Fallout Lore: Baja, The Mysterious Lands of NCR Frontier

[@nvRanger]

I am seeing a lot of people commenting that Mexico was annexed by the USA by the time of the Great War. As far as I can tell, this is not the case. Mexico was invaded by the US for resources, largely oil. The US did not annex Mexico. This logic would mean the US annexed Iraq irl, it did not. I think people conflate the invasion as annexation simply because they share a border. Furthermore, the lore specifically compares the US invasion of Mexico to the European invasion of the Middle East, which is also never referred to as an annexation. The lore also states the US DID annex Canada. Why would it be clear of one annexation, and not another. I hope this clears things up, lmk if you have information that says otherwise.

[@tinmen5943]

I hope someone makes another video of this look up van buren hecate

[@johnbeniedictsantos4763]

I agree with what ur saying but maybe it was under their control would seem more likely but yeah they never annexed it

[@allenaju1856]

They occupied military in mexico to force Mexico into shipping oil up north with the help of Poseidon Company. They never owned annexed or claimed the land simply the resources. Mexico territory were sovereign until the Great War began and quickly ended. To make it more relatable the entire Middle East conflict. Yes American military is occupying areas, yes American citizens travel there, yes America is getting resources. But by no means do any country in the Middle East belong or are apart of the United States. What the NCR did is that took ownership of the resources the land and the people of Baja and brought it under their banner under their government of rule and law and under their taxes, something the United States never did during the resource wars which note they only annexed Canada for the soul reason of the high amount of oil they had, had the Great War not happened yes the entirety of Canada would be America, unlike Mexico which they were more than willing going to destabilize the entire country if that meant they got every bit of resources and oil they had and leave them to chaos. Canada would’ve been rebuilt under America image and by force if they had to.

[@danielserrano444]

Legend

[@nvRanger]

@@tinmen5943 Would love to do some Van Buren content, thanks for the rec

[@anondeilvers91]

I haven't seen this level of lore-mastery since the days of shoddy cast.

[@nvRanger]

that's some high praise, thank you.

[@colddaze6680]

I'd have to agree on that one. His voice is normal , well paced words , sentences. Well paced , more peaceful in delivery, and sounds intelligent.Not high inflections with over the top intense to point of annoying hard to listen too. Not high pitched and awkward sounding.

[@allenaju1856]

This and Dust lore series are the closest we will get. The amount of work You have put in is amazing I’ve even thrown this video around a discord for my fallout buddies

[@TylerSane5]

I think Shoddycast is the best place for a new fallout fan to start! Besides the show.

[@nvRanger]

That's awesome of you to do man. Thank you for that.

[@imspooks6604]

All this over a Mtn Dew Flavor

[@nvRanger]

Honestly, worth it

[@R-TrainExpress]

Absolutely worth it

[@TylerSane5]

I’d do it for code red 😂

[@nvRanger]

@@TylerSane5 I don't remember the name of it but that purplish blue one was my crack as a child

[@R-TrainExpress]

@@nvRanger mtn dew blackout?

[@battlesheep2552]

Seems to me more like Kimball making up some sort of existential threat in order to justify annexing Baja, so he's got the rangers looking for "weapons of mass destruction" or whatever so when they find nothing he can blame it all on bad intel. After all, Mr. House seems absolutely convinced that Kimball would do the same to New Vegas if the Legion wasn't there maintaining an uneasy balance, so it would make sense if there was precedence.

[@nvRanger]

Oh I love that theory and connection to Bush/US and Iraq. Great idea.

[@kingofhearts3185]

Perhaps that phantom threat is related to Hanlon's lie. Either the president believes it or is using it and Hanlon can't speak up without exposing his lie.

[@kingme4201]

@@nvRangerold habits die hard

[@KGBBooks]

I’ve always seen the New Vegas-era NCR as a caricature of the United States under George W. Bush.

[@nightmarexgaming120]

¡Baja no te pertenece!

[@NathanS__]

I would interpret "chasing ghosts in Baja" to mean the same thing as a wild goose chase. You are chasing phantoms, nobody. Sure you get into a fight with raiders or locals but there's not actually anything there that is a threat. You put an annoying officer in a dead-end assignment so they leave you alone "Chasing ghosts in Baja."

[@nvRanger]

I agree and think this is the most likely situation

[@keatonkitsune4064]

Hanlon is an interesting character, it's a shame we won't get a sequel with him. It's also a shame we didn't get to talk to any Desert Rangers and see how they felt about the ranger unification and how the NCR's actions and tactics affect them.

[@nvRanger]

FOr sure, I imagine even if we did get a follow up to New Vegas that is would be set years after the Batle of Hoover Dam and Hanlon would be dead. Maybe we get a bit of lore on what happens to him and the Rangers at the time.

[@nagger8216]

The closest we ever got to talking with an actual Desert Ranger and hearing their thoughts on the treaty would be with the companion mod, Russell. Adds a lot of much needed depth and explanation to the whole situation.

[@keatonkitsune4064]

@@nagger8216 Yeah, but that was unofficial. Now that the writers of NV are gone and out of the way you'll have to rely on Bethesda "writers" and I.... well let's just say my hopes couldn't be any lower without threatening the core of the planet.

[@dougthedonkey1805]

In Honest Hearts, Joshua can tell you about how most areas northeast of the NCR fell apart after the unification since most Desert Rangers were moved closer to the NCR

[@finleybond99]

Another great video, ive been fascinated by Baja for a while, as Amercia invaded Mexico during the resourse wars its likely they had military bases there, Enclave may have setup shop there as its close enough to the US but farily safe from threats.

[@nvRanger]

I like that theory. The ability for the Enclave or even the BoS to travel via vertibird, airship, and so on as well as their use of secret bunkers makes it plausible.

