Kings

The Kings are a greaser style gang operating in Freeside in 2281.

Background
While Mr. House was bringing civilization to the Vegas tribes during his takeover of Vegas, one such tribe on the outskirts of The Strip refused his offers of reform. In a building in Freeside, a young scavenger from the tribe had unearthed strange paraphernalia about people who worshiped an ancient, black-coiffed deity of considerable style and singing talent, known as "The King".

As if divinely inspired, the scavenger took on the name and appearance of The King for himself, along with a new philosophy of respect and personal freedom. His words awed the rest of the tribe, who also began to call themselves Kings and dress in a style similar to the pre-War King- denim, hair gel, and leather. The robotic dog Rex also wandered his way into Freeside, and was adopted by The King, living alongside the rest of the tribe at The King's School of Impersonation, their headquarters in Freeside.

Since those earlier days, the Kings have grown to become the dominant force of Freeside, fiercely independent from New Californian Republic or House rule. However, with the strife in the rest of the Mojave, NCR squatters have began to move into the Kings' territory backed by the NCR, who the King sees as being a potential threat- "The devil in disguise".

Organization
The Kings claim Freeside as their own, defending it with their switchblades and pistols. Not shy to make a few caps, the Kings, as well as some less reliable others, offer safe escort through Freeside and will even help you fill your water canteen, for a price. Besides these few "services," the Kings generally follow a strict code of suave chivalry. They try to keep peace and order in the streets and do what they can to help the Freeside community. Kings members will assist in fights against any thugs or attackers that attack civilians (or the Courier), and will sometimes offer rewards to the player if his actions have helped Freeside.

By all accounts they are respected throughout Freeside, as interactions with the Followers of the Apocalypse make clear.

The missions accepted by the player will decide the Kings' future relations with all who visit the Strip. Even the New California Republic will eventually have to deal with the Kings, in one way or another.

Relations with the outside
The leader, known only as The King, is currently facing challenges, as the NCR appears to be threatening their territory. Squatters that followed the NCR east are thought by the Kings and most all Vegas outside the Strip, to be a drain on already over-taxed resources.

Some members, namely Pacer, seem to have their own motives. Some might say he plays some factions against others, and he may have an addiction or "Heart problem" as his root cause.

NCR troops engage in minor disputes that can be resolved in various ways to achieve a level of peace in Freeside. These events are largely played out through the faction's main quest, G.I. Blues. Once cleared by Pacer, The King can be approached and the subject of the Kings' dog, Rex, can be opened leading to the quest Nothin' But a Hound Dog. Whatever the outcome, The King always speaks well about his feelings for Pacer.

Technology
The Kings are almost always armed with 10mm pistols, but can also be found carrying .357 Magnum revolvers or 10mm SMGs. Their light uniforms, the Jailhouse Rocker, Memphis Kid outfit and Kings outfit, can be equipped as well. Sergio is a special King wielding a unique straight razor named Figaro. Like most grunts of minor factions, Kings gang members are absolutely no match for NCR troopers, due to their low damage per shot and lack of armor.

The Kings reside in a large building in the center of Freeside. They also run the water pump installed by Bill Ronte of the Followers of the Apocalypse. However, they have drawn the ire of the Followers as they use the pump as a way of bullying NCR civilians, as they charge them twice as much to use it.

Notable quotes
On occasion, members of the Kings will say some remarks due to your companion, karma, or reputation.
 * Craig Boone -
 * Veronica Santangelo -
 * Rex -
 * ED-E -
 * Arcade Gannon -
 * Cass -
 * Raul Tejada -
 * Lily Bowen -

Appearances
The Kings appear only in Fallout: New Vegas.

Behind the scenes

 * The Kings are, of course, a reference to the phenomenon of Elvis impersonation.
 * Some of their outfits are also references to Elvis, such as the Jailhouse Rocker, which is a replica of what Elvis wore in the Jailhouse Rock video.