Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 81 (click to see context) from:
** In ''Literature/FateApocrypha'', the role of the Ruler Class Servant is to enforce the rules of the Great Holy Grail War as a neutral party. Unfortunately, [[spoiler:Amakusa Shirou Tosikada]] wants the Grail, and he is also working as the Church overseer. So much for neutrality.
to:
** In ''Literature/FateApocrypha'', the role of the Ruler Class Servant is to enforce the rules of the Great Holy Grail War as a neutral party. Unfortunately, [[spoiler:Amakusa Shirou Tosikada]] Tokisada]] wants the Grail, and he is also working as the Church overseer. So much for neutrality.
Added DiffLines:
** ''VideoGame/FateSamuraiRemnant'' doesn't involve the Church, for once... but the overseer still turns out to be a Master out to get the Grail himself. On behalf of the Shogunate, no less.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* In the early parts of ''Literature/TheSagaOfTanyaTheEvil'', Albion is neutral in the wars of various countries against Germania, which basically translates to aiding Germania's enemies in deniable ways whenever possible. They drop the pretense and declare war openly after Operation Revolving Door.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 26 (click to see context) from:
** In the backstory of ''ComicBook/TheTransformersIDW'', it's revealed that Tyrest was a highly revered believer of law and order who unsuccessfully tried to broker a peace agreement between the Autobots and Decepticons. Despite this failure, he managed to at least convince both sides to sign the Tyrest Accord, which [[PrimeDirective forbade sharing of Cybertronian technology with alien races]]. He was made Chief Justice for this, but despite his title implying he ought to be neutral he continued to identify himself as an Autobot for most of the Autobot-Decepticon war. Despite this, he was so scrupulous in his dealings that the Decepticons as well as alien races who otherwise despised the Transformers offered him tremendous respect. [[note]] Sadly, his IncorruptiblePurePureness was also his undoing: becoming aware that the Autobots had several war criminals in their midst but were keeping it quiet until the war was over in order to avoid crippling morale so went against his desire for truth and honesty it drove him insane.[[/note]]
to:
** In the backstory of ''ComicBook/TheTransformersIDW'', it's revealed that Tyrest was a highly revered believer of law and order who unsuccessfully tried to broker a peace agreement between the Autobots and Decepticons. Despite this failure, he managed to at least convince both sides to sign the Tyrest Accord, which [[PrimeDirective forbade sharing of Cybertronian technology with alien races]]. He was made Chief Justice for this, but despite his title implying he ought to be neutral he continued to identify himself as an Autobot for most of until near the end of Autobot-Decepticon war.war, when he became truly neutral. Despite this, he was so scrupulous in his dealings that the Decepticons as well as alien races who otherwise despised the Transformers offered him tremendous respect. [[note]] Sadly, his IncorruptiblePurePureness was also his undoing: becoming aware that the Autobots had several war criminals in their midst but were keeping it quiet until the war was over in order to avoid crippling morale so went against his desire for truth and honesty it drove him insane.[[/note]][[/note]]
** Ultra Magnus, the Tyrest Accord's duly appointed enforcer, is an Autobot who regularly led operations against Decepticons. At least Tyrest isn't known to have taken part in any of the fighting, and his greatest known role in the war was (as mentioned) overseeing the court-martials of Autobot war criminals.
** Ultra Magnus, the Tyrest Accord's duly appointed enforcer, is an Autobot who regularly led operations against Decepticons. At least Tyrest isn't known to have taken part in any of the fighting, and his greatest known role in the war was (as mentioned) overseeing the court-martials of Autobot war criminals.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 49 (click to see context) from:
* In ''Franchise/StarWarsLegends'', Gray Jedi are Force-wielders that distance themselves from the Jedi and Sith Orders, with some relying on [[BalanceBetweenGoodAndEvil both sides of the Force]]. While this sounds all right on paper, it [[NoPointsForNeutrality doesn't work so well in practice]] as TheDarkSide is a [[TheCorruption corrupting force that grows throughout a person]], [[DrunkOnTheDarkSide subverting every emotion and thought they have]]. The {{precursors}} known as the Je'daii tried and failed miserably, [[NeutralNoLonger forming the modern Jedi and Sith]]. As a consequence, every "Gray Jedi" is either a Light-sider that's on a slippery slope or just thinks TheOrder needs to remove the stick up its ass ([[VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic Jolee Bindo]], [[Film/ThePhantomMenace Qui-Gon Jinn]], [[VideoGame/DarkForcesSaga Kyle Katarn]], the [[Literature/IJedi Jensaarai]], the [[ComicBook/StarWarsLegacy Imperial Knights]]), or a [[ObliviouslyEvil Dark Jedi in denial]] ([[VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublicIITheSithLords Darth Traya]], [[Literature/LegacyOfTheForce Darth Caedus]]).
to:
* In ''Franchise/StarWarsLegends'', Gray Jedi are Force-wielders that distance themselves from the Jedi and Sith Orders, with some relying on [[BalanceBetweenGoodAndEvil both sides of the Force]]. While this sounds all right on paper, it [[NoPointsForNeutrality doesn't work so well in practice]] as TheDarkSide is a [[TheCorruption corrupting force that grows throughout a person]], [[DrunkOnTheDarkSide subverting every emotion and thought they have]]. The {{precursors}} known as the Je'daii tried and failed miserably, [[NeutralNoLonger forming the modern Jedi and Sith]]. As a consequence, every "Gray Jedi" is either a Light-sider that's on a slippery slope or [[BadPowersGoodPeople Light-sider]] that just thinks TheOrder needs to remove the stick up its ass ([[VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic Jolee Bindo]], [[Film/ThePhantomMenace Qui-Gon Jinn]], [[VideoGame/DarkForcesSaga Kyle Katarn]], the [[Literature/IJedi Jensaarai]], the [[ComicBook/StarWarsLegacy Imperial Knights]]), or a [[ObliviouslyEvil [[JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope future Dark Jedi in denial]] ([[VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublicIITheSithLords Jedi]] (Darth Revan, [[VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublicIITheSithLords Darth Traya]], [[Literature/LegacyOfTheForce Darth Caedus]]).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* In ''Franchise/StarWarsLegends'', Gray Jedi are Force-wielders that distance themselves from the Jedi and Sith Orders, with some relying on [[BalanceBetweenGoodAndEvil both sides of the Force]]. While this sounds all right on paper, it [[NoPointsForNeutrality doesn't work so well in practice]] as TheDarkSide is a [[TheCorruption corrupting force that grows throughout a person]], [[DrunkOnTheDarkSide subverting every emotion and thought they have]]. The {{precursors}} known as the Je'daii tried and failed miserably, [[NeutralNoLonger forming the modern Jedi and Sith]]. As a consequence, every "Gray Jedi" is either a Light-sider that's on a slippery slope or just thinks TheOrder needs to remove the stick up its ass ([[VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic Jolee Bindo]], [[Film/ThePhantomMenace Qui-Gon Jinn]], [[VideoGame/DarkForcesSaga Kyle Katarn]], the [[Literature/IJedi Jensaarai]], the [[ComicBook/StarWarsLegacy Imperial Knights]]), or a [[ObliviouslyEvil Dark Jedi in denial]] ([[VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublicIITheSithLords Darth Traya]], [[Literature/LegacyOfTheForce Darth Caedus]]).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* In ''VideoGame/DiscoElysium'', the [[PeoplesRepublicOfTyranny Moralintern]] identify as humanist political centrists, [[BitchInSheepsClothing when in reality they're aggressive neoliberals that violently suppress any dissent]] from their desired status quo. Insistence on expanding to new markets, a highly structured globalized economy, distaste for any ideology beyond their own, [[CapitalismIsBad a club of wealthy countries that are the de-facto hegemons of the world]], the list goes on. The one official you meet is a WindbagPolitician whose almost every word is useless preaching about the importance of [[ObstructiveBureaucrat slow, incremental change]], until he slips in something distinctly ominous.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
** The [[VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublicIITheSithLords sequel]] had Kreia, aka [[ObviousJudas Darth Traya]], who was essentially an EvilCounterpart [[ContrastingReplacementCharacter to Jolee]]. Her character alignment was shown to be neutral as well, as she was exiled by the Jedi and betrayed by the Sith. However, she was very much aligned with TheDarkSide as she spent the entirety of the game acting as an EvilMentor to the PlayerCharacter, trying to mold them into a ManipulativeBastard [[WhyAreYouNotMySon like her]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 75 (click to see context) from:
** In ''LightNovel/FateZero'', Kotomine Kirei, who is the son of the current church overseer and a member of the Church, is a Master in the war. While that in itself falls under a loophole (the Grail chooses the Masters), his father assigns him to secretly assist Tohsaka Tokiomi, another master. That is DEFINITELY against the rules.
to:
** In ''LightNovel/FateZero'', ''Literature/FateZero'', Kotomine Kirei, who is the son of the current church overseer and a member of the Church, is a Master in the war. While that in itself falls under a loophole (the Grail chooses the Masters), his father assigns him to secretly assist Tohsaka Tokiomi, another master. That is DEFINITELY against the rules.