[@CloroxBleach-qy7vy]

I remember raul saying that mexico wasnt hit as hard as america or the other countries during the bombing but when they fell absolutely chaos erupted. I think he says mexico is really just occupied by raider gangs and cartels by the time of new vegas.

[@wedidntstartthefire1]

my friends and I have discussed those "ghosts in baja" quite a bit

[@nvRanger]

It's a fun topic, would love more situations like this in Fallout.

[@smartfella7914]

Probably enclave, althpugh they’d be basically the remnants of the mojave levels of non-threatening

[@nvRanger]

Yea they need to recruit some younger members lol

[@wedidntstartthefire1]

Enclave remnants definitely seem to be the consensus...curvebal, it was actually Nightkin

[@r32guy85]

@@smartfella7914 most enclave remnants are old by the time of new vegas and retired, wouldn't make sense

[@cheesy1nacho924]

I just spent a month camping through Baja with no tent just a backpack and sleeping bag, so this is quite interesting. It is quite the wild landscape

[@nvRanger]

That's cool as hell. Would love to do something like that. Hardcore though, you're real life Ranger material, lol

[@nvRanger]

Drop your theories on Baja below. Josh Sawyer (NV Dev) stated it is intentionaly a mystery, so go nuts.

[@Script-007]

I think given what we know about Hanlon and the NCR and the Desert Rangers, it makes more sense to come to the conclusion that Hanlon was just referring to "ghosts" in Baja as the NCR just wasting resources. if it were actually ghosts from the Sierra Madre, I feel the NCR would be sending more than just rangers to clear them out given how difficult they are to kill, and would also present a greater threat to the surrounding region.

[@anondeilvers91]

Wish I was smart enough to come up with my own theorie on the matter but I got nothing. I wish Josh would have put more background information on the "raiders" in question that the NCR citizens and rangers where up against in Baja. Were they tribals or just settlers much like the ones that live in the Mojave wasteland? And how exactly do they live in such a harsh and inhospitable environment? Do they live a sedentary, agrarian lifestyle or are they hunter gatherers?

[@colddaze6680]

I wouldn't have a clue to be honest, as there is next to zero established lore on the subject. Apart from the few shreds you have already spoken about. Hanlon's dialogue is about the most extensive information on the subject yeah? What you've uncovered and spoken on is interesting a.f though. I like the more elusive, more under the radar subjects in Fallout to be focused on, that don't have much given lore. Striking up a conversation on it might get more people contributing input who actually have some knowledge that we haven't heard yet at least. Ps your vocal delivery is good. Well paced and a lot calmer , than a lot of other loremasters.I know some guys can't help their style of delivery, voice , words inflections, with a higher pitch. Some guys can't help the way they speak and if it comes off as awkward or even annoying sounding. But yeah a good calmer more even speech is a lot easier to listen to and take in information for sure.

[@Thagomizer]

​@@anondeilvers91 Maybe they're connected to whatever raider group attacked Nicole's family near Dayglow? It's probably a big stretch.

[@nvRanger]

These fringe topics on Fallout are some of the most interesting to me as well. I appreciate the feedback on the commentary. Its something that takes time and comes with experience for sure. I feel I still have much to improve on, but taking the time to write out a script that I can rely on definitely helps.

[@josepigroyper370]

I always interpreted it as the NCR expanding on all fronts north south and East includes Nevada Caesars Legion, and Arizona bandits in the south brotherhood kind of in the west and just a blink frontier in the north

[@nvRanger]

Yea and makes sense to grab this peninsula for them. Seems defensible.

[@evelynlamoy8483]

I was briefly working on a Baja project. it was just me and my ex, and eventually I stopped working on it. The main story was largely arround Tijuana. Before the war, the economics of a resort town for american tourists, vs the actual locals, created a walled city where high walls seperated slums from malls and resorts. The enclave or a splinter of it had retreated to this area, and was using a run-down arcade in an abandoned mall as the nucleus for a training facility. Repurposing VR chambers with enclave training simulations. Turning some of the street gangs of the area into dangerous para-enclave commandos. The "governor" ruled from a penthouse sweet at the top of an ivory tower, traiding in his power armor for a Bahama shirt and tropical drink. Other locals determined to build functional community turned a golf course into a lush farm by repurposing it's old sprinkler system. The NCR is desperate to bring stability to the region, but as it's failed farther and farhter, they have themselves become more of an agitant than a resolution. Still farther, now into the wasteland at fort alaska, ghouls had set up a trade settlement, maintaining a long road across the territories north, and towards a geothermal generator facility of great importance. I wanted to avoid having to many brotherhood members since they are supposed to be spread thin, so there was planned only one brotherhood NPC, a old Mr. Handy droid with a hologram projector of a drill sergent paladin meant to train new recruits. Its implied he wasn't a real paladin scanned but just a fictitious persona for the training program.

[@jimjimmers8571]

DAMN that sounds cool, I’m sorry it didn’t work out.

[@daltsu3498]

Perhaps the NCR rangers were chasing... Raiders that don't exist?

[@nvRanger]

The group of 100 from the lie Hanlon told? I like that theory

[@daltsu3498]

Yupperino

[@fredrik3880]

Could be.

[@purpleblah2]

Hanlon’s lies come back to bite him in the ass again.

[@fredrik3880]

@@purpleblah2 yeah ironic

[@MrSuperalan99]

I think it would make more sense that the ghosts are the enclave, what other big past faction could have impacted the NCR to still hunt remanants? none other than the enclave

[@nvRanger]

I think that’s the faction many think when they hear “Ghosts” given they are remnants of a defeated faction

[@LewisB3217]

Yeah the Enclave makes the most sense for the NCR to be hunting down, they have the men and resources to truly scour the wastes

[@WaltzerCerealMuncher]

It's possible that theres many old USA military bases in Baja as pre war the US attacked mexico.

