A recruit decanus (plural decani) is an officer of Caesar's Legion in the Mojave Wasteland in 2281. They work either as an assistant to a centurion or the head of a small camp of the legion.
Background
Caesar based this rank on the unit leaders of the ancient Roman army. The decanii are recognizable with their helmet surrounded by feathers. The seniority of a decanus is measured by the color of the helmet's feathers, majority black and some red for a recruit decanus, black with white tips for a prime decanus, and black, red and white for a veteran.
Notable decani include:
- Decanus Severus, second in command at the Legion base Cottonwood Cove.
- Alexus, Commander of all Legion forces in Techatticup Mine.
- Dead Sea, Commander of all Legion forces in Nelson.
Interactions with the player character
Interactions overview
| Interactions | ||
|---|---|---|
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This character is essential. Essential characters cannot be killed. | |
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This character is a permanent companion. They grant the - perk. | |
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This character is a temporary companion. | |
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This character starts quests. |
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This character is involved in quests. |
- |
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This character is a doctor. |
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This character is a merchant. |  -Sells: - |
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This character can repair items. | Max Repair condition: - |
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This character can modify weapons. |
- |
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This character rents beds. | -.
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This character plays Caravan. | They can bid caps. |
Inventory
| Apparel | Weapon | Other items | On death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legion recruit armor Recruit decanus helmet |
Throwing spears or 10mm SMG or 9mm SMG or Cowboy repeater or 10mm pistol and Machete or 12.7mm submachine gun |
Antivenom Healing powder Legion Denarius Purified water Cave fungus |
 Legion ear |
Appearances
Recruit decani only appear in Fallout: New Vegas.
Behind the scenes
Decanus means "leader of ten" in Latin. Thus, a Decanus would be a squad leader, and a recruit Decanus would be a leader of a squad of recruits. However, despite meaning "leader of ten", a Decanus' contubernium - the equivalent of a modern-day squad - was made up of only 8 legionaries.