Blue Ridge Caravan Company

The Blue Ridge Caravan Company is a powerful merchant company operating on the East Coast, and a major faction . It has been expanded in subsequent updates, providing additional information and lore about the region.
==Background==
Blue Ridge's history is closely tied to Joanna Mayfield's family, which shipped cargo across Appalachia for at least three generations, primarily along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Inheriting the company from her grandfather around 2073, Mayfield continued the tradition, managing a fleet of eighteen wheeled trucks across Appalachian highways and beyond. The Great War forced a change in operation, but did not manage to destroy the company. Switching trucks for hardy brahmin, Mayfield founded the Blue Ridge Caravan Company to once again connect the world together. Over the next 25 years, she built it up into a large merchant company with operations across the East Coast,Big Bend Tunnel terminal entries; terminal, (Draft) Company Speech primarily the Blue Ridge Parkway, though some merchants come from as far away as Kentucky.Carver Timmerman: "Well I was born around here actually, but my mom moved us sometime after the war. Now we've live in a settlement out in what used to be Kentucky, I guess. Maybe it still is Kentucky? I don't know, I tried reading some old geography text books as a kid, seemed like a waste of time now, though."(Carver Timmerman's dialogue)
Mayfield relied a great deal on her pre-War associates in the process, the most important of whom is Vinny Costa.Vault Dweller: "Who is in charge of the Blue Ridge Caravan Company?"Vinny Costa: "That would be Ms. Joanna Mayfield. Or Jo. But newcomers don't get to call her "Jo." So don't. She's been in charge of things since before the war, when we was running trucks up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway. She's running things from our headquarters, well away from here, but she's been planning a visit. We'll see."(Vinny Costa's dialogue) With ties to pre-War organized crimeTommy Ten-Toes: ""(Tommy Ten-Toes' dialogue) and a group of reliable men at his disposal, Mayfield made sure to keep him from being tempted to fall back into old, bad habits after the War, earning his loyalty.Big Bend Tunnel terminal entries; terminal, Staff and Clients for Appalachia He credits her exceptional management skills for the company's success.Vault 76 dweller: "How about the other members?"Vinny Costa: " Granted, my nephew Luca will always be a pain, and Aries will always be a creep, but, uh... Let's see. Ah, right. There's Minerva and Tommy. Hard to pin down, but when I see 'em, they always seem chipper. She's got good deals, too. Make sure you peruse if you bump into her. Oh, and if ya see Tommy Ten-Toes... While I know he can't count that high, tell him he still owes me 50 caps."(Vinny Costa's dialogue)
Other members of Blue Ridge company were recruited in the course of expanding operations, incluing the aforementioned Kentucky trappers and Minerva, who originally apprenticed with a book seller working for Blue Ridge. Many come to regard their fellow employees not just as business partners, but family, always looking out for each other.Vault 76 dweller: "You're with the Blue Ridge Caravan Company?"Minerva: "Sure am. Been with 'em since I was pint sized brainy brat. I'm originally from DC. Survived the bombs thanks to my local library seconding as a bomb shelter. Wound up wandering from group to group, until my talents caught the eye of some Blue Ridge folk passing through. Ended up being an apprentice for a book salesman, rewriting books by hand. He was a dear friend and great mentor. After he passed, I took over his caravan. Switched from books to something a little more catered for the modern survivor's needs, though. But Blue Ridge are my business partners and my family... And I couldn't ask for a better one."(Minerva's dialouge) 
===Steel Reign===
In 2103, after the Scorched Plague was finally contained by Vault 76 dwellers and humans started to return to Appalachia, Blue Ridge expanded as well. Vinny Costa set up a base camp at the eastern end of the Big Bend Tunnel, steadily carving a path into western Appalachia and establish trade routes.Vault 76 dweller: "What is this place?"