[@r32guy85]

there is no evidence to back this up, most enclave after the oil rig blew up headed east into raven rock or retired, of course the NCR would be hunting down enclave but it would be east of california and in california as well.as there is no evidence to this, sadly we don't know much about baja

[@atari947]

Let's just ignore Raven rock lmao. Where the Enclave magically have thousands of men.

[@matowicakte]

dam fine articulation, always love to learn some ranger history. Every chapter of their story has its own introspection so akin to something that has happened before that game lore and romanticized history being almost the same with how it’s written or remembered.

[@nvRanger]

appreciate that, and spot on take. The way their narrative is weaved throughout the series, even from wasteland, to Fallout 2, and so on is done very well.

[@torimaritime6955]

In the Hearts of Iron 4 mod Old World Blues, it takes place near the time of the NCR-Legion conflict. When playing as the NCR, you have the option to annex two bandit-ruled counties in Baja. The mod does a decent justice at what Hanlon accounts. They're very small places, and some decent planning and a handful of rangers could actually win you the conflict pretty easily. Not really related to the overall lore of Fallout - But I think a few people would get a kick out of knowing that attention to detail they gave.

[@SaturnVII]

It is a wild goose chase too because whatever rangers you send down there will be chasing the gangs all around the country since theyre always running

[@nickwalker4936]

Fallout: New Vegas and Aphex Twin was not something I ever thought I’d need, but here we are lol. I am glad people are still pouring over this game, and I find it interesting that every few years it seems people get the urge to play this game again at the same time, myself included. I was younger when I first played this game and it’s fascinating to come back to it as an adult after studying history and philosophy in school and not only better understanding the principles of all sides but also seeing the corruption, inter-service rivalry and corporate warfare like this in the NCR, and their treatment of the people of the Vegas region shows how much of reality and long history Obsidian drew from, particularly of American expansion in the southwest. Wonderful articulation and editing bro, cheers.

[@nvRanger]

Iol, I’ve been on an Aphex kick lately. Could’t agree more with what you said. There was something alluring about NV when I was younger but I didn’t quite get it. Crazy how it just keeps getting better with age. Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@HarbingerOfManagedDemocracyy]

Can i just say this was a beautiful video, i haven't had a lore video like this since my freshman year of high school. You're different than shoddycast, but you seem to have the same passion, so I'm going to go through your videos and enjoy this goldmine.

[@nvRanger]

Thanks dude, appreciate you taking the time to say that.

[@JimRFF]

"Chasing ghosts in Baja" --> I interpreted that as Hanlon admitting that it was *his lie* that the NCR Rangers were chasing... he makes up this mythical raider army to convince the settlers to move north... but they spread the news of a massive raider army roaming around Baja that forced them to leave, which leads to the NCR doubling down on sending their best rangers into Baja to go looking for the raiders that Hanlon knows don't exist in the first place... gives a kind of double-edged blade to his actions, lying to his superiors may not have actually been the best way to resolve the situation

[@nvRanger]

Yea I’m a big fan of this theory as well. Only potential issue is that it barely makes sense for the NCR to prioritize a raider threat that hasn’t ever actually effected them over the Legion and capturing Hoover Dam/Vegas.

[@KANETHEPAIN93]

​​@@nvRangerIts in General Oliver's personal interest to limit the rangers influence in the second battle of hoover dam as Oliver will want the NCR army to take all the credit for winning the war to advance his career. He possibly knows Hanlons story about an army of raiders in the Baja is BS so he's called Hanlons bluff by sending the rangers back out to chase ghosts and limit the rangers presence in the Mojave.

[@nvRanger]

That's another aspect tot he theory, that they could be going after those raiders, but like you said, Oliver knows it's senseless and does it to rub salt in the wound of Hanlon.

[@JimRFF]

@@nvRanger I like that take a lot, specifically because it also paints Oliver as more of a politician than a true military leader, willing to make moves that he knows are strategically bad to undercut perceived rivals, because he really wants to be president of the NCR rather than general of the army

[@hamoodhabibi1579]

I've been meaning to sorta explore the Baja in my own little fan fic I've made for myself in which a team of NCR Rangers basically has to go through Apocalypse now grade stuff with them occasionally fighting Legion Infiltrators only to discover their target are basically innocent ranchers who just so happen to settle in where an extremely rich and influential Brahmin Baron/Senator wanted to settle in. They of course did their mission, basically sending the ranchers packing but they had to basically go through hell to even arrive at this point and were forced to kick them out. This event is the breaking point and basically have the Rangers just leave the organization due to it now being in bed with the politics of the NCR.

[@Kawaiijihad]

Being from the area, this is pretty badass.

[@nvRanger]

It’s cool when Fallout gets close to home.

[@viespe]

Some locations in Baja California is good for ranching Brahmins and Bighorners. I figured Kimball simply wanted Rangers to plant NCR flags in Baja to claim grazing lands for the Brahmin Barons. But Hanlon’s experience in Baja says the opposite. He didn’t find land suitable for pasturing, let alone surviving. Just brutal arid hell. I think Hanlon’s “Ghosts” personifies supposed grazing land for Brahmin Barons rather than a presence of NCR’s adversaries.

[@nvRanger]

I appreciate the unique take and focus on the ranching potential. Certainly relevant based on the narrative we get from the game.

[@Ronin.97]

One of my new favorite fallout channels really love the map you use at 3:34.

[@nvRanger]

thanks, here's a link to it if ya wanna check it out. www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?hl=en_US&mid=1puuQVpbfh4ofYflJxJPB6iul6JQ&ll=39.63153139886184%2C-84.77711362140184&z=6

[@crushgirljane]

I’m so glad you made this video !! I was always so intrigued by that line and I always thought it was weird nobody really talked about it.

