“Today, you are the waves of the Pacific, pushing ever eastward. You are the sequoias rising from the Sierra Nevadas, defiant and enduring.”— President Aaron Kimball, 2281
The New California Republic (NCR) is a post-war republic founded in New California. It is comprised of five contiguous states located in southern California,[2][3] with additional territorial holdings in northern California,[4][5]Oregon,[citation needed] and Nevada.[6][7]
The NCR emphasizes and strives to support a plethora of old world values, such as democracy, personal liberty, and the rule of law. It also aims to restore general order to the wasteland, the improvement and development of infrastructure and economic systems, and overarching peace between people.[8] Similar to institutions of the old world it seeks to emulate, continued expansion has created challenges with territorial control, loyalty, and corruption that plague the Republic and serve to hinder its goals. The NCR is often criticized by residents of the Mojave wasteland as well as other factions for being hawkish, imperialistic, poorly managed and over-extended in the region, and trying to attempt to emulate old world values that led to nuclear holocaust in the first place.
The New California Republic is mentioned in the endings for Fallout, and grows to become a major faction in two subsequent games focusing on geopolitical struggles: In Fallout 2 it faces New Reno and Vault City in the competition for control over the northern half of California, while in Fallout: New Vegas it faces the Caesar's Legion in a titanic struggle for control over the Mojave and the future of the American Southwest which, according tosome, can be described as the single greatest geopolitical conflict since the Great War.[9][10]
The history of the New California Republic dates back to the survivors of Vault 15 who emerged from the shelter around 2097, founding the town of Shady Sands. With the assistance of the Vault Dweller, who destroyed the Khan raider tribe, Aradesh and his daughter, Tandi, led the community into prosperity. With expanding trade routes came cultural exchange, eventually culminating in a movement aiming at forming a national entity. The idea resonated with other wastelanders and won popular support, leading to the formation of the New California Republic in Shady Sands in 2186, with a trial council government established to draft the constitution.[Non-canon 1] Three years later, in 2189, the Republic proper was voted into existence as a federation of five states[2] organized around major settlements in the wastes. The states are Shady, Los Angeles, Maxson, Hub and Dayglow.[11][Non-canon 2]
Less than a century after its founding, the Republic is a model example of post-apocalyptic success and good ethics. Steady expansion and development led to widespread political enfranchisement, the establishment of rule of law and its enforcement, security from threats within and without (to a reasonable degree) and good standards of living (above mere subsistence, at minimum) are a reality for its massive population of over 700,000 citizens.[3][Non-canon 1][12] The situation improved even further with the Mojave Campaign and securing the flow of electricity and water from Hoover Dam to the Republic. However, the protracted campaign has come at a cost.[Non-canon 2]
The death of President Tandi, who cherished the humanitarian values upon which the Republic was founded, resulted in marked changes in its character. The NCR in 2281 is in a period of transition, experiencing rapid economic growth and dramatic political changes, endangering its original grand ideals. Nowhere is that more evident than in the morally corrosive, imperialist Mojave Campaign, championed by President Aaron Kimball and aiming for the unilateral annexation of the city of New Vegas as the sixth state of the Republic. Years of campaigning led to a stalemate, locking NCR as the protector of New Vegas from Caesar's Legion, without a single cap in tax revenue from the New Vegas Strip or concessions from Robert House, proprietor of the New Vegas Strip, who is content to abide by the terms of the Treaty of New Vegas and use the 5% of the dam's output for their own ends. This left the Republic overstretched and weighed down with bureaucracy, unable to properly supply its campaign, the direct result of both General Oliver's insistence on massing troops and resources at Hoover Dam and Camp McCarran at the expense of the rest of the Republic's Mojave garrison and the NCR Senate having cut funding to the Mojave Campaign. Meanwhile, NCR citizens continue to come to the Mojave Wasteland, either as traders, fortune seekers or citizen-soldiers fighting for the Republic, swelling New Vegas' economy while dwindling the NCR's.[Non-canon 2]
Flag
The NCR flag, circa 2241
The flag of the New California Republic is directly inspired by the state flag of California, which depicts a California grizzly bear on a patch of grass.[13][Non-canon 3] The NCR would adopt a version of this flag during the formative years as a nation. The first iteration of the flag would be largely different, but similar in design to the California state flag.
The first flag of the Republic, seen in 2241, depicts a California grizzly bear with two heads, with the abbreviation "NCR" behind it, as well as the entire state of California, and a single red star with the upper left corner, and underlined by a thin red bar. By 2281, a simpler design more directly resembling the California state flag is used, the chief differences being the two-headed grizzly bear and the amended caption of "New California Republic".[14]
Society
Abstractly, the NCR represents progress; while tribals and other wastelanders scratch out a meager existence, citizens of the NCR enjoy the wasteland luxuries of a steady economy, healthcare, laws and legitimate government, not to mention the largest military to ensure they have a shot at more than just survival.[15] The massive population of the New California Republic means it is composed of a highly diverse number of individuals, from highly refined inhabitants of the Republic's grand urban centers, through merchants and frontier settlers, to the large numbers of farmers and ranchers responsible for its economic might.[Non-canon 2]
That economic power was one of the key factors in the transformation of society between 2241 and 2281. As survival ceased being a major concern for the vast majority of NCR citizens, the problem of collective welfare has been largely superseded by concerns about individual prosperity. People providing services free of charge are now the exception, rather than the rule, with skilled workers routinely charging for their services, from tailors to surgeons. Moreover, after over 80 years of scavenging, the wastelands of New California have been largely picked clean of salvageable goods. NCR citizens who can still make a living exclusively by scavenging and hunting are an uncommon sight. The combination of these cultural and economic factors led to the rebirth of wage labor: Most citizens have to seek an employer at a mill, factory or farm and work to earn their keep and earn money necessary to survive.[Non-canon 2] But these jobs are easy to find in one of the many mills and farms in New California.[16]
The citizens themselves hold a variety of opinions on these developments. While many praise the economic strength hammered out in the furnaces of the wasteland, many others decry the loss of communal spirit. Some will even curse the selfishness of other citizens, usually while pursuing goals that are just as selfish. One thing is common: The belief that opportunity has largely dried up at home and real fortunes await further east.[Non-canon 2]
Equality
The Republic prohibits persecution and discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religious belief (so long as said religion does not advocate violence). Since 2205, it also protects ghouls and mutants, though enforcement of these rights has been uneven (even as far as 2281, one can find super mutants tortured by NCR citizens with impunity or politicians who make a career out of anti-mutant bigotry).[17][18] In general, the Republic is successful in its enforcement of equality laws. However, since the death of President Tandi and the election of President Kimball, there has been some retrenchment. The reactionary undercurrent, especially among males, led to a disproportionately high number of promotions for male military officers, while discourse arguing the differences between males and females has reappeared.[Non-canon 4] This extends even to active combat zones where female troopers are called out of high alert areas despite need of troops or skill.[19] Regardless of the setbacks, slavery is outlawed in all NCR territories, with the exception of forced prison labor.[Non-canon 5] Homosexuality is generally accepted in the core states of the Republic, though frontier territories away from the more civilized center tend to show prejudice.[20]
During her long presidency, Tandi enacted legislation that limited the number of cattle head and the acreage of fields that could be owned by a single person, limiting the power of the Stockmen's Association and the Republican Farmer's Committee. Following her death, the restrictions were slowly eroded by each new president and finally overturned during the presidency of Aaron Kimball. As a result, wealthy farmers and ranchers (commonly known as brahmin barons) exert a disproportionate amount of influence, despite having just one vote on paper.[Non-canon 2]
Economy
The NCR's free market[21] economy is based on two resources, ever since its inception: Great brahmin herds and vast swaths of land restored to arable condition. Providing meat, leather, milk and other foodstuffs, which are the backbone of the economy of the Republic. As a result, ranchers and farmers hold great sway. During Tandi's presidency, anti-cartel regulations were implemented to limit the acreage and brahmin head one man could control. However, with her death, pressure from the Stockmen's Association and the Republican Farmer's Committee certainly helped erode them, until President Kimball overturned them completely. As a result, since 2241 much of the Republic's farming and brahmin herding has been monopolized by brahmin and agricultural barons, incredibly wealthy individuals who exert a lot of influence thanks to their money. Their success also led to the emergence of cottage industries, such as the rebirth of luxury goods manufacture and pseudo-journalism reporting on the latest purchases, commissions and life lessons of the new rich and famous.[Non-canon 2]