Libby Wen: "This is Big Bend. The Blue Ridge Caravan Company-- that's us-- have been using it to move merchants to the west side of Appalachia. Currently, we're trying to carve a path into Appalachia to improve trade and commerce with the settlements here. Head inside if you need to know more."(Libby Wen's dialogue) Though plagued by Blood Eagles and considered one of the most dangerous routes operated by Blue Ridge, it is at the same time the safest option to get past the Allegheny Mountains.Aries: "Do any other routes see this much action?"Rudy Fernandez: "Oh, that's right. You're pretty new to Blue Ridge. But, no, not so much. Big Bend is its own special nightmare for us merchants. Not much choice in the matter, though. Believe it or not, it's the safest route to the western side of this mountain range."Aries: "Very true. There are things far more deadly than a gang of would-be bandits in those hills. Trust me on that one."(Aries and Rudy Fernandez's dialogue) Overland travel is not just slow, but leaves the caravans much more exposed than crossing the train tunnel.Eugenie: "That was a tough fight. Why don't we try taking the roads over the mountains next time?"Kieran Kennedy: "The cliffs above makes travel by Brahmin too slow, too dangerous. The lack of cover leaves us vulnerable. There are no roads that won't lead to a fight. At least this way is favorable for fighting larger numbers. I would have thought you knew that, Eugenie."Eugenie: "Of course I did, but look how I've finally got you talking, Kieran. Tell me, how was your childhood?"Kieran Kennedy: "Hrmm... Stop messing around."(Eugenie and Kieran Kennedy's dialogue) 
While the expansion was successful and Blue Ridge managed to secure both ends of the tunnel, making inroads into Appalachia and even set up checkpoints throughout the tunnel, it wasn't without its problems. Blood Eagles constantly attacked the tunnel, targeting the checkpoints and caravans crossing through. However, the biggest problem came with a string of mysterious disappearances from among Blue Ridge clients, tied to the Harpers Ferry tunnel route used by the company to safely transport people across the Blue Ridge and the Potomac into Appalachia.Caravan manifest The company shut down and sealed up the tunnels after the disappearances.Vault Dweller: "Why did you lock the door in the first place?"Aries: "We ferried a lot of people through these tunnels. Didn't want any of our former clients trying to use it. Not for business reasons or anything... We just didn't want anyone else going missing down here."(Aries' dialogue) Mayfield tried to keep the situation under wraps, to avoid spooking the culprit or tarnishing the Blue Ridge name.Vault 76 dweller: "What else can you tell me about the caravan that went missing?"Joanna Mayfield: " After the train tunnel, we started looking over our records and notice more and more people had gotten "lost" on our runs. But we haven't been able to pin down a common factor yet... or any sign of where they ended up. "(Joanna Mayfield's dialogue)
The secrecy attracted the attention of the Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force under Paladin Leila Rahmani. The Paladin attempted to contact Blue Ridge repeatedly in the hopes of trading supplies, but was ignored every time. When Art Knapp arrived at Fort Atlas and the new Initiates turned up an apparently incriminating letter, Rahmani decided to investigate more deeply.Paladin Rahmani: "I've made several attempts to contact the Blue Ridge Caravan Company, in hopes of trading supplies. They turned me down. Every time. I understand that the Brotherhood can be an intimidating presence, and the West Virginia chapter didn't exactly leave behind a shining legacy... But I think we've shown we have Appalachia's safety and security at heart. Yet, they remain unwilling to even speak. I find it suspicious. During our travels, we found that a "caravan group" was just as often a cover for slavers and Raiders. A friendly guise for rolling through towns. I didn't suspect Blue Ridge of such at first, but their repeated refusal to talk, Mr. Knapp's story, and this letter are simply too much to ignore." While trying to investigate the matter incognito, Rahmani was immediately made by Mayfield, who decided to meet the Brotherhood leader in person. Blue Ridge's own investigation of their records showed a clear pattern of disappearances, but nothing that would tie them in common. The meeting between Rahmani and Mayfield was strained, due to the former suspecting the latter of human trafficking and the latter suspecting the former of trying to interfere with Blue Ridge for their own benefit.Leila Rahmani: "Ms. Mayfield. My name is Leila, I had made an appointment to speak with you."Joanna Mayfield: "Please, Joanna is just fine, dear... And while all this cloak and dagger hub-bub is flattering, why don't we cut to the chase... Paladin Rahmani."Leila Rahmani: "Well, that was short lived. Okay, Joanna, it appears I've underestimated you."Joanna Mayfield: "And lookie there, you've got one of these famous Vault Dwellers in tow. Hm. Familiar looking too. Say, you've done some work for me haven't you? Yeah, that's right... Riding shotgun with my crew through Big Bend?"Leila Rahmani: "I'd appreciate if the job offers were saved for later. We're here on pressing business."Joanna Mayfield: "Okay, Paladin, down to brass tacks then. It's not an accident that I've finally opted to meet witcha, after playing hard to get for so long. We know you're interested in the folk that've gone missing. We are too. Been looking into it for a spell now."(Joanna Mayfield's dialogue and Leila Rahmani's dialogue) 
