Fallout: New Vegas Diary

[Bou]

This is something new I'm trying. Putting my writing talent to a test through a video game. Heh. Fallout games allow you to make your own character, male or female. And the only time the character talks is through dialogue options that you get to pick. This leaves the thoughts and emotions of the character up to you. It's your avatar, more or less. I make a ton of characters for these games but this will be my first time doing this type of thing.

I'll be doing it with my character, Shinji, who is a regular of mine when it comes to character creations in a game like this.

The actual diary is done in the font "Segoe Print" as it adds a "handwritten" feel to it so it may help if you have the font, as you'll be able to see it. I think. Not sure how these boards work.

Name: Shinji Camui
Race: Asian
Age: 19

Note: This "diary" will include adventures added by mods. So, not material found in the source game.

Screen Shots:

Shinji


People of Goodsprings




Crimson Caravan Company


Miscellaneous People



Powder Gangers


Creatures

[Bou]

Day 1: A Delivery Gone Bad...
I was shot and buried up at the Goodsprings Cemetery. A Securitron robot by the name of Victor dug me out and the local doctor patched me up. Doc Mitchell is his name. He said he had to go rooting around in my skull, to get all the lead out. It seems so unreal.

I remember the man in the checkered suit. I remember he pointed his gun at me and then the gun fired. Everything went dark. I should be dead. But I'm not.

After going through some mundane tests by the doctor, I was set loose and given all of my belongings that was dug up with me. The delivery order, some caps, a pistol, and a small amount of ammo. Not much, but it will do.

The doc also gave me his old Vault 21 suit, seeing as my own clothes seemed to have vanished while I was unconscious. Can't say I care for this suit, but I'd rather not expose myself to the people in town, so it'll do.

I spoke to Victor. He spoke almost like a human. Strange for a robot. Even stranger that I'm referring to this hunk of metal as a he. Whatever. He told me that he dug me up after he laid low and scooted me off to the doctor post haste. He wasn't much help, information wise.

Following up on something the doctor said, I decided to head to the Prospector saloon to meet up with a woman named Sunny Smiles. He said she could teach me how to survive in the Mojave. Considering I was almost killed, I guess I could do with a little relearning.

Damned mutt. If it wasn't for Sunny stopping her, that dog of her's would have decorated the floor. After getting my bearings back from the near encounter with Cheyenne, Sunny's dog, I talk to the woman.

Day 1, Cont: Back in the Saddle
She tells me a little of the surrounding area and then agrees to help me. Meeting her behind the saloon, she hands me a varmint rifle, she instructs me to shoot three Sarsaparilla bottles off the fence posts. Quite the childish activity but it helped get the feeling back.

Sunny must have caught on. She made an offhand mention that she wasn't here to teach me how to "fight" Sarsaparilla bottles. Heh. Smart girl. She had a job to do, said there would be some caps in it for me if I came along. Well, I can't say no to money, now can I? The job is to clear out the wells around Goodsprings of Geckos.

Nasty critters. Sunny mentioned that Doc Mitchell spends most of his time fixing up Gecko bites. Arriving at the area, Sunny instructs me to head up to the well and take care of the overgrown lizards.

There were only two, but they move fast. Thankfully, being shot didn't completely ruin me. I'm still good with a gun, if I do say so myself. Got one before they noticed my presence and shot down the other before it could reach me. Three shots in all.

Getting a compliment felt good. Sunny mentioned two more wells. I agreed to tag along and she gave me some extra ammo for the rifle. Clearing out the second well was easy enough. Even got to see Cheyenne tear a Gecko's arm right off.

The third one... It was a bit more tricky. There was a civilian. I could have just fired without care, but I was trying to make a good impression. I don't know why. We got the Geckos surrounding the civilian. She was okay, not unscathed, but okay. Walked away with a slight limp.

She had been there to get some water. Fair enough. What else would you be doing at a well? She gave me three bottles of purified water as a reward. I was feeling a bit thirsty so I downed one right then and there. Sunny approached me and handed me fifty caps and offered to teach me one more thing.

