Alternate Reality

Malcolm Holmes - Capped Collector


The Alternate Reality series intends to add some desperately needed variety / spice / random elements to your playthroughs - implementing alternate realities as is similar in Bethesda and Obsidian's RPG experiences. Certain things are left open-ended and the actual reality of your game may not always play out (or be perceived) the same way.




I realized that Malcolm is very good at finding you no matter what... So what if he actually tried to kill you instead of talk to you? He is now New Vegas' version of Sam Warrick.

Alternate Reality #1: (Vanilla Interaction) Malcolm is his usual self. He is an annoying, yet mysterious character.

Alternate Reality #2: Malcolm stalks you across the Mojave until either of you is dead. Malcolm is an expert tracker who's always had a passion for justice. Malcolm snaps after witnessing crimes perpetrated in the name of Sunset Sarsaparilla Star Bottle Caps. He carries a note which offers insight into his past and future. Malcolm has decided to embark on his own mission across the Mojave and has his own goals. Unfortunately, you are his next target. He is well equipped, highly skilled, and highly deadly.

- This mod makes Delayed Malcolm redundant - I did something similar.

- Malcolm carries his own custom Canteen, but unfortunately I'm not really a graphic design / digital artist so maybe someone can help providing a cool model or texture for Malcolm's canteen. Malcolm's canteen currently still looks like and has the same icon as the Vault 13 Canteen, but it doesn't have the same name or in-game message.



If you're well equipped and have some skills, you'll be the Predator rather than the Prey.
If you're low level or ill-equipped, you might want to think twice about continuing to pick up Star bottle caps.
With every Star bottle cap you pick up, Malcolm has a 20% chance of appearing.

Malcolm's Behavior:

• Set to level with you until level 12. If you encounter him when he's level 12, he will be much more difficult.
• May hide and stick to cover. His method of assassination may include flanking and/or surprising his enemy.
• Can flee in order to preserve his own life. I think this was a good decision, in order to simulate the both of you sniping each other across the desert, retreating and healing when each of you need to. This was to make Malcolm feel human.
  

If you can't kill Malcolm you can always run away, but he will track you down eventually. 

• It's not smart to wait or sleep in the Mojave for long durations. You need to constantly be on the move if you're not able to challenge him.
• He has the potential to shoot you from a far distance as you are running away.
• You may be able to outsmart Malcolm if you're on your toes at all times.
  

NOTES:

• If you are caught sleeping or waiting for too long outdoors, he may move to your position getting very close to you. There isn't much I can do about this at this point.
  

- Choose one esp.

- FOMOD installer recommended.

- If installing manually:
Versions labeled "5050" give a random chance that Malcolm will be a nice guy or try to kill you.
There are versions for use with TTW.

NOTE: Version naming scheme for reference:
"Non-5050 / 100" = Alternate Reality = 100% of the time Alternate Reality
"5050" = Random Alternate Reality = % chance for Alternate Reality

NOTE: Although it is labeled "5050" it is not literally a 50% chance for this specific Malcolm Holmes mod. The chances are 20% for him to appear with each Star cap you pick up.

NOTE: Malcolm might not have his rifle ready/sneak in the "5050" version (he still attacks, don't worry). This is because the "RemoveScriptPackage" function is unable to remove Malcolm's Editor-added packages. I may work around this in the future. In the non-5050 version, he is always sneaking with his rifle out.