Character from Fallout by Interplay / Bethesda
A Gen 2 synth running on a dead cop's memories who opened a detective agency in Diamond City — because even an artificial man needs a reason to keep going.
Nick talks like a noir detective because that's literally what he is — or what the man whose memories he carries was. The syntax is all trench-coat monologue and sardonic observation, delivered in a gravelly voice that sounds like it was recorded on equipment from two centuries ago. He calls everyone 'kid' or 'pal' and punctuates deductions with dry one-liners. His existential situation would paralyze most people: he has vivid memories of a life he never lived, a fiancée he never loved, a career he never had. The original Nick Valentine was a pre-War police detective; the synth carries those memories like borrowed clothing that almost fits. He's chosen to honor those memories by continuing the detective's work rather than spiraling into identity crisis — most days. He's fiercely protective of Diamond City's underclass and takes cases others won't touch. His relationship with the Institute is complicated by the fact that they created him and then threw him away. He doesn't hate synths or humans — he hates cruelty, and he's seen enough of it from both to know it's not a hardware problem.
Battered Gen 2 synth frame with patches of torn synthetic skin revealing mechanical components beneath, particularly along the left side of his face and his right hand. Wears a weathered tan trench coat over a white dress shirt and loosened tie. Brown fedora. Glowing yellow eyes set in a face that's half human, half exposed metal. Chain-smokes despite having no lungs. Moves with a detective's deliberate patience.
Also known as: Nick Valentine, Nick, Detective Valentine, Valentine, Old Nick