Other branches of industry have also developed. Light industry, including tools, clothes making, mills and other manufacturing, form a significant part of the Republic's industrial output.[16] Another element of the Republic's economy is its ordnance workshops, producing standardized weapons and armor for the New California Republic Army and Rangers.[12]
The ever-expanding trade routes led to the rise of powerful merchant houses, such as the Crimson Caravan, the Far Go Traders and the Gun Runners, which continue to all but completely dominate all trade within New California. Lucrative government contracts for weapons, ammunition, armor, and other necessities fueling the Republic's expansion solidify their position in the economy.[21]
Population
Since 2241, New California has been radically growing in size.[12] Their growth has allowed the NCR to become the largest known post-War country, with a total population number above ~700,000 (excluding transients and people without citizenship) by 2241 (40 years before the events of Fallout: New Vegas).[3][Non-canon 1] The Republic's massive population has meant a diverse range of commerce and the development of sprawling urban centers.[Non-canon 2] The NCR's sheer number of citizens gives its armed forces a large pool of manpower the NCR Army can conscript at any time. When properly armed and led, the army is capable of defeating even the Enclave and the Brotherhood of Steel without suffering total Pyrrhic victories.[22] The principal reason is that the NCR can defeat any force through attrition: Withering enemy numbers through ranged fire while giving ground as necessary. This was the favored tactic of Chief Hanlon when fighting the Legion in the First Battle of Hoover Dam, allowing it to secure victory through tactical use of the surrounding terrain.[23][24] However, General Lee Oliver - wanting a decisive victory over the Legion - planned to use the NCR's military might to amass troops at Hoover Dam to overwhelm and outfight Caesar's Legion during the Second Battle of Hoover Dam, and further hoping to rout, pursue and destroy any remaining Legion forces.[25]
The NCR's size has likely been a strong influencing factor in the expansionist politics of its political and military leaders. The manpower at the disposal of President Kimball has him sending Rangers into parts of Baja while also contesting Hoover Dam against Caesar's Legion. The NCR's massive population also acts as a deterrent: The Brotherhood of Steel and the Van Graffs are hesitant to retaliate against the NCR because of the sheer size of their armed forces.[26][27]
While the NCR's huge population is an immense advantage, it has its drawbacks. The population growth in New California has strained the Republic's agricultural capacity and without acquiring new territories and sources of food, the NCR would potentially suffer food shortages by 2291, and eventually famine.[28] The Office of Science and Industry has started research projects to address the matter and improve agricultural capacity, including computerized farm management and salvage operations to find any Old World research to address its food problems.[29] The government has also enacted the Thaler Act to incentivize farmers to move east and work farms to increase agricultural output.[30] Many migrate eastwards regardless, as the common perception is that opportunities for success in the NCR have dried up: Unless you're willing to perform wage labor in the Republic's numerous farms, ranches, factories or mills or become a brahmin baron overnight, the only way to strike gold is to make for the frontier.[Non-canon 2]
Though seen as necessary from a strategic perspective, expansionism has also led to problems. Key among these is supplying the Republic's armed forces. Units and armaments are shifted according to strategic needs. Areas of relative peace, such as areas around New Vegas and the Mojave Wasteland after 2277, are not considered a priority. As such, the occupation is maintained by conscripts and green recruits, armed with surplus weapons and whatever gear the quartermasters issue them. Some recruits may not even receive body armor.[31][32][33][34]
Politics
Aradesh, first NCR president (in office from 2189 to 2196)
Tandi (in office from 2196 to 2248), second NCR president, who expanded the Republic from a fledgling alliance of towns into a sprawling republic
The New California Republic is a republic based on the principle of representative democracy, established as the successor of the pre-War United States.[35] The executive branch is the Council, headed by the president of the New California Republic and their vice president, elected by the Congress.[36][Non-canon 6] When elected, the president and their cabinet serve a term of 5 years before elections are to be held again. Effectively, a president can serve for life as there are no term limits to the presidency as there was with the United States.[36][37]
The Congress, also known as the Senate, forms the legislative branch and is staffed by representatives[Non-canon 6] elected in popular elections by citizens of each state that the Republic is comprised of. Apart from legislation, Congress also acts as an advisory body to the government of the Republic.[36] While the general term for representatives is "congressman," the states themselves use a variety of titles: "councilor," "counselor," "councilman," "representative" and "senator." The Hub refers to their representatives as "governors." The terms are used interchangeably and used widely outside the chambers of the Council and Congress, but within them, they can be used as insults and spark furious debates.[Non-canon 6] Each state represented in NCR Congress sends one[38] representative to Shady Sands.
The judicial branch is comprised of courts and judges ruling in accordance with NCR's law and each citizen has the right to vote for a representative of their choice to sit in the Hall of Congress.[39][40]
Territory
The New California Republic is a federation of five states.[2][41] The NCR also has several territorial holdings that are prospective in becoming a state, such as parts of northern California, Oregon, Baja and the Mojave.[42]
Other cities also joined the NCR between 2241 and 2281, as territories or incorporated into existing states (no new states were formed after the initial foundation, with New Vegas and the Mojave being the only prospective territory poised for becoming the sixth state of the union after annexation).[41]
As mentioned above, NCR citizens have the right to vote for their representatives to sit in Congress. Both citizens and non-citizens enjoy the protection of NCR's courts (although courts tend to favor citizens in disputes).[47][48] Freedom of religion is considered a right within the NCR, as long as the religion is not violent or psychotic. At the same time, it enforces a strict separation of church and state thanks to Tandi's policies.[Non-canon 8] Equality legislation is a prohibition of discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, sexuality or aforementioned religious beliefs. Mutants are also protected since 2205, but enforcing this part of the law has been spotty.[Non-canon 4]
Intellectual property laws have been enacted and remain a source of ongoing controversy, particularly patents. The Followers of the Apocalypse are particularly staunch critics of the latter.[49] Marriages and divorces are likewise handled by the courts.[50]
Immigration laws
Immigration into the NCR is open to both humans and mutants, provided they are law-abiding and peaceful. The process is simple. The person in question moves to an NCR territory, presents their claim for immigration, undergoes citizenship training and once their application is processed, is granted the status of a provisional citizen (PC). Full citizenship is granted shortly afterward.[51] All registered citizens are required to pay any appropriate and associated taxes.[52]
Territories can petition the Republic for annexation. Once the petition is accepted, the NCR grants the town territorial status and establishes the police and army presence in the location to establish the rule of law and eliminate law-breakers. Once this process is completed, the territory can apply for full statehood.[53] Between 2241 and 2281, no new territory has been granted full statehood. The frontier New Vegas is the closest to becoming the sixth state of the union.[41]
Criminal law
The Republic dedicates itself to bringing peace, security and justice to the people within and without their borders. When the NCR can excise rule of law on criminals, it is done so according to the severity of their crimes, with the death penalty being reserved for serious offenses. Murder does not automatically translate to a capital sentence.[54] Punishment for criminals inside NCR proper means serving prison time at any number of correctional facilities[55] and performing manual labor for the NCR's work-release program.[56][57] However, outside the NCR's territory and entering into the Mojave Wasteland is a different story. The NCR Army isn't keen on peacekeeping activities and usually swiftly punishes crimes committed in and around New Vegas with death.[58]
Part of this includes the setting of bounties and delegating the responsibility of capture to able civilians that can bring in criminals that have eluded NCR lawmen or military.[59] At least for the military, bounties require proof in the form of an intact head; anything less conclusive results in a fraction of the bounty being rewarded.[60]
Although they are rigidly enforced in major NCR population centers, they tend to become more relaxed on the frontier. On the road, bylaws of the Republic allow for dismissing caravan members suspected of theft without pay.[66]
Military law
This same rule of law also applies to prisoners of war. With laws enacted during President Tandi's administration, the NCR recognizes the rights of prisoners of war and approaches their care humanely and free from abuse. Most officers find these laws to be constricting,[67] but resourceful officers find ways around it by employing the service of outside consultants.[68]
