Heartache by the Number is one of the most memorable companion quests in Fallout: New Vegas, focusing on Rose of Sharon Cassidy, commonly known as Cass. Helping her uncover the truth behind the destruction of her caravan company takes players on an intricate investigation across the Mojave Wasteland. Following daily gaming news often brings classic RPG strategies back into focus, helping modern players tackle these multi-outcome side quests effectively.
Starting the Quest and Recruiting Cass
To begin this questline, head over to the Mojave Outpost and speak with Cass inside the barracks. You must first buy out her caravan contract on behalf of the Crimson Caravan Company to recruit her as a companion. Once Cass joins your party, she will ask you to visit the site of her destroyed caravan to pay her respects.
Investigating the Destroyed Caravan Sites
Upon reaching Cass's destroyed caravan near the Crimson Caravan Compound, you will find signs of an organized ambush rather than a simple raider attack. Examining the wreckage reveals unique energy weapon burn marks and specific ammo casings left behind by the attackers. Cass will then request to visit two other destroyed caravans across the map to gather more evidence.
Finding the Evidence Manifest
After inspecting all three caravan sites, the clues point directly to a conspiracy involving two major factions: the Crimson Caravan and the Van Graffs of Freeside. To prove their involvement, you must travel to the Silver Rush in Freeside and steal the encrypted manifest from Gloria Van Graff's safe. Additionally, you need to lockpick Alice McLafferty's safe at the Crimson Caravan Compound to retrieve the matching transaction records.
Resolving the Quest: Peaceful Evidence vs. Violent Revenge
Once both pieces of evidence are in your possession, you must decide how to handle the situation with Cass. Presenting the proof to Ranger Jackson at the Mojave Outpost resolves the quest peacefully, resulting in legal sanctions against the corrupt companies and earning Cass the Calm Heart perk. Alternatively, assisting Cass in wiping out the leaders of the Silver Rush and Crimson Caravan yields the Hand of Vengeance perk, granting a permanent damage bonus.