[@nvRanger]

Amazing how a couple lines of dialogue can turn into such a big thing

[@fumarc4501]

I took part in a Fallout RPG set in Baja. I played as a pre-war Ghoul turned Follower of the Apocalypse. I was not on good terms with the NCR, but became fast friends with my party members after we survived our first encounter with [redacted].

[@ryankupsh9172]

Where can others take part of this RPG

[@nightmarexgaming120]

¡Baja no te pertenece!

[@fernandocorona5411]

This video is strangely captivating

[@nvRanger]

perhaps its the tunes

[@BrownBrass5k]

The music sounds very somber, empty but wonderous at the same time. Like theres ruin and bodies around you remnants of the old world day after day but you see the horizon and you wanna see whats there. Just pushing forward.

[@nvRanger]

Believe it’s Stone in Focus by aphex twin if you’re interested. Great song.

[@BrownBrass5k]

@MalpaisRanger I was trying to see if I can find it in the details. Thank you very much. Just subbed and looking forward to your lore vids. Much love and respect 🙏 🫡 ❤️

[@nvRanger]

You’re welcome, and thank you for the kind words.

[@MarioRodriguez-gs5id]

Being from Baja California and hearing chief handlon talk about my hometown makes me curious about what happens there In the fallout world.

[@MarioRodriguez-gs5id]

Specially with places like the Riviera or la Laguna salada up in Mexicali, or just all Tijuana, for some reason I imagine Tijuana as irradiated as Pittsburgh.

[@nvRanger]

Odd you mentioned Pittsburgh because the Pitt gave me the chance to see my hometown get the Fallout treatment. There’s definitely a lot they could do w the area. Tijuana is not far from San Diego (Dayglow) so they could do a lot w that alone.

[@tsunamix0147]

For those curious, the song used in the video is Stone In Focus by Aphex Twin; really good choice.

[@nvRanger]

There’s a couple links floating around in the comments

[@schmoob8213]

Really cool to see someone way more knowledgeable than me about these games talk about things I've wondered about!

[@nvRanger]

Kind of you to say. I do quite a bit of research and refreshing and write a script for every video, so believe me, it’s not off the dome😅

[@Alex_FRD]

The "Ghosts" are probably those raiders Hanlon made up. But it doesn't matter now, does it? Thanks, Amazon.

[@jasonjohnson1824]

The NCR capital wasn't even shady sands when it was nuked. After the events of new vegas most of the administration and military of the ncr moved to the hub area

[@nvRanger]

I like that theory, and I guess we will have to see what the show decides to do with Vegas. I’m nervous. They have to know it would risk hurting the shows reputation if they just destroy everything in the West Coast.

[@nvRanger]

My question is why tf was Shady Sands basically inside the Boneyard in the show?

[@METALGEARMATRIX]

​@MalpaisRanger Was it? Or were they trying to imply that Shady Sands had flourished to the point of looking Pre-War? It doesn't help that the show is really fucking bad at establishing scale or distance in the envirnment. Maybe it's more obvious to a Cali Native?

[@nvRanger]

I would be amazed if the NCR had built a city of skyscrapers which line the background of the crater that was Shady Sands. Look up an image from the show, tons of destroyed skyscrapers behnd the crater.

[@MatthewManning-v6o]

The fallout tv show shows a singular vault in the northern part of Baja California

[@nvRanger]

My guess is it’s a vault for the city of Tijuana

[@oscareduardoorozcoramirez2023]

Actually It Is closer to the City of Ensenada, but not exactly.

[@oscareduardoorozcoramirez2023]

As a Native Baja Californian i can confirm, all of this is true xD

[@leafpratt]

i didn't know they went south tbh thats pretty cool i always wanted to see them go to mexico in future content, since they imported a lot of 50s americana ( especially after the annex im sure)

[@nvRanger]

Agreed, I think Mexico would be a great location for Fallout

[@diablodelatorre]

There is a og fallout mod called fallout Sonora but it's not canon

[@XDapologist]

Hoping to see more of the Desert Rangers culture and customs on the new season of the show. Funny how Caesar is depicted as the tribe absorber and then you see the Rangers as just the thugs of Kimball and the NCR

[@nvRanger]

I don't see them as thugs. I do hope the show displays them and gets into their history. I hope what we saw of them wasn't just some easter egg.

[@totallytubular618]

I'm the guy who corrected your apostrophe use on a video today LOL. I've been binging your channel, wanted to let you know your videos are great. Got a sub from me.

[@nvRanger]

Awesome, thanks for pointing out the mistake and thanks for checking out the channel. 🙏

[@fin1493]

I'm really interested in what they do with South America and that raises the question of Mexico

[@nvRanger]

People are hesitant to see Fallout leave the US, but Mexico would be such a cool location for the series. South America as well. Fallout Brazil would be wild.

[@galisapal3103]

Could imply it thru dlcs, as they have done previously with other US states

[@nvRanger]

Yea that’d be my guess as well. Baja seems like a fitting DLC location tbh.

[@METALGEARMATRIX]

​@@nvRangerThe factions would be cool, maybe a Cartel v. An Aztlan nationalist movement

[@nvRanger]

Exactly, get a chem trade invovled, maybe with shipments going up into NCR. Then you could have NCR undercover rangers trying to run operations to shut things down.

[@KAPTAINmORGANnWo4eva]

Looking back, New Vegas set so many layups up for Bethesda to revisit the West Coast with interesting content that keeps the old games' spirit intact. Instead they made the ridiculous TV show take a sledgehammer to a bunch of lore and the literal foundational worldbuilding of the franchise.

[@nvRanger]

I do agree that there seems like a ton of layups and such an amazing world established that it makes no sense to try and buildiing something new ontop of it. Just use what is there and expand upon it. The show has time to correct itself, the BGS games on the other hand seem like a lost cause to me if we're hoping to get something like what the west coast has offered.

