Dead Horses

The Dead Horses are a tribe that can be found in Zion Canyon in 2281.
==Background==
The New Canaanites believe that the Dead Horses tribe originated from a place called Res, east of the Grand Canyon. They are descended from the pre-War inhabitants of the place, as well as tourists who had been visiting when the Great War broke out. Over time the languages of the two groups melded into a creole, becoming the main language of the tribe, though a few members maintained enough English to effectively communicate with outsiders.Courier: "Do they speak... our language?"Joshua Graham: "Most don't. It's been hundreds of years since the war. They've developed their own languages. Take the Dead Horses. We think they were originally refugees from a place called east of the Grand Canyon. They speak a combination of Res and a language spoken by travelers who were visiting Res when the bombs fell. Over time, the two languages blended. I was a translator years ago, but it's hard to keep up with all of the tribal variations."(Joshua Graham's dialogue) Eventually they left Res, heading west until they reached the banks of the Colorado River at Dead Horse Point, which they would make their namesake and their home.The Courier: "Tell me about your tribe."Follows-Chalk: "We came up in the Land of the Dead Horse, though why the Back When folks called it that I got no hint. We raided, we fought... we lost. Our enemies drove us back into Zion, and we would have died if it hadn't been for Joshua. Joshua, and his Caesar."(Follows-Chalk's dialogue)
After living there for many generations, the Dead Horses were visited by Joshua Graham, the Malpais Legate of Caesar's Legion. He sought to prime them for assimilation into the Legion, like numerous tribes before, and began to train them in the methods of warfare. He taught them how to hunt more efficiently and how to maintain their rare pre-War equipment.The Courier: "Does the valley belong to the Dead Horses?"Joshua Graham: "The valley belongs to God, but no. The Dead Horses live at Dead Horse Point, up the Colorado River. They came here because I asked them to. Before I... returned to the fold, I visited them years earlier. I looked much different then, but I left an impression on them. I taught them how to hunt more efficiently, how to maintain their weapons and Pre-War equipment. When I returned, they showed their appreciation."(Joshua Graham's dialogue) However, before they were ready to join the Legion, Joshua was called away to lead Caesar's armies in the First Battle of Hoover Dam, a battle from which he would return a very different man. 
With Joshua gone, the Dead Horses were no longer at risk of eminent assimilation, though they maintained a deep level of reverence for both Graham and the man he served.The Courier: "Wait, what about Caesar?"Follows-Chalk: "When Joshua first came to us, he was servant to a man he called Caesar. He led his master's armies, and we were ready to follow him into war. Then he lost his master's army to a tribe called Enseeyar, the Sunset People. When he returned, he was as you saw him - burned, broken, but changed. He led us away from Caesar, led us to our own destiny in Zion."(Follows-Chalk's dialogue) They began to put Joshua's teachings to use and started raiding and attacking people around them. They were eventually retaliated against, driving the Dead Horses from their home and all the way south to Zion. They had lost much and were taken advantage of by many of the tribes of the valley. It would be here that Joshua found the Dead Horses, having survived his execution and returning to his home of New Canaan.The Courier: "Do you remember anything about Joshua from before he became your leader?"Follows-Chalk: "Only a little - I was very young. He was... different. Prouder, yes, but harder, crueler, more driven. Really, I was terrified of him. We all were. When he came back, I almost didn't believe he was the same man. He was humbler. He wanted to protect, not destroy."(Follows-Chalk's dialogue) This time, he would lead the tribe in a different direction. He led them away from Caesar, explaining what the Legion would have done to them. He taught them how to defend themselves, to protect and hold their territory.The Courier: "What did Joshua do for you?"Follows-Chalk: "If it wasn't for Joshua, the Dead Horses would still be the whipping boys of the Zion Valley. He taught us how to hold our territory, to protect ourselves. He guided us away from Caesar, and showed us how Caesar would have destroyed us."(Follows-Chalk's dialogue) Graham became their acting war chief,The Courier: "Tell me more about Joshua Graham."Follows-Chalk: "He's been the chief of our tribe since he came back to the Valley. He went off to the civilized world years ago, to fight a war. That didn't go well."(Follows-Chalk's dialogue) and under his guidance the Dead Horses would retake Dead Horse Point. 
