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The NCR-Legion War is an ongoing military conflict in 2281 between the New California Republic and Caesar's Legion.
Background[]
The rise of the Legion in Arizona pushed out the Desert Rangers who had maintained order in much of the Southwest. Despite their superior equipment and manpower the Legion overwhelmed them with numbers, until they only had limited control of southern Nevada. What remained of the Desert Rangers agreed to be peacefully annexed into the NCR in exchange for the NCR protecting southern Nevada from the Legion.
In 2274, President Aaron Kimball rose to prominence as the "Hero of the Mojave" by mitigating tribal threats to NCR citizens in the region.[2] The president sent the NCR army into the Mojave with the objective of occupying and repairing Hoover Dam. Meanwhile, an army of conquered slaves, Caesar's Legion, established a presence on Fortification Hill in 2277, overlooking the Hoover Dam from the east.[3] The Hoover Dam represented a vast resource of electricity, and Lake Mead a source of clean water. To Caesar the Dam served primarily as a barrier to his eventual conquest of New Vegas and California. Robert House had recently taken control of the Vegas Ruins forming a functional city-state and aided the NCR in repairing the Dam, agreeing to relinquish control of it to them in exchange for enough power to keep New Vegas lit while the rest was sent back to New California. While New Vegas was officially neutral in the conflict, Robert House greatly favored an NCR victory in the war and counted on their military might to act a buffer to the Legion.
The war, described as belonging to Kimball, and the NCR's occupation of the Mojave is inextricably bound to his political career.[4] With the conflict between the Legion and NCR looming, during a time of political unrest, Kimball serves more so than ever as a symbol of the NCR occupation of the Mojave.[5] Caesar himself notes that his troops will capitalize on the moment of Kimball's death, watching the NCR subsequently recoil from the Mojave, providing the opportunity for the Legion to strike.[5]
First Battle of Hoover Dam[]
Shortly after arriving in the Mojave, Caesar ordered the Malpais Legate to attack NCR forces at Hoover Dam, known as the First Battle of Hoover Dam. The NCR fended off the attack, managing to both successfully prevent Hoover Dam from getting overrun by Legion troops and trap the Legion in the middle of the dam, at the same time. Taking advantage of the situation, NCR sharpshooters targeted the officers and battle-hardened veterans from afar. In an attempt to salvage the deteriorating situation, the Legion's elite forces were ordered to pursue the sharpshooters. Assuming it was a retreat, the Malpais Legate ordered Legion forces to follow into Boulder City.[6]
When the Legion's elite forces stormed the city, they were unaware that the NCR had rigged explosives and C4 across the entire town, the detonation of which eliminated what remained of the attacking forces, resulting in 107 NCR casualties.[7] Furious at the Malpais Legate's humiliating defeat at the dam, Caesar ordered his men to cover the legate with pitch, set him on fire, and throw him into the Grand Canyon. He then bestowed the rank on Lanius.
Destruction of Hopeville and Ashton[]
In 2277, Caesar's Legion committed a significant force to capture the independent towns of Ashton and Hopeville near the state line of California and Nevada, recognizing that the area was a major supply line for the NCR's efforts.[8] The NCR contested the Legion's control, in the process of annexing the area and solidifying its position by way of special forces.[9][10]
Meanwhile, a courier arrived from Navarro with a package, the contents of which were unknown to both the courier and recipient. This shipment contained a detonator that when in range, remotely linked with the ICBM computers, sending a signal to the dormant nuclear missiles lying in the silos beneath the ground.[Non-game 1]
The weapons began to detonate one after another, splitting the earth, cracking and twisting the landscape, causing massive earthquakes. The disaster created the Divide, comprised of a wind-beaten maze of twisting canyons, skin-flaying dust storms, and abominations.
