Ranger Dobson

Ranger Dobson is an NCR Ranger scouting out in Hidden Valley in 2281.

Background
A Redding native, Dobson has seen plenty of action against slavers in his Ranger career. As of 2281, he is stationed at Camp McCarran, but has recently gone off on his own to assess and scout out the NCR Correctional Facility that was lost to the Powder Gangers. He set up shop in a Hidden Valley bunker, intending to use it as a safehouse. His main target has been the terrorist Samuel Cooke and his gang of roamers which he considers to be the most dangerous out of any other Powder Gangers. Though he's after Cooke's gang, he considers all Powder Gangers the lowest of the low for preying on caravans and civilians, and will shoot any Powder Ganger on sight that he finds.

His stay at the bunker has been fairly problematic, as Dobson has had trouble bringing his radio to broadcast properly. However, the area's "natural phenomena" sandstorms and the bunker's remote location still make it worth the hassle, as it keeps him relatively safe from any predators or troublemakers topside... At least that's what Dobson thinks.

Dobson is a confident individual and takes pride in his work protecting the innocent of the Mojave Wasteland, but like any good Ranger; he isn't headstrong and knows his limits. Other than the love of his job, Dobson loves to josh around with anyone he can, even if they're a complete stranger. He's even been known to do so over the radio to HQ at McCarran, which has made the radio operators take his reports less seriously. Although he shows he kindly side more, Dobson will become deadly serious when he suspects he's in danger or being played. However, if the perpetrator admits to their wrongdoing, Dobson is willing to forgive them in the moment. That is until he sees them again at least.

Quests
Still in the Dark: McNamara wants Dobson gone from the area. He can be killed or tricked into leaving (requires Speech 50). However, one cannot speak to him if their reputation with the NCR is bad. Alternatively, he can be warned about the Brotherhood of Steel; however, this will cause the quest to fail. Dobson will remove the collar from the Courier's neck and the Brotherhood will attack. If he survives, he returns to the base and the Courier will gain fame with the NCR.

Appearances
Dobson appears only in Fallout: New Vegas.

Bugs

 * Dobson may appear in the southern Hidden Valley Bunker, although he will be invisible. The "talk" button will still appear but it will do nothing. Shooting near him in this state will make him say things like, "Watch where you're shooting."
 * Sometimes, if Dobson survives the encounter with the Brotherhood, the player character may still not gain any reputation from the NCR.
 * He sometimes may be found just outside of Hidden Valley, although everything else is the same except his position. You can still talk to him about leaving the bunker.