In the heart of the Mojave Wasteland, just a stone’s throw from the glittering prize of the New Vegas Strip, lies the ramshackle, yet vibrant, district of Freeside. Here, amidst the squalor and the struggle, a beacon of effortless cool shines bright: The Kings. More than just a gang, they are a philosophy, a style, and for many, the only real authority in Freeside. This in-depth guide will take you on a tour of the King’s School of Impersonation, introduce you to its charismatic leader, and detail the quests, rewards, and rich lore that make siding with The Kings one of the most memorable experiences in Fallout: New Vegas.
The Kings: More Than Just a Hairstyle
Before delving into the nitty-gritty of quests and rewards, it’s essential to understand who The Kings are. Their story begins with a young scavenger who, amidst the ruins of post-apocalyptic Las Vegas, stumbled upon the “King’s School of Impersonation.” This pre-War establishment was a shrine to a single, enigmatic figure, a man the discovery of posters and memorabilia revealed was simply known as “The King.” Inspired by this icon of charisma and rebellion, the scavenger adopted his persona, and The Kings were born.
Led by the smooth-talking, philosophically-minded man who now simply calls himself The King, this gang is less about territorial disputes and more about a code of conduct. They believe in individual freedom and respect, a stark contrast to the power-hungry factions vying for control of the Mojave. Their uniform is the iconic leather jacket and pompadour hairstyle, a visual tribute to their idol. While they control essential resources like the water pump in Freeside, they see themselves as protectors of the community, a stabilizing force in a chaotic world.
First Impressions: Meeting The King and His Crew
Your first encounter with The Kings will likely be with their second-in-command, Pacer. He’s a more abrasive and suspicious character than The King, often acting as a gatekeeper to the gang’s inner sanctum. Don’t let his prickly exterior deter you; gaining an audience with The King is the first step to unlocking a series of engaging quests and a potential alliance that can significantly impact your journey.
Once you’ve navigated past Pacer, you’ll find The King holding court in the main hall of the School of Impersonation, often with his loyal cyber-hound, Rex, by his side. The King is a reasonable and surprisingly insightful leader. He’s concerned with the well-being of Freeside’s residents and is wary of the growing NCR presence in the area.
The Royal Agenda: Quests for The Kings
Your journey with The Kings will primarily revolve around a series of quests that will test your skills in investigation, diplomacy, and combat. These quests are not only a great way to earn experience and rewards but also to delve deeper into the lore of Freeside and the complex political landscape of New Vegas.
G.I. Blues: A King’s Investigation
Your first major task for The King is the “G.I. Blues” quest. Concerned about a rival bodyguard named Orris who seems to be getting an unusual amount of repeat business, The King asks you to investigate. This quest will lead you on a trail of deception and staged muggings, revealing the lengths some will go to for a few extra caps in the unforgiving streets of Freeside.
You’ll need to hire Orris and play along with his charade, paying close attention to the details of the “attack.” A keen eye and a bit of skepticism will allow you to see through the ruse. With enough Intelligence or Medicine skill, you can expose the scam on the spot. Reporting your findings to The King will earn his trust and lead to the next stage of the quest.
The investigation then pivots to a more pressing issue: recent attacks on Freeside locals by NCR soldiers. The King tasks you with finding out why. This will lead you to the Old Mormon Fort, where you can interview the injured and piece together the events. Your investigation will ultimately reveal a misunderstanding and escalating tensions between The Kings and the NCR squatters in Freeside.
The climax of “G.I. Blues” involves a tense standoff between Pacer and a group of NCR soldiers. How you resolve this conflict will have a significant impact on your relationship with both factions. A peaceful resolution is possible and is often the most rewarding path, showcasing your diplomatic abilities and earning you a valuable favor from The King.
Nothin’ But a Hound Dog: A Cyberdog’s Salvation
One of the most memorable companions in Fallout: New Vegas is Rex, The King’s loyal cyber-hound. However, when you first meet him, Rex is suffering from neural degradation. This opens up the “Nothin’ But a Hound Dog” quest, a heartwarming and engaging journey to find a new brain for your future canine companion.
After completing “G.I. Blues,” you can speak to The King about Rex’s condition. He’ll entrust you with finding a cure. Your first stop is the Old Mormon Fort to speak with Julie Farkas, who will point you towards Doctor Henry in Jacobstown. This settlement of friendly super mutants is a trek, but the journey is well worth it for what awaits.
