History JustForFun / FightingForSurvival

* '''[[HairTriggerTemper Hippo]]''': ''"Get off my grass!"'' They're not friendly. They're not on your side. They're isolationist and violently territorial at best, and want you dead at worst. However, they're big, powerful, and more importantly, pissed off at the BigBad more than they are you right now. So they're opening up a new front you can exploit. Just stay out of their way. They'll happily destroy both you and the Big Bad if they have the means and opportunity.

* '''[[KillerRabbit Cat]]''': ''"If you help me, I'll help you."'' He's a mixed bag who goes on stealth missions. When he's out in the open, he puts up the front of a harmless bystander -but he's anything but harmless. He operates on his own agenda, so he won't always be reliable as a teammate. But once his trust has been gained, he'll freely share information and supplies.

* '''[[MixAndMatchCritters Platypus]]''': ''"What Count Apocalyptogeddon is doing is wrong! I won't let him frame the hero; in fact, I'll guide him through the Count's deadly maze!"'' The equal and opposite to the Chimera, these "bystanders" act as a combination of several examples above to help the hero.

* '''[[HairTriggerTemper Hippo]]''': ''"Get off my grass!"'' They're not friendly. They're not on your side. They're isolationist and violently territorial at best, and want you dead at worst. However, they're big, powerful, and more importantly, pissed off at the BigBad more. So they're opening up a new front you can exploit. Just stay out of their way. They'll happily destroy both you and the Big Bad if they have the means and opportunity.

* '''[[OldMaster Tortoise]]''': ''" I may be old, and a bit slow, but that doesn't mean I haven´t learned a thing or two in my years. If any of you need advice or training, contact me."'' Tortoise are venerable characters who provide wisdom and technique to the heroes. When they do fight, they prove to be excellent in combat.

->-- Mariesa van Huyten, ''[[Literature/FirestarSeries Falling Stars]]''

* '''[[TheStarscream Snake]]''': ''"Sure, I'll help you take out my boss. Here's the keys to his throne room. Just make sure to bring me back his crown."'' A ReliableTraitor who can be willing to help the heroes, if it means getting his boss's job. This traitorous snake can rarely be trusted, however. After all, if he has no loyalty to HIS side, why would he be loyal to you?

* '''[[OldMaster Tortoise]]''': ''" I may be old, and a bit slow, but that doesn't I haven´t learned a thing or two in my years. If any of you need advice or training, contact me."'' Tortoise are venerable characters who provide wisdom and technique to the heroes. When they do fight, they prove to be excellent in combat.

* '''[[DidYouJustFlipOffCthulhu Mockingbirds]]''': ''"Hey, you! The big, dumb guy with the spikes! Tell me: did you fall out of the ugly stick tree hitting every branch you could on the way down or were you just born looking like that?"'' Some people won't be able to provide more than a distraction, but sometimes, that is all that is needed.

* '''[[NobleDemon Wolf]]''': ''"Why am I helping you save the orphanage? Well, letting them die isn't my style, and let's just say I have some fond memories of the place."'' Being "irredeemably evil" is not that common; no matter how depraved, many villains will stop and help the hero to right things [[EvenEvilHasStandards even they see as wrong.]] The wolf is noble, and even admirable - but it is also a killer and may very well turn on you when the time comes.

* '''[[HighPriest Sheepdogs]]''': ''"Before you leave, I would like to remind everyone that there will be a prayer meeting for young Anna this evening. We all hope that the surgery goes well and extend our deepest sympathies for her family during this difficult time. Go in peace."'' In times of crisis, religion can serve as comfort and unity. These are the people who provide that support. They have great influence, being able to turn their flock to the hero's side.

* '''[[OldMaster Tortoise]]''': ''" I may be old, and a bit slow, but that doesn't I haven´t learned a thing or two in my years. If any of you need advice or training, contact me."'' Tortoise are venerable characters who provide wisdom and technique to the heroes. When they do fight, they prove to be excellent in combat .

* '''[[HairTriggerTemper Hippo]]''': ''"Get off my grass!"'' They're not friendly. They're not on your side. They're isolationist and violently territorial at best, and want you dead at worst. However, they're big, powerful, and more importantly, pissed off at the Big Bad more. So they're opening up a new front you can exploit. Just stay out of their way. They'll happily destroy both you and the Big Bad if they have the means and opportunity.

* '''[[NobleDemon Wolf]]''': ''"Why am I helping you save the orphanage? Well, letting them die isn't my style, and let's just say I have some fond memories of the place."'' Being "irredeemably evil" is not that common; no matter how depraved, many villains will stop and help the hero to right things even they see as wrong. The wolf is noble, and even admirable - but it is also a killer and may very well turn on you when the time comes.

* '''[[TheStarscream Snake]]''': ''"Sure, I'll help you take out my boss. Here's the keys to his throne room. Just make sure to bring me back his crown."'' A Reliable Traitor who can be willing to help the heroes, if it means getting his boss's job. This traitorous snake can rarely be trusted, however. After all, if he has no loyalty to HIS side, why would he be loyal to you?

