An independent New Vegas mod.

[Devilman1975]

It's been a while since this page saw any activity. I hope this idea hasn't been abandoned since an Independent New Vegas mod after the main quest is pretty high on my wish list. Some time ago I've tried one of the mods that lets the player continue after the main quest but it caused far too many problems for my liking such as three versions of Ed-E appearing, fast travel still disabled and Cannibal Johnson tagging along with the Courier only to get gunned down by securitrons outside the Strip gate.

 

I hope you won't object to a few brain farts I've just had after rereading some of the previous comments.

 

Regarding some of the smaller factions previously mentioned I would probably leave the Enclave Remants alone to enjoy their retirement especially if they contributed to the Battle of Hoover Dam.

 

The Brotherhood of Steel if left alone would be a problem to an independant Vegas especially if the NCR is no longer around to keep them in check. I've always thought it was strange that I was accepted into their ranks as a full fledged Paladin instead of being an honorary member or an outside contracter with full access to their goods. I usually initiate the self destruct sequence in their base knowing that they'll be a problem further down the line. It's just the idea of killing the two kids in Hidden Valley that bothers me. An ideal situation would be employing them to clear out the Fiends (which would be a good opportunity for them to aquire energy weapons) and arranging some kind of trade deal with the Van Graffs but I have a feeling that they would probably see it as getting the scraps from the dinner table. I certainly wouldn't want them to retake the Helios One power plant since they would eventually figure out that they have access to a powerful weapon.

 

I would like to see the Boomers as an ally to an Independant Vegas. It would be nice if they gradually lost their xenophobic outlook. In the NCR ending for the Boomers they enter a trade agreement with the Gun Runners which I am sure would be still be possible after a Independent outcome. Also if the player managed to hook up the Boomer Jack with the girl from Crimson Caravan I'm sure they can do business with them too.

 

Speaking of the NCR based companies it would be interesting to see what happens to them in an Independant Vegas mod. I'm sure that they would choose to remain in the Mojave if it helped their profit margins.

 

I would also like to see an Independent Vegas and the various settlements raise their own militias so that the security of New Vegas isn't entirely dependant upon the securitrons. I still would use the securitrons for securing Hoover Dam and other facilities like Helios One and McCarren Airport and also for patrolling the roads. Maybe repair stations can be established in the settlements for the securitrons after engaging with wasteland wildlife and raiders.

 

Also in the aftermath of the second battle of Hoover Dam it would be good to hear some comments from NCR tourists about President Kimball facing impeachment and General Oliver (if left alive) committing suicide just as Mr House predicted. I can also imagine that if Caesar and Lanius are dead the Legion will turn on itself in the inevitable power vacum. I won't object to the occasional Legion assasination squad as I'm sure that they'll still be pissed off with the Courier and anyone who can kill the Courier would be in a good position to gain leadership of the Legion. At least that's the theory anyway.

 

I think that's all the brainstorming I can manage right now at this point.

 

Cheers.

[devinpatterson]

Hi Devilman1975. Definitely trying to find the time to do some modding and the independent NV is one of my favorite story lines. Thanks for the ideas, they are what really fuel the modding for me. I'm afraid I'm at work at the moment, but when I get some free time I'll try to go into more detail with your suggestions.

[Devilman1975]

No probs, happy to help out.

 

I've just had a thought relating to the Crimson Caravan and Silver Rush. Regardless of how the side quest for Cass is carried out, I was thinking that the mod can put in replacements for Alice McLafferty and Gloria Van Graff. After completing Heartache by the Number by choosing the peaceful method I ended up with the Van Graffs being hostile towards me until I installed a mod that makes them non hostile. I was thinking that these npcs can be replaced and a new Van Graff family member can take over the Silver Rush who is actually glad that the Courier got Gloria and John Baptise kicked out of Vegas.

[devinpatterson]

No probs, happy to help out.

 

I've just had a thought relating to the Crimson Caravan and Silver Rush. Regardless of how the side quest for Cass is carried out, I was thinking that the mod can put in replacements for Alice McLafferty and Gloria Van Graff.

Well crap, just spent 5 days with really disgusting things coming out of my head holes, sooooo that was fun :(

 

Yeah definitely, for 100% sure on teh crimson caravan, they would probably move in someone asap, they'r one of the largest caravan houses in the wasteland.....and I suspect that Alice was just an employee to them, so they aren't going to let vengence get in the way of profit.....and if nothing else NV is a profitable route for them.

 

Re: the Van Graffs, I'll have to go research it, but I was under the impression you either did their bidding, killed them or turned them in. But if you turned them in, the newer patch turns them permanently hostile (as you mentioned above). I think this is by design. ie. a NCR informant relays the info that you were the guy (or gal) that tipped the NCR off to the Van Graffs dirty work.

 

So to me, it seems unlikely that new Van Graff family members are going to be glad at the way things turned out. I mean I suspect teh Van Graff's fight among themselves and all, but see any outside attack on one Van Graff as an attack on teh whole family......so the courier is on all the Van Graff's S list. From what little info I'v read on them, they don't seem to let a grudge go, and they'r ruthless about evening the score.

