6. The Glow
Interplay EntertainmentThe West Tek Research Facility appears in the original Fallout, where it is colloquially referred to as the Glow. It earned its name thanks to the high levels of radiation in the surrounding area, following its destruction by a direct hit from a nuclear warhead. The Glow became legendary among the local residents, thanks to its various old world artefacts and technology. It was also the source of much of the airborne FEV virus in the air, leading to horrific mutations of local wildlife. By the time of the events in Fallout, the Glow has been assigned a dark use by the not-entirely-heroic Brotherhood of Steel. As the player finds out, joining the Brotherhood is a difficult process, and many people are unsuccessful in applying. The Brotherhood deals with these unwanted applicants by sending them on a 'special' quest to the Glow, resulting in the slow death of every single one, thanks to the huge amounts of radiation.