Changed line(s) 77 (click to see context) from:
** In ''LightNovel/FateApocrypha'', the role of the Ruler Class Servant is to enforce the rules of the Great Holy Grail War as a neutral party. Unfortunately, [[spoiler:Amakusa Shirou Tosikada]] wants the Grail, and he is also working as the Church overseer. So much for neutrality.
to:
** In ''LightNovel/FateApocrypha'', ''Literature/FateApocrypha'', the role of the Ruler Class Servant is to enforce the rules of the Great Holy Grail War as a neutral party. Unfortunately, [[spoiler:Amakusa Shirou Tosikada]] wants the Grail, and he is also working as the Church overseer. So much for neutrality.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 26 (click to see context) from:
** In the backstory of [[Creator/IDWPublishing IDW]]'s original Transformers continuity, it's revealed that Tyrest was a highly revered believer of law and order who unsuccessfully tried to broker a peace agreement between the Autobots and Decepticons. Despite this failure, he managed to at least convince both sides to sign the Tyrest Accord, which [[PrimeDirective forbade sharing of Cybertronian technology with alien races]]. He was made Chief Justice for this, but despite his title implying he ought to be neutral he continued to identify himself as an Autobot for most of the Autobot-Decepticon war. Despite this, he was so scrupulous in his dealings that the Decepticons as well as alien races who otherwise despised the Transformers offered him tremendous respect. [[note]] Sadly, his IncorruptiblePurePureness was also his undoing: becoming aware that the Autobots had several war criminals in their midst but were keeping it quiet until the war was over in order to avoid crippling morale so went against his desire for truth and honesty it drove him insane.[[/note]]
to:
** In the backstory of [[Creator/IDWPublishing IDW]]'s original Transformers continuity, ''ComicBook/TheTransformersIDW'', it's revealed that Tyrest was a highly revered believer of law and order who unsuccessfully tried to broker a peace agreement between the Autobots and Decepticons. Despite this failure, he managed to at least convince both sides to sign the Tyrest Accord, which [[PrimeDirective forbade sharing of Cybertronian technology with alien races]]. He was made Chief Justice for this, but despite his title implying he ought to be neutral he continued to identify himself as an Autobot for most of the Autobot-Decepticon war. Despite this, he was so scrupulous in his dealings that the Decepticons as well as alien races who otherwise despised the Transformers offered him tremendous respect. [[note]] Sadly, his IncorruptiblePurePureness was also his undoing: becoming aware that the Autobots had several war criminals in their midst but were keeping it quiet until the war was over in order to avoid crippling morale so went against his desire for truth and honesty it drove him insane.[[/note]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 14 (click to see context) from:
* ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'': In the Universal Century, the Jupiter Fleet is supposed to be a neutral organisation that focuses on refining and transporting the precious Helium-3 isotopes needed to power the Minovsky reactors that make [[HumongousMecha Mobile Suits]] viable. Its transport fleets are protected by treaty acknowledged by all sides of any given conflict, since the Jupiter Fleet has a total monopoly on Helium-3. That said, their sympathies tend to lie more with the Spacenoid side than with the Earth Federation, with some individuals like [[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Paptimus Sirocco]] even going so far as to take up arms.
to:
* ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'': ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'':
** In the Universal Century, the Jupiter Fleet is supposed to be a neutral organisation that focuses on refining and transporting the precious Helium-3 isotopes needed to power the Minovsky reactors that make [[HumongousMecha Mobile Suits]] viable. Its transport fleets are protected by treaty acknowledged by all sides of any given conflict, since the Jupiter Fleet has a total monopoly on Helium-3. That said,their sympathies tend for whatever reason they seem to lie more with the Spacenoid side than with favor factions looking to impose totalitarian rule on the Earth Federation, with some individuals like Sphere, such as [[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Paptimus Sirocco]] even going so far as Titans]], the [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamF91 Crossbone Vanguard]] and the [[Anime/MobileSuitVictoryGundam Zanscare Empire]].
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamIronBloodedOrphans'': Gjallarhorn are meant totake up arms.be a neutral peacekeeping organization shared between Earth's four power blocs, but that doesn't stop some of the [[CorruptPolitician Seven Stars]] from meddling in the politics of those four governments in order to give themselves more power or sabotage their rivals. The climax of Season 1 involves a Gjallarhorn leader trying to use armed force to make an election go in the way of his preferred candidate.
** In the Universal Century, the Jupiter Fleet is supposed to be a neutral organisation that focuses on refining and transporting the precious Helium-3 isotopes needed to power the Minovsky reactors that make [[HumongousMecha Mobile Suits]] viable. Its transport fleets are protected by treaty acknowledged by all sides of any given conflict, since the Jupiter Fleet has a total monopoly on Helium-3. That said,
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamIronBloodedOrphans'': Gjallarhorn are meant to
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 81 (click to see context) from:
* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsOfColdSteel II'': After the start of the civil war, the party forms an organisation called Crimson Wings, and proclaims themselves to be a "third party", independent from both the noble and imperial sides. However, they side with the latter at every occasion and never oppose them. It helps that Noble Alliance is mostly composed of {{Hate Sink}}s, and all sympathetic members eventually defect.
to:
* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsOfColdSteel II'': After the start of the civil war, the party forms an organisation called Crimson Wings, and proclaims themselves to be a "third party", independent from both the noble Noble and imperial Imperial sides. However, they side with the latter at every occasion and never oppose them. It helps that Noble Alliance is mostly composed of {{Hate Sink}}s, and all sympathetic members eventually defect. Eventually {{Deconstructed}}, after [[spoiler:Imperial side wins the war and its leader, [[TheChessmaster chancellor Osborne]], who was presumably assassinated at the start of the war, reveals himself to be alive. He makes it look like Crimson Wings was backed by him, thus gaining even more political support, and rendering the party's efforts to create a viable "third party" moot]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'': [[PlayerCharacter Hawke]] can, with the right dialogue option, accuse [[HeadInTheSandManagement Grand Cleric Elthina]] of this in the growing tensions between the Circle of Magi and the Templar Order. Chantry law gives Templars legal power over mages and identifies the local Grand Cleric as their direct superior, yet Elthina is neither seen nor mentioned as doing anything about the Templars' increasingly public crimes. Hawke thus argues that remaining "neutral" vs openly siding with the Templars is a DistinctionWithoutADifference. Even the Templars' Knight-Captain accuses Elthina of being cruel to the mages by letting them think they have a chance of getting her own their side.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Up To Eleven is a defunct trope
Changed line(s) 74 (click to see context) from:
** In ''LightNovel/FateApocrypha'', the role of the Ruler Class Servant is to enforce the rules of the Great Holy Grail War (an UpToEleven version of the regular war) as a neutral party. Unfortunately, [[spoiler:Amakusa Shirou Tosikada]] wants the Grail, and he is also working as the Church overseer. So much for neutrality.
to:
** In ''LightNovel/FateApocrypha'', the role of the Ruler Class Servant is to enforce the rules of the Great Holy Grail War (an UpToEleven version of the regular war) as a neutral party. Unfortunately, [[spoiler:Amakusa Shirou Tosikada]] wants the Grail, and he is also working as the Church overseer. So much for neutrality.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 79 (click to see context) from:
** Jolee Bindo is considered a neutral Jedi by the game, with his character alignment being dead-center between light and dark, but [[GameplayAndStorySegregation not as much by the story]]. Jolee is neutral in the sense that his background is a bit checkered and he is more willing to bend the rules than "orthodox" Jedi, but he's still a good person at heart and won't hesitate to put his life on the line to stop a PlayerCharacter who decides to go dark side. His philosophy is less "BothSidesHaveAPoint" and more "The Jedi are right, they just need to be less LawfulStupid".
to:
** Jolee Bindo is considered a neutral Jedi by the game, with his character alignment being dead-center between light and dark, but [[GameplayAndStorySegregation not as much by the story]]. Jolee is neutral only in the sense that his background is a bit checkered and he is more willing to bend does not affiliate with either the rules than "orthodox" Jedi, but Jedi or the Sith; he's still a fundamentally good person at heart (despite, or perhaps because of, his somewhat checkered background) and won't hesitate to put his life on the line to stop a PlayerCharacter who decides to go dark side. His philosophy is less "BothSidesHaveAPoint" and more "The Jedi are right, they just need to be less LawfulStupid".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 79 (click to see context) from:
** Jolee Bindo is considered a neutral Jedi by the game, with his character alignment being dead-center between light and dark, but [[GameplayAndStorySegregation not as much by the story]]. Jolee is neutral in the sense that his background is a bit checkered and he is more willing to bend the rules than "orthodox" Jedi, but he's still a good person at heart and won't hesitate to put his life on the line to stop a PlayerCharacter who decides to go dark side.
