Re: Fallout Equines
This might be a bit out there, but do you think there's a similar place for Zebras in the Fallout world? Both in terms of serving those in South-East Africa but also we know from Nuka World's Gazelles and Ghoulrillas that the survival of captive zoo animals is absolutely in play. I imagine the big challenge there is that they aren't really domesticated, but I'm sure over 200 years it could work out?
I have actually thought about this a lot!!! Like a lot, lol
Thank you so so much for your ask!! I love questions like this!! :)
I love the thought of zebras as vicious mounts for the people of the wastelands, but sadly zebras do not have the build to carry weight. They simply are not built for riding, despite what some may say. Why is that? Well! Their bone structure is quite different from horses.
They are incredible equines but they cannot be ridden, nor are they the friendliest or easiest to train. We actually had one come through our rescue a while back and I don't think I've met a more mean and fierce equine. Strongest bite i've ever felt too!! (Luckily I didn't have to experience the kicks) And I've met some real fiery and pissed off equines. So I bet Zebra's would not work out the best for a form of mount or labor, but hybrids? I could see how they would work out well!!
Zorses, a mix between a horse and a zebra, still have some fierce and feral tendencies and can be difficult to train, but they do have the structural build to carry weight and haul. Zonkeys, a mix between a zebra and a donkey would maybe be alright for some forms of labor but their build would not be very good for much carrying. So Zorses would be the best option. Almost all mules are sadly sterile, since they are also a hybrid. So Zorses, I believe, are as well. So it would require a permeant breeder of a horse and a zebra somewhere out there in the wasteland. They'd be harder to find naturally running in herds like horses and zebras do.
I have actually thought about the use of zorses in Nuka World extensively. Like I have written multiple ideas and even a large portion of a fanfiction about these animals. I love to picture zebras and horses, along with donkeys, surviving in and around Nuka World. Just like the Gazelles, Ghoulrillas, and Brahmiluff(mutated buffalo)
I also love to picture the raiders of Nuka World using equines for multiple reasons, especially as mounts.
I have a work in progress fic about my OC overboss of Nuka World, Lilly. And her relationship with Porter Gage and their story of turning Nuka World into a raider empire. In this story they manage to keep all three gangs alive by spreading their territory to the river valley surrounding Nuka World. Taking over the old farmlands and town of Bradberton. In my little fallout world The Pack uses their animals for many many crucial things, like their dogs for hunting and their equines for many different things like mounts and haulers. and I like to think their main mount/riding horses are actually hybrids. Some form of mutated Zorse, maybe they even have mutated enough to breed on their own and have more abilities that Zorses would lack, like extra carrying strength and thicker fur for the appalcian winters. Zorses would already have an incredible advantage over horses, they would be incredibly powerful and vicious animals. They'd have the build of a horse but the viciousness of a zebra, with incredibly strong hooves and teeth that were made for murder. They'd be extra surefooted and muscular, with the ability to survive on little water and limited grass. They'd be harder to train, but in my Au the Pack has a few horse trainers, including an old world horse trainer who is a ghoul OC of mine. They train their zorses not just in bravery, but they are absolutely trained to bite and trample enemies. Their powerful bites, kicks and stomps are taken advantage of by the raiders of Nuka World. I also see The Pack painting the Zorses colorful patterns involving their equine striped patterning.