Laws pertaining to soldiers are quite severe. Cowardice before the enemy, especially desertion, is punished with death by hanging[69] or to be shot on sight.[70] Dishonorable conduct usually leads to a court-martial and may result in execution by firing squad for particularly severe crimes.[71]
Internal conflicts
In theory, this is a sound and well-balanced system, but in practice, every state tries to assert its independence and work towards furthering its own agenda. There is much friction between the states of Hub and Shady Sands, usually related to trade rights and caravan routes. Significant pressure is exerted on the political and economic direction of the NCR by a variety of private interests; in particular, the brahmin barons whose wealth gives them great influence at the ballot box and whose needs are often placed first by officials seeking support in their political ambitions. With the armed forces, the Gun Runners gain special dispensation and influence as they are the primary contributor to NCR's weapon arsenal.[72][73] Elsewhere, monopolies like the Crimson Caravan and similar trading families dominate the trade routes and use their wealth to gain influence with the NCR government and extort large amounts of money. Smaller competitors who are unable to compete with both the larger competition as well as the high taxes are inevitably muscled out.[74][Non-canon 10]
The president is the biggest factor in deciding on the course the Republic should take. For example, under Tandi (who served over ten terms as president; something Caesar mocks as indicative of monarchy, rather than democracy),[75] the NCR has grown substantially, focusing efforts on rebuilding the pre-War infrastructure and restarting technological development, while under Aaron Kimball, the NCR became more imperialistic and expansive, overextending itself in the process thanks in no small part to General Oliver's incompetence and bureaucratic red tape.[76]
Subordinated to the president and the Congress, the military of the Republic is one of its most distinguishing elements. The core component, the NCR Army, has thousands of servicemen, either volunteers or draftees, organized into divisions and battalions, equipped with standardized weapons and armor, and with varying degrees of training and competence.[77] They are the proverbial sledgehammer, a tool used to crush enemies of the Republic and build order in the lands under its control, and a shield, protecting it from harm that may come from its numerous enemies, such as the Caesar's Legion. Supported by the industrial might of the Republic and unique technologies reclaimed from the wasteland (like Vertibirds confiscated from the Enclave), they are the foundation of the security policy of the Republic. On the civilian side of the spectrum lie marshals and police formations, responsible for enforcing the law of the Republic within the territory of the NCR.
The premier unit is the New California Republic Rangers,[78] who grew out of a paramilitary abolitionist militia dedicated to the eradication of slavery in New California. They have grown into one of the most professional and deadly military outfits in the wastes and were folded under the military command of the army. Commonly respected for their valor and skill in battle, the rangers are folk heroes and enjoy an unblemished, heroic reputation and access to top of the line weapons and armor, often coming from recovered and restored pre-War goods.
The Republic practices what it preaches and the military, like society, makes no distinction between the genders when it comes to serving in the military. Super mutants and ghouls are also known to serve in the elite Rangers.[Non-canon 4] In addition, military honors are awarded for valor, such as the Star of Sierra Madre.[79]
Foreign relations
Many people in the western wastelands have mixed feelings about the NCR. Some people strongly support the Republic's goals of spreading democracy and the rule of law, and others vehemently oppose their methods of "controlling" everything they come into contact with. With wastelanders who were used to having no more than a mayor or sheriff now suddenly being part of a complex political structure and having to pay taxes,[16] some view it as a loss of the frontier lifestyles that once defined them. As the NCR's power and territory grew, it made progressively stronger enemies who would test the resolve of the Republic.
Under President Tandi, the NCR made slow but sustainable territorial expansion, allowing towns and other small communities, who were impressed by the principles of the NCR, to join of their own volition while defending their borders from hostile raiders like the once legendary Vipers and Jackals, who would be ravaged by the NCR's military until they became broken shadows of their former glory. Eventually taming southern California, these achievements would garner such respect for President Tandi that the people would come to adore her, and tribals outside the NCR's borders would refer to her as the "Great Mother."[Non-canon 11]
Viewing the NCR's growth and success as a threat to their already stagnating power and influence, the Brotherhood of Steel would launch a military campaign with the goal of pacifying the NCR and asserting its dominance over the wasteland and its technology. The NCR would ultimately prevail and force the Brotherhood into retreat and hiding. The NCR had defeated their strongest opponent yet.
After the death of President Tandi, her successors would gradually change the direction of the NCR. Rapidly expanding the Republic's borders in every direction in a more imperialistic fashion, they sacrificed some of the NCR's principles and moral high ground in the process. Tribals that once revered the "Great Mother" began to become "domesticated" as the nation sweeps through tribal lands.[80] Under President Aaron Kimball, the NCR's expansion has led it to the Mojave Wasteland, where it would encounter the impressive city of New Vegas, and the even more promising Hoover Dam. However, it would also encounter its greatest enemy to date, Caesar's Legion, across the Colorado River.
The NCR initially had great success in the Mojave Wasteland, setting up bases and an embassy on The Strip. The front line of the new conflict between the NCR and Caesar's Legion moved towards the Colorado River. The Legion attacked the NCR with its full strength during the First Battle of Hoover Dam. The NCR successfully repulsed the Legion's assault on Hoover Dam, devastating the Legion's elite forces by luring them into a trap at Boulder City in the process. After their defeat, the Legion regularly conducted raids on the west side of the Colorado River, even creating permanent bases at Cottonwood Cove and sacking towns like Nipton and Nelson with little response from the NCR. Known wars and military conflicts in which the NCR was involved include those with the Enclave, Brotherhood, Great Khans, Legion and the Raiders.
Technology
The NCR sharecropper farms are an example of advanced technologies used in agriculture, utilizing computer simulations to maximize crop yield
Overall, the Republic can be readily described as the most advanced entity in post-nuclear North America. While smaller organizations do possess more advanced weapons, armor or tools (like the Enclave, Free Economic Zone of New Vegas or the Shi), no one can rival the Republic's agriculture, industry, economy and military, with the sole exceptions of the Caesar's Legion and Brotherhood of Steel. The keystones of the Republic's economic might are its brahmin herds and arable land painstakingly recultivated with primitive tools they had at their disposal. Aided strongly by the Followers of the Apocalypse, the Republic thrived. When the shift in foreign policy occurred with Kimball's election, the relations soured and the Republic eventually lost the Followers' support. However, disillusioned Followers flocked to the government and formed the Office of Science and Industry in 2275, becoming a dedicated, NCR-aligned research and development house. By 2281, their achievements include implementing computer simulations to aid with agricultural planning and cultivation,[81] maximizing the output of Hoover Dam and restoring the power grid between the Mojave and Shady Sands,[82] and even begin developing solutions for a famine projected to affect the Republic in 2291.[83]
However, the technology is not limited to just agriculture. The Hoover Dam powers every city and major settlement in New California,[84] while the OSI continues to (re)develop and implement new technologies in fields such as medicine, engineering and biology.[85] Building on the strong infrastructure built during the 52 years of President Tandi's rule, which includes roads, railways, transportation, manufacturing, forts and more, the OSI increased the NCR's technological advantage over its competitors.[Non-canon 11] That edge is nothing if not immense: By 2281, the Republic's powerful merchant companies have access to facilities and materials allowing them to manufacture standardized armaments, weapons and ammunition to fully outfit the largest standing army in the wasteland, to the point of different companies actively competing with each other for supply contracts (such as the Crimson Caravan and Far Go Traders)[21] or even considered an unofficial branch of the Army (the Gun Runners).[73]
Advanced technologies are also harnessed by the Republic for the benefit of its citizens. The annexation of Vault City granted the Republic access to advanced medical and scientific technologies, including organ cloning, performance-enhancing implants, armor grafts and other refined procedures.[5] Other advanced technologies utilized by the Republic include satellite communications,[86][87] power armor taken from the Brotherhood,[88][89][90][91] and even global positioning system satellites.[87][92] The NCR also has the ability to construct concrete bunkers on vital frontlines, such as the Colorado River.[93]
Infrastructure is also a prominent success of the NCR's technology, as the Republic is known to have used railroads[94] and uses refurbished Vertibirds salvaged from its war with the Enclave. One example of this is Bear Force One, the vehicle that Aaron Kimball arrives in to make his speech at the Hoover Dam in 2281.