to:
** Jolee Bindo is considered a neutral Jedi by the game, with his character alignment being dead-center between light and dark, but [[GameplayAndStorySegregation not as much by the story]]. Jolee is neutral in the sense that his background is a bit checkered and he is more willing to bend the rules than "orthodox" Jedi, but he's still a good person at heart and won't hesitate to put his life on the line to stop a PlayerCharacter who decides to go dark side. His philosophy is less "BothSidesHaveAPoint" and more "The Jedi are right, they just need to be less LawfulStupid".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 77 (click to see context) from:
* ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'': The ocean planet Manaan, home to the Selkath FishPeople, is independent of both the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire and militantly enforces a TruceZone in Ahto City, its only surface settlement. However, the storyline reveals that the Selkath government doesn't trust the Sith to respect their neutrality forever given [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder dark Jedis' typical behavior]], and therefore are secretly working with the Republic on a project to increase kolto production.
to:
* ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'': ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'':
** The ocean planet Manaan, home to the Selkath FishPeople, is independent of both the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire and militantly enforces a TruceZone in Ahto City, its only surface settlement. However, the storyline reveals that the Selkath government doesn't trust the Sith to respect their neutrality forever given [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder dark Jedis' typical behavior]], and therefore are secretly working with the Republic on a project to increase koltoproduction.production.
** Jolee Bindo is considered a neutral Jedi by the game, with his character alignment being dead-center between light and dark, but [[GameplayAndStorySegregation not as much by the story]]. Jolee is neutral in the sense that his background is a bit checkered and he is more willing to bend the rules than "orthodox" Jedi, but he's still a good person at heart and won't hesitate to put his life on the line to stop a PlayerCharacter who decides to go dark side.
** The ocean planet Manaan, home to the Selkath FishPeople, is independent of both the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire and militantly enforces a TruceZone in Ahto City, its only surface settlement. However, the storyline reveals that the Selkath government doesn't trust the Sith to respect their neutrality forever given [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder dark Jedis' typical behavior]], and therefore are secretly working with the Republic on a project to increase kolto
** Jolee Bindo is considered a neutral Jedi by the game, with his character alignment being dead-center between light and dark, but [[GameplayAndStorySegregation not as much by the story]]. Jolee is neutral in the sense that his background is a bit checkered and he is more willing to bend the rules than "orthodox" Jedi, but he's still a good person at heart and won't hesitate to put his life on the line to stop a PlayerCharacter who decides to go dark side.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 44 (click to see context) from:
* Tom Bombadil in ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' is a WildCard to the point that nobody wants to trust him with the ring. However, he clearly has nothing positive to say Sauron and gets very chummy with the Hobbits, even aiding them.
to:
* Tom Bombadil in ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' is a WildCard to the point that nobody wants to trust him with the ring. However, he clearly has nothing positive to say about Sauron and gets very chummy with the Hobbits, even aiding them.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
** ''Film/ANewHope'': Alderaan, in fact, counts as this in the Disney canon, as it's revealed the planetary governor is one of the founders of the Rebellion. This still doesn't excuse blowing up an entire planet for one man. Disney canon also takes out Alderaan being a planet of pacifists.
Deleted line(s) 37 (click to see context) :
** ''Film/ANewHope'': Alderaan, in fact, counts as this in the Disney canon, as it's revealed the planetary governor is one of the founders of the Rebellion. This still doesn't excuse blowing up an entire planet for one man. Disney canon also takes out Alderaan being a planet of pacifists.
* Tom Bombadil in ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' is a WildCard to the point that nobody wants to trust him with the ring. However, he clearly has nothing positive to say Sauron and gets very chummy with the Hobbits, even aiding them.
Deleted line(s) 46 (click to see context) :
* Tom Bombadil in ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' is a WildCard to the point that nobody wants to trust him with the ring. However, he clearly has nothing positive to say Sauron and gets very chummy with the Hobbits, even aiding them.
Changed line(s) 78 (click to see context) from:
* ''VideoGame/TrailsOfColdSteel II'': After the start of the civil war, the party forms an organisation called Crimson Wings, and proclaims themselves to be a "third party", independent from both the noble and imperial sides. However, they side with the latter at every occasion and never oppose them. It helps that Noble Alliance is mostly composed of {{Hate Sink}}s, and all sympathetic members eventually defect.
to:
* ''VideoGame/TrailsOfColdSteel ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsOfColdSteel II'': After the start of the civil war, the party forms an organisation called Crimson Wings, and proclaims themselves to be a "third party", independent from both the noble and imperial sides. However, they side with the latter at every occasion and never oppose them. It helps that Noble Alliance is mostly composed of {{Hate Sink}}s, and all sympathetic members eventually defect.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Deleted line(s) 27 (click to see context) :
* Tom Bombadil in ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' is a WildCard to the point that nobody wants to trust him with the ring. However, he clearly has nothing positive to say Sauron and gets very chummy with the Hobbits, even aiding them.
Added DiffLines:
* Tom Bombadil in ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' is a WildCard to the point that nobody wants to trust him with the ring. However, he clearly has nothing positive to say Sauron and gets very chummy with the Hobbits, even aiding them.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* Tom Bombadil in ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' is a WildCard to the point that nobody wants to trust him with the ring. However, he clearly has nothing positive to say Sauron and gets very chummy with the Hobbits, even aiding them.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 52,53 (click to see context) from:
* ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'': {{Exploited}} in "[[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS01E08Dax Dax]]". The Bajoran government acts as a neutral arbiter in the Klaestrons' attempt to extradite Jadzia Dax for a crime her previous host Curzon is accused of, and the judge who presides over the hearing does so impartially. Unofficially however, the Bajoran military at least is pretty blatantly on Jadzia's side: not only is she Kira Nerys's best friend, the Klaestrons are Cardassian allies and attempted to kidnap Jadzia from Deep Space 9, which is legally Bajoran "soil". Kira, a major in the Bajoran Militia, uses the potential diplomatic incident to force the Klaestrons to agree to the hearing despite the terms of the Klaestrons' treaty with the Federation. This in turn buys Odo, also a Bajoran Militia officer, the time he needs to find evidence exonerating Curzon.
-->'''Kira:''' You Klaestrons are allies of the Cardassians. Your knowledge of this station confirms that. They must have given you the layout, which not only compromises Bajoran security, but also ''annoys'' us.
-->'''Kira:''' You Klaestrons are allies of the Cardassians. Your knowledge of this station confirms that. They must have given you the layout, which not only compromises Bajoran security, but also ''annoys'' us.
to:
* ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'': ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'':
** {{Exploited}} in "[[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS01E08Dax Dax]]". The Bajoran government acts as a neutral arbiter in the Klaestrons' attempt to extradite Jadzia Dax for a crime her previous host Curzon is accused of, and the judge who presides over the hearing does so impartially. Unofficially however, the Bajoran military at least is pretty blatantly on Jadzia's side: not only is she Kira Nerys's best friend, the Klaestrons are Cardassian allies and attempted to kidnap Jadzia from Deep Space 9, which is legally Bajoran "soil". Kira, a major in the Bajoran Militia, uses the potential diplomatic incident to force the Klaestrons to agree to the hearing despite the terms of the Klaestrons' treaty with the Federation. This in turn buys Odo, also a Bajoran Militia officer, the time he needs to find evidence exonerating Curzon.
-->'''Kira:''' --->'''Kira:''' You Klaestrons are allies of the Cardassians. Your knowledge of this station confirms that. They must have given you the layout, which not only compromises Bajoran security, but also ''annoys'' us.us.
** A major plot point in "[[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS06E19InThePaleMoonlight In the Pale Moonlight]]". Officially, the Romulan Star Empire is staying out of the Dominion War. In practice, however, it's quite happy to let the Dominion cut through their space to ambush the Federation and the Klingons, the Romulans' traditional {{Arch Enem|y}}ies. Ultimately, Sisko has to forge evidence that the Dominion is planning to backstab the Romulans to get them to join the war against the Dominion.
** {{Exploited}} in "[[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS01E08Dax Dax]]". The Bajoran government acts as a neutral arbiter in the Klaestrons' attempt to extradite Jadzia Dax for a crime her previous host Curzon is accused of, and the judge who presides over the hearing does so impartially. Unofficially however, the Bajoran military at least is pretty blatantly on Jadzia's side: not only is she Kira Nerys's best friend, the Klaestrons are Cardassian allies and attempted to kidnap Jadzia from Deep Space 9, which is legally Bajoran "soil". Kira, a major in the Bajoran Militia, uses the potential diplomatic incident to force the Klaestrons to agree to the hearing despite the terms of the Klaestrons' treaty with the Federation. This in turn buys Odo, also a Bajoran Militia officer, the time he needs to find evidence exonerating Curzon.
