The Atomic Desert

Before The Great War, The Atomic Desert was the small town of South Bend, Indiana. From all the areas across The Great Lakes Wastelands, South Bend was hit by seven nuclear missiles. Architecture has been completely destroyed. Wildlife was decimated. Only two structures remain: The South Bend International Airport and the ruins of Notre Dame University. Both are ruled by warring tribes of raiders.

Geography

The Atomic Desert is the complete ruins of the former town of South Bend Indiana. The landscape is covered in a radioactive dirt and sand. Although buildings have been destroyed, one can find ruined remains - most of which would be buried at least partially underground. However, most of these buildings will not be accessible.

Fauna & Flora

Due to the very lenient laws on exotic animal ownership throughout Indiana, mutated creatures found in The Atomic Desert are exotic even by wasteland standards. 

• Rad Chimp is a mutated version of small capuchin monkeys pre-war people would own as pets. Unlike their pre-war counterparts, Rad-Chimps are about 4 feet tall and are much more hostile to humans. A single bite from a Rad Chimp can cause severe radiation sickness. 
• Boomberries  are small red berries that can be found dried bushes. Boomberries are highly volatile and can explode if not handled gently. Although they do not explode in a blast of fire, they do explode with fast moving seeds. Its been described that getting hit by boomberry seeds is similar to getting hit by shrapnel. 

Natural Resources

The Atomic Desert is a barren landscape. The animal life that survives here is hostile. Common creatures found across the wastelands can be found here as well (deathclaws, radscorpions, honeybeast). Before The Great War, Vault 31 was built beneath South Bend Indiana. Although raiders have searched, none of have found the vault. Raiders in this area believe that there must a legendary treasure hidden within Vault 31.

Alternative Name(s)

South Bend, The Desert

Type

Badlands

Inhabiting Species

• Rad Chimp