Great Khans
Ruthless chem dealers turned mercenary kings ruling the Mojave's darkest shadows.
The Great Khans are a notorious drug cartel and mercenary group operating in the wastelands of the Mojave region during the late 23rd century. Originally the same group as the New Khans from Fallout 2, they migrated east and evolved into a ruthless organization dedicated to the production, distribution, and sale of chems across the desert.
- Leader
- Various lieutenants (post-Papa Khan)
- Affiliation
- Independent / Mercenary
- Base of Operations
- Hidden desert camps (e.g., Red Rock Canyon, Goodsprings outskirts)
- Primary Activity
- Chems trafficking and mercenary work
- First Appearance
- Fallout: New Vegas
- Notable Members
- Papa Khan, Jack, Diane, Melissa
Lore & Background
The origins of the Great Khans trace back to the New Khans from Fallout 2, a group of wasteland survivors who migrated east to the New Vegas area. Stranded and hardened by the desert, they eventually formed their own criminal empire under the banner of the 'Great Khan'. Their philosophy is built on the belief that survival belongs only to those strong enough to take it, a creed that has hardened them into some of the most feared figures in the wasteland. They view themselves not as criminals, but as free traders in a world where freedom is the ultimate commodity. Over time, their influence expanded from simple chem dealing to controlling entire territories and providing mercenary services to the highest bidder. This history of survival has made them deeply cynical and distrustful of all organized governments, preferring the chaotic freedom of the desert to the rigid structures of the NCR or the Legion.
In Their Own Story
The sun beats down on the cracked earth of Goodsprings as a lone traveler approaches the edge of town. From the shadows of an abandoned shack, a figure emerges—clad in tattered leather and a mask that hides more than just identity. A Great Khan enforcer, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of NCR patrols or rival gangs. He clutches a vial of Psycho, its contents glowing faintly in the harsh light. 'Trade is life,' he mutters, echoing the creed of his people. With a nod to his companions hidden behind the rocks, he steps forward, ready to sell death and chaos to anyone foolish enough to cross his path.
Reader's Guide
Originally a group of rogue NCR Rangers, they transformed into a powerful criminal syndicate that operates outside the law. Their primary goal is profit and survival through the distribution of illegal substances like Jet, Psycho, and Buffout. They also offer mercenary services to those who can pay, often acting as enforcers or hired muscle for various factions. Membership in the Khans is earned through strength and ruthlessness. New recruits must prove their loyalty by completing dangerous missions, often involving violence or theft. The group is led by a council of lieutenants who answer only to the Khan's highest authority. They will sell to anyone, ally with no one permanently, and strike when it benefits them most. Their presence adds an element of unpredictability to the Mojave's political landscape.
Did You Know?
- The Great Khans are the same group as the New Khans from Fallout 2, having migrated east rather than being formed by survivors.
- They control significant portions of the chem trade in the Mojave Wasteland.
- Vulpes Inculta is a frumentarius of Caesar's Legion and has no known history with the Great Khans.
- The Khans are known for their distinctive masks and leather armor, which hide their identities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Great Khans?
They are a notorious drug cartel and mercenary group operating within the Mojave Wasteland during the events of Fallout: New Vegas. Originally expelled from the New California Republic Rangers due to unethical behavior, they now focus on chem trafficking.
Why are the Great Khans important in the wasteland?
Their importance stems from controlling the flow of addictive substances like Psycho and Jet throughout the desert region. Additionally, their willingness to work as mercenaries makes them a dangerous variable for factions like the NCR and Mr. House.
Who leads the Great Khans faction?
While the former leader Vulpes Inculta is well-known, the group currently operates under a council of various lieutenants following his departure. This decentralized command structure allows them to remain elusive and adaptable across their hidden desert camps.
Where do the Great Khans operate from?
Their primary bases include the ruins of Goodsprings and secluded encampments near Camp McCarran on the outskirts of New Vegas. These locations serve as hubs for their manufacturing and distribution networks across the Mojave.
How does the Great Khans story end in Fallout: New Vegas?
In Fallout: New Vegas, the player can choose to eliminate the Khans entirely or allow them to continue operating within the wasteland depending on quest outcomes. Their ultimate fate is determined by how the Courier handles conflicts with groups like the NCR and Caesar's Legion.
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