The core difference between Fallout and real life lies in its divergent historical trajectory. While sharing a common past up to World War II, the Fallout universe veers sharply off course. Its post-apocalyptic future isn’t our own, but rather a warped reflection of a 1950s-era “Atomic Age” futurism – a romanticized, ultimately naive vision of technological progress.
This divergence is crucial to understanding the game’s tone and setting:
- Retrofuturism: Fallout leans heavily on retrofuturism, incorporating the aesthetic and technological expectations of mid-20th-century science fiction. Think chrome, rocketships, and ray guns, but with a crucial layer of irradiated decay.
- Alternative History: The Great War, Fallout’s equivalent of a nuclear holocaust, fundamentally alters the course of history. The societal structures, technologies, and even the very geography of the world are irrevocably changed.
- Moral Ambiguity: The game’s narrative often explores complex moral choices within this fractured world, far removed from the clear-cut conflicts of typical action games. The player is constantly confronted with difficult decisions that shape the fate of their factions and the overall narrative.
This “alternate 1950s future” is not simply a stylistic choice; it informs every aspect of the game, from the technology and architecture to the social dynamics and prevalent ideologies. The result is a uniquely compelling post-apocalyptic experience, distinct from other similar games that often portray a more bleak and realistic future. The world is a fascinating “what if?” scenario, a dark reflection of a hopeful, yet ultimately flawed, vision of the past.
Specific examples of this divergence include:
- The prevalence of anachronistic technology – advanced weaponry alongside vintage cars and pre-war aesthetics.
- The persistence of certain pre-war societal structures and beliefs, warped and mutated by the apocalypse.
- The unique cultural evolution of the Wasteland, resulting in factions with bizarre beliefs and motivations.
Why does Fallout evoke the 1950s?
Fallout’s aesthetic is a deliberate stylistic choice, leveraging the 1950s “Atomic Age” vision of the future as a core design element. This retro-futurism, characterized by chrome, streamlined designs, and a naive optimism juxtaposed with underlying anxieties, is a key component of the franchise’s identity and contributes significantly to its unique atmosphere. The game’s technology, weapons, and architecture reflect the technological predictions and anxieties prevalent in 1950s popular culture – a fascinating contrast to the post-apocalyptic reality. This stylistic choice isn’t merely superficial; it directly informs gameplay mechanics and narrative design.
Beyond the aesthetics, the 1950s context plays a crucial role in world-building. The Cold War and the pervasive fear of nuclear annihilation serve as foundational elements for the narrative. This fear is not just a background element; it’s the catalyst for the apocalypse, shaping the game’s lore, factions, and even the player’s moral dilemmas. The cultural anxieties of the era—consumerism, conformity, and the rise of technology—are subtly interwoven throughout the game’s story and reflected in the game’s characters, environments and choices.
From a game design perspective, this 1950s retro-futurism provides a distinct competitive advantage. The unique visual style creates a highly recognizable and memorable brand, differentiating Fallout from other post-apocalyptic games. The stylistic choices also underpin the gameplay experience, influencing level design, enemy types, and the overall tone, contributing to a highly immersive and engaging experience that players connect with on a deep level.
Finally, the 1950s setting allows for a complex and nuanced exploration of themes relevant to both the time period and the present. The game doesn’t shy away from grappling with the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and the consequences of political ideologies. This depth adds significant replayability and fosters intellectual engagement beyond simple gameplay mechanics, a key factor in the franchise’s long-term success and appeal.
What is the Fallout lore?
Fallout’s lore isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a meticulously crafted alternate history shaping the post-apocalyptic world. Understanding it unlocks a deeper appreciation for the game’s characters, conflicts, and choices.
Key Historical Divergences: The Fallout universe diverges from ours primarily in the 1940s. Instead of a continued Cold War, a devastating nuclear war erupts, leaving behind a scarred wasteland. Technological advancements, particularly in robotics and energy weapons, took vastly different paths than in our reality, shaping the distinctive technology found in the game.
Faction Dynamics: Numerous factions vie for power in this shattered world. Each has its own unique ideology, goals, and methods, contributing to the rich tapestry of the Fallout universe. Exploring the relationships and conflicts between these factions is crucial to understanding the setting’s nuances. Understanding why the Brotherhood of Steel exists, what motivates the Enclave, or the struggles of the Minutemen are key to comprehending the lore.