* '''[[MrFixit Beavers]]''': ''"Whoa! What've you been doing with that busted up rig? Fighting the BigBad? In that case, repairs are on me!"'' These guys are medics, mechanics, or even simple inn keepers that will provide medical assistance, vehicle repair, or room and board to help the heroes on their quest.

* '''[[ThereCanOnlyBeOne Piranhas]]''': ''"There Can Be Only One Arch Villain!"'' Evil is not one big happy family. Even when they get along, all it takes is a shiny apple to put them at each other's throats. Big Bad caliber villains will gleefully fight for power, to determine who is Eviler than Thou or over the honor of killing the hero. Last Season's Big Bad might even come back to dethrone the "upstart" Snake who upstaged him. The hero may have an Enemy Mine on his hands where he can "pick" a side in this Enemy Civil War, or just sit back and let the two annihilate each other. Either way, expect a buried plan.

* '''[[TheDogBitesBack Beaten Dogs]]''': ''"You have abused me for the last time. From now on, I roll with your enemies."'' When a villain hurts a minion one too many times, they create a beaten dog. These will often try to defeat the villain or help the heroes - especially if the heroes show them compassion or treat them nicely. At their most passive, they do civil disobedience.
* '''[[WildCard Snake]]''': ''"Sure, I'll help you take out my boss. Here's the keys to his throne room. Just make sure to bring me back his crown."'' A Reliable Traitor who can be willing to help the heroes, if it means getting his boss's job. This traitorous snake can rarely be trusted, however. After all, if he has no loyalty to HIS side, why would he be loyal to you?

* '''Tortoise''': ''" I may be old, and a bit slow, but that doesn't I haven´t learned a thing or two in my years. If any of you need advice or training, contact me."'' Tortoise are venerable characters who provide wisdom and technique to the heroes. When they do fight, they prove to be excellent in combat .
* '''Eagles''': ''"All right, now take a left, but stop at the painting, it has a laser activated buzz-saw."'' Often a Voice with an Internet Connection, these people will help the hero through a dangerous path, providing much-needed information.
* '''Lions''': ''"So the neighbouring King wants to open the can of pickled evil? Do you have any proof of this? Yes, then you and I shall ride together with my armies to stop him!"'' The Wise Lion is a leader who is willing to hear out the hero and possibly go to war against his neighbour should the hero be able to provide convincing evidence that the neighbour is going to cause trouble. He won't ignore the problem, and he won't be acting out of a desire for political gain, but rather because he knows it's the right thing to do.

* '''Hens''': ''"Word on the street is the Big Bad wets his bed."'' They provide slander to defeat the villain through petty words. Or they give useful gossip to the heroes regarding what the word on the street is.
* '''Mockingbirds''': ''"Hey, you! The big, dumb guy with the spikes! Tell me: did you fall out of the ugly stick tree hitting every branch you could on the way down or were you just born looking like that?"'' Some people won't be able to provide more than a distraction, but sometimes, that is all that is needed.
* '''Sheepdogs''': ''"Before you leave, I would like to remind everyone that there will be a prayer meeting for young Anna this evening. We all hope that the surgery goes well and extend our deepest sympathies for her family during this difficult time. Go in peace."'' In times of crisis, religion can serve as comfort and unity. These are the people who provide that support. They have great influence, being able to turn their flock to the hero's side.

* '''Hippo''': ''"Get off my grass!"'' They're not friendly. They're not on your side. They're isolationist and violently territorial at best, and want you dead at worst. However, they're big, powerful, and more importantly, pissed off at the Big Bad more. So they're opening up a new front you can exploit. Just stay out of their way. They'll happily destroy both you and the Big Bad if they have the means and opportunity.
* '''Piranhas''': ''"There Can Be Only One Arch Villain!"'' Evil is not one big happy family. Even when they get along, all it takes is a shiny apple to put them at each other's throats. Big Bad caliber villains will gleefully fight for power, to determine who is Eviler than Thou or over the honor of killing the hero. Last Season's Big Bad might even come back to dethrone the "upstart" Snake who upstaged him. The hero may have an Enemy Mine on his hands where he can "pick" a side in this Enemy Civil War, or just sit back and let the two annihilate each other. Either way, expect a buried plan.
* '''Wolf''': ''"Why am I helping you save the orphanage? Well, letting them die isn't my style, and let's just say I have some fond memories of the place."'' Being "irredeemably evil" is not that common; no matter how depraved, many villains will stop and help the hero to right things even they see as wrong. The wolf is noble, and even admirable - but it is also a killer and may very well turn on you when the time comes.
* '''Raven''': ''"I must stop you, it is too soon for the viridian dawn."'' He's mysterious, works for the bad guy, but isn't quite as evil or antagonistic as he should be. Keep your guard up; he might help, but not for your sake.
* '''Beaten Dogs''': ''"You have abused me for the last time. From now on, I roll with your enemies."'' When a villain hurts a minion one too many times, they create a beaten dog. These will often try to defeat the villain or help the heroes - especially if the heroes show them compassion or treat them nicely. At their most passive, they do civil disobedience.
* '''Snake''': ''"Sure, I'll help you take out my boss. Here's the keys to his throne room. Just make sure to bring me back his crown."'' A Reliable Traitor who can be willing to help the heroes, if it means getting his boss's job. This traitorous snake can rarely be trusted, however. After all, if he has no loyalty to HIS side, why would he be loyal to you?
* '''Foxes''': ''"There's a secret entrance under the sewers, you can use that to get in. Go with you? I'm sorry, but that's not part of my plan."'' They'll help the hero... but because it helps their schemes, or they can at least see how his victory is preferable to the villain's.

