[@Hippocamp], Umm, this directly contradicts the first IC post; Vulpes' plan for a 'lottery' got vetoed in this alternate universe, and Nipton was occupied (the Mayor still got burnt alive, though) and the remaining populace got used as ablative human shields instead of getting crucified [i]right away[/i].

Now, Caesar's Legion are fortifying the place as a trap for the NCR, while The Cabal is hiring mercs to soften up the town in preparation for the actual NCR counterattack.