Paladin (Fallout: New Vegas)

Brotherhood of Steel Paladins are the heavily armed and armored foot-soldiers of the Mojave Wasteland Brotherhood of Steel, operating out of Hidden Valley in the year 2281.

Background
In contrast to their Capital Wasteland counterparts, the Paladins of the Mojave Wasteland branch are equipped with the superior T-51b power armor, as well as superior weapons such as Gauss rifles, Tri-beam laser rifles, or even Gatling lasers. Because the Mojave Wasteland branch remains true to the original Brotherhood of Steel codex, it uses the traditional ranking system where the Paladins serve as a separate soldier caste, unlike the Capital Wasteland branch where Paladins and Knights are both part of the same combat caste.

Most Paladins wear a full suit of Brotherhood T-51b power armor, however some wear the T-51b armor with a T-45d power helmet. Paladins with T-45d helmets possess armor that is in poorer condition, and thus has a somewhat lower damage threshold.

Paladins clad in power armor are the most heavily armored soldiers in the entire Mojave Wasteland, surpassed only by the advanced power armor of the Enclave Remnants. Their armor grants them very high durability, which combined with their powerful weaponry makes them extremely formidable opponents in combat. Prior to the most recent patch, Paladins only had above average health. After the most recent patch, Paladins have about twice as much health as they originally did and now level with the player, putting them on par with the most elite soldiers of the major factions, such the NCR's Veteran Rangers or Caesar's Praetorian guards.

Because the Brotherhood of Steel has been in hiding at Hidden Valley since their defeat at HELIOS One, Paladins are extremely rarely encountered in the Mojave Wasteland, with almost all Brotherhood members permanently locked down inside their Hidden Valley bunker. A squad of Paladins can sometimes be found patrolling the Hidden Valley area at night (who will be hostile towards the player unless they are accompanied by Veronica or good reputation with the Brotherhood), and dead Paladin scouts can be found in certain locations, such as the REPCONN Headquarters or Dead Wind Cavern. A squad of rogue Paladins will confront the player in combat as part of the conclusion of Veronica's companion quest, I Could Make You Care. A group of 3 Paladins wearing T-45d power armor will also fight in the final battle at Hoover Dam on behalf of the NCR against Caesar's Legion if the player successfully brokers a truce between the NCR and the Brotherhood.

While the Hidden Valley Bunker appears to be populated largely by Initiates and Knights if the player visits it under friendly terms, with only a handful of Paladins seen patrolling the halls or stationed as guards at key locations such as Elder McNamara's office, a large force of Paladins will appear and engage the player in combat if they start a shootout inside the bunker. Most of the Paladins inside the Hidden Valley bunker will not be wearing their power armor helmets initially, but will don them for combat if the player attacks the bunker.

Named paladins

 * Head Paladin Hardin
 * Paladin Ramos
 * Paladin Sato
 * Paladin Todd

Appearances
Paladins appear in Fallout: New Vegas.