Ash L. Hendricks (Amino)

Ashur Leanna Hendricks (née Becker) is a member and a former Elder of the Brotherhood of Steel.
== Background ==
=== Early Living ===
Ashur Leanna Becker was born on a farm that had evolved into a trading stop, the sole child of Albert and Joana Becker. Her arrival, though unexpected, was embraced by her family and their community. From an early age, she was recognized for her intelligence and strength, often lifting heavier objects than most children could manage. However, her birth brought financial strain to her parents, who were forced to expand beyond selling produce and medical services. Albert began scavenging with local traders for salable items, while Joana took on more demanding medical tasks, including surgeries. Despite their exhaustion, they maintained a united front, eventually hiring a private tutor for Ash, determined to provide her with a better life through education. They believed in nurturing happiness and always sought the best for their daughter, aware of the harsh realities outside their farm.
Ash’s childhood relationship with her parents was typical; her father treated her kindly and shared treasures from his travels, while her mother imparted stories and basic medical training, such as CPR and wound cauterization. Ash proved to be a quick study, soon assisting her mother with medical clients. She found joy in reading and writing, crafting tales often inspired by her father’s stories of princesses and princes. Her parents emphasized literacy, believing it would serve her well in a world where such skills were rare. Raised to be passive, Ash was taught to avoid violence and manage her anger, which unfortunately led to repressed emotions. Her parents, protective of her safety, kept her confined to the farm, leaving her naive about the wider world.
The arrival of her private tutor, Ernest Mason, presented an opportunity for Ash to excel academically. Ernest, a seasoned educator and friend of her father, concealed a cruel nature behind a facade of kindness. He belittled Ash’s intelligence and threatened her into silence about his abuse. After her father’s mysterious disappearance, presumed dead due to wildlife, Ash suspected foul play linked to his debts and Ernest’s subsequent vanishing.
Tragedy continued as Joana succumbed to depression and alcoholism following her husband’s death, becoming abusive towards Ash. With her mother often incapacitated, Ash, at just nine years old, shouldered the household responsibilities. She faced exploitation and theft from customers, which led to harsh punishment from her mother. The relentless verbal and physical abuse drove Ash to self-harm and instilled deep-seated self-doubt. Yet, she strived for her mother’s approval, repressing her emotions to avoid further ridicule. Blamed for her father’s death and burdened with the belief that she was unwanted, Ash grappled with the weight of her family’s hardships.
The one glimmer of joy in Ash’s life was a man known as ‘Muskrat,’ a moniker inspired by his appearance. A family friend, he frequently visited to check on Ash and her mother. Although aware of the abuse Ash endured, he remained passive, attributing her mother’s behavior to prolonged grief. Muskrat’s visits, however, had a sinister undertone, as he exploited Ash’s innocence. His eventual absence brought Ash a sense of relief, even wishing him ill fate. After Ash turned nineteen, tragedy struck again when raiders killed her mother during a farm invasion. Ash narrowly escaped with injuries.
=== Life in New Vegas ===
In the aftermath, Ash sought refuge in Freeside, where a doctor demanded sexual favors as payment for medical care. This exploitation left her feeling violated and alone. The doctor then employed her as an assistant, not with wages, but with further abuse. When he deemed her ‘incompetent,’ Ash was cast out, vulnerable to the town’s vices. She succumbed to substance abuse and, in desperation, resorted to prostitution for survival.
Ash’s life in Freeside wasn’t entirely bleak, thanks to a friendship with Marcus, a barkeep from a local vault. He treated her with genuine kindness, a stark contrast to the others who had used her. However, Marcus’s sudden departure to join the Enclave left Ash feeling abandoned once more.
Her search for belonging led her to Punker, a Viper gang member. Charmed by his assertiveness, Ash quickly fell for him, unaware of his ulterior motives. She embraced the Viper lifestyle, but her relationship with Punker took a dark turn when he violently betrayed her after she told him about her pregnancy and left her for dead.
While she was saved by a scavenger, her unborn child was not spared. Her gratitude was overshadowed by her rage, leading to a violent outburst. She returned to Freeside, lost in a cycle of self-destruction, until a fateful encounter with a Brotherhood of Steel Knight offered her a chance at redemption. Despite her initial resistance, the prospect of finding purpose within the Brotherhood prompted her to accept his invitation, embarking on a journey towards a new beginning.
=== Life in the Brotherhood ===
Enlisting in the Brotherhood marked a turning point for Ash. The detox from her addictions was a harrowing ordeal, yet it paled in comparison to the grueling training that followed. Initially, Ashur was reclusive, burdened by the shame of her past. She devoted herself to work, training, and rest, avoiding social interactions for fear of judgment. However, a chance conversation with a Scribe about medical supplies revealed her retained knowledge, and gradually, she began to engage more with her peers. The Brotherhood became her sanctuary, a place where she felt valued and needed.