Notes
Follows-Chalk pronounces the name of the Republic as "enseeyar." He also refers to them as "the Sunset People."[95]
Ulysses is one of only a few in the wasteland who knows of the NCR flag's Old World origins; he will remark to an NCR-affiliated Courier that the bear featured on the flag "had one head back then... better off for it." He also observes of the NCR, that "they have an idea of trying to do what's right, never quite getting there."[96]
The New California Republic uses the same fanfare as the pre-War United States did for presidents, playing the song "Hail to the Chief" as President Aaron Kimball arrives at the Hoover Dam in 2281.
In Chris Avellone's Fallout Bible 6, a version of the NCR flag with a one-headed bear, almost identical to the state flag of California, is used in place of the flag from Fallout 2. The flag shown in Fallout: New Vegas bears more of a resemblance to the version shown in the Bible, due to its resemblance to the actual California state flag, though it utilizes a different color scheme, font, and overall design for the bear and grass patch.
The NCR Flag is portrayed inconsistently in Fallout: New Vegas. The version flown on flagpoles throughout the game features the bear and grass patch offset to the right side slightly, whereas the version painted on signs and seen on a banner at Hoover Dam features the bear in the center of the flag, as in the real-life flag of California.
Much of the NCR's propaganda (viewable below) is inspired by that of the Allies from World War II.
Developer quotes
“NCR's imperialism is pretty kid glove stuff compared to Caesar's Legion. That said, though they are extremely self-interested, NCR genuinely *does* protect New Vegas and has sacrificed a lot to do so. Then again, it was the Desert Rangers, not the residents of the Mojave Wasteland (and certainly not Mr. House) who asked them to do so. [...]”— Joshua Sawyerwhen asked about the portrayal of imperialism in Fallout: New Vegas
Upside down flag signaling distress at the Bitter Springs refugee camp
From Fallout: New Vegas
References
↑ 1.01.11.2The Chosen One: "{106}{}{I'm new to NCR. What can you tell me about your town?}" Karl: "{114}{}{This is NCR, capitol of the New California Republic. Population 3000 and growing. No slavery, no gambling, no drugs. President is Mrs. Tandi, my boss is Sheriff Dumont. That answer your questions?}" (Karl's dialogue)
↑ 2.02.12.22.3The Courier: "What's the New California Republic?" Hayes: "Where do you come from that you haven't heard of the NCR? Nevermind, it doesn't matter much. If you haven't heard of us, you must not be from the Legion. Put simply, the NCR is the greatest nation currently functioning." The Courier: "Can you tell me more about the NCR?" Hayes: "Sure can. The NCR was founded from the survivors of one of the great Vaults. We started as a small settlement called Shady Sands. We now consist of 5 states, that make up the greatest nation since the Great War." (Hayes' dialogue)
↑ 3.03.13.23.33.43.53.63.7NCR history holodisk: "Founded eighty years ago, the NCR is now comprised of the states of Shady, Los Angeles, Maxson, Hub, and Dayglow. Approximately 700,000 citizens are pleased to call NCR home."
↑ 4.04.1Fallout: New Vegas endings, NCR Rangers: "Despite distinguishing themselves during the Second Battle of Hoover Dam, the rangers' victory was short-lived due to the Courier's interference. Chief Hanlon personally directed the evacuation of the rangers to Mojave Outpost as they fell back into NCR territory. Bitter over the waste of life in the Mojave, Hanlon stepped down from his post. After a campaign in which he denounced Oliver's and Kimball's hawkish, imperialist ways, Hanlon was elected as the senator of Redding."
↑ 5.05.15.2Of the 6 possible endings for Vault City in Fallout 2, 3 involve the city's destruction, 2 involve the city's annexation by the NCR, and 1 involves the city remaining independent because the NCR halts its expansion northward. As established in Fallout: New Vegas, the NCR did not halt its northward expansion, incorporating Arroyo, New Reno, and Redding. As the game also establishes that Vault City is still intact and inhabited, this leaves only the 2 endings in which the city is annexed as possible canonical outcomes.
↑ 6.06.1The Courier: "What did you do to end up here in the first place?" Carter: "I worked in a casino in New Reno, and one of the pit bosses decided he didn't like me. Framed me over some caps, and I ended up in here." (Carter's dialogue) As this character is incarcerated by the NCR, this demonstrates that New Reno is under the NCR's legal jurisdiction.
↑The Courier: "What should I expect at the dam." Robert House: "Imagine two snarling dogs fighting over a curve of bone, perhaps the rib of their master, long dead. It'll be a pitched battle, that's a certainty. Perhaps the greatest battle the Earth has seen since the human race nearly made itself extinct." (Robert House's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "What should I expect at the dam?" Caesar: "Lanius will be waiting for you. Your arrival will signal to him that it's time to launch the attack. As for what to expect, it's going to be the greatest battle - and victory - mankind has seen since it almost wiped itself off the face of this Earth." (Caesar's dialogue)
↑NCR history holodisk: " Founded eighty years ago, the NCR is now comprised of the states of Shady, Los Angeles, Maxson, Hub, and Dayglow. Approximately 700,000 citizens are pleased to call NCR home."
New California Republic: The territories of NCR are located far to the south of Vault City. Trades mechanical equipment, gold, and various surplus products in exchange for Vault City medical technology. NCR has recently stepped up efforts to absorb Vault City as a border territory, so Vault Citizens should exercise extreme caution when traveling to NCR. Population: Though a census has been conducted, we do not have access to the figures. NCR is believed to have many tens of thousands of people. Government: President and a Congress. Background radiation count: Current readings are unavailable. Mutation rate: Varies amongst territories."