The Pre-War World: The pre-war world – the 20th and early 21st centuries – is crucial to comprehending the post-apocalyptic landscape. Understanding its technological advancements, societal structures, and political tensions provides context for the events of the games. Books, terminals, and audio logs throughout the games often contain crucial details about this era.
Beyond the Games: Fallout’s lore extends beyond the main games, encompassing numerous books, comics, and other media. Engaging with these supplementary materials greatly enriches one’s understanding of the universe’s depth and complexity. This expands upon the established lore and adds layers of understanding to the events of the games themselves.
Key Concepts: Terms like “Vault-Tec,” “G.E.C.K.,” and “FEV” are integral to the lore and represent pivotal aspects of the Fallout universe. Researching these concepts significantly enhances your comprehension of the games’ narrative.
Understanding the Physics: While largely grounded in reality, Fallout subtly deviates in its physics to enhance gameplay and storytelling. The consistency (or lack thereof) of radiation, the seemingly limitless supplies of certain resources, and the longevity of some technologies are narrative conveniences that shouldn’t be overly scrutinized for realism.
Did Fallout actually exist?
Fallout’s fictional post-apocalyptic world is a compelling narrative built on the foundation of a very real threat: nuclear war. While the specifics of the game’s lore are pure fiction, the underlying possibility of nuclear annihilation remains a chillingly plausible scenario. The Cold War’s shadow looms large over the franchise, mirroring the anxieties of that era. Consider the meticulously detailed weaponry, reflecting real-world nuclear technology and its destructive potential. The societal collapse portrayed in Fallout isn’t just fantasy; it’s a grim extrapolation from the potential consequences of a nuclear conflict, exploring themes of societal breakdown, resource scarcity, and the struggle for survival in a ravaged environment. This isn’t just a game; it’s a cautionary tale, thinly veiled in science fiction but rooted in the very real dangers of our history and the choices we face in the future. The survival skills, political machinations, and morally ambiguous decisions players grapple with in the Fallout universe find real-world echoes in conflict zones and post-disaster scenarios.
Why does everything look old in Fallout?
Fallout’s Retrofuturistic Aesthetic: A Deeper Dive
Fallout’s aged appearance isn’t a mere stylistic choice; it’s a core element of its narrative. The game world reflects an alternate 1950s-stuck reality, a divergence from our own timeline where technological advancement stalled. This “retrofuturism” is deliberate, serving multiple narrative purposes.
Understanding the Retrofuturistic Design: This aesthetic combines the optimism and design sensibilities of the 1950s (think chrome, sleek lines, atomic imagery) with a sense of decay and broken potential. Imagine the promise of a gleaming atomic future juxtaposed with the harsh reality of a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The contrast is key.
Narrative Purpose: Contrasting Ideals and Realities
1. Nuclear Energy’s Paradox: The game uses the setting to explore the duality of nuclear energy. The gleaming technology of the pre-war era foreshadows the devastating consequences of nuclear war, highlighting the irony of a society that embraced atomic power without fully grasping its destructive potential.
2. Capitalism’s Dark Side: Fallout’s retrofuturistic world is also a critique of unchecked capitalism. The pre-war society’s obsession with consumerism and corporate power is presented as a contributing factor to its downfall, showcasing the potentially dangerous consequences of prioritizing profit over safety and ethical considerations. The game subtly showcases how unchecked consumerism contributed to environmental neglect and social inequalities, elements further emphasized by the post-apocalyptic landscape.
3. World-Building through Visual Storytelling: The visual style isn’t merely decorative; it actively communicates the game’s core themes. The rusted robots, decaying architecture, and anachronistic technology all tell a story of a society that peaked too soon and then violently crumbled.
In short: Fallout’s aged visuals are not accidental. They are a crucial component of its world-building, serving to underscore the game’s commentary on historical events, societal structures, and the pitfalls of unchecked technological advancement.
Is Fallout a future or a past?
Fallout’s unique aesthetic often leaves players wondering about its temporal setting. Why the 1950s look in a supposedly 2077 world?
The answer lies in its alternate retro-future. Fallout’s universe diverged from our own timeline, specifically regarding technological advancements. Instead of the sleek, technologically advanced future commonly depicted in sci-fi, Fallout presents a world where the microchip, a cornerstone of modern computing, was never invented (or at least, never widely adopted).