Her transformation within the Brotherhood was profound. Ashur’s ascent through the ranks bolstered her confidence, and she carved out a reputation as a formidable trainer and combatant. Her emotional expression, once repressed, now took on a fiercer edge. She was recognized as a strict but fair figure, demanding excellence and earning respect.
Adjusting to the disciplined life of the Brotherhood was challenging for Ashur, especially breaking free from her chemical dependencies. With determination and support, she overcame her addictions and embraced a rigorous fitness regimen to cope with stress. Her reputation grew; she was known for her candor and tough love, yet also for her nurturing side, ensuring the well-being of her fellow members.
Ashur’s strategic mind and successful reconnaissance missions earned her the trust of her colleagues. She rarely faced opposition, but when she did, her fierce debating skills and physical prowess were well-known. Disagreements with her could lead to heated confrontations, sometimes resulting in disciplinary action.
Despite occasional conflicts, particularly with Aloysius Hendricks, Ashur’s contributions to the Brotherhood were invaluable. Her expertise in medicine and tactics was unmatched, and while her methods could be contentious, her commitment to helping others and advancing the Brotherhood’s cause was undeniable. While not universally feared, she commands respect, particularly from initiates and those who dare to challenge her. Her reputation for ruthlessness in the field is well-known; she harbors a fierce bloodlust, a remnant of her raider past, and does not hesitate to eliminate any threat. Her interrogation methods are direct and intimidating, often resorting to threats rather than questions to extract information.
Ashur’s first marriage to Zerus Vordenicci, a fellow Paladin, was tumultuous. Their differing perspectives and Ashur’s emotional needs led to frequent conflicts, and their love eventually waned. The divorce, partly due to Zerus’s selfish behavior, left Ashur disillusioned with relationships within the Brotherhood. However, fate had a different plan for Ashur. Aloysius Hendricks’s return to the Brotherhood marked the beginning of a complicated relationship. 
Initially, Ashur found his disheveled appearance irritating and took it upon herself to tidy him up, insisting that a Brotherhood member should maintain a certain standard. Their dynamic was fraught with tension; Ashur viewed Aloysius as a hindrance to her work and the Brotherhood’s mission. Despite this, they found common ground during a joint assignment, which led to a begrudging respect and, eventually, a clandestine romance.
Their secret affair was a delicate balance of passion and discretion, as relationships between ranks were taboo. Over time, their bond deepened, and they sought official approval for their union, which was granted. The couple became known for their peculiar yet endearing interactions, and their partnership proved to be a formidable asset to the Brotherhood on missions.
Before embarking on separate assignments, Aloysius and Ashur ensured each other’s safety with meticulous care, providing armor, ammunition, and medical supplies. They maintained a tradition of exchanging thoughtful gifts upon their return. Aloysius’s proposal to Ashur was a testament to their enduring love, promising a lifetime commitment to each other.
=== A Strange Disappearance ===
Before being appointed Elder of the Appalachian chapter, Ash vanished from the Brotherhood for six months, much to Aloysius’ dismay. Upon her departure, she headed north, following the last known clues of his location. However, her journey proved fruitless, as her lead reached a dead end. This setback prompted her to revisit former haunts frequented by Punker. It was there that Ash swiftly uncovered information about him, learning that he had married a woman named Candy and abandoned his raider lifestyle for her.
This filled Ash with so much rage, that it fueled her reasons to murder the man with no remorse. After kidnapping him and torturing him for days straight, he succumbed to his injuries and returned to the Brotherhood a "better" woman. However, since then Ash had become a mere shadow of her former self, functioning mechanically within the Brotherhood. Tormented by the possibility of Punker being alive and seeking vengeance, she cut off her long hair, a gesture symbolizing a profound transformation. Ash’s sense of self was not just lost; she viewed herself as a monster. Even after returning to the Brotherhood, she was engulfed by a sense of emptiness and solitude.
=== Elder of the Appalachian Chapter ===
Upon her return to Lost Hills, Ash struggled to reintegrate into the Brotherhood’s lifestyle. The Council viewed her comeback with skepticism, doubting her adherence to the Brotherhood’s morals and codes. Her rapport with Aloysius was equally strained; their communication had ceased for months, and their last exchange was far from amicable. Ash’s self-perception was distorted; she was once again grappling with withdrawal and had to condition her body to its pre-departure state. Initially more fragile and prone to illness, she eventually regained her strength and was deemed ready for combat. During this period, her relationship with Aloysius began to mend, and they made progress in their marriage. Despite these improvements, Ash felt a profound sense of emptiness and futility.
