Private Poindexter is an NCR soldier and part of the Misfits living in Camp Golf in the Mojave Wasteland in 2281.
Background[]
Soldiers tend to be an exceptional type of human. Selfless, brave, and unafraid of hard work. Poindexter is none of these things, but he is a self-serving know-it-all with a Hoover Dam sized ego and thinly veiled contempt for his fellow troopers. To himself, he's a certified genius whom everyone at the Camp looks up to. To everyone else, he's an annoying smart-ass who cannot follow orders.[1][2][3][4][5]
If anyone wonders what someone like Poindexter is doing in the ranks of New California's military, it's simple: He figures that the benefits offered by the Army, both in terms of money and prestige, are worth the risk of bodily harm. To minimize the risk to himself, he deliberately rides the "mediocrity gradient", doing just well enough to stay in service, but not good enough to be sent to the front lines. That way, he can eventually "work" his way to a cushy desk job back in New California as, technically, a veteran.[6][7][8] A veteran's pension is an added bonus.[8]
Interactions with the player character[]
Interactions overview[]
| Interactions | ||
|---|---|---|
  |
This character is involved in quests. | |
Quests[]
- Flags of Our Foul-Ups: Poindexter will tell the player that altering the records in the Camp's computer system would make it seem that they're doing better than they actually are.[9]
- If the player is taking O'Hanrahan's advice and convincing the squad to work together, the player will need to convince Poindexter to work better with the squad with a Speech check of 40.
- No, Not Much: The Courier is required to help the Misfits in order for Camp Golf to send help to Bitter Springs.
Effects of player's actions[]
- Following Poindexter's advice and cheating the system will ultimately lead to the Misfits' laziness catching up with them when the Legion attack Camp Golf. Those who survived and fled to the Mojave Outpost will be court-martialed and hanged from the ranger monument.
Inventory[]
| Apparel | Weapon | Other items | On death |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCR trooper armor Reading glasses |
Service rifle Frag grenade x4 |
Random Caravan card | NCR dogtag |
Appearances[]
Poindexter appears only in Fallout: New Vegas.
Behind the scenes[]
Poindexter's unused Caravan challenge dialogue
 | The following is based on Fallout: New Vegas cut content. |
|---|
Poindexter was intended to be a Caravan player at one point during development. The dialogue option for this, along with the associated voice clip, remains in the game, but Poindexter himself is not a member of the faction necessary to use the dialogue. Additionally, Poindexter does not carry any money, does not have a Caravan deck specific to him, and his remaining dialogue option does not include the script necessary to initiate a game of Caravan.
| End of information based on Fallout: New Vegas cut content |
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"Poindexter" is a euphemism that refers to someone who is boorish, pretentious, and socially inept; in other words, they give the "nerd" a bad name by acting like they're equally smart without actually being intellectual.
Bugs[]
Poindexter is marked as "Respawns", meaning if he is killed he will be resurrected within three days of his death. [verified]
References[]
- ↑ The Courier: "Tell me about yourself."
Poindexter: "To what purpose? It's highly unlikely you'd understand anything I'd say. Suffice to say I'm a certified genius, and when I'm discharged from this pit of testosterone and failure, I'll have all the money I could ever need."
(Poindexter's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "Since you're so respected, maybe you can help get this unit into shape."
Poindexter: "[SUCCEEDED] Hmm. You're trying to appeal to my ego. I must admit, it's an effective tactic. All right - I'll help. But only because I want to see if it's even possible."
(Poindexter's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "I think you'll find that the Misfits' records are now much improved."
Poindexter: "You actually did it? My friend, I am without doubt a genius, but I must say, you've given me a run for my money. Bravo. Bravo."
(Poindexter's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "Are you in charge around here?"
Poindexter: "In a strictly official capacity, no. However, as I am by far the most intelligent and resourceful figure on this base, I feel it's safe to say the soldiers here look up to me."
The Courier: "So, that's a no, then?"
Poindexter: "I suppose if you must stick with your narrow, parochial view of "in charge," then yes, it's a no. Are we done?"
(Poindexter's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "I wonder if anyone else would share that sentiment."
Poindexter: "Genius is seldom appreciated in its own time."
(Poindexter's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "How'd a guy like you end up in the Army?"
Poindexter: "It's a simple idea: the Army offers fiscal security and generous benefits at the cost of substantial personal risk - if you're on the front line. If you perform too poorly, they'll scrub you out. Perform too well, and you get sent to the front lines. All I have to do is ride that mediocrity gradient to a cushy, do-nothing job miles away from the war."
(Poindexter's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "Great, maybe you can help me get this squad working together!"
Poindexter: "[FAILED] Why would I? If this unit improves its performance, we'll be shipped to the front lines. That's hardly conducive to living a long life."
(Poindexter's dialogue) - ↑ 8.0 8.1 The Courier: "Sgt. McCredie asked me to talk to you about getting your squad in shape."
Poindexter: "That seems highly illogical. What reason would he have for doing that?"
The Courier: "He thinks you might respond better to someone who isn't an authority figure."
Poindexter: "This is an unexpected variable. I had hoped to coast on an easy wave of mediocrity to a cushy government pension."
(Poindexter's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "Maybe I can help out."
Poindexter: "And how would you propose accomplishing such a goal?"
The Courier: "It occurs to me that I might cheat."
Poindexter: "Hmm... an intriguing proposition. Company readiness reports are logged on the computer systems at the Resort. If you hack the system, you could alter our records. Such an attempt, however, is likely to thwart efforts to motivate the squad to do actual work. If such is your goal, you should look elsewhere."
The Courier: "I'll do it. Work is overrated anyways."
Poindexter: "Excellent! Squad readiness records can be accessed from two terminals at the resort: the main terminal in the lobby or a secure one in a back office. The main terminal is typically unlocked, but is also in the middle of a major thoroughfare, you'll have to be stealthy to access it. The office terminal is locked, but you might have an easier time accessing it, especially at night."
(Poindexter's dialogue)
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