** A major plot point in "[[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS06E19InThePaleMoonlight In the Pale Moonlight]]". Officially, the Romulan Star Empire is staying out of the Dominion War. In practice, however, it's quite happy to let the Dominion cut through their space to ambush the Federation and the Klingons, the Romulans' traditional {{Arch Enem|y}}ies. Ultimately, Sisko has to forge evidence that the Dominion is planning to backstab the Romulans to get them to join the war against the Dominion.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 35,36 (click to see context) from:
* ''Film/TheForceAwakens'': The New Republic is this during the early skirmishes between the Resistance and the First Order, nominally refusing to take action against the First Order but clandestinely providing funds to the Resistance, which is led by prominent former Republic members like Leia. However, the First Order has figured this out by the events of the movie and [[NeutralityBacklash responds]] by deploying [[PlanetDestroyer Starkiller Base]] against their capital system, destroying the Republic and leaving the Resistance on their own.
** Alderaan, in fact, counts as this in the Disney canon, as it's revealed the planetary governor is one of the founders of the Rebellion. This still doesn't excuse blowing up an entire planet for one man. Disney canon also takes out Alderaan being a planet of pacifists.
** Alderaan, in fact, counts as this in the Disney canon, as it's revealed the planetary governor is one of the founders of the Rebellion. This still doesn't excuse blowing up an entire planet for one man. Disney canon also takes out Alderaan being a planet of pacifists.
to:
* ''Franchise/StarWars'':
** ''Film/TheForceAwakens'': The New Republic is this during the early skirmishes between the Resistance and the First Order, nominally refusing to take action against the First Order but clandestinely providing funds to the Resistance, which is led by prominent former Republic members like Leia. However, the First Order has figured this out by the events of the movie and [[NeutralityBacklash responds]] by deploying [[PlanetDestroyer Starkiller Base]] against their capital system, destroying the Republic and leaving the Resistance on their own.
** ''Film/ANewHope'': Alderaan, in fact, counts as this in the Disney canon, as it's revealed the planetary governor is one of the founders of the Rebellion. This still doesn't excuse blowing up an entire planet for one man. Disney canon also takes out Alderaan being a planet of pacifists.
** ''Film/TheForceAwakens'': The New Republic is this during the early skirmishes between the Resistance and the First Order, nominally refusing to take action against the First Order but clandestinely providing funds to the Resistance, which is led by prominent former Republic members like Leia. However, the First Order has figured this out by the events of the movie and [[NeutralityBacklash responds]] by deploying [[PlanetDestroyer Starkiller Base]] against their capital system, destroying the Republic and leaving the Resistance on their own.
** ''Film/ANewHope'': Alderaan, in fact, counts as this in the Disney canon, as it's revealed the planetary governor is one of the founders of the Rebellion. This still doesn't excuse blowing up an entire planet for one man. Disney canon also takes out Alderaan being a planet of pacifists.
Changed line(s) 44 (click to see context) from:
* In ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'' Houses Arryn and Martell are both neutral in the continent spanning [[CivilWar War of Five Kings]]. However, both families have a stake in the conflict. The Arryns have blood and cultural ties to the Starks and Tullys, and many of House Arryn's vassals [[WarHawk want to join the war]] on the side of the Starks; however, Lysa Tully, mother and regent of the underage Lord Robin Arryn, refuses to intervene despite even her sister Catelyn Stark's pleading. Meanwhile House Martell has a grudge against the Lannisters, and thus the royal family, for the murder of Elia Martell and her children during the sack of King's Landing in the {{backstory}}.
to:
* In ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'' ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'', Houses Arryn and Martell are both neutral in the continent spanning [[CivilWar War of Five Kings]]. However, both families have a stake in the conflict. The Arryns have blood and cultural ties to the Starks and Tullys, and many of House Arryn's vassals [[WarHawk want to join the war]] on the side of the Starks; however, Lysa Tully, mother and regent of the underage Lord Robin Arryn, refuses to intervene despite even her sister Catelyn Stark's pleading. Meanwhile Meanwhile, House Martell has a grudge against the Lannisters, and thus the royal family, for the murder of Elia Martell and her children during the sack of King's Landing in the {{backstory}}.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Added Star Wars The Clone Wars to WA
Added DiffLines:
* ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars'': Many leading figures of the Separatist Council claim that they and the corporations they run are neutral in the conflict between the Republic and CIS, though they show blatant favoritism for the latter by supplying them with soldiers, ships, weapons and other resources. All while using the thinly veiled excuse that [[BlatantLies their support of the Separatist cause is their personal choice and doesn't speak for the companies as a whole.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
** Alderaan, in fact, counts as this in the Disney canon, as it's revealed the planetary governor is one of the founders of the Rebellion. This still doesn't excuse blowing up an entire planet for one man. Disney canon also takes out Alderaan being a planet of pacifists.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 39 (click to see context) from:
* ''Literature/{{Dune}}''. Liet Kynes, the Imperial Planetologist of Arrakis, is supposed to be the impartial Judge of the Change controlling the changeover of rulership from the Harkonnen to the Atreides. He's actually been ordered by the Emperor to take the Harkonnens' side to facilitate the upcoming joint Harkonnen/Sardaukar attack. Later as he gets to know the Atreides and realizes that Paul Atreides may the Fremen's predicted savior, he changes and begins supporting the Atreides.
to:
* ''Literature/{{Dune}}''. Liet Kynes, the Imperial Planetologist of Arrakis, is supposed to be the impartial Judge of the Change controlling the changeover of rulership from the Harkonnen to the Atreides. He's actually been ordered by the Emperor to take the Harkonnens' side to facilitate the upcoming joint Harkonnen/Sardaukar attack. Later as he gets to know the Atreides and realizes that Paul Atreides may be the Fremen's predicted savior, he changes and begins supporting the Atreides.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 43 (click to see context) from:
* In ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'' Houses Arryn and Martell are both neutral in the continent spanning CivilWar. However, both families have a stake in the conflict. The Arryns have blood and cultural ties to the Starks and Tullys. Many of House Arryn's vassals [[WarHawk want to join the war]] on the side of the Starks. House Martell has a grudge against the Lannisters, and thus the Royal family, for the murder of Elia Martell and her children.
to:
* In ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'' Houses Arryn and Martell are both neutral in the continent spanning CivilWar.[[CivilWar War of Five Kings]]. However, both families have a stake in the conflict. The Arryns have blood and cultural ties to the Starks and Tullys. Many Tullys, and many of House Arryn's vassals [[WarHawk want to join the war]] on the side of the Starks. Starks; however, Lysa Tully, mother and regent of the underage Lord Robin Arryn, refuses to intervene despite even her sister Catelyn Stark's pleading. Meanwhile House Martell has a grudge against the Lannisters, and thus the Royal royal family, for the murder of Elia Martell and her children.children during the sack of King's Landing in the {{backstory}}.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 49 (click to see context) from:
* ''Series/{{Pennyworth}}'': The US claims to be neutral in the governmental affair of Britain, but the [=CIA=] is shown to be very actively manipulating events including embedding [[AgentProvocateur undercover agents]] inside the factions that are vying for control of the government, headhunting promising scientists, and ordering the assassinations which eventually trigger a Civil War. Once the war is raging, the CIA refuses to intervene other than to make moves to discreetly establish friendly relations with the [[ANaziByAnyOtherName Ravens Union]] which seems poised to win, going so far as to create a scandal that drives the very influential [[GoodShepherd Prime Minister]] of the opposing English League to suicide.
to:
* ''Series/{{Pennyworth}}'': The US claims to be neutral in the governmental affair of Britain, but the [=CIA=] is shown to be very actively manipulating events including embedding [[AgentProvocateur undercover agents]] inside the factions that are vying for control of the government, headhunting promising scientists, and ordering the assassinations which eventually trigger a Civil War. CivilWar. Once the war is raging, the CIA refuses to intervene other than to make moves to discreetly establish friendly relations with the [[ANaziByAnyOtherName Ravens Raven Union]] which seems poised to win, going so far as to create a scandal that drives the very influential [[GoodShepherd Prime Minister]] of the opposing English League to suicide.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
[[folder:Film -- Live-Action]]
* ''Film/TheForceAwakens'': The New Republic is this during the early skirmishes between the Resistance and the First Order, nominally refusing to take action against the First Order but clandestinely providing funds to the Resistance, which is led by prominent former Republic members like Leia. However, the First Order has figured this out by the events of the movie and [[NeutralityBacklash responds]] by deploying [[PlanetDestroyer Starkiller Base]] against their capital system, destroying the Republic and leaving the Resistance on their own.
[[/folder]]
* ''Film/TheForceAwakens'': The New Republic is this during the early skirmishes between the Resistance and the First Order, nominally refusing to take action against the First Order but clandestinely providing funds to the Resistance, which is led by prominent former Republic members like Leia. However, the First Order has figured this out by the events of the movie and [[NeutralityBacklash responds]] by deploying [[PlanetDestroyer Starkiller Base]] against their capital system, destroying the Republic and leaving the Resistance on their own.
