Decanus Severus is a member of Caesar's Legion, serving as quartermaster and second-in-command to Centurion Aurelius of Phoenix at Cottonwood Cove in the Mojave Wasteland in Fallout: New Vegas.
Background[]
Once serving as the leader of his own contubernium while assigned to the Legion garrison in the cove, sometime before 2281, Severus transitioned to the role of quartermaster after Aurelius arrived and took command of the cove.[1]
In his role as quartermaster, beyond taking care of the stocks of equipment and the spoils of war brought back by raiding parties, Severus also coordinates Legion patrols. The biggest problem faced by Aurelis' garrison is not the fact that the NCR avoids engagement with their raiding parties, particularly after the sabotage of Camp Searchlight by Vulpes Inculta, but rather that the army's liberal use of land mines allows them to cover large swaths of the countryside and curtail Legion operations, with Severus' men presently unable to develop a reliable method of disarming them.[2][3]
Interactions with the player character[]
Interactions overview[]
| Interactions | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
This character is involved in quests. | |
Quests[]
- Arizona Scavenger: Severus will accept a trade of NCR dogtags for food, weapons, armor or ammunition and Legion fame once the player character passes a 35 Barter skill check with Aurelius of Phoenix.
Other interactions[]
- With a 50 Explosives skill level, one can teach Severus how to disarm NCR frag mines, earning Experience Points and a small amount of Caesar's Legion Fame.
- An exploit exists that allows this to be repeated numerous times by choosing the option "Do you see much action against the NCR?" followed by "That is all for now," then choosing the option "I can show you how to disarm the NCR's mines" and passing the Explosive skill check again, garnering small amounts of XP and Legion fame repeatedly.
- If one has acquired the schematics for powder charges, they can teach Severus how to craft them, earning a moderate amount of Caesar's Legion Fame. The schematics can be found in cell block B of the NCR Correctional Facility on the first left top bunk inside the first locked cell on the left.
Trade items[]
Decanus Severus will trade NCR dogtags in varying amounts in exchange for certain items and differing amounts of Legion fame (see bugs).
Weapons: (Note: asking to redeem for weapons immediately removes five dogtags from the player's inventory)
- 20-25 NCR dogtags → 9mm SMG, +1 to Legion Fame
- 25 NCR dogtags → laser pistol, +1 to Legion Fame
- 30 (25) NCR dogtags → 10mm SMG, +1 to Legion Fame
- 50 NCR dogtags → laser rifle, +1 to Legion Fame
Armor: (Note: asking to redeem for armor immediately removes five dogtags from the player's inventory)
- 15 NCR dogtags → leather armor, +1 to Legion Fame
- 20 NCR dogtags → Leather armor, reinforced, +1 to Legion Fame
Explosives:
- 3 NCR dogtags → frag grenade or dynamite, +1 to Legion Fame
Ammunition:
- 1 NCR dogtag → 10 rounds of .22LR, 9mm, .357, 10mm, 20 gauge, or small energy cells, +1 to Legion Fame
Food:
- 1 NCR dogtag → 1 random food item, +1 to Legion Fame
- 3 NCR dogtags → 1 random food item, +4 to Legion Fame
- 5 NCR dogtags → 1 random food item, +12 to Legion Fame
- 10 NCR dogtags → 1 random food item, no Legion Fame
Legion Fame[]
Due to several bugs with Severus' dialogue, turning in dogtags five at a time in exchange for food will yield the most fame per tag, granting +12 Legion fame for five tags. Turning in 25 dogtags five at a time is sufficient to become Liked, 10 for Accepted and 5 for Neutral. Turning in 40 tags five at a time, followed by another 3 tags in one set of three will achieve Idolized status with the Legion.
Inventory[]
| Apparel | Weapon | Other items | On death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legion prime armor Prime decanus helmet |
.44 Magnum revolver Machete gladius |
Legion ear |
Notes[]
- Severus is noticeably taller than the player character.
- Severus will refuse to interact with the player character if they have gained a negative reputation with the Legion.
Appearances[]
Decanus Severus appears only in Fallout: New Vegas.
Behind the scenes[]
- In Latin, decanus refers to a military rank of "a commander of ten soldiers," while severus is translated as "stern" or "severe."
- The character's given name has been a popular historical name, borne by several emperors and notable persons in the history of Rome.
References[]
- ↑ The Courier: "What is your role here?"
Severus: "I'm an officer of the Legion, of the rank Decanus. When we encamped, I commanded a contubernium of eight Legionaries. So I command what's left. Under the wise leadership of Centurion Aurelius, of course."
(Severus' dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "Do you see much action against the NCR?"
Severus: "As much as their cowardice will allow. The Profligates avoid open battle, but on good days we find one of their patrols. Their landmines have caused us more trouble than their marksmanship - which is lacking."
(Severus' dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "What is this place?"
Severus: "A Legion outpost. What's it look like? We crossed the river when the Profligates fled from Searchlight. From here we stage raiding parties and process captures."
(Severus' dialogue)
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