After the destruction of New Canaan, a group of survivors led by Daniel made their way to Zion and resided with the Sorrows tribe, where Joshua met up with them.The Courier: "Wait, what? New Canaan was wiped out? How?"Follows-Chalk: "That's what Joshua said. White Legs came down from Great Salt Lake in force - fell on New Canaan before they could mount a defense. Joshua found some of the survivors led by a man named Daniel. Most of them have fled the valley, but Daniel stayed on with the Sorrows tribe. He and Joshua have been arguing over whether to stand and fight the White Legs or take the Sorrows and the Dead Horses out of the valley."(Follows-Chalk's dialogue) To help protect his people, he asked some of the Dead Horses to return to Zion, to help defend the New Canaanites and the Sorrows against the White Legs. Whether the Dead Horses help the Sorrows evacuate the valley or drive the invaders out, the tribe returns to their home afterward.Honest Hearts endings, Dead Horses: "Having helped Daniel and the Sorrows escape from Zion, the Dead Horses returned to their home at Dead Horse Point. The tribe continued to learn from the New Canaanites, and over many years built a flourishing community along the banks of the Colorado. Though the tribes' bond would endure, it was Joshua Graham's legend the Dead Horses would revere, not the tenets of New Canaan's faith."Honest Hearts endings, Dead Horses: "Having helped eradicate the White Legs from Zion, the Dead Horses returned to Dead Horse Point in triumph. They remained neutral toward the Sorrows, but as years went on, there were periods of competitive friction, even violence, between the tribes. The New Canaanites - Daniel especially - intervened regularly as mediators, but found it difficult to reconcile the tribes' conflicts."
==Society==
Their tribe is located at Dead Horse Point on the Colorado River. Many of the Dead Horses serve as scouts for the tribe, keeping their warriors back in case of enemy attack. The full-fledged scouts leave chalk murals and pictographs to guide the less experienced ones during reconnaissance or to lead warriors to good hunting grounds.The Courier: "Why are you called Follows-Chalk?"Follows-Chalk: "Our advance scouts leave chalk signs to mark places rich with game. I'm not a full scout yet, so I follow the marks and guide the hunters."(Follows-Chalk's dialogue)
The Dead Horses are individualistic in the way that they govern their personal lives. They are democratic in matters concerning the tribe as a whole. Usually, the only decisions made autocratically are those regarding conflicts with outside groups. In this sphere, Joshua Graham, revered as their war-chief, has been given complete authority to dictate the actions of tribal warriors in times of war. Joshua stated he desired little to do with the way the tribe conducted its personal matters, believing that there may be better men whose example should be followed than his own.The Courier: "Fine by me. I prefer the wilderness."Joshua Graham: "Then let him know. Follows-Chalk needs more guidance in his life. I'd prefer it not come from me. If people want to look to me for how to fight, I will show them how. I believe God put me on this Earth for that very reason. But to live like me, think like me... no. There are better people for them to look to for such things."(Joshua Graham's dialogue)
In the past of the Sorrows, they lost one of their own to a trap left behind by their "Father in the Caves," convincing them to stop trying to enter the caves of Zion and even incorporate this belief into their religion. When the Dead Horses came to the valley, the Sorrows told them stories of the spirits that live within, scaring them enough that most came to avoid the caves and pre-War buildings of the valley as well.The Courier: "Taboo?"Joshua Graham: "The Sorrows believe in a spirit that lives in the caves, say the spirit punished them once for trespassing. They put special marks around the cave entrances to keep people out. It doesn't work on the White Legs, of course, but the Dead Horses are spooked."(Joshua Graham's dialogue) A few members remain willing to enter these taboo places, such as Follows-Chalk, but are still nervous nonetheless.The Courier: "What taboo places?"Follows-Chalk: "Lots of them around the valley - places built by the folk from Back When. You'll know them when you see them - scouts mark them with hand prints. The hand prints are a warning to keep out - angry ghosts live inside. Not that I believe in angry ghosts. They're just spooky old places. Right?"(Follows-Chalk's dialogue)The Courier: "I'll see what I can do."Joshua Graham: "Thank you. Follows-Chalk can help you find your way around the valley. He's inexperienced, but he knows enough of our language to ignore the taboos about Pre-War buildings."(Joshua Graham's dialogue)Follows-Chalk: ""(Follows-Chalk's dialogue) They hunt bighorners for food, marking themselves with tattoos to commemorate when they hunt and special occasions, like if a youth goes on his first hunt or should a hunter kill large prey,The Courier: "What are all those tattoos?"Follows-Chalk: "Dead Horses mark ourselves to commemorate our hunts. When a hunter takes a great beast, or when a youth goes on his first hunt, he gets a tattoo."(Follows-Chalk's dialogue) (a tradition similar to the Twisted Hairs who braid their hair to reflect their lives and deeds). The Dead Horses remain very mindful of the environment and the animals of Zion knowing not to over hunt any prey too much.The Courier: "Why is it so important that we fight the White Legs?"Follows-Chalk: ""(Follows-Chalk's dialogue)