 

So I think any Van Graff new comers would only be non hostile because they are 1. intimidated by the couriers new found power over/in NV or 2. make a deal with the courier that is so sweet, they can overlook such a huge sleight as the courier turning in Gloria and Jean-Baptiste to teh NCR. or 3. it's a ruse, a temporary "it's only business" facade until they can put a knife in the couriers back. So to me I think it's much more likely they are hostile (openly or covertly) until you lean on them with some serious muscle or make it too profitable not to play along. And we have to remember, NV may be the jewel of the Mojave, but it's still a bit player in the Ca Republic....and the Van Graffs have deep roots in teh NCR.

 

Anyway that's my initial thoughts, let me know how you see it.

Edited April 23, 2013 by devinpatterson

[Devilman1975]

I think you're right about the Van Graffs being somewhat miffed with the Courier if he shops Gloria to the NCR authorities but would be even more so if the Courier killed the Van Graffs on behalf of the Brotherhood of Steel during the quest Tend to Your Business or going through Cass's quest the violent way.

 

In an independent Vegas, the Van Graffs and Gun Runners are weapon suppliers I would want to keep around. Especially if the player is trying to build an army for Vegas. Backed by my securitrons I would like to tell the Van Graffs that I'm happy to do business with them but I would also tell them that attacking other merchants won't be tolerated.

 

A side quest with the Van Graffs would be interesting in itself. I would also like to see side quests related to the Brotherhood and Boomers too. Would like to see if the Brotherhood can coexist with an independent Vegas.

 

I was also thinking about what Novac would be like the aftermath of Hoover Dam. I've seen the endings which states a number of Novac citizens dying in a Legion raid. Can't see the likes of Manny Vargas and Ranger Andy surviving that event. Was thinking it would be a good chance to replace some npcs, put in a new merchant and maybe add in some of the Bright Followers if the player chooses not to sabotage the rockets. I can imagine a quest where the player has to convince the surviving Novac settlers to join his new Mojave community and repel a Legion raid from Nelson.

 

If the NCR pull out of certain areas of the Mojave I can imagine that the Legion would try to retake some settlements. I can see the player having to secure Nelson again and maybe taking over some NCR camps like Forlorn Hope. Securing Cottonwood Cove with some securitrons should be considered a priority to stop the Legion coming into the Mojave by boat again.

 

Here are some links for restored settlements for an idea for what Novac and Primm could look like later on. I also use the Run the Bison Steve Motel mod as it would fit well with an Independent Vegas mod.

 

Novac Redux http://newvegas.nexusmods.com/mods/39570

Primm Restored http://newvegas.nexusmods.com/mods/46503

[TheAtmosphere]

I'd love to work on this, I've had experience with mods in the past and I'd love to be in this team, anyone else in?

 

Add me on Steam: [WS]WinningSpark

[devinpatterson]

I'd love to work on this, I've had experience with mods in the past and I'd love to be in this team, anyone else in?

 

Sounds great TheAtmosphere :thumbsup: I'm trying to get back to modding and an independent NV is one of my favorites. Though I do love the mars, sunset & the emerald city shopping mall are enticing too.....damn I need a lot more time or some clones. What areas do you feel are your strengths TheAtmosphere? I'll match them up with our to do list (and, not by coincidence, make a to do list :ermm: )

 

I'v got a friend that is a awesome resource for westerns, she grew up on them. We're right here on the edge of the Mojove, and she's shown me where some of the classic westerns were shot. She's agreed to help us write the story line, plus she's no stranger to sci-fi (she's a whovian-dr who fan), and has some fan fiction. I think she can really help us integrate some of the gritty edge of the old west into a apocalyptic setting.

 

I'd really love to make this a solid story line, that feels like a smooth, natural extension of NV. So to me, the plot is number one. I don't feel we can leave the setting as is, and simply have the player in a position of control enjoying the fruits of his/her labors. I suspect that would ultimately be a empty experience, without any spark or soul. So we need to continue his/her trials and tribulations. Some will be natural consequences of the story line (NV still being contested by legion & NCR, vengeance of House), others will be new (like Yesman and ghoulified Anthony House). I feel we *almost* have that in the plot lines on the previous pages.....we're very close. So I would love it if you guys could comment on the main story line add your input (most of it starts on page 8).

[devinpatterson]

In an independent Vegas, the Van Graffs and Gun Runners are weapon suppliers I would want to keep around. Especially if the player is trying to build an army for Vegas. Backed by my securitrons I would like to tell the Van Graffs that I'm happy to do business with them but I would also tell them that attacking other merchants won't be tolerated.

 

Yes I think it's important to keep them around for energy weapon specialists, but I suspect they will take things a whole lot more personal than the crimson caravan (we are talking family, after all). That doesn't mean it's impossible to work with them if you have a big enough stick (show of power) or carrot (profits)......or maybe a friendenemy situation where they play nice, until they believe they can axe the player. But definitely an asset to keep them in the story line if possible.

 

Crap, ran out of time, I'll try to touch on your points when I get home from work (like the faction side quests)

[snakes4sale]

You could try contacting the mastermind behind " beyond bolder dome" i suggest you have a play through of that mod because the creators seem like pros try speaking to them about your truly fantastic idea which I love and would love to see become a reality

[devinpatterson]

You could try contacting the mastermind behind " beyond bolder dome" i suggest you have a play through of that mod because the creators seem like pros try speaking to them about your truly fantastic idea which I love and would love to see become a reality

 

Run that one by me again brother, because I'm not really making the link between boulder dome and an independent New Vegas.