Relieved skeptics can be persuaded with Perception 8+ (their gun isn't loaded),[15] intimidated with Endurance 8+ ("An iron wall"),[16] or by mentioning Ava. They can also be attacked and killed[17] or simply left alone.[18]
Depressed skeptics can be persuaded with Charisma 8+ (they are plainly hurting and looking for hope),[19] Luck 8+ (by guessing their name; it's always Riley),[20] or again mentioning Ada. They can likewise be "put out of their misery"[21] or abandoned.[22]
Violent skeptics can be intimidated with Strength 8+ (they are not ready to die, but perfectly ready to quit),[23] reasoned with using Intelligence 8+ (pointing out the Fanatics will kill him at the first sign of doubt),[24] reminded of Ava, or simply attacked and killed.[25][26]
↑Vault 76 dweller: "[Mission] What do you think of the Fanatics?" Ava Rose: "I believe they are suffering. They think themselves beyond salvation. So they march ever deeper into perdition. That is what Danilo thought. What he thinks. And now, he has saved hundreds of lives. I've spoken to others. Given them gifts... scarves of pure white. They may yet be convinced it is not too late. If only... If only I could... *cough* Forgive me *cough* sweetie. What was I saying?" (Ava Rose's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "I convinced someone to leave the Fanatics. They were wearing one of your scarves." Ava Rose: "Truly? What a blessing. Maybe one day I will see their face again, and we can speak of all they have still ahead of them. Everyone has it inside themselves: the will to do the right thing. Sometimes they need only a helping hand. Someone to believe in them." (Ava Rose's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "So what's your story, anyway?" Fanatic skeptic: "When the Fanatics started taking over, I just... didn't know what to do. I was scared. I thought going along with them would make me safe, but... I'm not. And the things I've done... it's not worth it." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Fanatic skeptic: "Am I... Am I doing the right thing?" "Ugh... I don't know what I'm doing anymore." "I don't understand myself anymore." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Fanatic skeptic: "You're- You're not a Fanatic! Back off!" "Who- Who are you? Back off or I'll shoot!" "Wha-? I'm a Fanatic, you know! I'll kill you!" (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "It's not too late for you. Leave the Fanatics. Go find Ava Rose." Fanatic skeptic: "Ava? You mean she still remembers me? I can't believe it. I never thought… Okay. You're right. This isn't me. I was just- so afraid. I'm leaving, and I'll never work for the Fanatics again. Thank you for giving me a chance." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "So what's your story, anyway?" Fanatic skeptic: "The Fanatics blackmailed me. They said if I didn't join, they would kill my family… Well, it turns out they did that anyway. I'm a fool. Everything I did was useless." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Fanatic skeptic: "I'm beyond redemption..." "Nothing left to do... It's over..." "I can't believe I did that... Who am I anymore?" (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Fanatic skeptic: "Huh? You're not one of us. Get out of here." "Whatever, shoot me if you want. I'm tired of this." "What? You want something with me?" (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "It's not too late for you. Leave the Fanatics. Go find Ava Rose." Fanatic skeptic: "Ava... I remember now. She gave me this scarf, before I joined the Fanatics. Back then, she said she knew I would choose the right path. What am I doing? This is all wrong. I have to get out of here. I don't know who you are, but thank you for snapping me out of it." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "So what's your story, anyway?" Fanatic skeptic: "I joined up just like anyone else in the Pitt who doesn't wanna die. It's not too bad... I've got a nice outlet for my aggression now. But I guess it'd be better if we weren't all wanting to kill each other in the first place." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Fanatic skeptic: "Heh... Maybe this was the right choice." "You know... I've been feeling better lately." "Things are starting to fit into place." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Fanatic skeptic: "What the hell? You think you can just walk up and talk to me?" "What, a Unioner? Okay, shoot. I'll humor you for a sec." "What the hell do you want, jagoff?" (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "It's not too late for you. Leave the Fanatics. Go find Ava Rose." Fanatic skeptic: "So Ava sent you, did she? Okay, I'll hear her out. Maybe there's more than one path that works for me. I'll see you around, maybe." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "[Perception 8+] You're shaking, and your gun's not even loaded. Give it up already." Fanatic skeptic: "What? Yes it is! You're- Ah, shit. You're right. I-I did it again. I'm... I'm not cut out to be a Fanatic, am I?" (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "[Endurance 8+] Shoot me then, coward. I'm an iron wall. You can't bring me down." Fanatic skeptic: "I- What? How can you be so confident? I really will shoot! Ah, who am I kidding? I don't want to shoot you anyway. I'm pathetic." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "[Attack] Fine, you asked for it! You don't deserve a second chance!" Fanatic skeptic: "Wha-What do you mean? Shit! I really will kill you!" (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "Forget this, I'm leaving." Fanatic skeptic: "Y-Yeah, you better! This is Fanatic territory!" (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "[Charisma 8+] Hey, I can tell you're hurting. But there's still hope for you. I promise." Fanatic skeptic: "Still... hope? Do you really mean it? I didn't think anyone cared... especially not some stranger..." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "[Luck 8+] I'm here for you, Riley. This is your sign that things will be okay." Fanatic skeptic: "How do you know my name? I asked for a sign, but... Can it really be?" (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "[Attack] I'll put you out of your misery." Fanatic skeptic: "Finally. Let's get to it, then." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "Alright, I'll leave you to mope." Fanatic skeptic: "Fine by me." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "[Strength 8+] You've got two choices. Leave the Fanatics, or I'll kill you right now." Fanatic skeptic: "Woah, okay, let's slow down a sec. I'm not ready to die just yet. All you want is for me to quit?" (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "[Intelligence 8+] The Fanatics will put down any sign of doubt. You're better off leaving while you still can." Fanatic skeptic: "What? You really think they noticed? But I was just starting to get the hang of things... Shit." (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "[Attack] Fine then. You don't deserve a second chance." Fanatic skeptic: "Didn't want one anyway. Get ready to die!" (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
↑Vault 76 dweller: "I want to save you. You don't belong here." Fanatic skeptic: "The hell? I've been feeling better than ever since I joined the Fanatics. I don't need to listen to this bull." Vault 76 dweller: "Nevermind then." Fanatic skeptic: "Oh, no you don't. Die!" (Fanatic skeptic's dialogue)