[[/folder]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Created from YKTTW
Added DiffLines:
->''"You say you're unaligned, but you spend all your time with your Light Fae friends. You never really give the Dark a chance."''
--> -- '''Ryan Lambert''', ''Series/LostGirl''
In any protracted conflict, outside parties are inevitably going to get swept up in the mix, willingly or otherwise. Some may join the fight or take sides explicitly; others may see no benefit to either side winning and attempt to distance themselves as much as possible from it. Then there are these characters -- while professing neutrality, they see their interests or values aligned more closely, to whatever extent, with one side as opposed to the other, and thus maintain a closer relationship with that side. Their relationship with the other side (or sides) may range from cold but cordial to all but open hostility. In some cases, the officially "unaligned" character may be useful as a diplomatic liaison in situations where communications between the two sides are strictly controlled.
These characters or organizations are likely to DefaultToGood (or Evil, as the case may be) and become NeutralNoLonger when the line is finally drawn in the sand. It can also lead to a type of NeutralityBacklash where despite professed neutrality, the opposing side may view the "neutral" faction as fair game anyway. Often {{justified|Trope}} or at least explained by one side being objectively evil, or at least more so than the other, to avoid the trap of StupidNeutral.
The motivations, interests, and goals of real people and organizations can be difficult to discern, even with extensive historical knowledge and scholarship after the fact. Therefore Administrivia/NoRealLifeExamplesPlease
----
!!Examples
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'': In the Universal Century, the Jupiter Fleet is supposed to be a neutral organisation that focuses on refining and transporting the precious Helium-3 isotopes needed to power the Minovsky reactors that make [[HumongousMecha Mobile Suits]] viable. Its transport fleets are protected by treaty acknowledged by all sides of any given conflict, since the Jupiter Fleet has a total monopoly on Helium-3. That said, their sympathies tend to lie more with the Spacenoid side than with the Earth Federation, with some individuals like [[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Paptimus Sirocco]] even going so far as to take up arms.
* ''Anime/IzettaTheLastWitch'': The nation of Westria, analogous to the real-life Switzerland, is technically a neutral nation in the ongoing war being waged by [[TheEmpire the Germanian Empire]] across Europe. However, it has a small number of Germanian troops deployed within its borders for unknown reasons, which turns out to be a problem for the protagonists and their allies when Germania sets its sights on Eylstadt. Throughout the series, the Germanian troops deployed here constantly try to prevent Eylstadt from trying to negotiate or even meet up with Allied diplomats and military officers there.
* ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'': During the Joint Training arc, the students of Class A and B are supervised by their teachers Aizawa and Kan while facing off against each other in a training exercise. However, despite the teachers being presumably neutral, when Kan takes it upon himself to commentate on the matches, he blatantly favors his own class. This prompts the Class A students to start protesting for fair commentary and eventually get their wish when another teacher, Kayama, steps in.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Comic Books]]
* ''{{ComicBook/Asterix}}'': In ''Recap/AsterixInSwitzerland'', the neutral Helvetians' (modern-day Switzerland) idea of neutrality is beating up the Romans and then bandaging them (a ShoutOut to the Red Cross organization).
* ''ComicBook/{{Lazarus}}'': When having to negotiate with the Bittner-Hock faction about where to have peace talks take place, [[ThePatriarch Malcolm Carlyle]] instructs his "[[ArtificialHuman daughter]]" Forever to go through a long list of possible factions to host the talks. Each of these suggestions will be disqualified for one reason or another. Furthermore, Forever is instructed at the very end to reluctantly suggest the Armitage Family, who are supposedly neutral to both sides but is in fact in a secret alliance with the Carlyles. When peace talks fail and open war breaks out afterward, Armitage openly joins the Carlyles and spearheads their operations in Europe.
* ''Creator/MarvelComics'': Uatu the Watcher is a classic comic example of the trope, as despite his and his own race's mandate of only observing events and never interfering, he has done so time and again in direct support of the superheroes of Earth against cosmic threats. According the comics, Uatu has broken his pact of non-interference almost 400 times.
* ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMegaseries'':
** In the backstory of [[Creator/IDWPublishing IDW]]'s original Transformers continuity, it's revealed that Tyrest was a highly revered believer of law and order who unsuccessfully tried to broker a peace agreement between the Autobots and Decepticons. Despite this failure, he managed to at least convince both sides to sign the Tyrest Accord, which [[PrimeDirective forbade sharing of Cybertronian technology with alien races]]. He was made Chief Justice for this, but despite his title implying he ought to be neutral he continued to identify himself as an Autobot for most of the Autobot-Decepticon war. Despite this, he was so scrupulous in his dealings that the Decepticons as well as alien races who otherwise despised the Transformers offered him tremendous respect. [[note]] Sadly, his IncorruptiblePurePureness was also his undoing: becoming aware that the Autobots had several war criminals in their midst but were keeping it quiet until the war was over in order to avoid crippling morale so went against his desire for truth and honesty it drove him insane.[[/note]]
** Similarly, Omega Supreme is described during the post-war period as being viewed as an ancient protector of Cybertron, long before the Autobots and Decepticons even existed as factions. In his first appearance he's shown to be hiding out on a personal asteroid and not an active participant in the Autobot-Decepticon war (though in a flashback he's shown to be one of the Transformers who attempted to stop [[TheJuggernaut Thunderwing]]). Despite this, he apparently acts as an advisor to Optimus Prime due to just how old he is and how much he knows. In ''ComicBook/TransformersAllHailMegatron'' it's mentioned that the Decepticons sent an entire army to kill him during the Surge, but all this did was [[NeutralNoLonger convince him to outright join the Autobots]].
** When the war ends and [[BigBad Megatron]] is put on trial, [[BigGood Optimus Prime]] assumes the role of Chief Justice for the duration. Megatron protests at the idea of his nemesis being the judge at his trial (since, after all, Optimus ''is'' the leader of the Autobots), but Optimus wins over most of the planet by being scrupulously neutral. When a group of Decepticons attack the trial in an attempt to rescue Megatron, Optimus even refuses to join in the defense because of his position as judge, until [[RulesLawyer Ultra Magnus]] makes a formal request for the Chief Justice to assist in returning order to the court.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Film -- Animated]]
* [[TheHero Jack Frost]] from ''WesternAnimation/RiseOfTheGuardians'' is a blatant example of the trope as despite refusing membership of the Guardians and acting on his own, he still strongly associates with them and actively chooses to fight against [[BigBad Pitch Black]] who offers him allegiance. Pitch himself lampshades the behavior.
-->'''Pitch Black:''' You know, for a neutral party you spend an awful amount of time with those weirdos.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Literature]]
* ''Literature/{{Dune}}''. Liet Kynes, the Imperial Planetologist of Arrakis, is supposed to be the impartial Judge of the Change controlling the changeover of rulership from the Harkonnen to the Atreides. He's actually been ordered by the Emperor to take the Harkonnens' side to facilitate the upcoming joint Harkonnen/Sardaukar attack. Later as he gets to know the Atreides and realizes that Paul Atreides may the Fremen's predicted savior, he changes and begins supporting the Atreides.
* ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheGobletOfFire'': The judges at the Triwizard Tournament are the participating schools' headmasters, who are ''supposed'' to adjudicate the scores neutrally. Hogwarts' Albus Dumbledore and Beauxbatons' Olympe Maxime do so, but Durmstrang's Igor Karkaroff blatantly favors his own school's entrant Viktor Krum, to the annoyance of pretty much everyone else present.
* The CIGA (Congress for Intra-Galactic Accord) from ''Literature/TheHelmsmanSaga'' are officially an organization intended to prevent another war between the Galactic Empire and the League. In reality, they are largely League agents tasked with effectively dismantling the Empire's military.
* ''[[Literature/TheBelgariad The Malloreon]]'': Cyradis the {{Seer|s}} is supposed to be the neutral party who makes the final Choice between the Light and Dark Prophecies. However, she travels with the heroes, gives them valuable advice, and her fellow Seers of Kell provide direct aid. It's {{Justified|Trope}} to balance out how the agents of the Dark Prophecy [[DickDastardlyStopsToCheat cheat]] and try to sabotage the Choice at every opportunity.
* In ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'' Houses Arryn and Martell are both neutral in the continent spanning CivilWar. However, both families have a stake in the conflict. The Arryns have blood and cultural ties to the Starks and Tullys. Many of House Arryn's vassals [[WarHawk want to join the war]] on the side of the Starks. House Martell has a grudge against the Lannisters, and thus the Royal family, for the murder of Elia Martell and her children.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* In ''Series/HowIMetYourMother'', the Slapbet Commissioner is supposed to be neutral in all rulings. However, Lily almost unanimously makes declarations for her husband, Marshall, and against TheFriendNobodyLikes Barney.