Day 1, Cont: By a Campfire on the Trail
How to make something. She instructs me to get some Xander Root, which can be found by the Goodsprings schoolhouse and Broc flower, which grows up near the Cemetery. The cemetery huh? Maybe I'll visit my grave while I'm up there.

Heading back towards Goodsprings I come across an old refrigerator from the days before the war. It's suffered a lot of wear and tear. Inside was a skeleton. Nothing worthwhile, but I noticed a hat, still in nice condition. Picking the hat up, I stuffed it into my bag.

Well, Bones there didn't need it anymore. I wonder if whoever it was, tried to survive the nuclear holocaust by hiding in the fridge. With that small detour out of the way, I head back into Goodsprings, first heading over to the schoolhouse. Some minor critters were there.

Just some mantis nymphs, nothing too troubling. One shot each from my 9mm ended them. Finding three Xander Root not long after, I decided to pick them all. Sunny wasn't specific on the number I would need. Putting the plants safely into my bag, I then set out for the cemetery. A bark scorpion was the only thing in my path. I'd say the Bloatflies were as well, but they're nothing more than a nuisance.

Well, I wasn't lying. I stopped by my grave. There was a bag on top of the dirt mound. Shuffling through it, I find two hologram notes. Plugging them into the Readius I carry with me, they pop up after a few seconds of scanning. One addressed to myself, the other to as woman named Sarah. I don't know any Sarah. Do I? I guess I do. This is my voice in this hologram note... Huh? Strange. I don't remember. Oh well, I guess I'll find out in time.

Getting up off the ground I look around the small, makeshift cemetery for the flower. In my search I found a pre-war snow globe of Goodsprings. Still in decent condition. For some reason, I felt the need to hold onto it, and shoved it into my bag. It didn't take me long after that to find the Broc Flower. There was only one in bloom. I picked it.

Heading back to Sunny, I took in the general area. Noticed a cave entrance up on a hill. Maybe I'd check it out later. Once I got back to Sunny, she told me what to do, heading to the campfire she gathered around, I bent down and began the process of mixing the plants, grinding them down into a fine powder. Folks on the trail (Sunny's words) call it Healing Powder. It helps, but has a side effect. Blurred vision for a few hours. No long term damage, but I wouldn't use it, I'd rather use the stimpacks, sold by doctors. I appreciate her teaching me, but I'd make it just to sell, if anything.

She complimented me again. Heh. It was getting late. The sun was going down. Had it been that long already? She mentioned she was going to head back to Goodsprings. She also asked me to stop by the saloon before I decided to leave town, talk to Trudy, the owner. I guess I could do that. Besides, I'd want to stay the night in a building at least. No harm, no foul.

Day 1, Cont: Barton the Fink
On the way back to Goodsprings a man ran up to me, looking distressed. He begged for help. Said his girl was trapped up on the ridge, past the broken radio tower. Said Geckos had her pinned down. Feeling a bit uneasy about this, I agreed to help this man. He said his name was Barton Thorn.

Heading up the ridge I noticed some Xander Root and Broc Flower. It wouldn't hurt to pick them, so I did so, and killed a Gecko that was trying to sneak up on me.

Barton wasn't lying. There was Geckos up here. At least ten. I didn't bother counting. I skinned a few for their hide and meat on my way up. Reaching the top of the ridge. I saw no sign of a woman. No body or anything. Well, there was a body, but it was of a man. No signs of a woman. There was a footlocker and a fridge at the top of the ridge. They were stocked with various things. Odd.

On the way back down the mountain, Barton came running up, I planned on asking him why the wild goose chase, but I noticed he had a 9mm Pistol in his hand, and a look on his face.

"Sorry I tricked you" he says to me while brandishing his weapon. There was no woman, he just wanted someone to clear out the Geckos so he could get to the stash at the top. Kill whoever did it. I don't know if he hesitated or what, but I put two bullets into his chest.