[@KAPTAINmORGANnWo4eva]

@@nvRanger Bethesda considers the TV show to _be_ one of their games' stories. It's the canon development of the West Coast after New Vegas. Nothing the Fallout IP can do from here on out will redeem it from its current state. It's just another zombie franchise like Star Wars: dead in all ways except it still makes money so it will keep shambling along.

[@TheAussieBlue]

Tbf the creator of New Vegas said he wanted to nuke the NCR cause he said it wasn't fallout anymore, cause it wasn't post apocalyptic anymore.

[@KAPTAINmORGANnWo4eva]

@@TheAussieBlue Cool. That just means that in the alternate universe where he got to lead another Fallout sequel, he too would have made a questionable decision that made the world less interesting by retreating to the security blanket of Memberberries. But at least it would have probably been more coherent.

[@TheAussieBlue]

@@KAPTAINmORGANnWo4eva its all dissapointment. All the way down.

[@amoryblaine3292]

The Ranger veterans were deployed to Baja to limit their support of the Mojave expedition. They're not hunting anyone. They're wasting time. Which is why Hanlon says they're chasing ghosts. There's no reason to have them in Baja.

[@nvRanger]

I would largely agree that this is the most likely take on the situation.

[@satriadicky3732]

But why tho? I thought the NCR is so butthurt to claim Hoover Dam, especially since the wall itself is meeting point with a large coherent fighting force that is the Legion.

[@amoryblaine3292]

@@satriadicky3732 General Oliver is a friend of the President. In order to bolster support for Oliver's career, he has been trying to undermine the Rangers who are typically viewed as being the best of the NCR military and seperate of the army. So to make himself and the army look better he had the bulk of the Rangers sent South of the NCR and only a small force is initially present in Vegas

[@satriadicky3732]

@@amoryblaine3292 I see

[@nvRanger]

Right, I should’ve explained this better in the vid

[@armyman9988]

The ghosts could be referring to the 100 raiders that he made up to get rattletale to leave

[@nvRanger]

For sure, his lie turns into a whole ordeal

[@CherryColaWizard]

I've always wondered about these places that are named, yet do not appear. Ulysses mentioned a Fort Abandon. Wonder what that place is like

[@Doralga]

Still sounds like a cool setting for a fallout game just imagine your MC sent their to get tech that likely never existed only to stumble across Big mountain shelter housing dead science project explaining the ghost presence

[@nvRanger]

Could always use some more Big MT content.

[@giventoringybanez5799]

For me personally I think the ghost he was referring to was Aradesh or maybe the Chosen one. I don't know but it was those were the first things to come to my mind when said those

[@nvRanger]

I hadn't considered single characters, but I like the idea. I'm not sure it could be Aredesh because so much time has passed between Fallout and New Vegas. The NCR looking for the Chosen one to help deal with the Legion or something would be cool

[@earhearthush-up5549]

@@nvRanger Well it probably wouldn’t be the chosen one himself, but likely his descendants

[@nvRanger]

Yea he’d be old af himself. Maybe another tribe following his likeness

[@giventoringybanez5799]

@@nvRanger Dude that's what I was thinking exactly for the chosen one choice as for Aradesh I think they just might be looking for any sign for where he died or where he had gone before his death so that Kimball and Oliver could solidify their rule of the NCR or something

[@nibiru27]

Now I remember why I fell in love with Fallout New Vegas.

[@BobPantsSpongeSquare97]

I've finally been playing the first two Fallout games for the first time recently. In Fallout 2 when traveling from the NCR for Vault 15 I had an encounter with Remnants of the Master's army. This took me completely off guard because of how strong they are and their mere presence. In the lore from Fallout 2 and New Vegas it was repeatedly stated that most supermutants lost their purpose after the Master fell and went on their own individual journeys such as with Marcus. The idea that 80s later there were still some supermutant army remnants roaming around is interesting and kinda scary. I don't think any Fallout youtubers have made a video talking about this obscure detail. Do you think you ever would?

[@nvRanger]

I love it. Fallouts use of “remnants” and call backs to previous games is so well done. Factions perish but the people (or mutants in this case) remain in some form. Ed-e and the enclave remnants come to mind as well. Now the ongoing struggle of the mutants and nightkin continue.

[@fredrik3880]

Love f1 and even more f2. Play them both every year since release. Enclave is remnants on the west coast and east coast. But they are still in Chicago (Ede has the log "if you are listening on this from one of our outposts in Chicago, give this unit whatever repairs it needs so it can continue to Navarro" This shows the Enclave at minimum is in Chicago (probably many more places).

[@fredrik3880]

The enclave is a shadow organisation and came forward in f2 to use FEV to kill mutants. And in f3 they came forward to do the same. Before that they were hidden for a long time. Where else are they hidden?

[@applejuicecultbroccolimilk659]

@@fredrik3880in F2 they are basically led by a rogue dictator, in F3 the men support Autumn but Eden ruins it with more ruthlessness. But the main thing is , that the enclave are/were hidden until something forced their hand. The brotherhood in dc could mess up a lot of their plans and did, the mutants on the west coast were rebuilding without them.

[@mikaylamahood2046]

I feel like the 'Ghosts in Baja' may just refer to the 100 strong raider group which supposedly killed those Rangers (and threatening NCR expansion in that direction) - if Hanlon had to make any sort of report after his expedition, the NCR may dedicatedly send Veteran Rangers to destroy that threat so their never ending expansion could continue, and Hanlon is the only one that knows they're just ghosts, given he's the one who made the lie

[@nvRanger]

Yea that theory makes the situation truly ironic and fitting

[@GoNo117]

Have you seen the Heart of Iron 4 mod called Old World Blues? In it the NCR has the upper half of Baja California integrated into the nation.

[@nvRanger]

Yes I have heard of it. Sounds really cool. Expands upon the lore a lot as well, I hear.

