Caesar's Legion is a faction based on large scale slavery and tribal dominance. Founded in 2247 by Edward Sallow and Joshua Graham, the Legion models itself after the ancient Roman Empire to create a unifying identity.[1][2] As of 2281, the Legion operates east of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon, primarily in what was once Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.[3][4]
Background
Founding
Edward Sallow was born in 2226.[Pub 1] His family originated from near the Boneyard in the New California Republic.[5] After his father was killed by raiders, his mother sought protection from the Followers of the Apocalypse when Sallow was two years old.[5] She worked at the Boneyard Library as a cook and cleaner, where he learned how to read and took free courses.[5]
Sallow became an anthropologist and linguist, and was sent east to the Grand Canyon on his first expedition when he was 20 years old.[6] Joined by a physician named Bill Calhoun, he was assigned to learn the dialects of local tribes.[6] They met up with Joshua Graham, a Mormon missionary who already knew several dialects and planned to teach Sallow.[7] Before Graham had the opportunity to do so, the group was captured by the Blackfoot tribe, who intended to hold them for ransom.[7]
Sallow learned that the Blackfoots were at war with seven other tribes, and were outnumbered.[8] Against Calhoun's objections, Sallow taught the Blackfoot new ways to wage war, which he had learned from old books.[8] With Sallow's help, the Blackfoots defeated or assimilated the opposing tribes, and once the group of tribes was large enough, Sallow removed their tribal identities, replaced them with "a monolithic culture, a uniform identity."[9][10] Sallow crowned himself Caesar and created "a single Great Tribe," known as the Legion.[10] He sent Calhoun back west with the message that he should not be interfered with, and Graham remained, serving as his first Legatus.[11]
Mojave
After having seen the corruption and in fighting within the NCR, Caesar based the new Legion off of Imperial Rome in the hopes that he would be able to emulate it's success, where all citizens work towards the betterment of the greater whole.[12] He believes in his new Pax Romana, where the individual has no value beyond their utility to the state, and that the NCR will fail due to an inability to work towards the "greater good."[13][14]
Members of the Legion believe Caesar possesses the divine right to rule by being the son of the Mars, and children of those conquered by the Legion are indoctrinated in this manner.[Pub 2] Caesar teaches that women are inferior to men, and has decreed that homosexuality be punishable by death.[15][16] Caesar has likewise outlawed chems and alcohol.[17][18]
In 2271, the Legion's presence served as a catalyst for the Ranger Unification Treaty. President Kimball recounts during that year, the Desert Rangers of Nevada joined the New California Republic's forces to protect the region against "the tyranny of [Caesar's] regime."[19] The Legion expanded west into the Mojave and established a base of operations on Fortification Hill overlooking Lake Mead and the Colorado River in 2277.[20]
The Legion controls the former states of New Mexico, and Arizona, and parts of Colorado and Utah, having conquered or assimiated 87 tribes.[21][20][22][Pub 3] Caesar mentions that his territory has cities, but nothing compared to Vegas and that in conquering it, "Finally, my Legion will have its Rome."[21] In doing so, he will have accomplished his plan to transform the Legion from a nomadic army to a more stable standing military, with the ability to better protect it's citizens and his own power.[23]
Publications
True, Caesar is the perfect man. But he is not just a man: he is the Son of Mars, ordained by the god of war to conquer all of Earth. To prepare the way, Mars razed the Earth, cleansed it with fire, and brought the weak and the wicked low; and now his son has come to deliver the wasteland from chaos and barbarism. To follow Caesar is to obey the will of Mars; to disobey is to condemn oneself to death. As the Son of Mars, Caesar has the divine right to demand servitude from all he encounters. Not everyone believes that Caesar is the product of a god’s loins, of course. The most recently captured slaves tend to be pretty skeptical. But they aren’t very vocal in their criticisms, and their children are raised not by skeptical parents but by priestesses appointed to that task by virtue of their knowledge of and adherence to the state religion.
