The New California Republic

“As Dharma said, ‘Caution is life in troubled times.’ Your origin is not the issue. Your intent is.” – Aradesh, first President of the NCR

Born from the ashes of Shady Sands, the survivors of Vault 15 eventually expanded throughout what was once known as California on the principles of old world governance. But, as Mr. House would say, “If you want to see the fate of democracies, you’ve only to look out the windows.” While the NCR is an economic powerhouse, it is in a state of political turmoil. For you see, the problem with expansionism is the further one travels from its once thought of noble ideals, the harder it is to remember them. Nowhere is this more evident than here, in the Mojave Wasteland. The occupation of Hoover Dam has taxed the NCR’s once burgeoning coffers, and embroiled its troops in a morally dismal state of unrest. With the treaty preventing all out war, the NCR has instead reached a stalemate in their progress, unable to move forward, but too stubborn to go back.

Some would see what the NCR stands for, what it is attempting to do, as noble if flawed attempt at reunification. Others would see sins of the past re-imaged by the crucible of the new world. If it failed once, after all, why press forward with its ideals again? You know the old saying, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

Caesar’s Legion

“A Man Chooses. A Slave Obeys.”

Forged from the fire of conquest, Caesar and his Legion of 86 enslaved tribes now focus all of their anger and hate on those “profligates” across the river. A people that have stubbornly refused to give up old world vices and sins, to which Caesar believes them to be the very things that nearly sent the world into dusty death all those centuries ago. Based on the ideals of old Roman warfare and its matching lifestyle, the Legion instead relies on physical prowess rather than technological ingenuity to survive.

And while many may consider the Legion merciless, Caesar is kind to those he considers to be malleable to his designs. His lands are safe, somewhat prosperous, and efficient. Many traders, once fearful of the marauding bands of outlaws and death-dealing creatures that permeated the area, travel almost freely without the need for armed escort. Caesar’s people having all but eliminated any threat that may have once lurked here.

After his humiliating defeat at the first battle for Hoover Dam, Caesar now spends his time consolidating what force he still commands to his call. Like a storm gathering across the plain. Preparing for one final push, one last thrust of the spear.

As Caesar himself says, “The Colorado River will be my Rubicon.”

Mr. House

“You see that you and I are of a different stripe, don’t you? We don’t have to dream that we’re important. We are.”

Unquestionably brilliant. But questionably sane. Ruler and De-facto leader of the New Vegas Strip, Mr. Robert Edwin House oversees the well-being of its citizens, and commands, if not openly demands, respect from the Three Families united under his banner. His personal army of robotic Securitrons patrol the streets and outlying areas around the city, ready at a moment’s notice to gun down the fool who thinks himself above reproach. Mr. House is cold, but efficient, and the Strip has remained both prosperous and safe, due in no small part to House’s efforts.

But as with all things in this new world, therein lies a mystery about the man. If this is indeed the very Robert House that existed before the Great War, he would now be well over 260 years old.

And that would be impossible now…….wouldn’t it?

Independence Day

Yes Man: The other thing you’re going to need to get is the Platinum Chip, you know the one Benny killed some poor sap courier for near Goodsprings.

Courier: I’m that courier Benny shot.

Yes Man: Hahhahaha! I know that’s not true, because you still have a head!

Courier: I’m serious.

Yes Man: Hah..heh. That’s…..not funny…..you getting shot in the head. I really shouldn’t have taken so much pride in how I set that up, huh? I feel really bad now……

Here, in the dusty shoals of the Mojave, every man desires freedom. A liberation of the flesh to live as one pleases. To embrace the future as they see fit. There are many who would use this to spread knowledge to the people like a modern-day Prometheus gifting mankind with fire. A fire to ignite the passion for greatness. A fire that shines in the dark under the banner of self-rule. But you must tread carefully even along this path. Because freedom, in all its unbound beauty, is simply anarchy. With no solidifying point for the people to embrace, it simply becomes the spreading fire that one day becomes the next flame of war.

The Great Khans

“The glory of the Great Khans will be restored, and once the NCR is pushed back to California, all the land from here to the Colorado will be ours”– Papa Khan

One of the oldest and most successful raiding bands ever created, the Great Khans (at one time simply known as the Khans) are a shell of their former selves. After being pushed back time and time again by the growing shadow of the New California Republic, and more recently after the massacre at Bitter Springs, the once prosperous people are in retreat.

Nestled in the small area known as Red Rock Canyon their leader, Papa Khan, bides his time as greater forces move into position. Allied with Caesar (and against the wishes of most of his family), Papa Khan sees the alliance as accomplishing two things that the Khans need the most. One is to exact a measure of revenge against the NCR. For every Khan death, Papa Khan wants ten NCR soldiers as payment. And the other is to show the world that the Khans are still strong, still proud, still deadly, and should never be crossed.

The Brotherhood of Steel

“We believe in technology, in the triumph of the creations of the ancients over the horrors and evils of the Wasteland.” ~ Scribe Peabody, Capitol Wasteland chapter

Originally a former branch of the military designed to preserve the technological wonders of the old world, The Brotherhood was, at one time, the most powerful faction in the west. They were better equipped, better trained, and better prepared for the nightmare of this new world. But due to a number of factors, one of them being that they rarely (if at all) accept outsiders into their order (as opposed to the NCR who accepts anyone), their power and their legacy are fast fading like the setting sun.

Many people consider them techno-fanatics. Others, like Mr. House, call them techno-fetishists. Because they will do whatever it takes to protect, acquire, and hoard any technology they can get their hands on. Not matter what the cost in innocent lives around them.

The Followers of the Apocalypse

“We don’t worship so much as follow a set of principles. We want to bring peace back to this wasteland. The world tends toward destruction, so we try to make a difference.” ~ Nicole, Founder of the Followers

Despite the rather ominous-sounding name, The Followers of the Apocalypse are perhaps the least violent faction found in the wasteland. Their order is one founded upon the basis of humanitarianism, and they are probably the most altruistic group one will ever find in this harsh and somewhat unforgiving world. They seek and spread knowledge to any who would learn, and take knowledge from any who would teach. Their one true passion; never repeat the past mistakes that would lead the world to another Great War.

Unfortunately, some see them as non-political anarchist, freely giving knowledge to those with no moral compasses. Telling secrets about the world that some would use to manipulate to suit their own goals.

These people are, unfortunately, partially correct. Caesar, now the leader of the Legion, was once a member of the Followers who used his knowledge to conquer and dominate the 86 tribes now under his command.

The Enclave

“The Enclave did a lot of bad things, but there were good people at Navarro. Good people with a lot of experience. Not many of them are alive anymore, but I think they could make a difference in the fight against Caesar.” ~ Arcade Gannon

The Enclave, once the remnants of old world government and the self-described “legal” continuation of the “true rule” of the United States, is now more of a legend than an actual force in the Mojave. Though there are tales of Enclave Remnants in other parts of what is left of the United States, they have not been heard from in a long, long while.

But if one were to guess, they are out there, in some form or another, simply waiting. And biding their time.

For what and when, well, that still remains to be seen.

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