Follows-Chalk

Follows-Chalk is a tribal living in Zion Canyon in 2281.

Background
When Follows-Chalk was a young boy, a man came through the valley with one of the caravans ("Tall man, big moustache, carried a guitar"). Follows-Chalk asked him what he did for a living, and the interpreter told him that he was a singer. "What is that?", he 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. Follows-Chalk couldn't believe that there was a place in this world where a man could do that. He promised himself then that one day he'd explore that world himself.

Follows Chalk's name is derived from the fact that the more experienced Dead Horse scouts leave chalk marks to indicate areas where game is plentiful. As he is not a full scout yet, he simply "follows the chalk" of the veterans. As a young tribesman, he admits to not believing in the local taboo legends, and expresses excitement when exploring taboo areas (Pre-War buildings). Follows-Chalk idolizes Joshua Graham, which worries Graham, who feels he should have as little influence over the tribe as possible.

Quests

 * Bighorners of the Eastern Virgin: Follows-Chalk informs the player that the bighorner are becoming restless over the loss of one of their calves. He asks you to return the missing calf, or else the Bighorner will stampede into the Dead Horses camp.
 * Civilized Man's Burden: Follows-Chalk is fascinated with civilization outside of Zion. The player can convince to either explore it for himself, or tell him to stay with his tribe.
 * Arrival at Zion: After crossing the bridge and escaping the White Legs assault on the caravan, Follows-Chalk finds you and leads you to the Dead Horses camp.

Other interactions

 * As with other companions, Follows-Chalk will make several comments to the player. Some of these comments are unique to certain locations, concerning views of the scenery or wall paintings. His repeating comments include references to New Vegas (specifically incredulity regarding the purpose of card games), the dangers of yao guai, various local happenings, both current and legend, and many comments about the 'civilized' lands outside Zion. These include asking why people would pay to watch cards be put on a table, referring to Vegas and blackjack, and stories of a giant thunder lizard in which people live, referencing Dinky the Dinosaur in Novac.

Endings

 * If the Courier tells him that he should stay at Zion with his people, Follows-Chalk takes the Courier's words to heart and decides that the big cities of the Mojave Wasteland and NCR are best left unexplored. Though he sometimes dreams of distant lands, he continues to support his family at Dead Horse Point, and eventually his wanderlust fades.
 * If the Courier tells him to go and see civilization for himself, Follows-Chalk takes the Courier's words to heart and decides that he will behold the sights and sounds of distant lands with his own eyes and ears. After returning to Dead Horse Point, he quarrels with his family and other tribe members about his ambitions. One morning, they awake to discover that Follows-Chalk has set off alone, westward, into the wilderness. He is never seen again.

Notable quotes

 * "Hoi! White Legs don't leave survivors often. You're some kind of lucky, let me tell you."
 * "Hold up, see that log over there? Take a closer look. There might be some good stuff tucked in there."
 * "Like the shadow of a ghost."
 * "I bet they don't have anything as nasty as Yao Guai back where you come from, huh?"
 * "Is there really big giant thunder lizard, people live inside?"
 * "Why do you carry all those bottlecaps around? They jingle like crazy."

Appearances
Follows-Chalk appears only in the Fallout: New Vegas add-on Honest Hearts.

Behind the scenes

 * Follows-Chalk was written by Travis Stout.