State of New California (Fall of the Bear)

The State of New California is a rump state of the former New California Republic, which it claims to be the successor to.
== Background ==
=== Founding ===
The Californian State emerged as one of the initial states following the Fall of the New California Republic. In the aftermath of President Kimball's assassination, Congress swiftly established the National Administrative Committee. Despite their efforts, the Committee was rendered ineffective, struggling against widespread secessions and the abandonment of entire states by their garrisons. In response to the crisis, a group of NCR military officers, under the leadership of Lee Oliver — who had been summoned back from the Mojave Territories by President Kimball prior to his death — enforced a perpetual state of martial law and assumed control of the Committee. Under Oliver's directive, the NCR Army tried to maintain the integrity of the Republic, but the secession of multiple states had already fractured the union and hampered the ability of the Army to enforce peace and order.
In light of the situation, Oliver orchestrated a campaign to safeguard the Republic at Shady Sands. With the objective of launching a counteroffensive once the Army was sufficiently resupplied and recuperated, he reluctantly signed an order to reposition all remaining NCR forces to the “Line of Actual Control,” a demarcation that would subsequently delineate the State’s boundaries up to the present day.
The Committee initiated the nationalization of key private assets and the conversion of civilian industries for the production of firearms and equipment. This effort was bolstered by the acquisition of design plans for a range of weaponry, which included models previously utilized by the NCR, such as the service rifle, as well as more innovative armaments like the gatling laser and functional power armor. The designs for these advanced weapons were provided by the Navarro detachment, assisting the Committee’s endeavor to enhance the Republic’s military capabilities. The Army was scaled down and retrained in favor of a more elite, specialized armored force, while the command structure was centralized and reorganized to fit the new military doctrine. The remnants of the NCR Rangers faced significant organizational changes following suspicions of their involvement in the assassination. While they could not be abolished outright due to their cultural significance, their autonomy was decreased following a restructure.
On the civilian front, Oliver reinstated the constitution and reactivated the civilian government’s functions. However, the real power of this government was significantly diminished, rendering it essentially a figurehead entity. The roles of the President and the cabinet were downgraded to largely symbolic and advisory capacities. While Congress retained its legislative authority, all enacted laws were subject to the oversight and approval of the Committee, ensuring military influence over governance.
=== Factionalism and division ===
As months passed, the anticipated “counter-offensive” against the dissenting states failed to materialize. General Oliver, despite being lauded for revitalizing the economy and military, faced dwindling support due to his reluctance to confront the Republic’s insurgents. This inaction created a vacuum that fostered the emergence of distinct factions within the Army and the Committee.
Major General James Hsu emerged as the leader of the Reformist faction within the NCRA, advocating for an ethical and pacifist strategy to reunify the region. His approach, while widely favored, was met with criticism from the Patriot faction. Led by Lieutenant General Cassandra Moore, the Patriots vehemently opposed Hsu’s methods, calling instead for an aggressive reunification campaign.
Caught in the middle, Oliver chose not to align with either faction, instead leading the Loyalist group. This faction, mainly consisting of military officers and personnel, aimed to maintain the current state of affairs, preferring a cautious approach that blended diplomacy with strategic use of force for reunification.
By the year 2292, the public sentiment overwhelmingly supports the reunification of New California. As the proclamation of martial law is lifted, newly-elected President Roger Westin Jr., recognizes this desire, leveraging his influence over Congress and parts of the Committee to strengthen the civilian government’s role. The Committee finds itself in a precarious position, as any attempt to silence Westin could potentially erode their popularity even further.
== Society ==
The collapse of the New California Republic led the state to implement a more balanced, mutualist approach of governance. This has allowed communities to thrive economically and develop tight-knit bonds. Additionally, Oliver restricted the power of brahmin barons and water merchants, limiting their influence on government operations. However, it also has heavily affected corporate relations and their willingness to do business in the State. This has led corporations to flock to economic safehavens like the Free State of Redding and the Free City of the Hub.
=== Equality ===
On the surface, the State of New California "places" a high value on freedom, equality, and liberty. During the creation of the 2284 Constitution, General Oliver introduced several amendments that not only expanded the rights of humans but also extended protections to mutants.
Oliver also reinstated the traditional values and principles established by President Tandi. Laws that limited the number of cattle head and the acreage of fields a single person could own were directly incorporated into the Constitution. Additionally, laws prohibiting persecution and discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, sexuality, or religious belief were enshrined. The protection afforded to ghouls and other mutants were also expanded, leading to the establishment of the Special Committee on Mutant Affairs. The actual enforcement of these protections still leave a lot to be desired, and outside Shady Sands mutant discrimination is still prevalent.
Beneath the surface, the State has major flaws that are counterproductive to its values and principles. Those who oppose Oliver and the actions of the Committee are regularly suppressed and face long prison sentences. Anti-corruption measures are largely symbolic and Oliver has his own cronies. Corruption and bribery is still rampant across the State's institutions.
=== Economy ===
The State of New California stands as a highly developed and industrialized economy. Unlike other rump states, it boasts medium and heavy industries, granting it limited capacity to mass-produce both consumer goods and military equipment.
