Old Ben

Old Ben is a local living in Freeside in 2281.

Background
Old Ben is right outside the entrance to the New Vegas Strip in Freeside when you first meet him. He warns the player not to go to the gate of the Strip without first talking with the gatekeeper Securitron first, or they'll get vaporized. After further questioning, he tells that he used to be in many jobs, such as a bodyguard, male escort, a gun-for-hire, as well as a butcher.

Quests

 * Wang Dang Atomic Tango: When looking for a male escort, the Courier can choose between Ben and Santiago to be a "smooth talker" for the Atomic Wrangler Casino. Old Ben can be persuaded through either a Speech check or the Confirmed Bachelor/Black Widow perk.

Appearances
Old Ben appears in Fallout: New Vegas.

Bugs

 * For the quest Wang Dang Atomic Tango, if one already recruited a prostitute for the position Old Ben may hold, the speech check (50) for recruiting Old Ben may remain, which can be continuously used to easily gain experience and level up.
 * The same applies if you recruited Old Ben for the job. He sits at the bar in the Atomic Wrangler where you can ask him how he likes working for the Garrets. You get 50xp every time you do but you still have to pass the speech check (50).
 * After being recruited for the Atomic Wrangler, he cannot be hired.
 * He can sometimes, after you talk to him, run to the Strip's gate where he will be obliterated by the Securitrons.

Behind the scenes

 * Old Ben may be an homage to Jack Crabb (Little Big Man, 1970; Film) and other western characters who have held numerous jobs and professions, leading to their life's story bordering on a tall tale.

Старый Бен