↑The Courier: "You have a lot of hate for NCR. That kind of hate isn't new in the Mojave." Ulysses: "No... not new. And not new among all those in the shadow of the Bear. You know their flag, a bear with two heads. Symbol's an Old World one, had one head then, better off for it. Their flag speaks to their spirit. They're split like any two-headed animal, trying to go in different directions, ending up nowhere. In the Mojave, that'll only get you sand between your fingers - or over your grave. (Ulysses' dialogue
↑The Courier: "Tell me about the NCR." Cassandra Moore: "I don't have time to discuss all the different aspects of the NCR with you, but if you want it all in a nutshell - the NCR is progress. If you wander around the wasteland you'll find all sorts of tribes, villages, and such where people spend most of their time trying to survive. The NCR gives its citizens a shot at something more. We have laws, currency, healthcare, government. All the things that were lost. It's not perfect, but it's worth protecting, which is why we also have the largest military in existence." (Cassandra Moore's dialogue)
↑ 16.016.116.2The Courier: "Are you from California?" Jas Wilkins: "Born and raised. Things back in California are better than they've ever been, according to my grandpa. The Raiders are mostly gone now and it's easy enough to get a job at one of the mills or farms. But now there's taxes and laws and other things. The NCR keeps things safe and orderly, but it's all very boring. So, I came out east towards the frontier." (Jas Wilkins' dialogue)
↑The Courier: "Do you know anything about that Super mutant walking around town?" Klamath Bob: "Oh, heh. Yeah, that's Mean Sonofabitch. I know the name sounds bad, but he likes it. He's one nasty old coot. Far as I can tell, he's one of them original Super Mutants, what came from the Boneyard. Wandered about after that "Master" fellow died. Eventually got caught somewhere around the Hub, back in NCR. Boy, they sure treated him mean down there. Cut him up so bad he can't talk no more. I tried to buy him, just so they'd stop hurting him, but they didn't want any of it." (Klamath Bob's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "[Confirmed Bachelor] You didn't tell me your name." Knight: "Oh - Knight. You must not be from around here. If so... it doesn't do to get too friendly." The Courier: "What do you mean?" Knight: "This isn't the Republic. Oddly enough, Legion's a little more forgiving about... friendships. Out here, it's not as accepted.Not that I mind being friends, it's just being open about it in the Outpost... well, I have to work here." The Courier: "Didn't realize NCR was so spineless." Knight: "Now wait a minute - Republic's a sight better than... other alternatives. Women are serving here, after all. The rest... well, might take some time. And they're more accepting back West, like I said. In the meantime..." The Courier: "Forget it, then, you're a waste of time." Knight: "Wait... wait a minute. Look. Some things in the NCR are... aren't ideal. But I want to help. If you need something repaired... let me know, I can sign the work order. As long as caps change hands, I can put them back in yours." The Courier: "So is that a "no," you don't want to be friends, or..." Knight: "I... would, perhaps some other time. When my orders take me to Vegas, perhaps. Wish things were different, but might take some time. If you need something repaired... let me know, I can sign the work order. As long as caps change hands, I can put them back in yours." (Knight's dialogue)
↑ 21.021.121.2The Courier: "Give them a deal on the price, you'll have the upper hand in future, more important negotiations." Blake: "[SUCCEEDED] Well, the Far Go Traders have been trying to edge us out on the new armor contract for the troops. This could swing things in our favor. All right, let McCarran know they should expect the first shipment in a week or so." (Blake's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "Shouldn't there be more people than this defending a power plant?" Haggerty: "There should. But we're not getting much power out of it so none of our enemies have a big interest in it either. Not like Hoover Dam, anyway. We had a real fighting force here just long enough to take it from the Brotherhood of Steel. Then they got sent east to the dam like everybody else. Caesar's Legion sends skirmishers every so often. Prodding for weaknesses, mostly. The reality is, if they really wanted it, we'd all be dead." (Haggerty's dialogue) Note: The NCR was able to redeploy immediately after Operation Sunburst concluded. Attrition warfare and wave tactics would preclude that.
↑The Courier: "I'm ready. What is the plan?" Lanius: "In the past, the NCR has relied upon attrition, withering our numbers with ranged fire and falling back as necessary. Not this time. The dam contains tunnels to its heart, overlooked by the NCR... now occupied by the Legion. When the battle begins, the NCR will find our teeth at their throats in a dozen places. There will be no attrition, no falling back, only carnage." (Lanius' dialogue)
↑Mr. New Vegas: "Unconfirmed reports say NCR's General Lee Oliver may have uprooted from his post at Camp McCarran in order to be present at Hoover Dam. NCR sources say that holding the Dam against Caesar's Legion has become their main strategic priority, and this move would not be unexpected." (Mr. New Vegas on Radio New Vegas)
↑The Courier: "How will the NCR defend Hoover Dam?" Robert House: "General Oliver's strategy - or "tunnel vision," as I like to call it - has been to mass troops at Hoover Dam. He wants to out-fight the Legion in a straight-forward slugging match, and then, when they rout, pursue and destroy them in detail. A crushing, decisive victory of this sort would overshadow the tactical ingenuity of Chief Hanlon's defense four years ago, you see." (Robert House's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "What do you think of the NCR?" Veronica Santangelo: "I'm worried they'll be the death of the Brotherhood. They take what they want. We defend our interests to the death. But there's a handful of us and tens or hundreds of thousands of them. So it's not going to end well. Last time we clashed we lost a lot of people. Retreated to our bunker. Now we're afraid to even move around during the day." (Veronica Santangelo's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "What do you think of the NCR?" Gloria Van Graff: "You must not know a lot about my family or you wouldn't have asked that. The Van Graffs and the NCR have been enemies for decades. They've tried to block our expansion for years, but we've managed to grow regardless. The problem is they have, too. The NCR is huge, now. We're talking on a scale that's difficult to imagine. Time was, we could fight them and hold our own. Not so anymore. My family has enough men and guns to field a small army, but the NCR can field a really, really big army. Fighting them is out of the question now." (Gloria Van Graff's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "NCR has a food shortage?" Thomas Hildern: "Not yet. But our government understands the value of proactive thought. Our studies project an imbalance between production and consumption. Or, for a layman such as yourself - not enough food, too many mouths to feed. Mass starvation. In a decade or so." (Thomas Hildern's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "How did you end up selling weapons?" Arms merchant: "Going home didn't feel right, not with those savages camped on the other side of the river, sharpening their knives. And I still get to see my old platoon when they pass through here... make sure the new C.O. is treating them right, and sneak them extra ammo. Anyway, I was always complaining about the standard issue gear. The new kids don't even get body armor, can you believe that?" (Arms merchant's dialogue)
↑President Aaron Kimball's speech at Hoover Dam: "[....] There are some back home who ask me, 'But who are we protecting? What is Nevada to us?' Sometimes we forget that the light of our society shines beyond our borders. Sometimes we take those privileges for granted that our forebears fought so hard to achieve. We must always remember that wherever Californians stand, we carry our principles with us: equal respect, representation, and protection under the laws of a just republic. This was the same fire that burned in the heart of the Old World that preceded us. We are the heirs of that civilization, torchbearers eastward of the Pacific, into the darkness of this wasted land. [....]" (Aaron Kimball's dialogue)
↑ 36.036.136.2NCR history holodisk: "Who's in charge here? NCR may be a bit different from what you're used to. There are no chieftains, town bosses, kings, or dictators here. Our leaders are elected by the people! That's right -- every state has the right to send representatives to the Hall of Congress. These representatives select the President and Vice-President to head the council and it is their advice which guides the President's decisions. For ten terms now, President Tandi has been the unanimous choice of the council, who respect her wisdom and foresight."
↑Tandi served as president from 2196 to 2248 which is 11 terms, but technically only 10 as she died before fulfilling the entire term
↑NCR history holodisk: "To ensure justice and liberty, all citizens have access to NCR's courts and the right to vote for a representative of their choice to sit in the Hall of Congress."
↑The Courier: "Won't killing President Kimball just anger the NCR?" Caesar: "I don't have to explain the reasoning behind my commands. I just give them - and you do them. That said, every once in a while I hear something so ignorant, I have to respond. This is one of those times. The Profligates' morale is in the shitter. They've occupied the Mojave for years, getting picked off one by one. They were told it'd be easy. They keep being told that victory is right around the corner, that Vegas will roll over, become the sixth state of their little union. It's President Kimball who's been telling them that. When he dies, the enormity of his lies will come crashing down, the punchline to a bad joke." (Caesar's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "Tell me about Happy Trails Caravan Company." Jed Masterson: "We're a smaller company out of Sac-Town, up in the northern part of the NCR. We run some business through New Reno, there on the "Little Loop." Had a nice run to Salt Lake City, too - but then we lost contact with New Canaan, and that went all to hell." (Jed Masterson's dialogue)
↑Fallout: New Vegas endings, Rose of Sharon Cassidy: "Despite the destruction of Cassidy Caravans, Cass lived for 30 more years. She made her way back West and passed away in a small shack outside of Vault City, the rose pendant still around her neck."
