Branchtender Cypress is a member of the Treeminders and one of Oasis' armed defenders in Fallout 3.
Background[]
Before he arrived in Oasis, Cypress was a wasteland adventurer for many years, where he made use of a missile launcher for at least some time.[1][2][Non-game 1] During his time as an adventurer, he witnessed many horrors, which had a profound impact on him and turned his disposition against the wasteland.[2][3] When he arrived in Oasis and discovered its serene beauty, he believed that he had found a holy place.[4] Tree Father Birch of the Treeminders allowed him to stay, and he eventually undertook the purification ceremony and met with the great one in order to become a branchtender, one of Oasis' armed defenders. Birch then taught him everything he would need to know about Oasis and told him why it had to remain a secret.[4][5] Birch's teachings, combined with the horrors he experienced in the wasteland, have led him to the belief that Oasis should be protected from the outside, rather than shared with it.[5][3][6] He is very dedicated to his role and will defend Oasis even to the death.[7]
Although Cypress is extremely loyal to Birch's ideals, he does not like that Birch and Leaf Mother Laurel constantly argue about whether to share Oasis' gift with the wasteland, as their arguments make the rest of the Treeminders uncomfortable.[8][Non-game 1] However, as the respect of differing opinions is a core tenet of the Treeminders, he doesn't have an issue with Laurel being aware of his feelings on the matter.[9]
When the Lone Wanderer arrives in Oasis, Cypress is welcoming towards them, provided that they don't do anything to offend the Treeminders.[10][11] If they decide to resolve Oasis' dilemma by siding with Birch, Cypress will gift them his old missile launcher and its two remaining missiles, hoping that it will help them on their wasteland journey.[1]
Daily schedule[]
He can be normally found hanging out around the gate to the caves.
Interactions with the player character[]
Interactions overview[]
| Interactions | ||
|---|---|---|
  |
This character is involved in quests. | |
  |
This character drops an ear upon death (Contract Killer). | |
Quests[]
- Oasis: He gives the Lone Wanderer the key to enter the caves below Oasis. If the player character chooses to add Birch's sap to Harold's heart, Cypress gives the player character a missile launcher and two missiles.
Inventory[]
| Apparel | Weapon | Other items | On death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oasis villager robe Oasis druid hood |
Assault rifle Brass knuckles or combat knife or knife or lead pipe |
Notable quotes[]
- "Branchtender Cypress at your service. Welcome to our little home."
- "I was an Outsider like yourself... wandering the world aimlessly, wasting my life trying to seek my fortune. When my eyes beheld the splendor of Oasis, I knew I'd found a holy place. Tree Father Birch allowed me to stay and I've been here ever since."
- "Leave our homes and bodies immediately; live no longer in them, but pass over into places where you can harm no one." – during ceremony
Appearances[]
Branchtender Cypress appears only in Fallout 3.
Behind the scenes[]
Cypress is the common name for Cupressaceae, a family of trees. All of the human residents in Oasis have horticultural names.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Lone Wanderer: "Tree Father Birch said you may have a gift for me?"
Cypress: "We're very much alike, you and I. We both searched the Wasteland seeking answers, but I found my answer here. I hope one day you'll find what you're looking for. I know it's out there somewhere... just be patient. Here, please take this relic of my older days. Perhaps it will help you on your journey."
(Branchtender Cypress' dialogue) - ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Lone Wanderer: "What if all the Treeminders don't agree with you?"
Cypress: "That would worry me. I was out there once like you. I wandered the Wasteland for many years. All I saw was poverty, famine, sickness, hate and death everywhere I turned. But this place... this place isn't anything like that. We can't allow that kind of evil inside Oasis... we just can't!"
(Branchtender Cypress' dialogue) - ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Lone Wanderer: "I think you're right. Who knows what would happen to this place?"
Cypress: "Exactly! I was out there once like you. I wandered the Wasteland for many years. All I saw was poverty, famine, sickness, hate and death everywhere I turned. But this place... this place isn't anything like that. We can't let all that evil inside here... we just can't!"
(Branchtender Cypress' dialogue) - ↑ 4.0 4.1 The Lone Wanderer: "So, how did you end up here?"
Cypress: "I was an Outsider like yourself... wandering the world aimlessly, wasting my life trying to seek my fortune. When my eyes beheld the splendor of Oasis, I knew I'd found a holy place. Tree Father Birch allowed me to stay and I've been here ever since."
(Branchtender Cypress' dialogue) - ↑ 5.0 5.1 The Lone Wanderer: "What did you have to do to become a Treeminder?"
Cypress: "Actually, you already did some of it. I had to do the Ceremony and meet with the Great One. Then Tree Father Birch taught me everything I needed to know about Oasis and how it has to remain a secret. That's why I'm so worried. I just think letting this place spread into the Wasteland would be an unwise decision."
(Branchtender Cypress' dialogue) - ↑ The Lone Wanderer: "Remind me again what you did to become a Treeminder."
Cypress: "Like I said before, thanks to Tree Father Birch, I learned everything I needed to know about Oasis and how it has to remain a secret. That's why I'm so worried. I just think letting this place spread into the Wasteland would be an unwise decision."
(Branchtender Cypress' dialogue) - ↑ The Lone Wanderer: "What will you do now?"
Cypress: "I'll do what I do best. I'll make sure Oasis never falls even if it means my own death."
(Branchtender Cypress' dialogue) - ↑ The Lone Wanderer: "What's your opinion of Tree Father Birch and Leaf Mother Laurel?"
Cypress: "I wish they wouldn't argue so much. It makes everyone uncomfortable."
(Branchtender Cypress' dialogue) - ↑ The Lone Wanderer: "I don't think Leaf Mother Laurel is going to like hearing you say that!"
Cypress: "Go tell her what you want, my opinion is my own. That's one of the founding ideals of the Treeminders. And being an Outsider, I'd expect you not to judge our laws!"
(Branchtender Cypress' dialogue) - ↑ Cypress: "Branchtender Cypress at your service. Welcome to our little home."
(Branchtender Cypress' dialogue) - ↑ Cypress: "Well, well... if it isn't our old friend! Good to see you!"
(Branchtender Cypress' dialogue)
Non-game
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.63
"Branchtender Cypress:
Although the Treeminders would love to renounce violence and weaponry, they aren't naive: Cypress is one of the main armed guardians of Oasis. He is generally found patrolling the entrance to the Oasis Caverns. Cypress is 25 years old and used to be a Wasteland Adventurer (not unlike yourself). He is extremely loyal to Tree Father Birch."
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