[@HairryTurttleneck]

bro hecks yea!! ur vids are only getting better

[@nvRanger]

thanks homie

[@Filstri]

The idea I've sticked with is that Ghosts are some kind of a dangerous rader group like Fiends. Or maybe it's something mystical/non-existent, like a better G.E.C.K.

[@nvRanger]

I hadn’t considered a new Raider group literally called The Ghosts. I like that. Maybe similar to the Khans as well with a more legitimate society than the Fiends.

[@CyberController-]

I'd love to see NCR remnants reorganizing in Baja

[@nvRanger]

would be interesting to see a nod to Rattletail and Hanlon

[@HCroaks]

perfect video. great take

[@nvRanger]

thanks, appreciate you

[@tawheele_406]

I can’t stop watching this video. Great work man really appreciate the hard work! Also I would love to know the back ground music

[@nvRanger]

Awesome of you to say. Thanks 🙏, and it’s Stone in Focus by Aphex Twin. Here’s a link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2mZmGSXpNVpl5osi=1lFR_l6-QxWUaPjC

[@hangslow]

Great video as always. Loved it!!

[@nvRanger]

Thanks, kind words mean a lot

[@daltonpatterson3402]

I know this definitely isnt what the devs were talking about buuutttt with the show out and Shady Sands being nuked we could say they were chasing some type of vault tec lead? Like the nuke that destroyed Shady Sands itself coming from Baja.

[@nvRanger]

Someone else said Vault-tec and I instantly went down a similar line of thought. Totally could be, I’m curious if the show runners would use this tiny detail though

[@BigBird629]

I wonder if Jesse Ventura was living there by the time of the great war

[@nvRanger]

he's definitely a ghoul

[@1heKing]

absolutly fascinating. love mysteries like this

[@nvRanger]

For sure. One of the coolest parts of fallouts are the things we know little about

[@jeremiahjones4443]

I always assumed the “ghosts” the rangers are chasing in Baja were rumors of enclave holdouts. This is due to the hunting of remnants alluded to in NV.

[@nvRanger]

Don’t think you’re alone in that. Definitely would make sense.

[@assassinred426]

The ghost of Baja could just be a simple reference to his own regrets as a ranger.

[@nvRanger]

Perhaps. He is referring to a current situation with other rangers though, and Baja is the location he associates with one of his “good deeds” in the story he tells.

[@assassinred426]

@@nvRanger Yeah, I get you. But the reason why I came to that assumption through the conversation with him. It's because I think he regrets having to lie to succeed. Because he continues to lie later on. So that makes you wonder how many times has he done This and failed and succeeded that he's not told you. When he refers to the one good thing he's done. Which means he's done some bad things too. That's why when he says ghost of Baja I think he's more talking about his mistakes. Because The lies he told then could be the whole reason why the Rangers were sent.

[@nvRanger]

I love the theory and considering that really adds depth to his characters. A man who has lied to do good. Conflicted morality. Whether or not Ghosts refers to his demons, this aspect to his character is true.

[@assassinred426]

@@nvRanger This is the 1 reason why I've always looked RPG and the fallout universe specifically is Fans can interpret things differently and they don't hate on Each other, just cause you don't have the same idea. And for me when it comes to game lore. I base it on the game. And how any sequels are made after or Prequels

[@nvRanger]

Yea, it seems most people are happy to discuss their theories in relative peace which is awesome to see. Not always the case, but that's to be expected.

[@Pho.queue.2]

It would be interesting if the "ghosts" of baja could be referring to the raider gang he made up to convince the settlers to go back north. That would add a level of nuance to his moral disposition. While that lie saved the lives of the settlers and locals of baja, it also could have made the NCR government divert resources there, since such a trusted agent of state indicated the presence of an outsized threat. While his motivations are noble, it's important that high ranking officials give truthful intelligence, as lying on such a grand scale can easily cost more lives. The fact that soldiers are under equipped in vegas could be a direct result of his good intentions, in this theory.

[@nvRanger]

@@Pho.queue.2 this is my favorite of the theories to be honest. Definitely adds a compelling layer to his story

[@HotcupofJoe38]

And with that, you've got a subscriber my friend👌

[@nvRanger]

Appreciated, thank you

[@sicksagee]

i thought about this back in 2020 should have made a video of my own , baja would have been perfect pt 2 of new vegas

[@patrickemery6947]

4:59 that hit hard dude

[@nvRanger]

appreciate that

[@CarlosColon-m7i]

Now that the fallout show is out and this right her maybe there is still NCR remnants still in Baja.

[@nvRanger]

Perhaps, or maybe that’s where the enclave or vault tec are

[@whdphd7116]

what map are you using? it looks dope. also love these vids, the background music, your vocal tone and cadence and the more airy editing is awesome! not seen another fallout lore channel with this vibe

[@nvRanger]

Thanks for the kind words, means a lot. Also here is a link to the map: www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?hl=en_US&mid=1puuQVpbfh4ofYflJxJPB6iul6JQ&ll=39.63153139886184%2C-84.77711362140184&z=6

[@HuyNguyen-vj1uw]

Aphex twin stone in focus, nice

[@nvRanger]

Yessir

[@NesRuA]

I always figured it was some sort of Enclave remnant they were looking for. For some irl context, Tijuana is right across the border with San Diego and it’s a major industrial hub, while Ensenada is a major port (not as big as SD, but still). I wouldn’t put it past the Enclave to have some sort of presence there. The desert mountains make guerrilla warfare very easy and natural, so I doubt the NCR has any luck enforcing its presence down here, even if just fighting local Norteños. For the same reason, the BOS might’ve sent some folks to extract whatever tech’s lost in the factories. As a TJ native, the mention of Baja by Hanlon always catches me off-guard and makes me wonder what anyone post-Great War would want with this rocky dustbowl. Given the proximity with the Dayglow, I imagine most of TJ is an irradiated shithole.