↑The Chosen One: "{142}{}{Tell me about this town.}" Mira: "{148}{}{Name's NCR. Used to be Shady Sands, but after the Master's defeat, Aradesh and the others founded the Republic. Now, NCR sits right on the border. Everything south of here's Republic ruled.}" The Chosen One: "{151}{}{Hmm.}" Mira: "{149}{}{Word of advice. Keep your nose clean in town. Courts aren't too friendly to our types, if you know what I mean. Citizens got more rights than you.}" (Mira's dialogue)
↑NCR history holodisk: "The New California Republic is dedicated to bringing peace, security and justice to the people of the great west. NCR's fine police forces constantly patrol and arrest any raiders, cannibals, slavers, and lawless mutants within the country, and the NCR army valiantly protects the borders against outside marauders. To ensure justice and liberty, all citizens have access to NCR's courts and the right to vote for a representative of their choice to sit in the Hall of Congress. In the words of President Tandi "A safe people is a strong people."
↑The Courier: "Are the Followers part of the NCR?" Usanagi: "We've worked with them in the past. The NCR became too focused on things like patents and profitability, so the Followers go their own way now. The NCR and the Followers have a cool relationship at the moment. We see them as oppressive, and they view us as anarchists." (Usanagi's dialogue)
↑The Chosen One: "{130}{}{Who the hell's Mira?}" Jack: "{135}{}{Like I said. My ex. I catch her sleeping around and now she's saying I'm the bad guy. Got the court to give her everything and she's still trying to screw me.}" (Scofjack.msg)
↑NCR history holodisk: "All law-abiding and peaceful people, human or mutant, are eligible to become citizens of NCR. To become a citizen all you have to do is move to NCR and present your claim for immigration. After citizenship training and processing your application, you will be notified of your new status as a PC (Provisional Citizen). From there, it's only a short step to full citizenship!"
↑The Courier: "I got extra troop support for Primm." Hayes: "Yes, I just got word of that. There's a squad of rangers standing by. Sergeant McGee will take over as sheriff and the rangers will be his deputies. This town will be an NCR territory. This means that aside from protection, the citizens will also need to become registered NCR citizens and pay any appropriate and associated taxes." (Hayes' dialogue)
↑NCR history holodisk: "Depending on where your town is located, NCR does accept petitions by villages, towns, bases, city-states, even minor kingdoms for annexation by NCR. Once the petition is accepted, NCR will grant your town territorial status. Once the needed police and army presence is established and any banditry or other lawlessness has been dealt with, your village can apply for full statehood in the NCR. It's that simple!"
↑The Courier: "Powder gangers?" Trudy: "Chain gangs, really. The NCR brought them in from California to work on the rail lines. Problem is, it turns out that giving convicts a bunch of dynamite and blasting powder isn't the best idea. Was a big escape not too long ago. Some of 'em stuck together so they could make trouble. That's what we're dealing with now." (Trudy's dialogue)
↑ 57.057.1The Courier: "What can you tell me about the prison?" Eddie: "The NCR called it a "work-release" prison. We lucky prisoners got the privilege of fixing up the rail lines and blasting rock for new lines. They got sloppy, though. Some of us managed to hide away some dynamite, and look who's in charge now." (Eddie's dialogue)
↑Fallout: New Vegas loading screens: "The NCR's military doesn't like being in the role of "peace-keeper". Crimes across the Mojave are typically punished by death."
↑The Courier: "Does the NCR usually offer bounties on people?" Gorobets: "If they've proven hard to kill, yes. Whatever it takes to get the job done, even if means hiring help from outside the military." (Gorobets' dialogue)
↑The Courier: "Anything else I need to know?" Dhatri: "One more thing. If you want the full reward, you need to bring me a recognizable head. My superiors need proof they're gone. That means no headshots. No decapitations 'til after they're dead. And no damage to the face. If you want to be safe, aim for the chest. You bring me a head that looks like a rotten tomato, people will be doubting, and I won't be authorized to pay the entire bounty. Good luck to you. And don't get careless." (Dhatri's dialogue)
↑The Chosen One: "{115}{}{Tell me about NCR}" Buster: "{125}{}{New California Republic - that's what it is. President Tandi and the bunch say they're trying to rebuild the old days; I figure they're just trying to grab whatever they can. Hell, I got no complaint with them - the old days is all before my time. They're kind of a prissy bunch, though - don't like slaves, gambling, whatnot. That's why I set up out here. Don't like rules - never have.}" (Buster's dialogue)
↑ 63.063.1Captain Parker: "Keith! In the name of the NCR, I'm placing you under arrest for illicit gambling and the sale of unlicensed chems." Keith: "Fuck you man, I ain't going nowhere with you." Parker: "Come quietly now, I don't want to have to hurt you." Keith: "Why don't you go cry to your wife, then - oh that's right! She left your worthless stinking ass!" Parker: "You son of a bitch!" (Keith's and Parker's dialogue)
↑ 64.064.1The Courier: "I've got proof that Keith is selling drugs and using marked cards." Captain Parker: "Drugs and crooked gambling? Can't say I'm surprised. Here, you've earned this. I'm going to go take Keith into custody. If you're interested in a little extra pay, I wouldn't mind the back-up." (Parker's dialogue)
↑Karl: "{113}{}{Look, take my advice - get your friends to take you home so you can sleep it off. Drunk in public's a crime here.}" (Karl's dialogue)
↑Nording: "{104}{}{Uh, there were some things missing from the caravan. NCR bylaws don't allow me to pay a thief. Sorry.}" (Nording's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "Why don't you just beat your prisoner senseless?" Carrie Boyd: "I like the way you think. Have I said that yet? Problem is that the NCR frowns on using that sort of tactic. There are some restrictions still in place from President Tandi's administration. But here's my favorite thing about you - you're not in the NCR. Plus, for all this guy knows, you're completely insane. That's a winning combination." (Carrie Boyd's dialogue)
↑Carrie Boyd: "You did well. I don't know how you did it without putting a scratch on him, and I'm a little disappointed personally, but it saved the NCR some face. And it could save us more than that when all is said and done. I'm gonna talk to some people when we're through here. This is about double the standard fee we'd give a "consultant," but from what I saw, you're more of an artist. So think of this as your commission." (Carrie Boyd's dialogue)
↑Fallout: New Vegas endings: "The Misfits' laziness caught up with them when the Legion attacked Camp Golf. Those who weren't killed in the attack attempted to flee, but were caught at Mojave Outpost, court-martialed, and hanged from the ranger monument."
↑The Courier: "I imagine the NCR doesn't deal with deserters kindly." Layla: "Yeah, if we see the NCR, they'll be waiting for us with a bullet to the brain pan. So what are we supposed to do, just run?" (Layla's dialogue)
↑Fallout: New Vegas endings: "Driven into a frenzy by their use of psycho, The Misfits inflicted heavy casualties on the Legion during the defense of Camp Golf. At first they were commended for their valor, but eventually, desperate for more of the chem, they turned on travelers in Outer Vegas. For their dishonorable conduct, the NCR court-martialed and executed them by firing squad."
