Merk

Merk is the head of organized crime in New California Republic in 2241.

Background
Though Merk is, in the grand scheme of the world, a small-time crook, the lawful environment of NCR makes for little competition, and this elevates him to what is essentially the status of a local crime boss. In order to avoid the prying eyes of the vast NCR police force, Merk usually holds court in a saloon located in the outer Bazaar area of NCR. The Rawhide Saloon, well-known for its rough clientele, is a frequent haunt of Merk, who operates out of the back room.

Gaining access to Merk is not particularly easy, however; crime bosses who have an open-door policy generally do not enjoy a long life, so Merk is accompanied at all times by bodyguards who bar the casual visitor from entry to Merk's "office." However, the right connections - or an impressive show of force - catch the crime boss's attention. Typically, however, a show of force would involve the participation of the bar's resident tough guy, a super mutant named Lenny; not an easy prospect for most humans.

Despite his relative "small fry" status as far as the wasteland, and indeed places like New Reno, would consider him, Merk nevertheless is quite entrepreneurial, and runs many operations in NCR. Perhaps the highest profile is a backroom gambling establishment within the walls of NCR itself. Permission to enter the gambling den has to come from Merk himself, and anyone without the proper pass phrase was turned away.

However, the lawful mindset of NCR's government hampers Merk's efforts to build a criminal empire, leaving him seeking for outside solutions to internal problems.

Quests

 * Kill Hubologist in NCR for Merk: Merk's primary annoyance is a Hubologist who set up a church in NCR. Although Merk desperately wants the missionary eliminated, using one of his own men would only cause a great deal of trouble with the NCR police.
 * Retrieve papers from Dr Henry: Merk is looking to secure some valuable information, in this case, data on Enclave cyberdogs.

Effects of player's actions

 * If the player character has Myron as a companion, he can offer Jet to Merk for $1000. This can be done multiple times.
 * Killing Lenny using the mutagenic serum will make Merk hostile.

Appearances
Merk appears only in Fallout 2.