I killed a man. I don't believe I was in the wrong, he had planned on doing the same to me. It was kill or be killed. Hell, they say that's the law of the Wasteland. Seems to be pretty true. He deserved his death.

Day 1, Cont: Fixing Things
On the way inside the saloon, I bumped into an old man, who introduced himself as "Easy" Pete. So many jokes could be made from that. I asked him why he was called that.

Couldn't contain my curiosity. He claimed that he used to be prospector until he decided to take it easy and settle down. Now he spends most of his days herding the Brahmin and Bighorners.

I didn't think he'd have any information, but I decided to ask if he knew anything about the men who shot me. The only thing he said was that the one in the fancy suit seemed to be calling the shots. Well, it was more than I had expected out of the old man, truth be told.

As a parting bit of advice, he told me to keep my gun nearby, especially if I went poking in old buildings, like the schoolhouse. After the brief conversation with Easy Pete, I headed on into the Prospector saloon. There was a man there, having an altercation with the woman, Trudy, demanding to know where Ringo is. Claimed he'd get his boys and burn the whole town down if they didn't turn him over.

Trudy didn't seem impressed and shrugged his threat off. Can't say I blame her, responding to the taunt would have given him reason to cause a ruckus. He ran out, but not before looking right at me asking me very bluntly "The hell is your problem?" I ignored him and then introduced myself to Trudy after he ran out of the saloon.

After some discussion with her, I found out a few things. That the man in the fancy suit was heading to The Strip. At least I had a vague direction now, if I want revenge. Can't say it's a bad looking option right now.

The man she was arguing with is Joe Cobb, a powder ganger. Escaped convicts turned into a gang who likes to play with dynamite and other explosives. The NCR is stretched too think across the Mojave, and dealing with Caesar's Legion, to be able to deal out the law on them, so, small settlements are perfect targets for these lowlifes.

The final thing I learned is she doesn't quite care for Victor, the robot who rescued me. Said there's something off about him. She also told me where to find this Ringo, if I wanted to know the full story. Of course, I could take this information to Joe Cobb. However, this town has done good by me, first saving my life and then getting me back on my feet. I couldn't betray their hospitality like that.

She made mention of her radio being busted during the conversation. I offered to repair it for her, which she agreed to let me look at it. One of the men traveling with the man in the fancy suit busted it. Asshole. Examining the radio, I discovered it was just a few simple parts had popped loose during the fall. It was easy enough to fix. Trudy was happy to hear music pour from it once again. An easy seventy-five caps (I had to haggle an extra twenty-five from her) and a discount at the bar for myself. Not bad.

Headed into one of the houses to get some rest. Stumbled upon a strange bottle cap. It had a blue star imprinted on it. Doubt I'd be able to use this one for money, so I'll stash it somewhere safe. I'll stop by the general store tomorrow and see if they have any decent clothes for me. With the caps I made today, I should be able to afford something. For now, I'm going to get some rest. I've had a long and eventful day. Rest is much needed.

Day 2: Goodsprings Cave
Woke up early, but felt refreshed. Decided to take a stroll around the town. Found another one of those blue-star bottle caps. Stashing it away in a safe place, I pat the pocket on my bag. Still early, general store surely wouldn't be open yet. Remembering that cave I spotted yesterday, I decided to head for it. Three coyotes, one a pup, were hanging around outside the cave. Gives me a good idea of what to expect inside the cavern, though.

My exploration was interrupted. Before I went into the cave, a man ran up the hill, acting like he wanted to trade. But he came clean, saying lying wasn't in his nature. His name is Malcolm. Said he had been following me for a bit. I'd guess since not long after I left the house this morning. He noticed me pick up a blue-star bottle cap. Said there was something to them. A legend.

Asking him why he didn't say anything earlier, his response was simple, and fair. He had to make sure of my disposition, as there are plenty of people out there, that would just as soon as shoot a man, as talk to them. The blue-star caps are apparently called Sunset Sarsaparilla Stars.