===Characters===
* Dead Horse Disciple of Canaan
* Dead Horse stalker
* Dead Horse tribal
* Dead Horse warrior
Notable
* Joshua Graham (leader)
* Follows-Chalk
* Two-Bears-High-Fiving 
==Military==
While the Dead Horses maintain offensive and defensive capabilities collectively, it can't be said they possess a designated wartime force. Though the tribe does have warriors who are specifically armed and trained for the purpose of combat, they primarily act as hunters. The tribe also has a separate branch of scouts, but again, their talents (while widely applicable) are more often utilized for the more practical matters of exploration and locating game. These scouts can be found all over Zion Canyon, and often in pairs. The Dead Horses use .45 Auto pistols as a standard firearm, though many are armed with supplementary war clubsThe Courier: "Nice guns."Joshua Graham: "In the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau, all tribes are known for a specific weapon. White Legs are known for their big submachine guns, "storm drums." They broke into an armory near Spanish Fork and have been using them for years. Of course, the Dead Horses have their wooden war clubs and even the Sorrows have their Yao Guai gauntlets. This type of .45 Automatic pistol was designed by one of my tribe almost four hundred years ago. Learning its use is a New Canaanite rite of passage."(Joshua Graham's dialogue) which are decorated with .45 caliber shell casings in reverence of Joshua Graham.The Courier: "What's with the shell casings in your club?"Follows-Chalk: "We decorate our clubs with them to honor Joshua Graham. They were the weapons of his old tribe, so now they are ours. Can't say they seem that dangerous to me, but Joshua says they "won the West.""(Follows-Chalk's dialogue) When the Courier reaches Zion Canyon, Joshua Graham is ready to lead the Dead Horses in the extermination of the White Legs, despite Daniel, who voices his concern for the fate as well as the relative innocence of the tribes.
==Relations with the outside==
The majority of the Dead Horse tribe has no desire to explore the rest of the wasteland, and they tend to stay away from the "taboo" pre-War buildings. Caesar's Legion came to Zion Canyon before the First Battle of Hoover Dam and attempted to court their tribe, under orders from Joshua Graham. They remained here until Joshua Graham returned from Hoover Dam and became the acting war chief of their tribe. While they are on good terms with the Sorrows tribe, they are currently at odds with the White Legs, who are trying to exterminate both the Sorrows and Dead Horses. Joshua Graham has asked that the Dead Horses not attack any outsider who enters the valley, unless they are targeted first.Dead Horse Disciple of Canaan: "Hoi! Owslandr zookah Joshua Graham?"The Courier: "If you're too dumb to speak my language, you're too dumb to talk to me. Get lost."Dead Horse Disciple of Canaan: "Shaiss! Would kill you myself, but Joshua says no harm to visitors until harm done to us."(Dead Horse Disciple of Canaan's dialogue)
The Happy Trails Caravan Company has attempted to make contact with the Mormons at New Canaan by passing through Zion Canyon. The Dead Horses know little about the New Canaanites apart from the few missionaries they send out.The Courier: "What do you know about the New Canaanites?"Follows-Chalk: "Little bit. I met some of their missionaries a few times, but I've never been to their city. Joshua could tell you more - or Daniel, I imagine."(Follows-Chalk's dialogue) At one point, the Lonesome Drifter arrived in Zion and told the Dead Horse tribe of the wasteland outside of Zion.The Courier: "What's with this obsession you seem to have with "civilization?""Follows-Chalk: "Let me tell you a story. When I was a boy, a man came through the valley with one of the caravans. Tall man, big mustache, carried a guitar. I asked what he did for his living, and the interpreter told me he was a singer. What is that? I asked. The man explained that he went from place to place and sang for people, who gave him food and shelter and care in return. I couldn't believe that there was a place in this world where a man could do that. I promised myself then that one day I'd explore that world myself."(Follows-Chalk's dialogue) Other than this, the Dead Horse tribe are fairly reclusive and tend to be wary of outsiders.