* Bo of ''Series/LostGirl'' makes a big show of being "unaligned" in the SpaceColdWar between the Light and Dark Fae, but in practice she almost exclusively works with the Light, especially in earlier seasons. The page quote has one of the few sympathetic Dark Fae characters call her out on it. She's even arguably ''more'' useful to the Light this way, as she can be relied upon to pursue the Light's interests while being free to interact with the Dark should the need arise.
* ''Series/{{Pennyworth}}'': The US claims to be neutral in the governmental affair of Britain, but the [=CIA=] is shown to be very actively manipulating events including embedding [[AgentProvocateur undercover agents]] inside the factions that are vying for control of the government, headhunting promising scientists, and ordering the assassinations which eventually trigger a Civil War. Once the war is raging, the CIA refuses to intervene other than to make moves to discreetly establish friendly relations with the [[ANaziByAnyOtherName Ravens Union]] which seems poised to win, going so far as to create a scandal that drives the very influential [[GoodShepherd Prime Minister]] of the opposing English League to suicide.
* ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'': {{Exploited}} in "[[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS01E08Dax Dax]]". The Bajoran government acts as a neutral arbiter in the Klaestrons' attempt to extradite Jadzia Dax for a crime her previous host Curzon is accused of, and the judge who presides over the hearing does so impartially. Unofficially however, the Bajoran military at least is pretty blatantly on Jadzia's side: not only is she Kira Nerys's best friend, the Klaestrons are Cardassian allies and attempted to kidnap Jadzia from Deep Space 9, which is legally Bajoran "soil". Kira, a major in the Bajoran Militia, uses the potential diplomatic incident to force the Klaestrons to agree to the hearing despite the terms of the Klaestrons' treaty with the Federation. This in turn buys Odo, also a Bajoran Militia officer, the time he needs to find evidence exonerating Curzon.
-->'''Kira:''' You Klaestrons are allies of the Cardassians. Your knowledge of this station confirms that. They must have given you the layout, which not only compromises Bajoran security, but also ''annoys'' us.
* A RunningGag around Connor in ''Series/{{Succession}}''. Although his power is limited (if even remotely existent), Connor will say that he doesn't take sides... but he's on ''someone's'' side (Shiv's in particular).
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Stand-Up Comedy]]
* In the 1996 one-off comedy panel game Scotland vs England, in which Scottish comedian Gordon Kennedy and English comedian Nick Hancock debated which country was best, Dermot Morgan, as host and arbitrator, said that as an Irishman he was entirely neutral, before adding "Go on, the Celts!" Throughout the show he seemed reluctant and apologetic whenever he gave England a point. All PlayedForLaughs, of course.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Theatre]]
* Mercutio of ''Theatre/RomeoAndJuliet'' is neither a Montague nor a Capulet, and as such is able to move freely between both houses. Nevertheless, he is Romeo's best friend and thus has a stronger tie to the Montagues. This ends up getting him killed when he decides to duel Tybalt in Romeo's place.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Video Games]]
* {{Discussed|Trope}} in the ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'' DLC ''Trespasser.'' Ferelden accuses the Inquisition of this trope, maintaining official neutrality while being aligned with Orlais (making all the Inquisition's holdings in Ferelden effectively Orlesian outposts). This isn't really true, but given the Inquisition's role in determining the who rules Orlais, the Chantry's traditional interwovenness with the Orlesian crown, and the Divine (the leader of the Chantry, whoever it happens to be) having been a high-ranking officer of the Inquisition just two years prior -- not to mention Orlais' 80-year occupation of Ferelden 40 years prior -- it's not hard to see why Ferelden feels this way. Orlais, meanwhile, has the goal of turning the Inquisition into what Ferelden accuses it of being. [[spoiler:In the end, the Inquisitor puts the matter to rest by either greatly reducing the size and scope of the Inquisition or disbanding it entirely.]]
* {{Downplayed|Trope}} in ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim'', where Jarl Balgruuf, who rules the strategically important city of Whiterun, declares himself neutral and "on the side of Whiterun," supporting neither the Imperial regime nor the Stormcloak rebellion. However, his city's reliance on trade with the Imperials means that he privately leans much more toward them, and he ultimately chooses to support them openly when the Stormcloaks demand he make a choice.
* ''Franchise/FateSeries'': The Holy Church is supposed to be a neutral party to help maintain the rules of the Holy Grail War, but we never see them actually do that.
** In ''LightNovel/FateZero'', Kotomine Kirei, who is the son of the current church overseer and a member of the Church, is a Master in the war. While that in itself falls under a loophole (the Grail chooses the Masters), his father assigns him to secretly assist Tohsaka Tokiomi, another master. That is DEFINITELY against the rules.
** In ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'', Kirei is now the overseer, and he is also a master working for his personal gain. Which is again, illegal.
** In ''LightNovel/FateApocrypha'', the role of the Ruler Class Servant is to enforce the rules of the Great Holy Grail War (an UpToEleven version of the regular war) as a neutral party. Unfortunately, [[spoiler:Amakusa Shirou Tosikada]] wants the Grail, and he is also working as the Church overseer. So much for neutrality.
** In ''Webcomic/FateTypeRedline'', Tsukumo Fujiyama was invited to take part in the Imperial Holy Grail War on the Church's behalf.
* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'', Figaro is ostensibly neutral in any armed conflict involving the Gestahlian Empire, taking no action against them and not invoking the Empire's wrath. However, King Edgar is providing political support and it is heavily implied he is also providing money to the Returners, LaResistance to the Empire who are trying to take Emperor Gestahl down. Eventually, however, events result in Figaro becoming NeutralNoLonger and siding full-time with the Returners.
* ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'': The ocean planet Manaan, home to the Selkath FishPeople, is independent of both the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire and militantly enforces a TruceZone in Ahto City, its only surface settlement. However, the storyline reveals that the Selkath government doesn't trust the Sith to respect their neutrality forever given [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder dark Jedis' typical behavior]], and therefore are secretly working with the Republic on a project to increase kolto production.
* ''VideoGame/TrailsOfColdSteel II'': After the start of the civil war, the party forms an organisation called Crimson Wings, and proclaims themselves to be a "third party", independent from both the noble and imperial sides. However, they side with the latter at every occasion and never oppose them. It helps that Noble Alliance is mostly composed of {{Hate Sink}}s, and all sympathetic members eventually defect.
* ''VideoGame/WeirdAndUnfortunateThingsAreHappening'': [[DidWeJustHaveTeaWithCthulhu Zlonyth the Observer]] is a self-professed Middle Evocation, meaning he does not side with either the [[EldritchAbomination Inner Evocations]], who are invading the human world, or the Outer Evocations, who have allied themselves with humanity and are trying to protect them. Despite this, it is eventually revealed that he has taken some actions in the background to help the Outers and their human allies. [[spoiler:He is the one who opened the portal to the city of Daybreak, which had become a pocket dimension, to [[TheHeroine Alicia Copeland]], allowing her to meet the Outers and recruit allies to their cause. He also revived Viola and Erick Vaughn when they are murdered by William so they can continue to help the heroes.]] By the time that the Outers are threatening the fabric of reality, he outright becomes NeutralNoLonger and openly aids the heroes in traversing their headquarters and saving the universe.
* The goblins of the Steamwheedle Cartel in ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' are neutral in the conflict between the Alliance and the Horde, and their quests and hubs are available to both factions. However, Gazlowe, the leader of the Steamwheedle town of Ratchet, is much more closely aligned with the Horde. In ''{{VideoGame/Warcraft}} III'', he designed the Horde's main city of Orgrimmar, and later the Horde commander's garrison in ''Warlords of Draenor''. He even leads a Horde-aligned island expedition in ''Battle for Azeroth.'' Meanwhile, Ratchet offers few quests to Alliance players and they mostly use it as a convenient travel hub. In Patch 8.3 of ''Battle for Azeroth'', after Gallywix disappears, Gazlowe finally drops the pretense and becomes Trade Prince of the Horde-aligned Bilgewater Cartel.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Web Original]]
* ''WebVideo/JennyNicholson'': In [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aanyjLmB1Bs "I read the terrible Episode IX pitch where Rey is a robot"]], one of the criticisms Jenny has against the treatment is how the "neutral" alien race very much sides with the heroes, to the point of joining together to fight the bad guys for their neutrality.
-->'''Jenny:''' This is not neutral. This thing they're doing of joining forces with one side to fight the other side and also supporting them financially and harboring them against the other ones--none of this is neutral.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Western Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Visionaries}}'': Merklyn's sole desire is to restart the Age of Magic, and to do that he uses both the heroic Spectral Knights and the villainous Darkling Lords as his agents. In theory this makes him a neutral facilitator, willing to empower either side or both provided they perform tasks for him. In practice the Darkling Lords' treacherous nature coupled with the Spectral Knights being more willing to help out has caused him to heavily favor the good guys over the bad, even if he won't revoke his magical help from Darkling Lords.
