Caravan Company
Informal Names: Traders
Headquarters: NCR, The Hub
Founding: Sometime before 2151
The Caravan Company is a diverse organization in terms of demographics
Governance: Profit-First Governance Philosophy
Governing Body President / CEO
Currency: Bottlecaps
Brahmin Caravans: ~400 or More
Wagons and Carts: Roughly 100–150 wagons or carts
The Caravan Company is a well-organized merchant organization, working like a well-oiled machine.
”Established long ago in California, the Caravan Company and the Gun Runners are two of NCR's oldest and most powerful merchant organizations.”
— Fallout: New Vegas loading screens
Background
Fallout: New Vegas
The Caravan Company has a rich history rooted in the establishment of trade routes and economic influence across the wasteland. Known for its longevity and expansionist approach, Caravan has become one of the most powerful and recognized trading companies in the Fallout universe, especially in the New California Republic (NCR) and Mojave regions.
- Founding in the Hub: The Crimson Caravan Company was founded in The Hub, one of the first and most significant trading centers in post-apocalyptic California. This early economic hub emerged after the Great War as a central point for trade and commerce, drawing survivors, farmers, and merchants together. Crimson Caravan rose to prominence alongside other major players in the Hub, such as the Far Go Traders, by establishing organized, armed, and reliable caravans.
- Early Competition: The company faced early competition from other caravan companies, including the Far Go Traders and the Water Merchants. However, Crimson Caravan distinguished itself through business practices and efficient operations, outlasting or absorbing rivals over time.
N-14 Canon
”Rule number one: don’t fall asleep. Rule number two: don’t trust anyone not on the payroll. Rule number three? Make it back alive. Simple enough, right?”
- Caravan Guard TraineeIn the current timeline of Nuclear-14, Caravan is one of the most prominent and stable trading companies. It operates in key areas across NCR territory and into the Wasteland, securing profits through exclusive contracts and maintaining close connections with major factions. In the Sunnyvale, it faces unique challenges but remains a critical supplier for both NCR and local factions. Under the management of capable and calculating leaders, Caravan Company continues its growth, maintaining a strong grip on trade and extending its influence as far as the wasteland allows.
Overall, Caravan stands as an iconic institution within the N-14, representing the resilience and expansionist drive of post-war capitalism, as well as the moral compromises made to survive and thrive in the wasteland.
The Mission
The mission of the Caravan Company can be viewed as a blend of corporate ambition, survivalism, and control over the wasteland's economy. While the company focuses primarily on maximizing profit and ensuring the success of its trade routes, its broader mission aligns with the post-apocalyptic ethos of capitalistic dominance and the necessity of maintaining a stable, profitable existence in a world of uncertainty and danger.
Culture & Society
- Profit-Oriented: The driving force of Crimson Caravan is a focus on profit. Its employees, from the caravan guards to the higher-ups in management, are deeply aware that their livelihood depends on the success of the business. This creates a culture where personal loyalty to the company, and the pursuit of wealth, are highly valued.
- Survival of the Fittest: This is not just a business model; it’s a survivalist mentality. The wasteland is a dangerous place, and the company’s culture reflects the need to be constantly vigilant. Guards and mercenaries must adapt quickly to new threats, while other employees must be resourceful and self-sufficient. Toughness and resilience are prized virtues within Caravan’s corporate society.
Trivia
The Caravan Company focuses on reliable, rugged technologies in their activities. Its primary advantages are its industrial and agricultural capabilities , allowing the company to manufacture goods cheaply in large quantities and cultivate crops and livestock for sale and use.
Though primarily based in California and the Mojave, Caravan has branches in several key wasteland areas, including New California Republic territory. It plays an important role in resource distribution, providing goods to both the NCR and independent settlements.