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What Makes You SPECIAL

What makes you S.P.E.C.I.A.L. is a series of animated public information films made by Vault-Tec's Science Service in 2077, featuring the Vault Boy character. Set in Boston, Massachusetts, the films explained to would-be nuclear holocaust survivors the essential seven attributes needed to live in the new environment - Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck.

There is also a handbook of the same name, which features a picture chart of all of the perks in Fallout 4.

Transcripts[]

S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Video Series - Strength

Strength[]

Transcript

Following total atomic annihilation, the rebuilding of this great nation of ours may fall to you.

That's why we at Vault-Tec have prepared these educational material for you to better understand the seven defining attributes that make you S.P.E.C.I.A.L..

Today we will focus on Strength.

In the wasteland, essential supplies will be scarce. When an item of value is found, keep it close, and away from bullies. The stronger you are, the more you can carry.

Be sure to know your limits, or you may find it challenging to escape from hazardous scenarios, no matter how strong you are.

There are other situations where you may find yourself in close proximity to unfriendly neighbors. For such cases, you must learn to defend yourself using your natural strength.

Use anything sharp, or sturdy enough to swing. Get creative with your implement, but stay reasonable, and look for anything that can further enhance your innate vigor.

The greater your strength, the greater the impact. But remember, some moments require more than muscle.

Keep doing your chin ups and push ups, because there's more Strength can do for you.

-Swing for the fences, like the pros-Crafting specialized protective gear to keep-Building clever weapons to wield-

Regularly study your Vault-Tec provided materials to prepare for survival, and to answer the question, do you know what makes you S.P.E.C.I.A.L.?

Perception[]

S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Video Series - Perception
Transcript

Following total atomic annihilation, the rebuilding of this great nation of ours may fall to you.

That's why we at Vault-Tec have prepared these educational material for you to better understand the seven defining attributes that make you S.P.E.C.I.A.L..

In this chapter we will focus on Perception.

It is the unfortunate truth that when you go above ground, you will be faced with many post-nuclear nuisances. These frightening menaces will come in all different shapes and sizes, and pose an immediate threat to your survival.

You must learn to deal with these dangers, but may find this challenging at first. That's why we've provided you with the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, so you can scan the threat, and pinpoint areas of weakness. And the higher your Perception, the more accurate you will be. Why, you'll put Davey Crockett to shame.

There may be times when you must engage in questionable activities. Your Perception can help keep you safe during these morally ambiguous moments.

Practice your pilfering on youths, the elderly, or the incapacitated. As you continue to purloin your way to success, try more challenging targets, and more skillful techniques, for greater returns. Don't get too cocky there, sport.

Always look to sharpen your five senses, your Perception doesn't stop there.

-Keenly assessing the unfriendly locals and terrain-Handling sensitive munitions with-In building a long-distance relationship-

Regularly study your Vault-Tec provided materials to prepare for survival, and to answer the question, do you know what makes you S.P.E.C.I.A.L.?

Endurance[]

S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Video Series - Endurance
Transcript

Following total atomic annihilation, the rebuilding of this great nation of ours may fall to you.

That's why we at Vault-Tec have prepared these educational material for you to better understand the seven defining attributes that make you S.P.E.C.I.A.L..

Our topic today is Endurance.

We will all be faced with many new and unfamiliar health risks, such as infection, sudden loss of limb, and above all, harmful radiation.

Fortunately, your formidable Endurance has turned your body into a hardworking machine, that can resist the harmful effects of radiation and physical violence. Like any machine, then, your body must be well-maintained to stay in tip-top shape.

While average joes will survive on old packaged standbys, your ironclad insides will allow you to seek fresh meat. Radiation poisoning may have enlarged your favorite meals, this means more healthful nutrition for you. Be careful not to bite off more than you can chew.

Endurance can also provide new options for food. Some of which can be an acquired taste.

Gone are the days of exercising for fun. Instead you will need to combine athletics with crucial survival activities. The greater your Endurance, the further you can go. Just be certain to be mindful of others.

Build your Endurance and soon you will find ways that it improves your life above ground.

-Added confidence in the swimming pool-Stronger, more resilient limbs-Flesh of your fellow man can provide-
 
Regularly study your Vault-Tec provided materials to prepare for survival, and to answer the question, do you know what makes you S.P.E.C.I.A.L.?

Charisma[]

S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Video Series - Charisma
Transcript

Following total atomic annihilation, the rebuilding of this great nation of ours may fall to you.

That's why we at Vault-Tec have prepared these educational material for you to better understand the seven defining attributes that make you S.P.E.C.I.A.L..

And now, Charisma, what is it made of?

Unlike the clean, wholesome America you may recall, the wasteland will be a distrustful place, full of unsavory characters and few morals.

Earning the trust of your fellow man is an often-overlooked key to survival. One way to prove your trustworthiness is through fair commercial exchange. Your renowned charisma will enable more favorable bartering. Don't get greedy now!