This technological stagnation explains the prevalent retro-futuristic aesthetic:
- Retro Technology: Think bulky vacuum tube computers, oversized robots, and pre-microchip electronics. This design choice is integral to the world’s charm and its distinct identity.
- Architectural Style: The architecture often reflects a 1950s Americana style, untouched by the design revolutions that followed the invention of the microchip and subsequent technological leaps. Consider the iconic buildings of Vault-Tec and the settlements’ overall aesthetic.
- Weaponry: While advanced energy weapons exist, Fallout’s weaponry also heavily features modified or adapted conventional firearms and explosives from the mid-20th century, due to the limited technological progress in materials science and electronics.
This deliberate anachronism isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a key element shaping the game’s narrative and atmosphere. The clash between retro-futuristic designs and a post-apocalyptic setting creates a unique and compelling world.
Think of it as a “what if” scenario: What if the world embraced the aesthetics and technologies of the mid-20th century and then suffered a catastrophic nuclear war? That’s the foundation of Fallout’s captivating alternate reality.
Which Fallout game is the best?
The “best” Fallout is subjective, but a seasoned PvP veteran would rank them based on several key factors: world design, build diversity, and, critically, the PvP experience itself (though limited in most titles).
My ranking, prioritizing PvP viability and overall game impact:
- Fallout: New Vegas: The king. Unparalleled mod support significantly expands PvP options. The skill system allows for diverse and powerful builds, creating unpredictable and engaging encounters. While not explicitly designed for large-scale PvP, the open world and faction warfare provide ample opportunities for player conflict.
- Fallout 2: A classic with a deep, branching narrative. While limited in direct PvP mechanics compared to later titles, the robust character building and open world allow for creative and emergent PvP scenarios. Think ambushes and carefully planned encounters.
- Fallout: The original. Limited by its age, but the foundation of the series’ RPG elements and the sheer novelty of the setting still offer a unique PvP experience. Resourcefulness is key. Think tactical positioning and clever use of the environment.
- Fallout 3: Solid foundation, but lacks the depth and mod support of New Vegas. PvP is present but fairly basic. Still, a decent sandbox to experiment with builds.
- Fallout 4: Disappointing for PvP veterans. While settlements offer some territorial conflict potential, the mechanics are underdeveloped and lack the strategic depth of previous entries. Modding helps somewhat, but it’s not a saving grace.
- Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel: A niche title with a dedicated following. Features squad-based tactical combat ideal for organized PvP scenarios. The limited scope means less potential than other entries though.
- Fallout Shelter: Irrelevant to PvP discussions. A mobile management game.
- Fallout 76: PvP is present but often feels tacked on and unbalanced. The emphasis on multiplayer survival elements hinders strategic, player-driven conflict.
Important Note: Modding significantly impacts PvP in several titles, especially New Vegas. Consider this when making your own judgment.
In what year will Fallout 5 be released?
There’s no official release date for Fallout 5, but based on Bethesda’s current development trajectory, a 2030 release or later is a realistic expectation.
The sequencing is key: Bethesda has clearly stated that The Elder Scrolls VI will precede Fallout 5. Given TES VI’s anticipated announcement not before 2028, and considering the typical development cycle of such massive open-world RPGs (often 5-7 years or more), a 2030 release for Fallout 5 is the earliest we could reasonably hope for. This isn’t just speculation; it aligns with their past release patterns.
Factors influencing the timeline: Several factors could impact this timeline. These include:
- Engine Upgrades: Bethesda may be investing significant time in upgrading their Creation Engine, impacting development speed.
- Scope and Ambition: The sheer scale of these games often leads to unforeseen development challenges and delays.
- Team Size and Resources: While Bethesda is a large studio, juggling multiple major projects simultaneously always presents logistical hurdles.
Speculation and Hopes: While a 2030 release is plausible, it’s crucial to remember this is purely based on inference. The actual release date could be significantly later. Fans can only hope that Bethesda will manage efficient development and deliver another exceptional title in the Fallout franchise, but patience will undoubtedly be required.