Nearly all physically capable, compliant males are compelled to serve in its armed forces. The primary value of pre-menopausal females is to serve as breeding stock (with Caesar or a legate governing how they are assigned to males), though they, like older females and less physically-capable men, are also used to perform a variety of other tasks. The largest unit of organization in Caesar’s Legion is the Cohort, numbering about 480 infantrymen. Cohorts are further divided into Centuriae, which contrary to their name numbers about 80 men, and each Centuriae is divided into ten “tent groups” (Contubernia), making this the squad level of organization. Raiding parties are of this size (about eight men) and will be led by a Decanus (a squad leader, basically).
Events
Ideology
Caesar wishes to dedicate its members to a higher ideal, he seeks to prevent humanity from fracturing and destroying itself again.[1] As Caesar conquers the peoples of the wasteland, he strips them of their tribal identities and merges them into his forces. The non-tribal people who live in Legion-controlled territory are not considered legionaries.[24] He believes that the only way to achieve this is through enforcing a culture that obliterates the identity of every group it conquers. The individual has no value beyond his utility to the state, whether as an instrument of war or production.[2] Caesar firmly believes that mankind requires warriors and their sacrifice, rather than gadgets that allow for bloodless victories.[25] Caesar describes the Legion's culture as one that "forbids painkillers and is largely ignorant of medical science."[26]
Caesar cites the NCR as an example of government corruption by wealthy brahmin barons and landowners, greed permeating every level of society.[27] The Legion is intended to be the Republic's opposite, shunning democracy in favor of a strong, centralized rule that would prevent fragmentation and internal weakness.[28]
This opposition is based on his interpretation of Hegelian dialectics, where the thesis (NCR) and the antithesis (Caesar's Legion) will inevitably form a synthesis at the resolution of the conflict, eliminating flaws and leaving a new quality, with common elements and ideas. He likens the situation between the NCR and the Legion to the transformation of the ancient Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.[29][30]
Organization
Ranks
Image | Name | Members | Game |
---|---|---|---|
Centurion | Centurions | Fallout: New Vegas
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Consul | Consul | Fallout: New Vegas
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Cursor | Cursor | Fallout: New Vegas
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Decanus | Decanus | Fallout: New Vegas
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Frumentarii | Frumentarii | Fallout: New Vegas
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Legate | Legates | Fallout: New Vegas
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Legion Explorer | Legion Explorers | Fallout: New Vegas
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Legion Vexillarius | Legion Vexillarius | Fallout: New Vegas
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Legionary | Legionaries | Fallout: New Vegas
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Master of the Hounds | Master of the Hounds | Fallout: New Vegas
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Praetorian Guard | Praetorian Guard | Fallout: New Vegas
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Society
Cassandra Moore mentions that she has heard the Legion doesn't allow women in the military, considering them nothing more than breeding stock.[31][Pub 4] Jimmy states that women are treated as a form of currency, and that homosexuality is punished by death.[32][33] Veronica, when asked about the Legion, states that they "Mount their soldiers as much as they mount their women."[34] Cass also states to a male Courier with the Confirmed Bachelor perk Courier that she "doesn't like soft living or soft men" to which Cass states that he has a "Legion outlook on things".[35] Major Knight also confides to a male homosexual Courier that the Legion is "a little more forgiving about... friendships."[36] Some NCR citizens believe the Legion practices cannibalism.[37]
Slavery
Anyone outside the Legion ranks or under their rule is considered to be "dissolute" or are called "profligates," referring to those lacking morals. Freshly caught individuals are called "captures."[38][39] They are given a new name and wear rags with a bright red X painted over the chest.[40] Some captures and slaves are forced to wear slave collars to ensure their docility.[41] Slavery is managed by the Consul Officiorum ab Famulatus. Consul Officiorum typically acts through his representatives or administrators, who handle sales, bargaining, and issuing legal documents, such as bills of sale.[42]
