Novac Side Quests
The desert outpost of Novac, easily identified by its iconic Dinky the T-Rex hotel, is more than just a place to rest. It's a key hub for several important quests that can net you valuable rewards, a powerful companion, and significant experience points.
One for My Baby
This quest is essential for any player wanting to recruit one of the game's best companions, Craig Boone. The quest revolves around solving the mystery of Boone's wife's disappearance.
- Starting the Quest: Speak to Manny Vargas about jobs to learn about Boone. You can find Boone on duty in the mouth of the Dinky the T-Rex statue between 9 PM and 9 AM. Talk to him and agree to help find who is responsible for his wife's kidnapping.
- Investigation: The key to solving the case lies in the Novac motel lobby. You need to gain access to the safe. You can pick the lock (Lockpick 25), pickpocket the key from Jeannie May Crawford, or get the key from her if you rent a room. Inside the safe is a Bill of Sale, which is the definitive proof.
- Identifying the Culprit: The Bill of Sale proves that Jeannie May Crawford, the kindly old motel owner, sold Boone's wife into slavery.
- The Signal: With the evidence in hand, speak to Jeannie May and ask her to follow you. Lead her to stand directly in front of the T-Rex statue. Put on the 1st Recon Beret that Boone gave you. This is the signal for him to take the shot.
- Conclusion & Reward: After Boone eliminates Jeannie, speak with him. Show him the Bill of Sale as proof. He will recognize you as a kindred spirit and offer to join you as a permanent companion. Recruiting Boone is the primary reward for this quest.
Come Fly With Me
This bizarre and memorable quest sends you to the nearby REPCONN Test Site to deal with a group of ghouls who believe they can fly to a new world. It can be started by talking to Manny Vargas in Novac or the eccentric No-bark Noonan in his shack.
- To the Test Site: Head east from Novac to the REPCONN Test Site. The main building is overrun with Feral Ghouls. Fight your way to the top floor to find their leader, a Bright Follower Ghoul named Jason Bright.
- The "Demons": Jason will ask you to clear the basement of "demons," which are revealed to be a group of Nightkin led by a Super Mutant named Davison. You can either eliminate them through combat or find their shipment of Stealth Boys for a peaceful resolution. You'll also find a human, Chris Haversam, who you can convince of his true nature (or not).
- Preparing for Launch: Once the Nightkin are dealt with, Jason will ask you to gather two components for their "Great Journey":
- Isotope-239 Igniting Agent: Found at the Gibson Scrap Yard (you can buy it from Old Lady Gibson), scavenged from Clark Field, or stolen from the Brotherhood of Steel in Hidden Valley.
- Thrust Control Modules: Five modules can be scavenged from a dead ghoul in the REPCONN basement research labs. Manny Vargas in Novac can also point you to them if you have a high enough Speech skill.
- Lift Off: Return to Jason Bright, install the parts, and proceed to the launch platform. Here you have a choice: you can allow the rockets to launch successfully, or you can sabotage their trajectory for a catastrophic (and hilarious) failure. The choice affects your Karma and final rewards.
Minor Quests & Tasks
- Cliff Briscoe's Souvenirs: In the Dino-Bite gift shop, Cliff Briscoe will complain about a break-in. This is a very simple unmarked quest; the culprit is Jeannie May Crawford, and the proof can be found in her motel office safe. This ties directly into the One for My Baby quest.
- Ranger Andy's Takedown: In one of the motel bungalows, you'll find the injured Ranger Andy. Pass a Speech check (30) while talking to him about his leg injury, and he will teach you the "Ranger Takedown" special unarmed move—a very useful skill to acquire early on.