Historical Context: Looking back at the release cycles of previous Fallout and Elder Scrolls games provides a helpful, though not entirely predictive, framework for estimations. However, external factors, such as unexpected technical difficulties or internal restructuring, can always lead to unforeseen delays.
Why did the apocalypse happen in Fallout?
Fallout’s post-apocalyptic world stems directly from the Great War, a devastating global thermonuclear exchange that unfolded on October 23, 2077. This wasn’t some sudden, unforeseen event; it was the catastrophic culmination of the escalating Sino-American War between the United States and China.
The Causes: Years of simmering tensions over resources, political ideologies, and technological superiority finally boiled over. The conflict, initially conventional, rapidly escalated into a full-blown nuclear exchange. Several contributing factors are often cited:
- Resource Depletion: Overpopulation and the depletion of vital resources exacerbated existing tensions.
- Technological Arms Race: Both superpowers possessed immense nuclear arsenals, fueling a dangerous cycle of escalation.
- Political Instability: Internal conflicts within both nations contributed to erratic decision-making and heightened aggression.
The Aftermath: The resulting nuclear winter plunged the world into chaos. Civilization crumbled, and the survivors struggled to rebuild amidst the radioactive wasteland. This event is not simply a backdrop; it’s a crucial element shaping the game’s narrative, factions, and the very survival of humanity. The legacy of the war continues to affect the lives of the Vault Dwellers and their descendants generations later, influencing the political landscape and driving the conflicts they encounter.
Beyond the Basics: It’s important to note that the Great War wasn’t just about bombs. It’s also about the societal factors that led to it, the long-term consequences that shaped the Fallout universe, and the complex moral questions it raises about the nature of war, technology, and human survival. The game doesn’t simply present a post-apocalyptic setting; it explores the *why* behind it, adding profound depth to the experience.
- The impact of pre-war technology on the post-apocalyptic world is a key theme.
- The various factions in the game are direct results of the war and the struggle for survival.
- Understanding the causes of the Great War enhances the player’s appreciation for the narrative and the choices they face.
Which Fallout game should I play first?
For a true Fallout experience, start with the classics: Fallout 1 and Fallout 2. These isometric RPGs established the series’ core themes and offer a unique, challenging, and deeply rewarding experience. Expect a steep learning curve, but the rich lore and intricate world-building are unparalleled. Remember to utilize the numerous character builds available and experiment with different playstyles.
Next, jump to Fallout 3. It’s a significant shift to a first-person perspective, but it maintains the series’ strong storytelling. Broken Steel, the DLC, is essential, providing a satisfying conclusion to the main storyline.
Then comes Fallout: New Vegas, widely considered the best in the series by many. Its superior writing, compelling factions, and diverse gameplay make it a must-play. Don’t skip the DLCs; Dead Money, Honest Hearts, Old World Blues, and Lonesome Road significantly enhance the experience and offer memorable narratives.
Fallout 4 is the most recent mainline entry and offers a massive open world with extensive settlement building mechanics. While some find its story less compelling than its predecessors, it’s a solid game, and Far Harbor, the DLC, is a high point of the game’s narrative. Be aware it’s more streamlined and action-focused than previous installments.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous after completing the main series, consider Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel. It’s a real-time strategy spin-off, quite different from the other games but an interesting addition to the overall lore.
Why does the year 2077 in Fallout resemble the 1960s?
Fallout’s 2077: A Retrofuturistic Vision
Fallout’s depiction of 2077 isn’t a prediction of the future; it’s a reflection of the past. The game’s aesthetic deliberately evokes the 1950s’ vision of the future, a style known as retrofuturism.
Understanding the Retrofuturistic Style:
- Atomic Age Influence: The 1950s were deeply impacted by the atomic age. This is reflected in Fallout’s architecture, technology, and even its societal anxieties, which often revolved around nuclear war.
- Space Race Optimism: The Space Race fueled a sense of technological optimism. This is manifested in Fallout’s designs, often featuring sleek, chrome accents and advanced yet somewhat clunky technology.
- Idealized Suburbia: The post-war era saw a boom in idealized suburban living. This contributed to Fallout’s portrayal of pre-war society as a time of relative prosperity and conformity, albeit one with underlying social issues.
Key Retrofuturistic Elements in Fallout 2077:
- Architecture: Think chrome, streamlined buildings, and a mix of Art Deco and futuristic designs. Notice the emphasis on clean lines and curves.