They settled on a joint investigation of the last lost caravan, in the Harpers Ferry rail tunnel formerly used as one of Blue Ridge's caravan routes. Aries assisted the Rahmani and the Vault 76 dwellers,Joanna Mayfield: ""Aries: ""(Aries and Joanna Mayfield's dialogue) though his behavior almost convinced the Paladin that Blue Ridge ws responsible for the disappearances.Aries: "Your boss looks like she's about to strangle me with one of those vines. Something happen in there?"Paladin Rahmani: " I don't know if this is some kind of trap, or elaborate cover-up, but we need to get through that door and get answers. Now."Aries: ""Paladin Rahmani: ""Aries: ""(Aries and Leila Rahmani's dialogue) Ultimately however, the group found the caravan stop and uncovered evidence identifying Edgar Blackburn and the Hellcat Company as parties responsible for the mass kidnapping, clearing Blue Ridge's name.Paladin Rahmani: " My rash behavior was unfitting of my position, and frankly, unfair to you."Aries: ""Paladin Rahmani: ""Aries: ""Paladin Rahmani: ""
While Mayfield remained wary of the Brotherhood, she was satisfied with the outcome and remained in Appalachia.Vault 76 dweller: "We found the people who went missing in the Harper's Ferry train tunnel."Joanna Mayfield: ""(Joanna Mayfield's dialogue) Much of her disdain stemmed from her pride in what Blue Ridge achieved and what she and her caravaneers build up - and unwiligness to simply let a paramilitary outfit claim a slice of the pie and dictate what her caravan company can and can't do.Vault 76 dweller: "Why did you avoid contact with the Brotherhood of Steel?"Joanna Mayfield: "I've spent two and a half decades fostering a self-sufficient, well-guarded and valuable service, all without some jackbooted overlords lookin' over us. The only thing the Brotherhood can offer is telling us what we can and can't do... and try to take a slice of my pie while they're at it. And thus, I have chosen to politely decline any collaboration between our organizations."(Joanna Mayfield's dialogue)
===Once in a Blue Moon===
The company's operations grew in 2104, with Blue Ridge establishing a pit stop at the abandoned Middle Mountain Cabins. Now called the Middle Mountain Pitstop, it was set up to act as a major stopover point for caravans and travelers. They also made contact with the new Responders under Rucker, adding to their already impressive network of contacts in Appalachia.Sophie Wagoner: "I should check if those Blue Ridge folks carry letters, too."
===Future===
Blue Ridge may shift from expanding to strengthening its position, as the constant expansion has spread the company out and it's starting to weaken. Mayfield has decided to put a stop to further expansion, and focus on putting roots down, in Appalachia in particular. Survey reports by Vinny Costa suggested this might be the best course, as there's nothing in the north due to the proximity of The Pitt and unspecified "burned bridges" closer to the coast, while the infrastructure of the national parks to the south has attracted a lot of danger, rendering it unprofitable. Finally, the Ohio River is impassable due to the Cult of the Mothman blocking the Silver Bridge, and there's a lack of reliable routes through The Mire and over the Potomac, limiting the company's options.Big Bend Tunnel terminal entries; Vinny Costa's terminal, Survey reports
==Organization==
The caravan company is owned by Joanna Mayfield, with Vinny Costa as her head of operations. The company employs a permanent cadre of caravan guards, who protect merchants contracting with the company for protection in exchange for a generous commission. Every merchant operates their own supply chains and the related overhead, with Blue Ridge responsible for transporting goods and protecting the merchants,Vault 76 dweller: "What is the "Blue Ridge Caravan Company?""Aries: ""(Aries' dialogue) enabling Blue Ridge to offer a broad range of goods, including arms and ammunition, blueprints and schematics, furs, furniture, water, and more. Guards and merchants usually operate in pairs, with additional hands and guards hired as needed.Vault Dweller: "What can you tell me about the Blue Ridge Caravan Company?"Vinny Costa: "We're always looking for another gun to hire. We're in the business of shooting anyone that gets between our merchants and their destination. If you're interested in joining up, just ask me. I'll let you know if we've got a caravan ready to roll out. Just be ready for a fight. We've been real popular lately, if you catch my meaning. It can turn into a regular fireworks show in there."(Vinny Costa's dialogue)
Guards and merchants are paired as needed, though most merchants have their preferred guards with whom they develop rapport,Vault 76 dweller: "How about Libby Wen?"Eugenie: "Don't tell the others, but Libby is my guard of choice. Things just run a lot more smoothly with her at the helm. Her family basically raised her like it was boot camp. I know they drive her batty, but they sure brought her up right. She's a real professional."(Eugenie's dialogue) and bond together.Eugenie: ""Kieran Kennedy: "Fine... Safe."(Eugenie and Kieran Kennedy's dialogue) Blue Ridge is considered by some to be more than business partners, even family, and Mayfield's care to ensure fair division of labor and adequate rest is vital. However, at the end of the day it remains a business relationship and if circumstances change, Vinny Costa won't hesitate to raise the prices for caravan protection services. Free agents are typically disadvantaged,Vault 76 dweller: "She's fine-- hey, did you know she moved out from that ghoul compound? I read all about it."Vinny Costa: "She what? She moved outta that place? Shit, kid, you shoulda said that sooner. Ain't no way I can overlook it: her being a free agent changes some, uh... pricing options. You don't know it but you just made my day, pal. Probably ruined ol' Eugenie's year but eh, she'll be fine."(Vinny Costa's dialogue) since they usually don't provide potential openings for onboarding additional merchants or opening up markets. Caravan guards are also expected to purchase their supplies from within the Blue Ridge network, with reprimands and roster shakeups being the usual response if one deals with outside parties.Vault 76 dweller: "Is Libby shooting straight again?"