The detonation had significant effects on the war in the Mojave. Firstly, both the NCR and the Legion suffered casualties, the survivors being transformed into Marked men. Secondly, the Divide was rendered impassable, greatly hindering the NCR's logistics.[11] They were not able to properly capitalize on their victory at Hoover Dam, with the Malpais Legate having survived, crediting this event with the Legion being able to persist after the battle.[11]
Willow Beach and Arizona Spillway[]
Despite their major setback, the Legion found some success in conducting smaller operations against the NCR in the following years. In 2281, they opened the radioactive waste containers from San Onofre in the firehouse within Camp Searchlight,[12] and established the Cottonwood Cove outpost, and raiding bases. They also sent spies into the New Vegas Strip. They secretly plotted their second assault on the dam at Fortification Hill. As they had finally rebuilt their strength, Caesar ordered his forces to expel the NCR from the east side of the river in what would be known as the Battle of Willow Beach, Battle of Arizona Spillway and the Battle of Nelson. All three of these battles would prove to be victorious for the Legion.[Non-game 2] Chief Hanlon remarks that the NCR loses over a thousand troopers every year.[13]
Stalemate[]
The Legion were unable to make large offensives, instead limiting themselves raiding activities into the NCR side of the Colorado, such as Ranger Station Charlie, and the towns of Nipton and Nelson. Caesars strategy was to strain the NCR's supply lines and demoralize them in preparation for another assault on the Hoover Dam. The planned sabotage of the New Vegas Monorail was one such operation.
Caesar also attempted to make allies in Nevada. The most eager of these were the Khans who had a rivalry with the NCR going back to their founding and still held a grudge over the Bitter Springs Massacre, however they were unaware of Caesars policy of breaking and erasing tribal identities of his subjects. Another such ally were the Omerta's who were to attempt a bloody takeover of the New Vegas Strip during the oncoming battle at Hoover Dam.
The NCR's fortunes also took a downtown as a prison break occurred at NCRCF with the rise of the Powder Gangers which disrupted both traders and supply caravans in the nearby area. As time went on however, the NCR would be reinforced by the Veteran Rangers that had been assigned to Baja which helped to boost morale. In another bid to boost morale President Kimball would make an appearance at Hoover Dam to give a speech and award medals, but also giving a chance for Legion assassins to strike.
However at the same time Caesas health would start to deteriote as a brain tumor would become increasingly prominent and interfere with his daily functioning.
The 2nd Battle of Hoover Dam[]
Depending on the actions of the Courier the NCR and Legion would eventually clash again, aided by different factions throughout the Mojave, some of them potentially attacking at the NCR from behind their lines such as the Fiends. A concurrent attack was made by the Legion on Camp Forlorn Hope.
The 2nd Battle would be a major turning point in the war for all sides. However the NCR would be unable to truly capitalize on it, as not long after Shady Sands would be destroyed with a nuclear device by Vault 33 Overseer Hank McClean severely diminishing their capacity.
Events[]
The following events took place or ran concurrently with the NCR and the Legion conflict.
| Conflicts | |
|---|---|
| Events | Concurrent |
Forces[]
Legion[]
Aside from their main base at Fortification Hill, the Legion currently has control of Cottonwood Cove, Camp Nelson, the Techatticup Mine, and Nipton. The area around Camp Forlorn Hope is also populated heavily by Legion forces.
After the Courier enters the Lucky 38, they are subsequently approached by Vulpes Inculta or Alerio on behalf of Caesar, inviting them to the Fort. Caesar instructs them to enter a nearby underground bunker and destroy it. Caesar also orders the Courier to execute Robert House and asks them to assist in forging alliances with the Boomers and the White Glove Society.
| Legion forces | |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Potential alliances |
|
|
NCR[]
Although the NCR struggles against various enemies such as the Great Khans and the Powder Gangers, they hold various strongholds including the Mojave Outpost. Ambassador Crocker noted the Courier's entry into the Lucky 38, summoning them to the embassy. Crocker asks them to assist in forging alliances with the Boomers as well as help ease the tension between NCR and the Kings in Freeside.
Colonel Moore asks the Courier to gain the support of the Great Khans or destroy them, then destroy or sign a truce with the Brotherhood of Steel. The Courier is then tasked with protecting President Kimball during his visit to Hoover Dam.
| NCR forces | |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Potential alliances |
Outcome[]
The Mojave Campaign ends with the Second Battle of Hoover Dam, and the outcome of the campaign ultimately depends on the decisions made by the Courier. If NCR is supported, it secures Hoover Dam, all major Mojave territories (including the Strip and Freeside), and Fortification Hill. If Caesar's Legion is supported, it conquers Hoover Dam and the entire Mojave region up to the Mojave Outpost. Legate Lanius will express a desire to go on to conquer California.
Alternatively, the war is brought to an abrupt halt if the Courier either supports Mr. House or works with Yes Man to take over the Mojave for themself. The NCR initially defeats Caesar's Legion at Hoover Dam while Mr. House's Securitron army destroys Fortification Hill. After this, the Securitron army ejects all NCR military presence from the region, the violence of this forced withdrawal depending on the Courier's negotiation with General Oliver.
