Big Circle

The Big Circle is a caravan route in northern California that loops through several settlements including Broken Hills, New Reno, Redding, the Den, Modoc and Vault City.Ed (Fallout 2):"{130}{}{When I was a lot younger, I used to drive brahmin through the 'Big Circle'... Broken Hills, New Reno, Redding, the Den, Modoc, then back here. It just got too dangerous after a while, so I settled here.}"(Ed's dialogue) Gecko is also included, particularly when caravans from Broken Hills or other uranium producing settlements are involved.WORLDMAP.TXT
==Background==
Before 2242 the route was very dangerous, but by 2281, the NCR's expansion northwards made it considerably safer.
Year	Known served settlements
2241	Broken Hills — New Reno — Redding — The Den — Modoc — Vault City — Gecko
2281	New Reno — Redding — The Den — Modoc — Vault City
==Caravans==
===2241===
Existing for several decades before 2241, the Big Circle is one of the most profitable trade routes in New California. Before the trade route was considered a safe route, it became a predictable route to be hit by raiders and other violent actors because of its growing renown of overuse by many caravan merchants. However, the rewards outweighed the risks, and many caravans and brahmin drivers braved the route despite the dangers that stalk the paths.
There are many caravans on the trail, differing vastly in equipment, weapons and carried goods. By far the poorest are traders from the Den, usually traveling only with two bodyguards armed with knives and submachine guns, on top of personal slaves. Vault City, despite its wealth, typically dispatches merchant with a guard detail armed with hunting rifles, 10mm weapons, and Desert Eagles, clad in metal. New Reno does not skimp on protection and typically outfits its caravaneers with assault rifles and automatic shotguns, although sledgehammers are also a choice. But by far the best-equipped parties travel under the flag of Redding trading companies: automatic weapons, such as miniguns and assault rifles, are commonplace, as is rare high-caliber 14mm pistols and the vintage grease guns.
Caravans operating out of Broken Hills are well-armed as well: the merchant is typically accompanied by guards carrying miniguns. By comparison, their trade partner, Gecko, sends out ghoul caravans with relatively light weapons: hunting rifles, assault rifles, and shotguns.
===2281===
Several towns have gone with the passage of time, such as Broken Hills and Gecko, but the Big Circle is still a viable route. Most merchants run the Big Circle frequently for its consistent work and pay.The Courier: "There's other places to go."Rose of Sharon Cassidy: " Head back West? I already know the Big Circle and everyone in it - 'cept now I go back there, ruined. "(Rose of Sharon Cassidy's dialogue) Brahmin drives are also a common sightThe Courier: "Why would I have brought it here?"Ulysses: "I've walked the East. Circle Junction. Reno. Vault City. Word of you at Fort Aradesh... Fort Abandon. Even further West than that, Brahmin drives on the Big Circle. Whatever you saw out there, wasn't enough to make you stay. the markings on the package reminded you of the road home."(Ulysses' dialogue) and many caravan families have say on the running of the route.The Courier: "Hear any news from the West?"Ghost: " Look, you want gossip, go to the bar downstairs and listen to a whole lot of nothing. Me, I got to keep watch, "(Ghost's dialogue)
==Appearances==
The Big Circle appears in Fallout 2, and is mentioned in Fallout: New Vegas and its add-on Lonesome Road.
==See also==
* Short Loop (water trade route)
* Caravan master (the individuals following the routes)
* Caravan merchant
* Golden Trail
==References==
Category:Fallout 2 locations
Category:Lonesome Road mentioned-only locations
Category:Fallout: New Vegas roadways
ru:Большой Круг