Trade
Dale Barton often prefers to trade in Legion territories, saying that he finds it cheaper as he doesn't have to hire protection on most occasions, nor does he have to pay taxes, due to the effectiveness of Legion suppression of raiders and wasteland creatures.[17] Cass admits that caravan life would be much easier if the Legion controlled the roadways instead of the NCR.[43] She states that if towns could be provided the same level of security as roads, they would likewise be tempted to capitulate.[44] The Legion does not allow the trading of drugs and alcohol, punishing those they capture with the illicit substances.[17][45][46][47]
Assimilated Tribes
Name | Details | Ref |
---|---|---|
Blackfoot | One of the original seven tribes. | [48] |
Fredonians | One of the original seven tribes. | [49] |
Hangdogs | Conquered by Legate Lanius. | [50] |
Hidebarks | The home tribe of Legate Lanius. | [51] |
Kaibabs | One of the original seven tribes. | [49] |
Painted Rock | Members of this tribe are some of the longest-serving and most dangerous veterans. | [52] |
Ridgers | The first tribe conquered and exterminated by Blackfoots. | [53] |
Sun Dogs | Conquered by Dead Sea's contingent. | [54] |
Twin Mothers | Destroyed, the recipe for bitter drink remains their legacy. | [55] |
Twisted Hairs | The home tribe of Ulysses, crucified along Interstate 40. | [56] |
Overviews
Glossary
Term | Topic | Refs |
---|---|---|
Aeternit Imperi | On the Legion Aureus | |
Amicus | Greeting | |
Ave | Greeting | |
Cedo Nulli | I yield to no one | |
In damnatio memoraie | An enemy of the Legion in perpetuity | |
Decimatio | Decimation, a punishment for cowardice | |
Dissolute | People who do not belong to Caesar's Legion | |
Divide et impera | Divide and conquer | |
Honestas, Industria, Prudentia | Honesty, Industry, Prudence | |
In hoc signo taurus vinces | In the sign of the bull you will conquer | |
Lanius | Butcher | |
Magnum Chasma | On the Legion Denarius | |
Pax Per Bellum | On the Legion Aureus | |
Pax Romana | Long-term stability at all costs | |
Profligate | Civilized people who do not belong to Caesar's Legion | |
Rubicon | Name of a river, a point of no return | |
Vale | Farewell | |
Victus Aula | Food hall |
Notes
- Veronica will likely leave when the Brotherhood bunker is destroyed, Craig Boone will leave when one kills NCR soldiers, and Arcade Gannon will leave when the Courier's reputation with the Legion rises too high. Cass allows the player character to work with the Legion despite her dislike for them, and Raul Tejada is somewhat supportive due to their ability to provide security.[24] It is possible to maintain all companions through a mix of not speaking to Gannon, not traveling with Boone while killing NCR soldiers, and for Veronica, destroying the bunker when she is not present.
- Although initially neutral towards the player character, Legion patrols in the Mojave Wasteland are openly hostile towards most travelers, including prospectors and Traveling Merchants, and will attack them on sight.
- A female Courier will not be allowed to fight in the arena, regardless of reputation or progress in the game. An exception is made, should the female Courier choose to fight Benny to the death during Render Unto Caesar, as well as with Lupa during the quest Nothin' But a Hound Dog.
- Many characters make comments about the Legion's future leadership, in that without Caesar, the Legion will fall to in-fighting without him, including Mr. House, Marcus, and Joshua Graham.[72][73][74]
Appearances
Caesar's Legion appears only in Fallout: New Vegas.
Behind the scenes
Gallery
Texture file from barge world object
References
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- ↑ Behind the Bright Lights & Big City; True to Caesar: "2226 - The boy who would become Caesar is born."
- ↑ Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide Collector's Edition p. 41: "Caesar's Legion: This horde of cruel, yet highly disciplined slavers has spread across the southwest like an all-consuming flame. Founded by a fallen member of the Followers of the Apocalypse, Caesar's Legion is effectively an enormous, conscripted slave army. As Caesar conquers the peoples of the wasteland, he strips them of their tribal identities and turns their young men into ruthless legionaries and women into breeding stock. Unlike the rag-tag Raiders back east, Caesar's "Legionaries" neither look nor act like haphazard, irregular troops. They are well organized, moving and attacking in large packs, and deliberately commit atrocities to terrorize those who might dare oppose them.