Ending slides[]
Caesar's Legion
Narrated by Ron Perlman
| # | Slide | Voice-over narration | In-game condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Caesar entered The Strip as though it was his Triumph. The Legion pushed the NCR out of New Vegas entirely, driving them back to the Mojave Outpost. The Legion occupied all major locations, enslaving much of the population and peacefully lording over the rest. Under the Legion's banner, civilization - unforgiving as it was - finally came to the Mojave Wasteland. |
Do not allow Caesar to die in Et Tumor, Brute?, complete the endgame quest Veni, Vidi, Vici for Caesar's Legion. |
| 2 |  |
The Legate is crowned as the new Caesar. He entered The Strip as though it was a military target, destroying anyone who resisted him. The Legion brutally occupied all major locations, killing and enslaving a large amount of the population. Under the Legion's banner, civilization - savage as it was - finally came to the Mojave Wasteland. |
Allow Caesar to die in Et Tumor, Brute?, complete the endgame quest Veni, Vidi, Vici for Caesar's Legion. |
New California Republic
Narrated by Ron Perlman
| # | Slide | Voice-over narration | In-game condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
The New California Republic celebrated its second victory at Hoover Dam, establishing definitive control over the entire Mojave Wasteland. Soon after, they negotiated terms to annex The Strip, Freeside, and many surrounding communities. The Mojave Wasteland, at long last, had entirely fallen under the NCR's banner. |
Complete the endgame quest Eureka! for the NCR. |
Independent
Narrated by Ron Perlman
| # | Slide | Voice-over narration | In-game condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
The Courier, with the aid of Yes Man, drove both the Legion and the NCR from Hoover Dam, securing New Vegas' independence from both factions. With Mr. House out of the picture, the remaining Securitrons on The Strip were hard-pressed to keep order. Anarchy ruled the streets. When the fires died, New Vegas remained, assuming its position as an independent power in the Mojave. |
Complete Wild Card: You and What Army? for an independent New Vegas without upgrading the Securitrons. |
| 2 | |
The Courier, with the aid of Yes Man, drove both the Legion and the NCR from Hoover Dam, securing New Vegas' independence from both factions. With Mr. House out of the picture, part of the Securitron army was diverted to The Strip to keep order. Any chaos on the streets was ended, quickly. Chaos became uncertainty, then acceptance, with minimal loss of life. New Vegas assumed its position as an independent power in the Mojave. |
Complete Wild Card: You and What Army? for an independent New Vegas with the upgraded Securitrons. |
Mr. House
Narrated by Ron Perlman
| # | Slide | Voice-over narration | In-game condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |
Mr. House's Securitron army took control of Hoover Dam and The Strip, pushing both the Legion and the exhausted NCR out of New Vegas. Mr. House continued to run New Vegas his way, a despotic vision of pre-War glory. The streets were orderly, efficient, cold. New Vegas continued to be the sole place in the wasteland where fortunes were won and lost in the blink of an eye. |
Complete The House Always Wins for Mr. House. |
References[]
|
Non-game
- ↑ Chris Avellone at Obsidian Entertainment forums
- ↑ Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide Collector's Edition p.372-376: "[3.33] Hoover Dam
All of the Main Quest in Act III centers around this location, as do the Main Quests involving the visit of President Aaron Kimball. A stronghold of extreme strategic importance for centuries, this location has seen recent turmoil between major Faction too. A few years before current events, Caesar's Legion rolled in, led by ex-Mormon missionary Joshua Graham, Caesar's Legate. Not considering NCR's army to be a serious threat, Graham exercised somewhat lax control over the Legion. During the Battle of Hoover Dam, NCR Rangers and Sharpshooters from First Recon employed risky tactics against the Legion with the help of the enlisted Troopers, and despite horrific loss of life, Caesar's forces were pushed back, but not routed.
The NCR has been holding the dam continuously since, and have fortified positions along the dam and up and down the west side of the Colorado River. Recently, the Legion pushed the NCR off of the east side of the river at the Battle of Willow Beach (which destroyed an NCR military camp) and the Battle of Arizona Spillway. Day to day military operations at the dam are under the command of Colonel Moore. While troopers are active here, there are also a large number of civilian contractors who are trying to keep the dam running. They are of a secondary concern to Moore, who is preparing from for an impending attack by Caesar and a visit by President Kimball."
(Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide Collector's Edition Tour of the Mojave Wasteland)