[@giovannicervantes2053]

Chief hanlon seems like the wise old man of the mountain cept his mountain is a old golf resort and his assassins use 45-70s

[@nvRanger]

Accurate

[@jackhallander6706]

This makes me wonder if Obsidian’s next Fallout would have been set in San Diego and Tijuana.

[@nvRanger]

Would have been cool to have two large city locations. Part US, part Mexico.

[@oscareduardoorozcoramirez2023]

Mexicali or Ensenada would be cooler, at least in the fauna aspect.

[@MersadieOlit0n]

a perfect story of what the ncr has become

[@nvRanger]

I'm glad they took the NCR in this route rather than making them too idealistic. Makes them more interesting to be flawed

[@redpilldiogenes4741]

Subbed It makes me think and maybe its just the aphex twin playing in the background. That with the popularity around the tv show we’ve lost something thoughtful and deep to nothing because we cant let things lie. If the last war man ever fights will be over a well And the last man standing stares into the elysian pool what will he see reflected in it? Will he still drink his full or will he just stare until thirst consumes him? I don’t know

[@nvRanger]

Love the take, glad to see some people recognizing the song. I hope the show can do justice to New Vegas and the first season was a simplistic intro.

[@redpilldiogenes4741]

@@nvRanger i hope they leave new vegas alone but they wont Yeah im a big fan aphex ill link you my favourite song of theirs

[@redpilldiogenes4741]

@@nvRanger kzbin.infoHoqPr6tSYXc?si=U0c_ahssvJ84jYdx

[@nvRanger]

Yea we already saw it in Season 1, definitely not gonna be left alone. Who knows though, maybe the attention from the show will get us a New Vegas remake. Also, the link didn't work for me for some reason. Just drop the title, I'd love to check it out.

[@redpilldiogenes4741]

@@nvRanger it was the fart version of alberto balsam Ill go back under my troll bridge now

[@joshgaray6103]

I think the “ghosts of Baja” are the imagined raider army that Hanlon lied about. Could be wrong because I’m sure the rattlesnake incident was many years ago when he was younger. But it would make sense if that’s why they sent the rangers down to Baja and how staunchly he believes the threat is non-existent. Any organization of raiders beyond loosely operated gangs is always a threat to a Fallout faction. Imagine if the rumor snowballed and went from a hundred to a couple hundred to one thousand.

[@nvRanger]

I like this theory, some others have expressed it but the part about the rumor snowballing is a new one.

[@notjarek237]

What music was played as the background tracks throughout the video?? Absolutely amazing btw!

[@nvRanger]

Thanks, it is called Stone in focus by Aphex Twin. I think it is under a different artist on Spotify for some reason. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2mZmGSXpNVpl5o

[@Nosferatuラララララ]

DAMNIT Im sorry Hanlon.. but I *needed* that Sequoia.

[@nvRanger]

we all been there...

[@ncob12]

My question is how they got there and back to Hoover Dam so fast

[@nvRanger]

Must’ve been Vertibirds

[@ncob12]

@@nvRanger probably, I wonder how they have that many

[@nvRanger]

Maybe old military outposts from their large area of territory they have expanded into and having beat the Enclave and BoS in the wars they had with them.

[@ncob12]

@@nvRanger likely

[@COUNTVLAIDMIR]

I'm guessing its a splinter faction of the Enclave that is an expert in irregular operations. Maybe stealthy special operations cells of Enclave.

[@nvRanger]

Some splinter Enclave faction with a new or altered identity would be awesome to see in a new game if done properly

[@ripHalo0002]

Great video

[@nvRanger]

Thank you

[@RocketHarry865]

I wonder if Independent New Vegas ending is a massive slap in the face for Kimbal and General Oliver and shows the expansion can be halted. With the water crisis it could very well mean the Brahmin Barons grip on power can finally take a down turn

[@nvRanger]

I think you’re right. While the independent ending isn’t as bad for them as a Legion ending, it’s up there. Kimball would probably be removed from office shortly after.

[@VINTAGE1959]

Very good video!

[@nvRanger]

Thanks 🙏

[@Jackdaniels-bi4hg]

What if the ghost of Baja is the master somehow rebuilding his army would be kinda interesting could see with how mutanted the master was where you could probably survive with a little peace from him I mean it would probably take a long time time to rejen but could be a cool concept

[@nvRanger]

I like that idea. Any sort of super mutant resurgence could be interesting.

[@CollectorGuy.]

I don’t think the Enclave or Brotherhood were the ghosts for a different reason, The Enclave is interested in reclaiming America, and Mexico isn’t a major power or has nuclear weapons or anything the enclave would even know about, so I think they would’ve gone further east to states like Wyoming which, atleast nowadays, are major states where nuclear silos and launch stations are present. The Brotherhoods similar, they are much more interested in technology like Power armor, and they much prefer the northern and eastern areas like Alaska, The Commonwealth, etc. so I doubt they would head south. My theory is that there was a major raiding group, something similar to the fiends, except on a larger scale, not quite as large as the legion, but still large. But, after a previous military action, they were split up and picked off. Kimball used this as an excuse to send The Rangers.

[@notous6802]

Great video! Dropping a sub

[@nvRanger]

Appreciate that, thank you.

[@Arkaeus04]

Two headed bear represents the NCR idiocy of infighting.

[@nvRanger]

I like that take. Two heads pulling in two different directions. Can’t control itself.

[@Arkaeus04]

@@nvRanger while the legion has a one headed bull indicating one goal.

[@nvRanger]

@@Arkaeus04 That's a stylistic choice I have never considered and it just might be intentional. One leader, simplicity, straightforward, and unified. The NCR has many leaders, different organizations within it and with different interests. Symbols match their circumstances.

[@corypowercat7277]

Someone I talked to on Discord said the "ghosts" could be Nightkin.