True, Caesar is the perfect man. But he is not just a man: he is the Son of Mars, ordained by the god of war to conquer all Earth. To prepare the way, Mars razed the Earth, cleansed it with fire, and brought the weak and the wicked low; and now his son has come to deliver the wasteland from chaos and barbarism. To follow Caesar is to obey the will of Mars; to disobey is to condemn oneself to death. As the Son of Mars, Caesar has the divine right to demand servitude from all he encounters. Not everyone believes that Caesar is the product of a god's loins, of course. The most recently captured slaves tend to be pretty skeptical. But they aren't very vocal in their criticisms, and their children are raised not by skeptical parents but by priestesses appointed to that task by virtue of their knowledge of an adherence to the state religion.
Nearly all physically capable, compliant males are compelled to serve in its armed forces. The primary value of pre-menopausal females is to serve as breeding stock (with Caesar or a legate governing how they are assigned to males), though they, like older females and less physically-capable men, are also used to perform a variety of other tasks. The largest unit of organization in Caesar's Legion is the Cohort, numbering about 480 infantrymen. Cohorts are further divided into Centuriae, which contrary to their name numbers about 80 men, and each Centuriae is divided into ten "tent groups" (Contubernia), making this the squad level of organization. Raiding parties are of this size (about eight men) and will be led by a Decanus (a squad leader, basically).
Caesar desires two things: a Carthage, and a Rome. In the NCR he has at last found a grand adversary, against which he can wage a military campaign worthy of history books. And in Vegas, powered and watered by its great dam, he has found a capital worthy of, well, a Caesar. Contrary to the old saw, Rome will be built in a day. All it takes is plentiful slave labor, and Caesar has that in spades."
(Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide/Faction profiles) - ↑ Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide Collector's Edition p. 461: "Important Dates
2247 He declares himself Caesar. Within a week, he is leading the tribe on ever more ambitious raids against neighboring bands of raiders and tribals, growing his forces by taking slaves."
(Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide; Behind the Bright Lights & Big City) - ↑ Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide Collector's Edition pp. 460-461: "True to Caesar"
"Many years have passed, and by post-apocalyptic standards, Caesar's accomplishments have been prodigious. But the man's hunger for greatness has never been sated. Having assembled a loose nation of slavers and slaves, having won countless "wars" against inferior peoples, secretly he still feels like an upstart, an amateur-a barbaric King of the Gauls, instead of a lofty emperor of Rome.
To advance, he needs two things: a Carthage and a Rome. In the NCR he has at last found a great adversary, against which he can wage a military campaign worthy of history books. (Indeed, worth teaching his subordinates how to read and write, so that future generations can read his own Commentarii.) And in Vegas, powered and watered by its great dam, he has found a capital worthy of, well, a Caesar. Contrary to the old saw, Rome will be built in a day. With that out of the way, the next step will be to proclaim his apotheosis. All good Roman emperors became gods, although that was usually done posthumously...
Besides a (highly unlikely) military defeat, Caesar fears one thing only: exposure. The denizens of the wastes are too ignorant to realize that his entire empire is a grand act of plagiarism, but the Followers of the Apocalypse know exactly who he is and what he has done. Should his tribe discover that he cribbed the entire culture from books about ancient Rome, rather than having its customs dictates dictated to him by Mars...well, it's very unlikely that could happen. And he won't let it happen. That is why his forces have a standing order to kill all Followers of the Apocalypse on sight, and to brutalize all 'civilized' or learned captives and haul them before Caesar's interrogators. Those who make the mistake of saying, 'Hey, you guys, it's like you're emulating the ancient Roman empire,' end up as severed heads on poles."
(Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide; Behind the Bright Lights & Big City) - ↑ Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide/Tour of the Mojave Wasteland; Victus Aula (Food Hall)
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