The Frumentarii (singular frumentarius) are an elite group within the ranks of Caesar's Legion, acting as scouts and infiltrators aiming to disrupt and destabilize enemy infrastructure ahead of Legion assaults. Several of their members appear in Fallout: New Vegas.
Background
Drawing from his Follower background and knowledge of the history of Ancient Rome when creating his Legion in 2241, Caesar instituted the "office" of the frumentarii, designating them as his spies and intelligence officers who are tasked not only with infiltrating enemy society,[1][2] but also carrying out his campaigns of terror.[3]
While the exact number of frumentarii within the Legion by 2281 is unknown, several notable members are encountered by the Courier in the Mojave Wasteland, including their commander, Vulpes Inculta.[4][5]
Characteristics
To ensure efficiency, the frumentarii operate independently from the bulk of the Legion's armies and are given complete operational autonomy on how they accomplish their missions.[6] Each frumentarii was given their rank after being hand-picked from the pool of soldiers by Caesar himself and undergoing serious training to refine their skills and talents.[7]
Many frumentarii disguise themselves as couriers as a means of easy infiltration, to the point that Caesar has forbidden his forces from harming couriers, lest any of his undercover agents be killed by mistake.[8]
Interactions with the player character
Interactions overview
| Interactions | ||
|---|---|---|
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This character is involved in quests. | |
Notable frumentarii
- Alerio
- Cato Hostilius
- Gabban
- Karl
- Picus
- Ulysses (formerly)
- Vulpes Inculta (leader)
- Disguised frumentarius
- Strange man
Appearances
Frumentarii appear only in Fallout: New Vegas.
Behind the scenes
Frumentarius is a Latin adjective meaning "of or pertaining to grains" or "a grain merchant". In the time of the Roman Republic, the position of frumentarii originally served as food supply officers, later being adapted to be used as spies and special agents during the Roman Empire.
References
- ↑ The Courier: "You again? How'd you find me here?"
Vulpes Inculta: "I am the greatest of his
Caesar's Frumentarii. It was not a challenge to find you. Nor is this my first visit to the Strip."
(Vulpes Inculta's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "How do you know about Benny?"
Vulpes Inculta: "Little escapes the notice of Caesar's Legion. We know a great deal about the Vegas Strip, and the comings and goings of those who frequent it."
(Vulpes Inculta's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "What 'lessons' did you teach here?"
Vulpes Inculta: "Where to begin? That they are weak, and we are strong? This much was known already. But the depths of their moral sickness, their dissolution? Nipton serves as the perfect object lesson."
(Vulpes Inculta's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "Who are you?"
Vulpes Inculta: "I am Vulpes Inculta, of Caesar's Legion. I serve my master as the greatest of his Frumentarii. We Frumentarii are soldiers of a different stripe, capable in battle, but skilled as infiltrators and agents as well."
(Vulpes Inculta's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "Tell me about Vulpes Inculta."
Caesar: "Vulpes is the best of my Frumentarii. A remarkable individual from an unremarkable tribe south of the Utah. He was brought into the Legion as a boy, survived training, fought well enough as Legionary to be promoted to the rank of Decanus. Then, in battle against an unimportant tribe, he broke ranks and led his contubernium through a hole in their defenses to capture its chieftain. Well, his Centurion wanted him crucified for disobedience. So I made him a Frumentari."
(Caesar's dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "How many years have you been on this assignment?"
Picus: "Took me three-and-a-half years, just to make Captain. Usually takes four, but I made sure there was an early vacancy. Caesar sees threats before they're even aware of him. He sent me long before we moved to occupy the eastern riverbank. And now all my work, all the waiting, is about to pay off."
(Ronald Curtis' dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "What officer?"
Silus: "I don't know what name he goes by here. But I saw him when they brought me in, and I recognized him. When I saw him last it was ages ago. He was training to be an agent of Caesar's {LATIN}frumentarii. Apparently he passed the trials. And what a job he's done, to achieve such a rank. I have no doubt he'll deliver a crippling blow to the NCR while he's here. Perhaps many."
(Silus' dialogue) - ↑ The Courier: "[Legion] Being Frumentarii kept you from killing me in the past. You have no such defense now. "
Ulysses: "I believed in what I followed then. Kill no Courier, Caesar's words. I honored them. Other Couriers could have been Legion - like me. Now, our allegiances are reversed."
(Ulysses' dialogue)