↑ 73.073.1The Courier: "Tell me about the Gun Runners." Alexander: "The Gun Runners have been putting rapid-fire death-dealing in the hands of anyone who needed to defend himself for over a century. We're the NCR's #1 supplier of weapons and ammunition. You might call us an unofficial branch of the army." (Alexander's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "What do you think of the NCR?" Caesar: "Do you want my opinion as a former citizen, or future conqueror? Actually, my opinion's the same either way. As a young man I was taught to venerate President Tandi of Shady Sands. "The Founding Mother of the New California Republic." Did you know her Presidency lasted 52 years? And that her father, Aradesh, was the Republic's first President? Does that sound like democracy to you, or a hereditary dictatorship?" The Courier: "President Tandi was voted into office each time." Caesar: "Because the council didn't dare oppose her. She was too popular. She had the people's love. So things ran smoothly, more or less. And as soon as she was gone, as soon as there really could be "democracy" - what happened then? Ever since losing its queen, the NCR has been weaker, more diffuse. Democracy has been its weakness, not its strength." The Courier: "How is the NCR weak?" Caesar: "Greed runs rampant. The government is corrupt, accepting bribes from Brahmin barons and landowners, to the detriment of citizens. The NCR is a loose conglomerate of individuals looking out for themselves. It's lost virtue. No one cares about the collective, the greater good. It's not built to last. I'm just hastening the inevitable." The Courier: "Surely, the NCR is a powerful foe?" Caesar: "Of course. The most powerful my Legion has faced. Also the first to which I am ideologically opposed. Until now, every tribe I've conquered has been so backwards and stunted, enslavement has been a gift bestowed upon them. My conquest of the Mojave will be a glorious triumph, marking the transition of the Legion from a basically nomadic tribe to a genuine empire. Just as my namesake campaigned in Gaul before he crossed the Rubicon, so have I campaigned, and will cross the Colorado." (Caesar's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "How does spreading false intel help anything?" Hanlon: "People back home don't listen. They don't care. Senators, Brahmin barons, folks who are just trying to make it from day to day. It's been so many years that people forget about it. Conscription brings in fresh troops to die here every month. Like it's routine. And even if we hold this dam, what then? Are we going to send the NCR's men and women to die here for another five years? Ten? Patrol the whole length of the Colorado for hundreds of miles? Holding this dam. It'll be the death of us." (Hanlon's dialogue)
↑Fallout: New Vegas loading screens: "Troopers are volunteer and conscripted forces in NCR's military. They vary widely in devotion, experience, and even in basic equipment. What they lack in consistency they make up for in numbers."
↑Fallout: New Vegas loading screens: "The New California Republic Rangers are volunteer elite special forces renowned as much for their shrewd reconnaissance capabilities as their bravery and combat prowess."
↑President Kimball: "Private First Class Jeremy Watson, on behalf of the senate and people of the New California Republic, it is my honor to present you with the Star of Sierra Madre." (Kimball's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "Your mother was a tribal?" Rose of Sharon Cassidy: "You know, like one of the tribes from the East - we got 'em out West, too. NCR's herding 'em up, though, domesticating them. Mom was from East of the Colorado, though, not sure what tribe. Was before the time Caesar rounded them up, made them Legion. She walked a hell of a way until she crossed paths with my Dad and he convinced her to stop walking. And lucky for me, he was a horny old bastard." (Rose of Sharon Cassidy's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "Trent Bascom says he's not getting his full allotment of water." Romanowski: "The Office of Science and Industry has carefully calculated the amount of water needed for these crops. The whole thing is handled by computer. Besides, most of these crops look fine to me. If the farmers can't handle the job, they shouldn't have signed up in the first place. If there really is a problem, they can take it up with Lieutenant Boyd at McCarran. Farming isn't my department." (Romanowski's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "Are you a scientist?" Angela Williams: "I know I don't sound the part. Get raised by brahmin ranchers, and you never lose the twang. Drives Hildern crazy. But I know every inch of the power grid from Hoover Dam to Shady Sands. That's what we do here - try to optimize the power output from the Dam. Some of the others are working on an agricultural project, but... truth be told, they aren't making much progress. Not yet, anyway." (Angela Williams' dialogue)
↑The Courier: "NCR has a food shortage?" Thomas Hildern: "Not yet. But our government understands the value of proactive thought. Our studies project an imbalance between production and consumption. Or, for a layman such as yourself - not enough food, too many mouths to feed. Mass starvation. In a decade or so." (Thomas Hildern's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "What can you tell me about Hoover Dam?" Cassandra Moore: "It's of immense strategic value to the NCR. Hoover Dam sends enough electricity west to light every city and major settlement. It's moderately defensible, with a single point of entry on the east side. To get to the power plants below, the enemy has to cross the entire top. The Legion's tried to cross the water on a few occasions, but slow-moving boats make easy targets for sharpshooters." (Cassandra Moore's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "Tell me more about the OSI." Thomas Hildern: "The Office of Science and Industry. That's a rather expansive topic. I could talk for hours, but I'm sure I'd bore you. Suffice to say, we are the leading edge of the NCR. Our work focuses on practical matters. Medicine, engineering, biology. The Dam, for instance. OSI routes its energy supply to our cities in the west. That's only one responsibility of this office." (Thomas Hildern's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "Tell me about the heavy troopers." Hanlon: "They have the best equipment the NCR can get its hands on, power armor salvaged from our war with the Brotherhood. Techs strip out the joint servos so you don't need special training to wear it. It feels like you're carrying a Brahmin on your back, but it can take a heck of a lot of punishment." (Hanlon's dialogue)
↑Todd: "NCR, no better than common thieves. Where do they get off stealing our armor?" (Todd's dialogue)
↑Todd: "This is unacceptable, we demand the immediate return of our power armor. It is not your armor, that power armor is property of the Brotherhood of Steel and you have no right to claim it as your own." Cassandra Moore: "You know what? I don't need this bullshit right now. We'll take off that goddamn power armor, if it'll just shut you up. A battle is about to be fought out there, to come here requesting our men to give up their armor is insane." (Todd and Cassandra Moore's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "I wanted to check on the troopers sent from Camp Forlorn Hope." Haggerty: "Yeah, they were here a while ago. Gave them all I could, which wasn't much. But as many problems as we're having here, I know they've got it worse. I've seen soldiers get assigned there. It's like they got told they were gonna die. I wouldn't wish it on anybody. If you're trying to track them down, we put a GPS marker in the supply crate. You can track it with your Pip-Boy. Good luck." (Haggerty's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "What's the concrete used for?" Ike: "The NCR has been constructing bunkers up and down the river. From what I've heard, it's a little late for that. Travelers over at the 188 - just up the road - said that the Legion has overrun a couple of towns to the south." (Ike's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "Wait, what about Caesar?" Follows-Chalk: "When Joshua first came to us, he was servant to a man he called Caesar. He led his master's armies, and we were ready to follow him into war. Then he lost his master's army to a tribe called Enseeyar, the Sunset People. When he returned, he was as you saw him - burned, broken, but changed. He led us away from Caesar, led us to our own destiny in Zion." (Follows-Chalk's dialogue)
↑The Courier: "You have a lot of hate for NCR. That kind of hate isn't new in the Mojave." Ulysses: "No... not new. And not new among all those in the shadow of the Bear. You know their flag, a bear with two heads. Symbol's an Old World one, had one head then, better off for it. Their flag speaks to their spirit. They're split like any two-headed animal, trying to go in different directions, ending up nowhere. In the Mojave, that'll only get you sand between your fingers - or over your grave." (Ulysses' dialogue)
↑The Courier: "How did you rise to power?" Caesar: "Ironically, I was born a Profligate myself, a citizen of the NCR. My family lived not far from the great Boneyard. After Raiders killed my father, my mother sought the Followers' protection. I was two years old. She found work at their Library, cooking and cleaning. I learned how to read and soon I was taking courses, free of charge." (Caesar's dialogue)
Non-canon