[[/folder]]
----
--> -- '''Ryan Lambert''', ''Series/LostGirl''
In any protracted conflict, outside parties are inevitably going to get swept up in the mix, willingly or otherwise. Some may join the fight or take sides explicitly; others may see no benefit to either side winning and attempt to distance themselves as much as possible from it. Then there are these characters -- while professing neutrality, they see their interests or values aligned more closely, to whatever extent, with one side as opposed to the other, and thus maintain a closer relationship with that side. Their relationship with the other side (or sides) may range from cold but cordial to all but open hostility. In some cases, the officially "unaligned" character may be useful as a diplomatic liaison in situations where communications between the two sides are strictly controlled.
These characters or organizations are likely to DefaultToGood (or Evil, as the case may be) and become NeutralNoLonger when the line is finally drawn in the sand. It can also lead to a type of NeutralityBacklash where despite professed neutrality, the opposing side may view the "neutral" faction as fair game anyway. Often {{justified|Trope}} or at least explained by one side being objectively evil, or at least more so than the other, to avoid the trap of StupidNeutral.
The motivations, interests, and goals of real people and organizations can be difficult to discern, even with extensive historical knowledge and scholarship after the fact. Therefore Administrivia/NoRealLifeExamplesPlease
----
!!Examples
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'': In the Universal Century, the Jupiter Fleet is supposed to be a neutral organisation that focuses on refining and transporting the precious Helium-3 isotopes needed to power the Minovsky reactors that make [[HumongousMecha Mobile Suits]] viable. Its transport fleets are protected by treaty acknowledged by all sides of any given conflict, since the Jupiter Fleet has a total monopoly on Helium-3. That said, their sympathies tend to lie more with the Spacenoid side than with the Earth Federation, with some individuals like [[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Paptimus Sirocco]] even going so far as to take up arms.
* ''Anime/IzettaTheLastWitch'': The nation of Westria, analogous to the real-life Switzerland, is technically a neutral nation in the ongoing war being waged by [[TheEmpire the Germanian Empire]] across Europe. However, it has a small number of Germanian troops deployed within its borders for unknown reasons, which turns out to be a problem for the protagonists and their allies when Germania sets its sights on Eylstadt. Throughout the series, the Germanian troops deployed here constantly try to prevent Eylstadt from trying to negotiate or even meet up with Allied diplomats and military officers there.
* ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'': During the Joint Training arc, the students of Class A and B are supervised by their teachers Aizawa and Kan while facing off against each other in a training exercise. However, despite the teachers being presumably neutral, when Kan takes it upon himself to commentate on the matches, he blatantly favors his own class. This prompts the Class A students to start protesting for fair commentary and eventually get their wish when another teacher, Kayama, steps in.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Comic Books]]
* ''{{ComicBook/Asterix}}'': In ''Recap/AsterixInSwitzerland'', the neutral Helvetians' (modern-day Switzerland) idea of neutrality is beating up the Romans and then bandaging them (a ShoutOut to the Red Cross organization).
* ''ComicBook/{{Lazarus}}'': When having to negotiate with the Bittner-Hock faction about where to have peace talks take place, [[ThePatriarch Malcolm Carlyle]] instructs his "[[ArtificialHuman daughter]]" Forever to go through a long list of possible factions to host the talks. Each of these suggestions will be disqualified for one reason or another. Furthermore, Forever is instructed at the very end to reluctantly suggest the Armitage Family, who are supposedly neutral to both sides but is in fact in a secret alliance with the Carlyles. When peace talks fail and open war breaks out afterward, Armitage openly joins the Carlyles and spearheads their operations in Europe.
* ''Creator/MarvelComics'': Uatu the Watcher is a classic comic example of the trope, as despite his and his own race's mandate of only observing events and never interfering, he has done so time and again in direct support of the superheroes of Earth against cosmic threats. According the comics, Uatu has broken his pact of non-interference almost 400 times.
* ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMegaseries'':
** In the backstory of [[Creator/IDWPublishing IDW]]'s original Transformers continuity, it's revealed that Tyrest was a highly revered believer of law and order who unsuccessfully tried to broker a peace agreement between the Autobots and Decepticons. Despite this failure, he managed to at least convince both sides to sign the Tyrest Accord, which [[PrimeDirective forbade sharing of Cybertronian technology with alien races]]. He was made Chief Justice for this, but despite his title implying he ought to be neutral he continued to identify himself as an Autobot for most of the Autobot-Decepticon war. Despite this, he was so scrupulous in his dealings that the Decepticons as well as alien races who otherwise despised the Transformers offered him tremendous respect. [[note]] Sadly, his IncorruptiblePurePureness was also his undoing: becoming aware that the Autobots had several war criminals in their midst but were keeping it quiet until the war was over in order to avoid crippling morale so went against his desire for truth and honesty it drove him insane.[[/note]]
** Similarly, Omega Supreme is described during the post-war period as being viewed as an ancient protector of Cybertron, long before the Autobots and Decepticons even existed as factions. In his first appearance he's shown to be hiding out on a personal asteroid and not an active participant in the Autobot-Decepticon war (though in a flashback he's shown to be one of the Transformers who attempted to stop [[TheJuggernaut Thunderwing]]). Despite this, he apparently acts as an advisor to Optimus Prime due to just how old he is and how much he knows. In ''ComicBook/TransformersAllHailMegatron'' it's mentioned that the Decepticons sent an entire army to kill him during the Surge, but all this did was [[NeutralNoLonger convince him to outright join the Autobots]].
** When the war ends and [[BigBad Megatron]] is put on trial, [[BigGood Optimus Prime]] assumes the role of Chief Justice for the duration. Megatron protests at the idea of his nemesis being the judge at his trial (since, after all, Optimus ''is'' the leader of the Autobots), but Optimus wins over most of the planet by being scrupulously neutral. When a group of Decepticons attack the trial in an attempt to rescue Megatron, Optimus even refuses to join in the defense because of his position as judge, until [[RulesLawyer Ultra Magnus]] makes a formal request for the Chief Justice to assist in returning order to the court.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Film -- Animated]]
* [[TheHero Jack Frost]] from ''WesternAnimation/RiseOfTheGuardians'' is a blatant example of the trope as despite refusing membership of the Guardians and acting on his own, he still strongly associates with them and actively chooses to fight against [[BigBad Pitch Black]] who offers him allegiance. Pitch himself lampshades the behavior.
-->'''Pitch Black:''' You know, for a neutral party you spend an awful amount of time with those weirdos.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Literature]]
* ''Literature/{{Dune}}''. Liet Kynes, the Imperial Planetologist of Arrakis, is supposed to be the impartial Judge of the Change controlling the changeover of rulership from the Harkonnen to the Atreides. He's actually been ordered by the Emperor to take the Harkonnens' side to facilitate the upcoming joint Harkonnen/Sardaukar attack. Later as he gets to know the Atreides and realizes that Paul Atreides may the Fremen's predicted savior, he changes and begins supporting the Atreides.
* ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheGobletOfFire'': The judges at the Triwizard Tournament are the participating schools' headmasters, who are ''supposed'' to adjudicate the scores neutrally. Hogwarts' Albus Dumbledore and Beauxbatons' Olympe Maxime do so, but Durmstrang's Igor Karkaroff blatantly favors his own school's entrant Viktor Krum, to the annoyance of pretty much everyone else present.
* The CIGA (Congress for Intra-Galactic Accord) from ''Literature/TheHelmsmanSaga'' are officially an organization intended to prevent another war between the Galactic Empire and the League. In reality, they are largely League agents tasked with effectively dismantling the Empire's military.
* ''[[Literature/TheBelgariad The Malloreon]]'': Cyradis the {{Seer|s}} is supposed to be the neutral party who makes the final Choice between the Light and Dark Prophecies. However, she travels with the heroes, gives them valuable advice, and her fellow Seers of Kell provide direct aid. It's {{Justified|Trope}} to balance out how the agents of the Dark Prophecy [[DickDastardlyStopsToCheat cheat]] and try to sabotage the Choice at every opportunity.
* In ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'' Houses Arryn and Martell are both neutral in the continent spanning CivilWar. However, both families have a stake in the conflict. The Arryns have blood and cultural ties to the Starks and Tullys. Many of House Arryn's vassals [[WarHawk want to join the war]] on the side of the Starks. House Martell has a grudge against the Lannisters, and thus the Royal family, for the murder of Elia Martell and her children.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* In ''Series/HowIMetYourMother'', the Slapbet Commissioner is supposed to be neutral in all rulings. However, Lily almost unanimously makes declarations for her husband, Marshall, and against TheFriendNobodyLikes Barney.