A treasure is connected to these caps apparently. You have to collect enough of them though and the treasure is apparently guarded by a man named Festus. I admit, I'm intrigued and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of these caps. As we parted ways, Malcolm warned me to keep an eye out for a man named Allen Marks, as he's killed people over these star caps.

Malcolm mentioned he used to collect these caps but gave it up. Hm... A quick slip of the hand into his pocket, and I come back with six of them. Hey, he said he gave it up. They're of no use to him anymore. Don't judge me, diary. At least I didn't do like this Allen fellow he warned me about.

Well, it's about time I head into the cave. Small cave. Full of coyotes. Easy enough critters to take out. The place stinks. Smells of blood. Skinning each coyote for their hide and some meat as I move further into the cave. And it wasn't long I found the source of the small. Large pool of water, coated red from meat and blood from their prey.

A little further exploration and I discovered three bodies. One a ghoul, the other two human. Well, ghouls are human too... Well, I'm not going into that. Not here, when there is no one to argue with. Ugh, can't stand this smell anymore, time to get out of this damned cave. Time to go to the general store.

Bought some extra ammo for the varmint rifle and my 9mm Pistol and got a set of clothes. Also asked Chet, the owner of the general store, what he thought of the situation with Joe Cobb and the Powder Gangers. He thinks the town should hand Ringo over and not get mixed up with it. Quickly, he stated to not mistake that for coward talk, that the town is a town of survivors, and will fight tooth and nail if pushed, but they don't look for trouble. No matter what he says, I think he's a fucking coward.

Day 2, Cont: Schoolhouse
Leaving the general store, I remember something Easy Pete said. Something about the schoolhouse. I doubt there is anything worthwhile in there, but I decided to check it out anyway. I mean, it couldn't hurt anything, right?

I don't know why I'm sticking around Goodsprings. I should head out for Primm or The Strip. Nah... I know why. I want to make sure these Powder Gangers don't try anything.

Well, I was right. Nothing much in the Schoolhouse. Scattered bottle caps, some critters, mantis that is, and dust. Well, I did find a safe and it wasn't that hard to break into. The lock was picked quite easily. Wasn't a lot in there. Some booze, RadAway, a few stimpacks, and a Stealth Boy.

Bumped into Joe Cobb on the east side of town. Got some information, though not intentionally, out of him about Ringo. Ringo's a trader who didn't pay the toll for being in Cobb's "territory" and as a result, Cobb feels he has to pay. Well, considering his attitude he had with me in the saloon and now this idiocy, I think I'll head up and talk to Ringo.

Entering the gas station, Ringo pulled his sidearm and demanded to know who I was. I assured him I wasn't an enemy. He relaxed and wanted to know if I wanted to play a game of Caravan with him. I didn't have a deck of cards, but he lent me his. With a deck of cards now, I played a hand with him. It wasn't an easy game but I walked away with fifty-two more bottle caps.

After the game, I decided to ask him what happened between him and the Powder Gangers. His story conflicted with Cobb's. There was no mention of a toll, just an ambush and before there was even a mention of "hands up" that the bullets were flying. Ringo said he took out a couple of them but there was too many. And now, here he was, hiding out in the gas station--former gas station--in Goodsprings. Their stories might conflict, but considering Cobb is an escaped convict, that makes Ringo's story easier to believe.

I offered to help him with his problem but he wasn't for it. Said we'd just be sharing a grave together. However, he agreed to it, if I could convince Sunny Smiles to help out. She's a good shot with her rifle so I could see why he'd want her as back up. I agreed. I'd talk to Sunny in the morning. It was late by the time I left the gas station and I was feeling a bit on the tired side. Goodnight, diary.

Day 3: Ghost Town Gunfight
Went to the saloon first thing. Sunny and Cheyenne were there. In their usual spot. I only mentioned that I was thinking of helping Ringo deal with Joe Cobb and his friends and she was all for it. That was damned easy.