Years after joining the Brotherhood, Ash ascended to the rank of Elder, initially overseeing the East Coast chapter, which commanded a significant territory. However, she relinquished this role to lead an expedition to Appalachia, aiming to become the Elder there and to uncover the fate of the chapter’s last members. High-Elder Aloysius Hendricks entrusted her with this mission, and she was determined not to let him down. Upon arriving in Appalachia, she was confronted with the grim reality of the scorch plague and the increasing dominance of raiders.
Settling in Appalachia, Ash tirelessly combated the scorched plague and raiders while managing the naive settlers, all the while maintaining her marriage, knights, and paladins. She was resolved not to repeat the mistakes of her predecessors. As time passed, the mounting pressures compelled her to act decisively, reclaiming their territory and forces through confrontations with raiders and the scorched, though not always with success. Her duties eventually overwhelmed her, leaving Aloysius’ letters unanswered on her desk. Her push for territorial expansion led to the Appalachian Brotherhood’s downfall due to a shortage of firearms and manpower. In a pivotal moment, Ash joined a squad to assault a Blood Eagle’s camp on the border of The Mire, marking the last operation where she would perform at her peak.
The mission’s outcome was devastating, with most of Ash’s team perishing. She fought valiantly but suffered grievous injuries: a slash across her face from a Deathclaw Gauntlet, burns on her back and leg from a flamer, and a shattered leg bone from a fall. Fortunately, Paladin Rivaille Dubois rescued her, and she was treated at Fort Defiance. Recovery took a month, during which her right eye became partially blind and her leg injury necessitated the use of a cane, although Power armor provided relief for extended periods.
=== Returning to Lost Hills ===
Feeling incapable of leading the Appalachian chapter due to diminished hand-eye coordination and frailty, Ash declined the offer to continue as Elder. She chose to return to Lost Hills to be near Aloysius, not wanting their last moments together to be marred by her absence. Despite her disappointment in herself, she was relieved to be home.
In Lost Hills, Ash dedicated herself to recovery and regaining her physical strength. Although her health had declined, preventing long training sessions, she gradually regained sensation in her left leg. Her focus shifted from brute strength to enhancing her perception and agility. She also collaborated with the Scribes on schematics, improving both physically and mentally.
Ash redirected her efforts from pursuing her past physical prowess to honing her melee skills, transitioning from blunt objects to advanced weapons like swords and batons. After extensive training, she improved her agility and perception, proving her continued value in the field. Now, she listens to her body’s limits, albeit not always.
=== Lucky Draw ===
With a newfound sense of self-worth, Ash began to embrace life more fully, feeling satisfied with her achievements. While her time in West Virginia wasn’t successful, she found purpose in the West. Occasionally, she engages in smaller recon missions and trains Initiates, despite Aloysius’ concerns.
During this period, Ash and Aloysius welcomed their first child, Kasen Rudolph Hendricks, in 2292. Named after Aloysius’ past, Kasen became their “Boy Wonder,” bearing a strong resemblance to his father but inheriting Ash’s intellectual prowess.
== Description ==
Hendricks has a sun kissed tone, hazel green eyes, and jet black hair. She has freckles across her face and shoulders. There’s also faint splotches on the left side of her face; being out in the sun often can really cause harm to one’s skin — especially radiation exposure. Her eyes and cheeks are also faintly gaunt.
Additionally, she has several scars across her arms and legs; she also has one above her lip, one across her right eyebrow and on her chin. She also has a nasty looking scar on her stomach from when someone tried to forcibly remove her kidney. After moving to West Virginia for a while, she ended up earning herself not only a large scar over her right eye, but also a burn down the side of her left leg. Her right eye is also partially blind from the damage to her face. She has also sustained an injury to her left leg after landing on it from a high drop and as a result it has been hard to walk on it for long periods of time without her cane.
Hendricks has both of her ears pierced and a tattoo of the Brotherhood insignia on her right thigh; she got it when a few other Initiates got theirs — now it just feels like a grim reminder of their sacrifices. Furthermore, her insecurity of her bare face has led her to always use makeup. She is also heavily ashamed of her scars, which pushes her to cover them with some kind of product.
== Personality ==
Ash is characterized by a strong desire for attention and approval from others. She craves validation for her actions, which often leads her to seek recognition. However, despite this need for external affirmation, Ash is remarkably self-reliant. She rarely asks for help and prefers to handle challenges independently. When faced with obstacles, she perseveres rather than giving up. Ash’s determination extends to motivating others, pushing them to work hard and strive for excellence. She firmly believes in not settling for mediocrity and encourages those around her to aim higher.
On the flip side, Ash is emotionally sensitive. She takes comments about her appearance and past experiences to heart, allowing them to affect her self-perception. When these aspects are weaponized against her, she feels diminished. Additionally, Ash is unwaveringly stubborn. Convincing her to deviate from her planned course of action is a formidable task; she will passionately argue her point of view. Her competitive spirit is equally intense. Whether she wins or loses, Ash ensures her achievements are acknowledged, leaving a lasting impression.