↑ 1.01.11.21.3Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide Collector's Edition p. 41: "New California Republic The New California Republic was born from the remnants of the survivors of Vault 15 and the small walled community they founded, Shady Sands. Under the leadership of Aradesh, and with the assistance of the Vault Dweller (who saved Tandi, Aradesh's daughter and a future president of the NCR), the community prospered. Trade routes with other settlements allowed cultural exchange, and a movement to form a national entity gradually took root and won popular acceptance. In 2186, the town of Shady Sands changed its name to "New California Republic" and formed a trial council government to draft a constitution. Four more settlements joined the council, and in 2189 the NCR was voted into existence as a sprawling federation of five states: Shady Sands, Los Angeles, Maxson, Hub, and Dayglow. By post-apocalyptic standards, the NCR is a paragon of economic success and good ethical character: political enfranchisement, rule of law, a reasonable degree of physical security, and a standard of living better than mere subsistence are daily realities for its 700,000+ citizens. Currently, the NCR in a state of transition, with rapid economic growth and a sea change in political leadership endangering its grand humanitarian ideals. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Mojave, where the occupation of Hoover Dam has improved access to electricity and water, but at the cost of straining its budget and embroiling its armed forces in a morally corrosive imperialist project. The NCR government's aim is to annex New Vegas as the Republic's sixth state. While it already controls Hoover Dam, its treaty with Mr. House and the three families compels it to allot one-fifth of the dam's electrical and water production to local use free of charge. Adding injury to insult, the NCR is locked into protecting New Vegas from invasion by Caesar's legion even as it receives not one cap in tax revenue from the Strip's highly lucrative resort operations. NCR citizens in the Mojave have largely come here for economic reasons, whether as paid citizen soldiers or as prospectors and fortune-seekers." (Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide faction profiles)
↑ 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.62.72.82.9Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide Collector's Edition p.456: "Controversy over Economic Development The NCR's economy is based on two resources: its great Brahmin herds, and swaths of land that have been restored to arable condition. These provide the nation with meat, leather, and starchy vegetables. During President Tandi's presidency, regulations limited the number of cattle head and the acreage of fields that could be owned by a single person. Despite constant pressure from the Stockmen's Association and Republican Farmer's Committee, such regulations loosened only a little so long as Tandi was in office. Following her death, however, they eroded until President Kimball overturned them completely. As a result, the past 12 years have seen the rise of the Brahmin Barons and Agri-Barons: captains of industry who are, by post-apocalyptic standards, spectacularly wealthy. This has given birth to a number of cottage industries, from the rebirth of luxury goods production to "journalism" that reports on the latest purchases, commissions, and "life lessons" of the newly rich and famous. The past 12 years has also seen a change in attitudes towards collective welfare. Citizens of the NCR rarely face significant dangers on a daily basis, and survival is an assumption rather than an aspiration. Citizens are far more reluctant to share food and other resources, and the person who provides services free of charge, whether it's something as quotidian as sewing or as rarefied as surgical expertise, are now the exception rather than the rule. An added economic strain is the scarcity of salvageable goods. Sixty-five years of scavenging has done a good job of picking clean the wastes of what was once Southern California. Rare are those individuals who can make a living by scavenging and hunting what they need. A consequence of these economic and cultural transformations has been the rebirth of wage labor. Whereas one's labor was until recently seen as benefitting and belonging to a collective (whether a family or small town), it has now become a commodity. To earn their keep, many citizens must seek an employer and trade the sweat of their brow for Caps. Citizens of the NCR hold a variety of opinions about these developments. Many boast of their nation's economic strength; others decry what they feel has been lost. Many curse the selfishness of their fellow citizens, usually while pursuing aims that will benefit only themselves or their families. Here in the Vegas wastes, however, nearly all citizens will agree on one matter: opportunity has dried up back home, and to earn a fortune, one must come East." (Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide; Behind the Bright Lights & Big City) Note: The cited excerpt was written when Fallout: New Vegas was still set in 2253. Dates were updated to match the current date, 2281.
↑ 4.04.14.2Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide Collector's Edition p. 457: "Equality By law, the NCR prohibits persecution and discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, or religious belief (so long as said religion does not advocate violence). Legal protection of Ghouls and other mutants was added in 2205, though enforcement of these rights has been spotty. For the most part, the NCR's practices live up to its ideals, but there has been some retrenchment since the death of President Tandi. Aaron Kimball's popularity was amplified by a reactionary undercurrent, especially among males, calling out a need for a "strong man" to lead the NCR forward. In the years since Kimball took office, male military officers have been promoted disproportionately to females, and discourse arguing the differences between males and females has reappeared." (Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide; Behind the Bright Lights & Big City)
↑Fallout Bible 6: "NCR has outlawed slavery in their territories, have one of the best and largest standing armies in the wastes, and have benefited under their current President, Tandi, who has been with the Republic since she was a young girl in Shady Sands (see History, below). On the plus side, the NCR has outlawed slavery in their territories, has attempted to bring civilization and law back to the wasteland, and they don't (openly) discriminate against ghouls and mutants."
↑ 6.06.16.2Fallout Bible 6: "Government:The government of NCR is much like the Pre-War United States, with a House of Congress staffed by elected representatives (Congressmen elected by their states). These representatives decide upon the President and Vice-President to head the council and govern the Republic - under advice from the representatives, of course (NCR, at the time, has no existing term limits - Tandi was currently serving her tenth year at the beginning of Fallout 2). The titles for these representatives have ranged from 'Councilor,' 'Counselor,' 'Councilman,' 'Representative,' 'Senator,' and in particular, the Hub (in its own obstinate way) prefers to call their representatives 'Governors.' (There is a lot of friction between the Hub and Shady for a variety of reasons, usually related to trade rights and caravan routes.) In any event, all titles are recognized and accepted outside of the council chambers, but within the chambers, the titles are occasionally used as insults and spark furious debates - nothing more than petty displays of each state trying to exert its independence."
↑Fallout Bible 5 Questions: 14. One thing - what's happened to Junktown? Was it just too little to be it's own state? Or maybe it has managed to survive as an independent enclave inside NCR, a hive of scum and villainy, so to speak. And what kind of folks would live in Glow? After all, that place must still, well, glow, at least somewhat. Ghouls?"Junktown became part of NCR as part of the state of Shady, and it was one of the first provisional states, considering it was one of the first (and most trustworthy) of the Shady Sands trading partners during its early formation. Its alliance with Shady Sands did cause some alarm from the caravans in the Hub, but it didn't hurt the Hub communities any... and the Hub eventually became part of NCR as well." "As for the Glow (or the state of Dayglow), most of the state is actually north and west of the glow, but they are still able to see the Glow from their borders. A number of ghouls are rumored to live there now, as part of the Great Migration from Necropolis - once the ghouls learned of West Tek, they were eager to see if they could scavenge technology from the abandoned center. Some ghouls formed partnerships with scavenging companies from New Adytum and the Hub and have built quite a profitable corporation from their salvage efforts. At least one super mutant, a refugee from the Cathedral, was also rumored to be working with the ghouls and humans in Dayglow."
↑Fallout Bible 6: "Religiously - while Aradesh believe in the teachings of Dharma, Tandi always believed in the separation of church and state - and resisted any attempts to canonize the Vault Dweller within the city limits (the statue's fine, but that's it). Both Aradesh and Tandi found politics and religion don't mix, especially when they got more exposure to the people of the Hub and visits from a few well-spoken members of the Followers of the Apocalypse. In any event, the NCR allows any non-psychotic religions within their capital (they are all for freedom of religion, as long as it doesn't involve human sacrifice or dipping people in Vats) and the crosses were just holdovers from Fallout 1 scenery. It is quite likely that the members of Shady Sands were Catholic, but as a general rule, you have to be careful about bringing real world religions into games from a development standpoint - it's worse than profanity in the "Top Ten List of Things People Will Get Up in Arms About."
↑ 11.011.1Fallout Bible 6: "Although nearly hitting a hundred years of age, Tandi has done more to unite the people of the wastes than any other leader born from the ashes of the Great War, and she is revered as a saint and even a "Great Mother" by some of the tribals outside of the Republic territories. Tandi's State of the Republic messages were famous for inspiring countless people to join the "service" and rebuild civilization. Under her rule, the Republic has grown, and she has focused efforts on rebuilding the pre-war infrastructure to support the growing population, finding new forms of transportation and manufacturing, clearing roadways and rail lines, building forts, fostering caravans and trade in the Republic (and with other territories), and dealing with threats swiftly and efficiently. In all her years, she has never forgotten her roots in the small village of Fallout 1, and she has always strived to put the welfare of the common man above the wheels of progress. When people talk about "good people," Tandi's good people."