* '''Porcupines''': ''"Run! I'll buy you some time! They may take me down, but they will regret it."'' Porcupines are participating in a Hero Secret Service and/or the early stages of a battle, but they WILL die. Unlike other casualties, they sacrifice themselves on the heroes' behalf, either severely weakening the Big Bad, or detaining his forces to allow the heroes to flee and fight another day. After all, killing a porcupine is a painful process. Usually, they have just enough characterization to make you sad they gave their lives to protect you.
* '''Badgers''': ''"Don't tread on me, just leave me alone! Not listening? Oh, it's on NOW!"'' They may look meek or unimportant, and they tend to avoid trouble, be it from the Big Bad or from the Heroes. They might even prefer to flee than stand and fight. Until someone ignores their warnings to back off and trouble corners them. Then, they will show you what they can do. And everyone recoils in fear.
* '''Hornets''': ''"We can overwhelm them with sheer numbers!"'' For hornets, quantity is better than quality. Unlike Boars, they are actually helpful.

* '''Bloodhounds''': ''"They headed east, but we can catch them in the Serpentine Swamps."'' Primitive locals who help out the heroes in a pinch. Often guides or hunters, they often possess skills and wisdom that be extremely helpful.
* '''Beavers''': ''"Whoa! What've you been doing with that busted up rig? Fighting the BigBad? In that case, repairs are on me!"'' These guys are medics, mechanics, or even simple inn keepers that will provide medical assistance, vehicle repair, or room and board to help the heroes on their quest.
* '''Stoats''': ''"Sure, I can get you the dynamite to handle the bridge demolition critical to your plan, though it's gonna cost 'ya."'' These guys can get you what you need, no matter what it is, but they'll expect to be paid handsomely for it. They might forgo the fee if the situation truly is desperate.

* '''The Pack''': ''"The Cavalry has arrived!"'' Provide mostly reliable backup for the hero. One downside is that their reliance on numbers means they might still die in droves.
* '''Soldier Ants''': ''"All right men, Defense Pattern Blue!"'' These were Innocent Bystanders who are now no longer afraid to fight for their freedom/lives/happiness.

* '''Coyote''': ''"So, you'll free the slaves if I let you pass? Ooh, I can't wait to see the chaos! Go right on by."'' A Trickster out for fun. Expect him to help now and again, but don't expect him to do so when asked. He might also be trying to teach you something.
* '''Platypus''': ''"What Count Apocalyptogeddon is doing is wrong! I won't let him frame the hero; in fact, I'll guide him through the Count's deadly maze!"'' The equal and opposite to the Chimera, these "bystanders" act as a combination of several examples above to help the hero.

* '''Porcupines'': ''"Run! I'll buy you some time! They may take me down, but they will regret it."'' Porcupines are participating in a Hero Secret Service and/or the early stages of a battle, but they WILL die. Unlike other casualties, they sacrifice themselves on the heroes' behalf, either severely weakening the Big Bad, or detaining his forces to allow the heroes to flee and fight another day. After all, killing a porcupine is a painful process. Usually, they have just enough characterization to make you sad they gave their lives to protect you.

* '''Tortoise''': ''" I may be old, and a bit slow, but that doesn't I haven´t learned a thing or two in my years. If any of you need advice or training, contact me."'' Tortoise are venerable characters who provide wisdom and technique to the heroes. When they do fight, they prove to be excellent in combatnote .

* '''Tortoise''': ''"If any of you need advice or training, contact me. I may be old, and a bit slow, but that doesn't mean I can't help."'' Tortoise are venerable characters who provide wisdom and technique to the heroes. When they do fight, they prove to be excellent in combatnote .

You will note that, in comparison to the Dying Like Animals list, this one is much lighter on the apocalyptic flavor and heavier on science fiction and fantasy. It's the SlidingScaleLongName at work distinguishing those genres.

->-- Mariesa Van Huyten, ''[[Literature/FirestarSeries Falling Stars]]''

->''It's a human thing. We have a need to prove ourselves to ourselves. It may just be our salvation.''//
-- Mariesa Van Huyten, ''[[Literature/FirestarSeries Falling Stars]]''

->''It's a human thing. We have a need to prove ourselves to ourselves. It may just be our salvation.''\\

\\''It's a human thing. We have a need to prove ourselves to ourselves. It may just be our salvation.''\\