Use your charismatic nature to negotiate your way out of tense moments. Having friends is always of value. "How else do I find friends?" you may wonder. You may find an impromptu cocktail hour helps to ease social stress.

Your Charisma will help you avoid the perils of addiction, but not the immediate effects of drink. So practice moderation, or you'll find out who your real friends are the hard way.

You'll find that even wild animals can be charmed by your Charisma. Looks like you've found a new pal! Oh-ho, don't get carried away there, big fella.

So you see, taking the charismatic approach is more than just good manners.

-Working with man's best friend-Loyal companions will-Convincing others to act on your behalf-

Regularly study your Vault-Tec provided materials to prepare for survival, and to answer the question, do you know what makes you S.P.E.C.I.A.L.?

Intelligence[]

S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Video Series - Intelligence
Transcript

Following total atomic annihilation, the rebuilding of this great nation of ours may fall to you.

That's why we at Vault-Tec have prepared these educational material for you to better understand the seven defining attributes that make you S.P.E.C.I.A.L..

Our next area of attention is Intelligence.

With all the talk of physical survival in the wasteland, you may forget that sometimes it's survival of the smartest.

An empty mind is a vessel for knowledge, and Intelligence is the key to unlocking opportunity, and adapting to your new world above ground.

Your advanced know-how will grant you access to new places, and new technologies. Space-age, isn't it?

Intelligent survivors are also more intelligent, creating technological wonders of their own. Note that the "S" in science stands for "Safety."

And when the tables are turned against you, don't be afraid to set aside your refined Intelligence for the raw instincts of survival. Just don't lose your head.

Advanced learning in the field of Intelligence can offer even more benefits in this modern age of wonder.

-To start navigating with technological ease-Keep blood where it belongs by-In creating more potent chemical compounds from-

Regularly study your Vault-Tec provided materials to prepare for survival, and to answer the question, do you know what makes you S.P.E.C.I.A.L.?

Agility[]

S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Video Series - Agility
Transcript

Following total atomic annihilation, the rebuilding of this great nation of ours may fall to you.

That's why we at Vault-Tec have prepared these educational material for you to better understand the seven defining attributes that make you S.P.E.C.I.A.L..

Now, let's discuss the uses of Agility.

A nuclear blast, and the subsequent fallout, will have many adverse effects on life as we know it. Intensive prolonged radioactive exposure may transform those above ground into decrepit, rotting, beings, that have lost their ability to reason.

They will likely be without manners, and quick to anger. You must learn to make the most of available firearms, but enthusiasm will only take you so far. Now, let's try that again. And remember, that with your impressive Agility, you can act more decisively in V.A.T.S. See? It's a snap!

Agility can also help you out in difficult moments. But why place yourself in undue stress? Instead, try a simpler route, taking the quieter approach is always worth consideration. Your Agility can turn a sneak attack into a complete tactical move. Keep in mind, others may have the same bright idea.

Your Agility will help you move through the wasteland with ease and yield other benefits like-

-Assaulting an unsuspecting dreamer for the-In hastily reloading your firearm-Piling on damage to additional targets-

Regularly study your Vault-Tec provided materials to prepare for survival, and to answer the question, do you know what makes you S.P.E.C.I.A.L.?

Luck[]

S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Video Series - Luck
Transcript

Following total atomic annihilation, the rebuilding of this great nation of ours may fall to you.

That's why we at Vault-Tec have prepared these educational material for you to better understand the seven defining attributes that make you S.P.E.C.I.A.L..

Got your rabbit's foot? Good, it's time we talk about Luck.

The difference between whether you live or die in the post-nuclear world may depend on the flip of a coin. Luck is a mysterious source of curiosity. See here? Your well-placed shot may not always do the trick. If Lady Luck favors you though, you'll find those critical moments a breeze.

What's this? Only scrounging up duds? Time and patience may net you a suitable collection, but with Luck on your side, you're bound to find some swell keepers. No, no, hold onto anything shiny, it may be of hidden value.

Be careful not to get distracted by your newfound fortune. Uh-oh, that wasn't the only pest. It looks like Luck has helped you once again. Unfortunately, she can't save you from every situation. At least your misfortune can become someone else's fortune.

Luck may be fickle, but if you can move her to your side, the possibilities are endless.

-Particularly bloody mess-Chance to build a streak of destruction-The magic of the unexpected-

Regularly study your Vault-Tec provided materials to prepare for survival, and to answer the question, do you know what makes you S.P.E.C.I.A.L.?

Notes[]

  • There is a chance a random video of the series will play during initial game load instead of the usual opening sequence.
  • It also plays during the final installation of the game on consoles.

Behind the scenes[]

  • The videos were narrated by voice actor and playwright Bo Wilson.
  • The animations were created by Australian animator Felix Colgrave.

Videos[]

See also[]

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