Doctor Henry will confirm that Rex needs a new brain, and he’ll give you three potential donors to track down:
- Rey’s Brain: Located at the Gibson Scrap Yard, this brain belonged to Old Lady Gibson’s dog. You can buy it, persuade her to give it to you with a high Barter skill, or resort to more forceful methods. This brain will give Rex the “Faithful Protector” perk, increasing his attack damage.
- Violetta’s Brain: Held by the Fiend leader Violet and her dog Violetta near the Poseidon Gas Station. Obtaining this brain will require a fight. It grants Rex the “Unshakeable Tracker” perk, boosting his movement speed.
- Lupa’s Brain: Found at The Fort, the heart of Caesar’s Legion. You’ll have to face Lupa in the arena to claim her brain. This brain provides the “Blood of the Legion” perk, giving Rex an increased Damage Threshold.
The choice of which brain to use is up to you and will permanently alter Rex’s abilities. Once you’ve secured a new brain, return to Doctor Henry in Jacobstown to complete the surgery. Rex will be cured and will become your loyal companion for the rest of your adventures in the Mojave.
King’s Gambit: The Fate of Freeside
The “King’s Gambit” quest is where your allegiance to The Kings is truly tested. This quest is initiated by Ambassador Crocker at the NCR Embassy on the Strip and tasks you with resolving the escalating conflict between the NCR and The Kings.
The primary source of this friction is Pacer, whose aggressive actions against NCR citizens have brought both factions to the brink of open conflict. You’ll be presented with a choice: either find a way to eliminate Pacer or negotiate a peaceful resolution with The King.
The Path of a Peacemaker:
If you choose diplomacy, you can leverage the favor you earned from The King during “G.I. Blues.” By calling in this favor, you can persuade The King to rein in Pacer and put a stop to the violence. This is the most straightforward and peaceful resolution, earning you the gratitude of both The King and the NCR.
The Path of an Assassin:
If you decide that Pacer is too much of a liability, the quest offers several creative ways to “remove” him from the equation without starting an all-out war:
- A Bad Trip: By discovering Pacer’s Jet addiction (either through Rotface or by finding his medical records at the Old Mormon Fort), you can spike his stash of drugs with Psycho. This will induce a fatal heart attack, making his death look like an unfortunate overdose.
- Framing the Van Graffs: You can plant a forged note on Pacer, making it seem like the Van Graffs, a rival faction dealing in energy weapons, are responsible for his troubles. This will lead Pacer to confront them, resulting in his demise at their hands.
The outcome of “King’s Gambit” has significant consequences for Freeside and your standing with the NCR. A peaceful resolution fosters cooperation, while Pacer’s death, though solving the immediate problem, can lead to further instability.
The Royal Treasury: Rewards and Benefits
Siding with The Kings offers a wealth of tangible and intangible rewards that make them a compelling choice for any Courier.
Favors from The King:
Upon successfully completing “G.I. Blues” and resolving the initial conflict with the NCR, The King will grant you a single favor. You can choose from the following:
- Join The Kings: This grants you a stylish King’s outfit and access to Sergio, the gang’s barber, who can give you free haircuts.
- Strip Passport: The King will have Mick and Ralph forge a passport for you, granting you easy access to the New Vegas Strip without the need for a credit check.
- 1000 Caps: A straightforward and immediate cash reward.
- Peace with the NCR: You can save this favor to be used during the “King’s Gambit” quest to peacefully resolve the conflict with the NCR.
Companionship and Allegiance:
Beyond material rewards, an alliance with The Kings provides you with the unwavering loyalty of Rex, one of the most unique and powerful companions in the game. Furthermore, being on good terms with The Kings makes navigating Freeside significantly safer, as their members will recognize you as a friend and ally.
The Legacy of The King
The Kings are more than just a gang of Elvis impersonators; they are a symbol of independence and resilience in a world that has been pushed to the brink. Their philosophy of individual freedom and their commitment to their community make them a force for good in the chaotic world of Fallout: New Vegas. Whether you choose to walk the path of a peacemaker or a pragmatist, your interactions with The Kings will undoubtedly be a highlight of your journey through the Mojave Wasteland. So, put on your blue suede shoes, slick back your hair, and get ready to meet the coolest cats in Freeside. Thank you, thank you very much.