Ash is a paragon of honesty. She is inclined to speak the truth to aid others, yet she remains discreet with confidences entrusted to her. Her patience is exemplary, Despite her patience, Ash has a temper that flares when her time is squandered. Moreover, her kindness has evolved over time, as life-altering experiences and motherhood have mellowed her. Ash’s penchant for writing is a lesser-known aspect of her character. She pens whimsical tales but shies away from sharing them, fearing critique. This reticence extends to her personal life; she is secretive, even with her spouse, Aloysius. Ash’s external bravado hides an internal vulnerability, a sense of incompleteness stemming from her past and her achievements, which leaves her feeling hollow
=== Favorites ===
Hendricks harbors a sentimental attachment to her childhood blanket, her only companion throughout her adventures since departing from home. After a demanding day, she finds solace in savoring a glass of wine or scotch. She holds profound admiration for her husband, Aloysius, and their son, Kasen.
=== Loves ===
Ash possesses an unwavering affection for the Brotherhood. Despite the ethical concerns associated with their principles, the Brotherhood’s support during her time of need has instilled in her a strong sense of gratitude and a moral commitment to diligence within their ranks.
=== Likes ===
She enjoys the camaraderie of her colleagues in the Brotherhood, finding their company gratifying. While her fitness regimen has waned, she instead focuses on enhancing her agility and expanding her knowledge
=== Dislikes ===
She dislikes the smell of cigarettes due to her former addiction to nicotine. The smell makes her feels incredibly sick and has to excuse herself before she has an episode. She also dislikes her ex-husband and harbors a deep-rooted hate for him.
=== Hates ===
A deep-seated antipathy towards the Enclave dominates her sentiments; given the opportunity, she would not hesitate to destroy them and their principles. Moreover, she hates pandas, perceiving them as abnormalities despite never having encountered one.
== Relationships ==
=== Parents ===
Ash's mother was Joana Rivera; a medical practitioner known for her unconventional clinic situated in a rural area, where she also managed a general store inherited from her parents. Her husband, Albert Becker, was a merchant who traversed the wastelands, engaging in trade by any means necessary to survive. His early life was marked by tragedy, having lost his parents to a raider assault.
The couple’s paths crossed when Albert, after a violent encounter with raiders, sought treatment from Joana. This meeting sparked a connection that led to a romantic relationship and subsequent marriage. Together, they expanded their homestead into a rest stop for travelers. Their union produced a daughter, Ashur L. Becker, who inherited her mother’s appearance and her father’s optimistic disposition.
Albert’s tendency to find himself in precarious situations often led him back to Joana’s care, highlighting his naive nature. Conversely, Joana was pragmatic, ensuring the stability of their home and business. Their contrasting personalities complemented each other, contributing to their successful partnership.
=== Former Partners ===
Ash’s romantic history is marked by tumultuous relationships. She was once engaged to a raider known as Punker, who exploited her emotional openness. Their relationship ended tragically with Ash suffering a miscarriage due to Punker’s violent actions. Following this, Ash married Zerus Vordenicci, a member of the Brotherhood of Steel. The marriage, however, was short-lived due to Zerus’s abrasive nature, leading to their divorce and his subsequent transfer to another chapter of the Brotherhood.
=== Enemies ===
Ash harbors enmity towards several individuals, notably her ex-fiancé Punker, whom she ultimately held accountable for his actions. Additionally, she regards members of the Enclave and a significant portion of the New California Republic as adversaries.
=== Friends ===
Ash’s childhood was largely solitary, with few peers due to her parents’ business attracting mostly adult travelers. As an adult, she befriended a bartender who provided companionship and support. However, this friendship ended abruptly when he joined the Enclave.
=== Children ===
In 2092, Ash and her partner Aloysius celebrated the birth of their son, Kasen Rudolph Hendricks. Nicknamed ‘Boy Wonder’, Kasen inherited his father’s red hair and his mother’s hazel green eyes. Ash and Aloysius are dedicated to providing Kasen with a comprehensive education, including medical knowledge, literacy, and self-defense skills, fostering his admiration for his father.
== Inventory ==
==Notable quotes ==
* "The weapon is only as good as its owner, but you knew that already."
* "I have this pain in my chest... it's like I'm being crushed from the inside. Do you know what that's like? To have a persistent pain inside of you; growing each day, becoming a grim reminder of who you are and the monster you've become? I don't thin there's a cure for a feeling like that..."
* "You're not special for winning a game with someone who you know was never playing."
== Behind the scenes ==
* This page is part of the Fallout Amino Archival Project.
* This page was created by ⟨⟨ Elder Ash PhD #OFBoS ⟩⟩ on Fallout Amino and ported by Arcaneous, modified to fit wiki formatting and style.
* The original work can be found here.
== Gallery ==
Category:Fallout Amino characters