- Technology: Advanced weaponry and technology exist, but often with a bulky and somewhat impractical aesthetic. Consider the retro designs of the power armor and weaponry.
- Fashion and Culture: Clothing styles and societal norms draw heavily from 1950s Americana, albeit with a futuristic twist. Note the prevalence of classic car styles and hairstyles.
- Color Palette: A limited color palette, often dominated by muted earth tones, pastels, and metallic accents, is used to further enhance the retro aesthetic.
Why This Approach?
By using a retrofuturistic aesthetic, Fallout creates a unique and engaging world. The juxtaposition of optimistic 1950s ideals with the grim reality of a post-apocalyptic wasteland underscores the irony and tragedy of the game’s narrative.
When will Fallout 5 be released?
There’s no official release date for Fallout 5, but based on Bethesda’s current trajectory, we can make some educated guesses.
The Timeline: Bethesda has clearly stated that The Elder Scrolls VI will be released before Fallout 5. While TES VI hasn’t even been officially dated yet, rumors suggest an announcement no sooner than 2028, pointing to a potential release window several years later. This means a Fallout 5 release is realistically looking at a 2030 or later timeframe. This is a long wait, and frankly, a frustrating one for fans.
Why the Long Wait? Several factors contribute to the extended development cycles of these massive RPGs:
- Engine Upgrades: Bethesda is likely working on significant engine improvements – probably a complete overhaul – to power these next-generation titles. This takes time and resources.
- Scope and Scale: These games are enormous, sprawling worlds packed with content. Development on this scale necessitates meticulous planning and execution, adding significantly to the overall production timeline.
- Post-Release Support: Bethesda dedicates substantial resources to post-release content, such as DLC and patches. This is factored into their long-term planning.
- Starfield’s Impact: Bethesda’s current focus is on Starfield, which is already a major undertaking. Development and post-launch support for this title will consume a significant portion of their resources before they can fully transition to TES VI and, subsequently, Fallout 5.
What This Means for Fans: Manage expectations. It’s highly unlikely we’ll see Fallout 5 anytime soon. Focus on exploring the existing games in the meantime. Perhaps revisiting previous titles or diving into the rich modding communities would be a worthwhile use of your time.
In short: Don’t hold your breath. Enjoy the present, and prepare for a potentially lengthy wait.
How do people in Fallout survive for 200 years?
The 200-year survival in Fallout is a frequently asked question. Cryosleep is the most likely explanation, heavily implied by the lore. However, let’s explore other possibilities, particularly concerning the character Moldav.
Cryosleep: The obvious answer. Vault-Tec cryosleep technology is established in the games. While not perfect, it offers a plausible explanation for long-term survival, especially for those within controlled environments. Consider the different vault technologies and their likely varying success rates. Some might have suffered catastrophic failures, while others, perhaps due to superior design or chance, could have kept occupants alive for centuries.
Moldav as a Synth: This is a fascinating alternative theory. Synths, as seen in the Fallout games, possess significantly extended lifespans compared to humans. If Moldav is a synth, or a heavily augmented human, his extended survival becomes far more believable. Think about the potential implications of advanced synth technology that might be hidden within the lore.
- Synth Upgrades: Could Moldav have received technological upgrades that further extended his lifespan or resilience?
- Experimental Subjects: Was Moldav perhaps a test subject for longevity experiments by pre-war organizations? This opens possibilities for advanced bio-engineering.
- Hidden Locations: Perhaps Moldav has access to advanced technologies or resources not widely known in the wasteland, allowing him to survive longer.
Other Factors to Consider:
- Extreme Isolation: Some settlements might have survived due to extreme isolation, minimal contact with other survivors, and therefore reduced risk of conflict and resource depletion.
- Resource Management: Exceptional resource management and self-sufficiency could also extend a community’s lifespan.
- Adaptive Evolution: The possibility of human adaptation to the harsh wasteland environment shouldn’t be discounted. While unlikely to explain centuries of survival on its own, it could have contributed significantly to longevity in conjunction with other factors.
Ultimately, the exact explanation for Moldav’s survival, and the survival of other characters who span such vast timeframes, is deliberately left somewhat ambiguous. It adds to the mystery and encourages players to form their own conclusions based on the evidence (or lack thereof) within the Fallout universe.