Vinny Costa: "Couldn't get much concrete info, but you were on to somethin' all right. I've moved Libby to a, uh, lower energy post for now. Maybe teach her a thing or two about keepin' contacts outside the network. Well, her dead-eye is back, that's for sure. Still totting that goofy old gun, though."
This manner of organization has paid dividends: By 2104, Blue Ridge operates across a large part of the former eastern United States. While it primarily does business along the Blue Ridge Parkway, it has merchants from as far west as Kentucky, and at least one pair - Minerva and Tommy Ten-Toes - traveled as far south as Chattanooga in former Tennessee.Vault Dweller: "Hold on a second, ten toes... on one foot?"Tommy Ten-Toes: " "(Tommy Ten-Toes' dialogue)
The operation in Appalachia around Big Bend Tunnel is just the latest expansion, significantly shortening the distance across the Allegheny Mountains by directly bridging Ash Heap and Cranberry Bog. It is of special importance, as Mayfield switched to the slower, but ultimately most resilient brahmin due to the rapidly deteriorating state of the roads and the nuclear engines powering the vehicles.
Vault 76 dweller: "So tell me about yourself."
Vera Thornberg: " "
 As a result, the bovines receive absolute priority, thanks to their ability to carry heavy loads unhindered over long distances.Vault Dweller: "Any advice for guarding the caravan?"Carver Timmerman: "Don't let the Brahmin die. Please, please, please, don't let Brahmin die. Our entire shipment depends on their safety."(Carver Timmerman's dialogue)
==Interactions with the player character==
Introduced in Wastelanders, Blue Ridge Caravan Company plays an important role in the Steel Reign storyline and has been expanded several times in subsequent updates, introducing new characters, events, unique items, and broadening the scope of the world.
Apart from named members, numerous generic guards, merchants, and ranch hands appear at Blue Ridge locations. All are coded to be friendly to the players and invulnerable to their attacks.
===Events===
* Event: Riding Shotgun
* Event: Beasts of Burden
* Event: Safe and Sound
===Quests===
* Out of the Blue
* Costa Business
==Locations==
* Big Bend Tunnel
** Big Bend Tunnel East
** Big Bend Tunnel West
*** Blue Ridge office
* Blue Ridge Bunkhouse
* Middle Mountain Pitstop
* Blue Ridge Parkway
* Harpers Ferry tunnel (formerly)
==Members==
==Items==
==Appearances==
The Blue Ridge Caravan Company appears only in Fallout 76, introduced in the Wastelanders update and expanded upon in the Steel Reign and Once in a Blue Moon updates.
==Behind the scenes==
* Much of the content for the Blue Ridge Caravan Company was created by quest designer Carl McKevitt.BGS_Steve (Steve Massey) on Bethesda Game Studios' official Discord Its design process started with the creation of Riding Shotgun, which originally featured simple "caravan guards." These guards were fleshed out into a mini-faction and their dialogue was expanded to avoid repetition during the event, which eventually led to the creation of Blue Ridge and its characters.BGS_Carl (Carl McKevitt) on Bethesda Game Studios' official Discord
* The Blue Ridge Caravan Company's name was decided based on several factors: Appalachia's location within the Blue Ridge Mountains, the mention of the mountain range in "Take Me Home, Country Roads," Carl's affinity for the color blue, and as a parallel to the similarly-named Crimson Caravan Company.
==Gallery==
FO76 Blue Ridge Caravan Flag 1 recreated.png|Flag without the caravan name
FO76 Blue Ridge Caravan Flag 2 recreated.png|Recreated version of flag logo
==References==
Non-game
 
Category:Pre-War companies
it:Blue Ridge Caravan Company
ru:Компания «Блю ридж караван»