==Language==
The Dead Horses speak a unique language, based on that of pre-War German, English, and Navajo vernacular.Question: "Trate de preguntar en español? OK. ¿Qué idioma es el idioma de los Dead Horses basada en? La idioma de los Sorrows se basada en español, por supuesto. Pero no puedo entender qué idioma de los Dead Horses se basada en." (English translation: "Can I try to ask in Spanish? OK. What language is the language of the Dead Horses based on? The Sorrows' language is based on Spanish, of course. But I can't understand what language the Dead Horses is based on."Joshua Sawyer: "El idioma de los Dead Horses se basada en alemán, inglés, y navajo, pero la morfología del navajo es irreconocible." (English translation: "The Dead Horses language is based on German, English, and Navajo, but Navajo morphology is unrecognizable."Joshua Sawyer Spring.meQuestion: "Is It correct that the tribals are descended from vacationers at the time of the Great War? I swear I hear a little German in the Dead Horses and Spanish in the Sorrows, but I also hear another language(s) mixed in and spoken by either tribe as well."Joshua Sawyer: "Yes. Joshua Graham explains that they speak languages from a place he calls "Res" mixed with languages from people who were vacationing in Utah."(Joshua Sawyer Formspring post 19 May 11)Joshua Sawyer: "Some of the original Dead Horses were Native Americans, but the group overall is supposed to be a mix of NAs, European tourists, and random American citizens."(Joshua Sawyer at forums.somethingawful.com)
===Examples of phrases===
Phrases	Phrases	Phrases	Phrases
* – Good (day).
* – Hello.
* – Hi!
* – Don't point weapons at me.
* – Stop that please.
* – Explosive, bomb, yes?
* – A warning for white legs! Heh he!
* – Grenade!
* – Bomb!
* – Fine.
* – Why?! Stop!
* – I'm playing with you!
* – Die!
* – Think you can fight me?!
* – Shit!
* – Look out!
* – Rest tonight, my friend!
* – No! Not you!
* – Take this!
* – Fire bomb!
* – Get away!
* – Devil!
* – That was bad.
* – Ouch!
* – No! Thieving raccoon.
* – It's not allowed!
* – I'm still searching...
* – Where are you?
* – Are you here?
* – Look!
* – "I found you!"
* – Come here!
* – Huh, nothing.
* – Gone.
* – Skinwalker!
* – Just disappeared!
* – Damned!
* – Good kill, my friend.
* – I'm lucky today!
* – Good work.
* – I am listening.
* – Maybe you're gone.
* – Where are you?
* – No, you can't run!
* – That's it!
* – You're dead!
* – I am done searching.
* – I hear something.
* – What?
* – I'm taking a look.
* – White Legs!
* – Attack!
* – Let's go!
* – Fight me!	 	 	
==Endings==
==Notes==
* When found roaming Zion Valley, the Dead Horses are not attacked by nor do they attack mutated creatures such as yao guai or green geckos.
* Even if the player character helps the Dead Horses eradicate the White Legs and works with Joshua Graham to complete Honest Hearts, the Dead Horses may be hostile upon the player character's return to Zion Canyon.
==Appearances==
The Dead Horses appear only in the Fallout: New Vegas add-on Honest Hearts.
==Behind the scenes==
===Developer quotes===
==Gallery==
Dead Horses Camp.jpg|Dead Horses camp in the Zion Canyon
TB High Fiving.jpg
==References==
;Non-game
 
de:Wüstenpferde
es:Caballos Muertos
fr:Dead Horses
it:Cavalli Morti
pl:Martwe Konie
ru:Мёртвые Лошади
uk:Мертва Коняка
zh:死马部落