“Ethel's going to be madder than a wet hen but you reap what you sow, kid, and Heck's earned every ounce of misery he gets. So, we have a deal?”
Walter Phebus is a former brahmin rancher visiting New Vegas in 2281.
Background
Walter Phebus is a former brahmin rancher that has had his land taken by force by Heck Gunderson and his men at gunpoint. Phebus, deciding that Gunderson needs to be taken down, has followed him to New Vegas seeking his revenge over the protests of his wife, Ethel Phebus.
Interactions with the player character
Interactions overview
| Interactions | ||
|---|---|---|
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This character is essential. Essential characters cannot be killed. | |
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This character is a permanent companion. They grant the - perk. | |
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This character is a temporary companion. | |
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This character starts quests. | |
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This character is a doctor. |
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This character is a merchant. |  -Sells: - |
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This character can repair items. | Max Repair condition: - |
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This character can modify weapons. |
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This character rents beds. | -.
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Quests
- Pheeble Will: Walter Phebus wants Heck Gunderson to suffer because Heck has used threats of violence and intimidation to secure his ranching monopoly.
Inventory
| Apparel | Weapon | Other items | On death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well-heeled gambler suit Desperado cowboy hat Reading glasses |
- | - | - |
Notes
- Walter and his wife will continue to mill around the Strip even after they choose to return to their ranch.
- It's possible to pickpocket Walter Phebus infinitely. Each time you attempt to pickpocket him, you lose karma but the item is never removed from his inventory. If you have a high enough sneak skill, you can exploit this glitch and get the Artful Pocketer achievement very easily. The item you select is never actually added to your inventory, however each time you take the Karma loss then exit the inventory menu, it counts as a successful pickpocket. (confirmed on multiple characters)
- If Walter is in the Las Vegas Boulevard Station, he will not react to any acts of violence committed, even against his wife.
Notable quotes
- "He's got his reasons. And when that man gets a notion stuck in his head, he's like a Bighorn bull that's seen red." – Ethel Phebus
- "I came to take care of Heck Gunderson. That bastard's taking over any ranch he spots in The Wasteland."
- "Bighorners' my trade since I was a youngin. I confess it's hard living these days, kid. The Wasteland ain't the same anymore."
- "Ethel's going to be madder than a wet hen but you reap what you sow, kid, and Heck's earned every ounce of misery he gets. So, we have a deal?"
- "Good work. I'm sorry that stupid mail-order cowboy ended like that but his father's misery makes it well worthy."
Appearances
Walter Phebus appears only in Fallout: New Vegas.