I wanted to make sure she was okay with it. She was, she said she'd wind up fighting them one or another. But she voiced the same concern as Ringo, that just the three of us wouldn't be enough. She said if I could convince Trudy to rally up the town, we'd have a fighting chance.

She said a silver-tongue would help in convincing Trudy, or proving I have some know how when it comes to shoot outs. I may be good with a gun, but I think I'll rely on my linguistics on Trudy. Also mentioned that Easy Pete has a stash of dynamite that could come in handy and that Chet recently got a shipment of leather armor in.

Even with the town at stake, Chet wouldn't simply give us. I'll need to either pay him full price or some how talk him into giving them to us. Doc Mitchell probably has some medical supplies in stock. Wouldn't be anything for him to part with them, I'm sure.

While I'm in the saloon, I guess I should stroll around to the bar and talk to Trudy, see if I can't work the magic. Although I mentioned it sarcastically, that the bullets and explosions would be a lot of fun, it seemed to do the trick. Said she was going to sit it out, but can't help but like me.

She'd gather the town up. Now's all that's left is to talk to Easy Pete, Chet, and Doc. Maybe I'll stroll up and see if the Securitron, Victor, want's in on this. Would be a big help for the robot to join in.

Seeing as the general store is next to the saloon, I'll stop on in and have a chat with Chet. A thousand cap investment, he says. I may have double that amount on me, but I'm not paying for it. I quickly let him know that if the town falls, those caps won't do him any good.

He seems to have understood and agreed to outfit the town for free. Also said that he would be guarding his store, so he wouldn't be outside during the fighting. I think I was right in thinking this guy was a coward.

Oh well, off to the Doc's. Doc didn't need any convincing. He handed over the medical supplies once I told him the town was going to be attacked soon by bandits. All that's left is Victor and Easy Pete. Victor agreed to lend his firepower without any convincing.

Easy Pete on the other hand... He's being a bit stubborn in forking over his dynamite. I can't say I blame him. Without proper use, they can become a hindrance rather than a help. I'll have to come back to him.

Read up on some explosives in a magazine called "Patriot's Cookbook" that I found in one of the buildings. Interesting read. With my new found knowledge, I returned to Pete to try again. He didn't seem fully convinced but convinced enough to share some dynamite. I guess I should head back to Ringo with this news.

Seems I got back to him just in time as Cobb has gathered up his friends. Maybe he got wind of what we were up to. Oh well, we've got to face them head on. Here's hoping no one (but the enemy) dies in this conflict.

...That didn't even last five minutes. I would be lying if I said it went according to plan. It didn't, I didn't have a plan to be honest. I lit a dynamite and threw it. Blindly. A lucky throw, as it took out the majority of the charging enemy, Cobb included. Sunny got the last guy. He escaped the blast and was charging me with a meat cleaver. He would have slashed me before I had time to get my side arm up. That woman's good to have on your side. We didn't lose anyone either. All in all, I think Goodsprings is safe from here on out. No doubt this news will get out.

Ringo approached me and gave me one-hundred caps. He didn't have to pay, but I won't deny I appreciate it. He said he owed me a big favor. I think the caps are enough of a payment but if that's how he feels, then that's how he feels. He told me the location of the Crimson Caravan camp, and to look him up if I'm ever in the neighborhood. I might just do that.

I wonder if it's truly wrong to loot the dead. Ah well. I personally don't care. They're dead, they do not need it. It can aid me in the future. That's how I feel. Looting around the dead bodies of Cobb and his gang, I didn't find much, except for the .357 Magnum on Cobb's body. I'll take that... Yoink, as they say.

I think I'll relax the rest of the day at the saloon, knock back a few, then head off to dreamland when night falls. It was a good day. A good victory. I think a few drinks and sleep is deserved. Until tomorrow, diary. As a final note, I noticed Victor was nowhere to be seen... I'll have a talk with the robot tomorrow.