[@nvRanger]

Would make sense given their stealth boy use

[@LordOmnissiah]

The map of all the vaults in the Fallout tv show depicted a vault being in Baja. If the ghosts are real people and not simply meant to represent the NCR wasting time on a wild goose chase trying to find the made up Raiders Hamlin lied about existing then the ghosts might actually be the descendants of that vault.

[@nvRanger]

I have heard this. Will be interesting to see what they do with the area if they go there.

[@schnauzerclauser5399]

I’ve always got to favor the Old World Blues explanation. Baja is just another place to annex. Barren, sure, but it can set port into Mexico and gets rid of one more border for the NCR.

[@nvRanger]

I’m curious, where does this come from in OWB? I think it’s a perfectly reasonable explanation btw.

[@schnauzerclauser5399]

@@nvRanger the Hearts of Iron 4 mod ‘Old World Blues.’ Sorry for confusing it with the DLC. There’s a decent amount of ‘fan-fiction’ with Mexican territories and anything east of Colorado/AZ, and north of Nevada. In the mod, the NCR usually seeks to annex Baja, or claim it as a puppet state post Hoover Dam 1, almost parallel to their alliance with the Shi, right before Hoover Dam 2.

[@nvRanger]

@@schnauzerclauser5399 Right right, I figured that might be the case but I was just confirming. I have heard about that mod and it sounds awesome. I own HOI4 but haven't got around to playing it.

[@johnreydelatorre3450]

Were there notes why expand south instead of north?

[@nvRanger]

Not that I have seen tbh but they have expanded quite far north as well. I think currently their eyes are on the east for Vegas and the Hoover Dam.

[@oj7442]

Seems to me it's possible the story of 100 raiders has inspired a hunt for a large raider tribe that doesn't exist

[@nvRanger]

I like that theory, actions have consequences

[@AtomicWizard527]

Cheers from Baja California Sur!!

[@tinmen5943]

It seems like the ncr was dying or getting ready to be divided

[@nvRanger]

Definitely at least a nation dealing with some serious growing pains, outsretching itself.

[@Mad-Cat_Dan]

It would be cool if we got more lore on Mexico. I'd imagine the remenants of the Cartels and Federales under new names and flags.

[@nvRanger]

Yea I’d be down for a whole game set in Mexico

[@honestgather]

I have a small amount of evidence that Bullhead city was seized by the legion after they destroyed fort aradesh. First of all the Van Buren design document states that fort aradesh was a southwest defense site for the NCR that was destroyed and renamed fort abandon. Ulyesses mentions fort aradesh and then corrects himself saying fort abandon. This evidence together implies that fort abandon would be in the only area that the legion and NCR could fight outside of the Mojave which would be in Bullhead city

[@nvRanger]

Fascinating, definitely seems likely. The lore states that everything on the otherside of the Colorado is Legion so it is probably the case. Plus, Bullhead City is already so well named for the legion.

[@bannedaccount540]

Ahh New Baja, the Sequel to New Vegas we simply never got 😢

[@nvRanger]

Would’ve been cool to have a Fallout in Mexico.

[@anonymouspsychedelicsuser8109]

weird how there was no mention of Tijuana or Mexicali

[@nvRanger]

Yea given they’d pass through or near Tijuana, you’d think we’d hear about that city. It’s near San Diego/Dayglow which is NCR territory

[@corypowercat7277]

I wonder if we'll ever see it.

[@nvRanger]

I would guess no, but maybe the show will take us there. Maybe in a Fallout set in Mexico.

[@toe_stealer6930]

0:22-0:27 do you think this is referring to the Enclave?

[@nvRanger]

The “it’s complicated… goes way back” part definitely excites the mind in that direction.

[@Amber-287]

Fallout: Baja Blast

[@kpat5655]

I think Kimball sent the rangers because Oliver is still bitter that the rangers rather than the army got more credit for the first victory of Hoover Dam. So kimball wants Oliver to be the hero and sends the rangers there so Oliver can get the credit.

[@nvRanger]

absolutely

[@kpat5655]

@@nvRangerreally highlights incompetence and nepotism of the NCR

[@nvRanger]

and I love that they are displayed as such. Flawed factions are more interesting

[@kpat5655]

@@nvRanger I’m actually sad to see them become this way from Fallout 1 and 2 they were noble but in new vegas they have become incompetent and they got nuked in the fallout shiw

[@nvRanger]

@@kpat5655 I think that's the sensible progression tho, otherwise would they just grow and grow into the perfect civilization. Not sure about the shady sands nuking part but it seems fitting they encounter some growing pains. I understand the sadness tho

[@kevinwilliams3531]

This is really well done, I was impressed with the depth of knowledge and the production value especially with the intro. However the effect you do with some of the pictures where it shakes I feel shakes too much and it's disorienting. Good idea but I think it ought to be toned down some

[@nvRanger]

I appreciate the feedback, particularly about the shaking old film style. Thanks, I’ll keep it in mind🙏

[@jordanenriquez4153]

Where can I check out that map you are looking at?

[@nvRanger]

Here you go www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?hl=en_US&mid=1puuQVpbfh4ofYflJxJPB6iul6JQ&ll=39.63153139886184%2C-84.77711362140184&z=6

[@kingofhearts3185]

While I like the Enclave and Hanlon lie theories, I actually have a personal head canon I hold onto. In Fallout Sonora (F2 mod) the Brotherhood of Steel operates from a ship across the gulf in Puerto Penasco. So it can be taken that the Brotherhood retreated into Baja following the end of that story, which leads to them losing control of the region. When this happens depends on if you help them, either fighting them or their vassals turning against them later. You can still attribute it to them without Sonora in mind, they are at war with the NCR. It just won't be as compelling.

[@nvRanger]

I eenjoy that theory as well, I've heard good things about Fallout Sonora, but haven't played it yet.