However, the loss of the Boneyard currency production facility has posed challenges to the SNC’s ability to effectively create and manage its currency. Furthermore, corporations have been discouraged to do business within the State, due to stringent labor restrictions, environmental regulations, and poor corporate relations as a result of Oliver's early nationalization initiatives. This has led to companies migrating to other neighboring states, where the law is favorable to them. As a result, resource imports are heavily restricted and industries have to improvise on materials. Additionally, much of the industry within the State is state-owned, the economy frequently suffers from a lack of efficient resource allocation, and a lack of innovation.
=== Politics ===
The State of New California boasts a complex political structure, one that, when disrupted, risks upsetting the delicate balance of power established by General Oliver. Formally, it positions itself as a federal presidential republic, mirroring its predecessor. In this system, citizens directly participate in elections every four years, casting their votes for Congress representatives (at the district level), senators (statewide), and the president and vice President (nationwide). The President, with Congressional approval, assembles a Cabinet comprising secretaries who oversee various state departments. However, these democratic processes serve as a facade, concealing the military’s true dominance over the state.
Above the President looms the National Administrative Committee of New California, presided over by the incumbent chairman, General Lee Oliver. Committee members serve five-year terms, either appointed directly by the chairman or, in the event of a vacancy, selected through committee voting. The Committee wields genuine decision-making power. It acts as a superior advisory body to the President, who then relays the Committee’s directives to Congress for voting. Although the President retains the option to dissent, the Committee possesses the authority to bypass this resistance. It can directly transmit orders to Congress or even enact them with the chairman’s signature. These methods, while rarely employed, risk undermining the illusion of legitimacy maintained by the puppet government, and prefer the President to cooperate in the Committee's schemes.
=== Technology ===
The State's technological advancement is owed to the efforts of the Office of Science and Industry, as well as the researchers at Camp Navarro prior to their secession. Even before the collapse of the Republic, Shady Sands exhibited relative development, granting its citizens amenities and luxuries such as electricity, tap water, and public transportation. State cooperatives have spearheaded initiatives to provide subsidized appliances, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Moreover, the State has expressed keen interest in expanding its computer network infrastructure. Frequent subsidies for terminals and network modems underscore this commitment. Notably, the SNC maintains a presence on CaliNet, California’s most prominent and still operational computer network.
== Military ==
The military of the State of New California is one of the strongest in New California. A far cry from the mass enlistment, meat shield strategies during the Battle of Hoover Dam, Oliver has chosen to downscale the army in favor of a more specialized, armored army. The SNC's military technology is unbridled, thanks to the technology of Research Sector Navarro while they were still under SNC control. This has allowed them to experiment with a variety of technology, from simple rifle receiver modifications to entirely redesigned power armor pieces. Funding these projects is no easy task however, and a large portion of the budget goes to the military's research and development division.
=== Black Berets ===
The Special Operations Troopers, commonly known as the Black Berets are the special forces wing of the AFNC's Special Forces Command. Standing as one of the most formidable units in the wasteland, these elite soldiers are equipped with cutting-edge gear, including the NCR T-51b power armor and experimental plasma rifles. A fleet of vertibirds are reserved solely for their use in combat and field deployment. One notable platoon of SOTs is Task Force Aradesh led by Petty Officer First Class 'Mags', who are distinguished in their service during the Defence of Camp Golf, and life-saving duty during the Retreat in the Mojave.
=== State Rangers ===
Once a formidable force, the State Rangers now find themselves overshadowed by Oliver’s Special Operations Troopers. Since the Battle of Hoover Dam, direct combat engagements have become rare for the State Rangers, and their involvement in military affairs have been reduced to nothing. Their influence, presence, and popularity protect them from being reassigned and abolished outright, so they find renewed purpose in scouting and reconnaissance missions for the field armies. Their expertise proves invaluable in executing stealthy operations that demand the skills of a seasoned Ranger.
=== Infantry ===
Despite their prowess, the Special Operations Troopers remain scarce in number. For larger operations, the State still relies on common rank-and-file infantry. These regular troops typically wear NCR trooper armor and utilize the service rifle. While their equipment has seen little change, plans are underway to replace the outdated trooper armor with the NCR combat armor.
=== Air Force ===
The Shady Sands Airfields allows the State to maintain the Air Force of the State of New California. Most vertibirds have been refurbished and armored, primarily serving the Special Operations Troopers. Previously, vertibirds not allocated to the SOTs served as experimental platforms for the Navarro garrison, though since the Secession of Navarro they have been relegated to transporting high-ranking officials, including the President, Vice President, cabinet members, the Chairman of the Committee, and, in exceptional circumstances, a Committee member.
== Foreign Relations ==
While Hsu and Moore disagree, General Oliver favors a cautious approach that many observers have dubbed “Wait-and-See diplomacy,” The Department of Foreign Affairs remains operational, regularly dispatching diplomats to maintain relations with friendly neighboring states. Additionally, the SNC maintains a consulate in the Shi State.
When it comes to dealing with aggressive states and factions, such as raiders, the State acts swiftly to address any threats, though they tend to treat the symptom instead of the probem. An inherent distrust and disdain persist toward both the Brotherhood of Steel and the Legion. The Brotherhood’s occupation of Maxson and the Legion’s brutal actions — massacring NCR soldiers and civilians — have left lasting scars, shaping the State’s cautious, vigilant, and sometimes downright aggressive stance in its diplomatic endeavors.
== Notes ==
* This was created by Arcaneous for the Fallout: Fall of the Bear fanonverse.
Category:Factions
Category:Post-War Factions
Category:Post-War Militaries