Bridget

Lore & Background

Bridget Strand holds the highest office in the United Cities of America, directing Bridges as it assumes various governmental duties. Her vision centers on 'reforming America' by linking scattered settlements into a unified network. As the UCA President, she pleads with Sam to rejoin Bridges and realize her dream before succumbing to an illness. She views Bridge Babies as essential tools for detecting Beached Things (BTs), though she initially instructs porters to treat them merely as equipment rather than living entities. Her authority is absolute within the remaining colonies, yet her health declines as the story progresses, leading to a final emotional appeal to Sam regarding the nation's future.

In Their Own Story

In Capital Knot City, Bridget Strand lies dying, prompting an emergency assignment for Sam Porter Bridges. He delivers morphine from Doctor Deadman (portrayed by Guillermo del Toro) to her bedside. During this encounter, she asks Sam to rejoin the organization and help realize her dream of 'reforming America' before she passes away. After succumbing to her illness, her body is taken for incineration. However, a tragedy occurs when a corpse on the verge of necrosis causes a voidout that destroys Central Knot City, forcing Sam to revive in Capital Knot City. Later, Sam receives a message from his estranged sister Amelie, who reveals she led an expedition across the continental United States over three years. Amelie explains that Bridget intended for her to take Bridget's place as President of the UCA once the Chiral Network was completed and Edge Knot City was reached.

Reader's Guide

Bridget Strand functions as the primary quest giver and narrative anchor for Sam Porter Bridges. Players interact with her primarily through holographic messages and terminal updates from Capital Knot City. Her objectives involve directing Sam to deliver supplies to isolated Knot Cities and survivalists while expanding the Chiral Network coverage. Key gameplay moments include the delivery of morphine during her final days and the subsequent instructions regarding Bridge Babies, which she initially treats as equipment despite Sam's emotional bond with 'Lou.' Her storyline culminates in the revelation that Amelie was leading an expedition to replace her as President upon the network's completion. Players must navigate the consequences of her death, including the voidout at Central Knot City and the political succession plan involving Amelie.

Did You Know?

• Bridget Strand is the biological mother of Amelie and the adoptive mother of Sam Porter Bridges.
• She requested that Sam rejoin Bridges to help realize her dream of 'reforming America' before she died.
• After her death, it was revealed she intended for Amelie to take her place as President of the UCA once the Chiral Network was finished.
• Bridget instructed porters to treat Bridge Babies strictly as pieces of equipment, a directive Sam eventually defied by forming an emotional bond with 'Lou'.
• Her death occurs after receiving morphine from Doctor Deadman, played in-game by Guillermo del Toro.