* Bo of ''Series/LostGirl'' makes a big show of being "unaligned" in the SpaceColdWar between the Light and Dark Fae, but in practice she almost exclusively works with the Light, especially in earlier seasons. The page quote has one of the few sympathetic Dark Fae characters call her out on it. She's even arguably ''more'' useful to the Light this way, as she can be relied upon to pursue the Light's interests while being free to interact with the Dark should the need arise.
* ''Series/{{Pennyworth}}'': The US claims to be neutral in the governmental affair of Britain, but the [=CIA=] is shown to be very actively manipulating events including embedding [[AgentProvocateur undercover agents]] inside the factions that are vying for control of the government, headhunting promising scientists, and ordering the assassinations which eventually trigger a Civil War. Once the war is raging, the CIA refuses to intervene other than to make moves to discreetly establish friendly relations with the [[ANaziByAnyOtherName Ravens Union]] which seems poised to win, going so far as to create a scandal that drives the very influential [[GoodShepherd Prime Minister]] of the opposing English League to suicide.
* ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'': {{Exploited}} in "[[Recap/StarTrekDeepSpaceNineS01E08Dax Dax]]". The Bajoran government acts as a neutral arbiter in the Klaestrons' attempt to extradite Jadzia Dax for a crime her previous host Curzon is accused of, and the judge who presides over the hearing does so impartially. Unofficially however, the Bajoran military at least is pretty blatantly on Jadzia's side: not only is she Kira Nerys's best friend, the Klaestrons are Cardassian allies and attempted to kidnap Jadzia from Deep Space 9, which is legally Bajoran "soil". Kira, a major in the Bajoran Militia, uses the potential diplomatic incident to force the Klaestrons to agree to the hearing despite the terms of the Klaestrons' treaty with the Federation. This in turn buys Odo, also a Bajoran Militia officer, the time he needs to find evidence exonerating Curzon.
-->'''Kira:''' You Klaestrons are allies of the Cardassians. Your knowledge of this station confirms that. They must have given you the layout, which not only compromises Bajoran security, but also ''annoys'' us.
* A RunningGag around Connor in ''Series/{{Succession}}''. Although his power is limited (if even remotely existent), Connor will say that he doesn't take sides... but he's on ''someone's'' side (Shiv's in particular).
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Stand-Up Comedy]]
* In the 1996 one-off comedy panel game Scotland vs England, in which Scottish comedian Gordon Kennedy and English comedian Nick Hancock debated which country was best, Dermot Morgan, as host and arbitrator, said that as an Irishman he was entirely neutral, before adding "Go on, the Celts!" Throughout the show he seemed reluctant and apologetic whenever he gave England a point. All PlayedForLaughs, of course.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Theatre]]
* Mercutio of ''Theatre/RomeoAndJuliet'' is neither a Montague nor a Capulet, and as such is able to move freely between both houses. Nevertheless, he is Romeo's best friend and thus has a stronger tie to the Montagues. This ends up getting him killed when he decides to duel Tybalt in Romeo's place.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Video Games]]
* {{Discussed|Trope}} in the ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'' DLC ''Trespasser.'' Ferelden accuses the Inquisition of this trope, maintaining official neutrality while being aligned with Orlais (making all the Inquisition's holdings in Ferelden effectively Orlesian outposts). This isn't really true, but given the Inquisition's role in determining the who rules Orlais, the Chantry's traditional interwovenness with the Orlesian crown, and the Divine (the leader of the Chantry, whoever it happens to be) having been a high-ranking officer of the Inquisition just two years prior -- not to mention Orlais' 80-year occupation of Ferelden 40 years prior -- it's not hard to see why Ferelden feels this way. Orlais, meanwhile, has the goal of turning the Inquisition into what Ferelden accuses it of being. [[spoiler:In the end, the Inquisitor puts the matter to rest by either greatly reducing the size and scope of the Inquisition or disbanding it entirely.]]
* {{Downplayed|Trope}} in ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim'', where Jarl Balgruuf, who rules the strategically important city of Whiterun, declares himself neutral and "on the side of Whiterun," supporting neither the Imperial regime nor the Stormcloak rebellion. However, his city's reliance on trade with the Imperials means that he privately leans much more toward them, and he ultimately chooses to support them openly when the Stormcloaks demand he make a choice.
* ''Franchise/FateSeries'': The Holy Church is supposed to be a neutral party to help maintain the rules of the Holy Grail War, but we never see them actually do that.
** In ''LightNovel/FateZero'', Kotomine Kirei, who is the son of the current church overseer and a member of the Church, is a Master in the war. While that in itself falls under a loophole (the Grail chooses the Masters), his father assigns him to secretly assist Tohsaka Tokiomi, another master. That is DEFINITELY against the rules.
** In ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'', Kirei is now the overseer, and he is also a master working for his personal gain. Which is again, illegal.
** In ''LightNovel/FateApocrypha'', the role of the Ruler Class Servant is to enforce the rules of the Great Holy Grail War (an UpToEleven version of the regular war) as a neutral party. Unfortunately, [[spoiler:Amakusa Shirou Tosikada]] wants the Grail, and he is also working as the Church overseer. So much for neutrality.
** In ''Webcomic/FateTypeRedline'', Tsukumo Fujiyama was invited to take part in the Imperial Holy Grail War on the Church's behalf.
* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'', Figaro is ostensibly neutral in any armed conflict involving the Gestahlian Empire, taking no action against them and not invoking the Empire's wrath. However, King Edgar is providing political support and it is heavily implied he is also providing money to the Returners, LaResistance to the Empire who are trying to take Emperor Gestahl down. Eventually, however, events result in Figaro becoming NeutralNoLonger and siding full-time with the Returners.
* ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'': The ocean planet Manaan, home to the Selkath FishPeople, is independent of both the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire and militantly enforces a TruceZone in Ahto City, its only surface settlement. However, the storyline reveals that the Selkath government doesn't trust the Sith to respect their neutrality forever given [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder dark Jedis' typical behavior]], and therefore are secretly working with the Republic on a project to increase kolto production.
* ''VideoGame/TrailsOfColdSteel II'': After the start of the civil war, the party forms an organisation called Crimson Wings, and proclaims themselves to be a "third party", independent from both the noble and imperial sides. However, they side with the latter at every occasion and never oppose them. It helps that Noble Alliance is mostly composed of {{Hate Sink}}s, and all sympathetic members eventually defect.
* ''VideoGame/WeirdAndUnfortunateThingsAreHappening'': [[DidWeJustHaveTeaWithCthulhu Zlonyth the Observer]] is a self-professed Middle Evocation, meaning he does not side with either the [[EldritchAbomination Inner Evocations]], who are invading the human world, or the Outer Evocations, who have allied themselves with humanity and are trying to protect them. Despite this, it is eventually revealed that he has taken some actions in the background to help the Outers and their human allies. [[spoiler:He is the one who opened the portal to the city of Daybreak, which had become a pocket dimension, to [[TheHeroine Alicia Copeland]], allowing her to meet the Outers and recruit allies to their cause. He also revived Viola and Erick Vaughn when they are murdered by William so they can continue to help the heroes.]] By the time that the Outers are threatening the fabric of reality, he outright becomes NeutralNoLonger and openly aids the heroes in traversing their headquarters and saving the universe.
* The goblins of the Steamwheedle Cartel in ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' are neutral in the conflict between the Alliance and the Horde, and their quests and hubs are available to both factions. However, Gazlowe, the leader of the Steamwheedle town of Ratchet, is much more closely aligned with the Horde. In ''{{VideoGame/Warcraft}} III'', he designed the Horde's main city of Orgrimmar, and later the Horde commander's garrison in ''Warlords of Draenor''. He even leads a Horde-aligned island expedition in ''Battle for Azeroth.'' Meanwhile, Ratchet offers few quests to Alliance players and they mostly use it as a convenient travel hub. In Patch 8.3 of ''Battle for Azeroth'', after Gallywix disappears, Gazlowe finally drops the pretense and becomes Trade Prince of the Horde-aligned Bilgewater Cartel.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Web Original]]
* ''WebVideo/JennyNicholson'': In [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aanyjLmB1Bs "I read the terrible Episode IX pitch where Rey is a robot"]], one of the criticisms Jenny has against the treatment is how the "neutral" alien race very much sides with the heroes, to the point of joining together to fight the bad guys for their neutrality.
-->'''Jenny:''' This is not neutral. This thing they're doing of joining forces with one side to fight the other side and also supporting them financially and harboring them against the other ones--none of this is neutral.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Western Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Visionaries}}'': Merklyn's sole desire is to restart the Age of Magic, and to do that he uses both the heroic Spectral Knights and the villainous Darkling Lords as his agents. In theory this makes him a neutral facilitator, willing to empower either side or both provided they perform tasks for him. In practice the Darkling Lords' treacherous nature coupled with the Spectral Knights being more willing to help out has caused him to heavily favor the good guys over the bad, even if he won't revoke his magical help from Darkling Lords.
[[/folder]]
----