What haven’t they invented in Fallout?
The Fallout universe, while technologically advanced in certain areas, notably lacks transistors. This omission, as pointed out by Joel Burgess, directly impacts the visual design and functionality of in-game technology. The bulky, tube-based devices we see are a direct consequence of this technological gap. The absence of transistors, a cornerstone of modern electronics, forces a fascinating divergence in technological development. Imagine the engineering ingenuity required to create advanced computing and weaponry without the miniaturization and efficiency afforded by the transistor. This limitation forces the world to rely on larger, less efficient, yet arguably more aesthetically striking components. The designers cleverly sidestep the inherent limitations of this “pre-transistor” technology by creating fictional alternatives, crafting a believable albeit anachronistic technological landscape. The game’s UI design, for example, showcases this well, seamlessly integrating futuristic interface elements within the constraints of a fundamentally different technological foundation. The absence of transistors, therefore, isn’t just a design choice; it’s a crucial world-building element that significantly shapes the visual style, technological limitations, and overall aesthetic of the Fallout world.
Will we ever see Fallout 5?
Let’s be real, folks. A Fallout 5 release date anytime soon is highly improbable. Bethesda’s firmly committed to The Elder Scrolls VI as their next major project, and that’s a gargantuan undertaking in itself. We’re talking years of development, potentially exceeding even the time between Fallout 4 and now.
Realistically, considering Bethesda’s development cycles and the sheer scale of these games, a 2030 release window – or even later – isn’t unrealistic. Remember Fallout 4‘s development? We’re looking at a similar time investment, if not more, given technological advancements and expectations. This isn’t a slight on Bethesda, it’s just the nature of these sprawling open-world RPGs.
While the confirmation of Fallout 5 is exciting news, don’t get your hopes up for a quick turnaround. Bethesda’s meticulously crafting these experiences, and that takes time. It’s worth the wait, though. Think of all the potential lore implications – a new generation of Vault Dwellers, new factions, potentially even exploring new areas of the post-apocalyptic wasteland. The possibilities are vast, and that’s precisely why it demands such dedicated development time. The lengthy wait allows for more detailed world building, deeper character narratives, and ultimately, a more immersive and enriching gaming experience. We’re talking years of refining gameplay mechanics and storytelling to deliver the pinnacle of post-apocalyptic RPG excellence.
In short: Patience, Wastelanders. It’s going to be a long wait.
How old is the protagonist in Fallout 4?
The Sole Survivor? Old fart. Easily the oldest protagonist in the whole damn Fallout series, pushing 228 years old. Think about that for a second – that’s more time spent scavenging than most people spend *living*. He’s the only one with a pre-war family, kid and all, which, ironically, makes his survival even more of a grizzled testament to stubbornness. The fact he can even comment on limb damage? That’s not some scripted line, that’s pure, hardcore, survivalist grit. You’re dealing with a dude who’s seen more irradiated ghouls than you’ve seen sunsets. His backstory’s a brutal masterclass in trauma and resilience, making him a genuinely compelling, if emotionally scarred, character. Don’t underestimate his age, either – it’s directly reflected in his SPECIAL stats, impacting gameplay. Makes the usual perks and builds a lot more tactical. Forget the childish choices, this playthrough’s about the brutal reality of survival.
Why is Moldova still alive?
The persistence of Moldaver’s existence is a frequently asked question, and the most likely explanation involves cryosleep. Similar to Betty and Hank (and others), she underwent cryogenic preservation, a common practice amongst the pre-war populace. Reawakening around 2241, she’s one of the many who successfully navigated the long-term effects of this procedure. It’s crucial to note that while the possibility of Moldaver being a synth is often raised, pre-war technology wasn’t advanced enough to create the sophisticated synth models we see later. Therefore, while synths were being developed in that era, a synth of Moldaver’s exact type would be exceptionally improbable. The success rate of cryosleep is debated, with many factors influencing the outcome, including the quality of the preservation process and individual physiological factors. Records of successful cryosleep awakenings are scarce and often unreliable, making definitive conclusions difficult, especially given the lack of detailed pre-war cryogenic technology documentation. The surviving anecdotal evidence, however, strongly suggests cryosleep as the most plausible explanation for Moldaver’s survival.
