Ok, well, I wrote this awhile ago (a year and a bit, I guess) and...yeah.
It's a list of marsupials and descriptions of what they do for their cause.
The Cuscus - Espionage Extraordinaire:
Often mistaken for old, fuzzy piles of albino faeces, these industrious climbers are ideal for spying. The spy division of the Marsuplatoon (known as the Sector of Pre-emptive Intelligence (SPI)) makes excellent use of these critters to discover more about the enemy (ie: every species other than those of marsupial origin). Perched high atop enemy foliage, the Cuscus uses it's diverse fur patterns (among the species itself; Cuscus' as individuals do not have different fur patterns, obviously) to hide while it's superb eyes take in all activity. Curiously, the Cuscus is a slow marsupial, potentially endangering the success of reconnaissance, but the Cuscus is not without defenses. It eats primarily insects and leaves, but is no stranger to the taste of birds or lizards, meaning that it's front paws are indeed powerful enough to defend from surprise attacks. Also, the Cuscus has no lacking in charm, meaning that, should it be trapped amongst the foe, it could quite possibly weasel it's way out of said sticky situation.
Espionage is a key part to any master plan, and the Marsupial Conspiracy is no exception. The Cuscus is the first line of defense for the Marsuplatoon, providing home base with advance information concerning the enemy, thus allowing for preparation and countering.
NOTE: SPI includes species not part of the Marsupial family if and ONLY if the Marsuplatoon High Council approves (ie: a specific need to know more about the enemy that can only be satisfied through an insider)
The Bandicoot (Golden) - Hidden Habitation:
The Golden Bandicoot maintains secrecy of location for the Marsuplatoon. In the wild, the G Bandicoot is wily in the ways of forming their nest. Using the latest in stick leaf and grass technology, the G bandicoot dives deep into the undergrowth and forms a solid mass in which they live. This nest has no apparent entrance, thus discouraging predators looking for an easy dinner. The G Bandicoot's knowledge of home-camouflageis made most apparent, however, by location. Most frequently, one will find (indeed, if you know where to look) a G Bandicoot dwelling on the edge of a leafy or wooded area, looking out into a desert or clearing, thus providing a strong mix of surveillance and secrecy.
Hidden concourses are important for any rebel group. The G Bandicoot is always the first and last creature to be consulted as to the location of camp. They will also oversee construction and fix anything they deem amiss without giving any advice. A no-nosense creature, to be sure, but one that gets the job done no matter what the cost.
The Bandicoot (Eastern Barred) - Survival Skills Instruction:
Solitary creatures by nature, the Eastern Barred Bandicoot are well adapted for survival. Although the juvenile members of this species are often too inexperienced to provide guidance (many die young as they are let go by their parents quite early in their lives) and are used for grunt work (if they indeed survive the Marsupial Skills Training). The EB Bandicoot elders, on the other hand, have a very important job to do. No members of the Marsuplatoon are appointed to task forces (essentially every member except guards and labour grunts) without first seeing an EB Bandicoot survival counselor. The EB Bandicoot mainly remains at home base or an outpost of the Marsuplatoon, but an occasional counselor will accompany a member on the practical part of Survival Training. Very few decisions made by the Marsuplatoon High Council are approved without first being advised by EB Bandicoot Elders, as many operations within a faction require quick thinking and fast reflexes. Survival is not something that can be taught, hence the EB Bandicoots being known as counselors, rather than instructors. The EB Bandicoot merely helps (rather effectively) to bring in to greater light the skills of the individual, thus preparing them for service in the Marsuplatoon.
Many armies and factions teach discipline to their troops, but few really help the soldiers to stay alive. This is a great advantage for the Marsuplatoon.
Bandicoot (Long-Nosed) - Sustenance Squad:
A simple and necessary task for any society is foraging. With their long noses and digging paws, the Long-Nosed Bandicoot is required by the Marsuplatoon to provide raw, fresh nutrients for the faction. As such, these little fellows are often a major presence in a base or outpost. Due to the potentially dangerous nature of their mission, the LN Bandicoot is given special training for physical and mental toughness by the Eastern-Barred Bandicoot. Once outside (usually in a forest) the LN Bandicoot will sniff around, and once it has the scent of something edible, it will home in on the location and start digging, unearthing the concealed meal. Any LN Bandicoots in excess are added to the construction force overseen by Golden Bandicoots if digging is required.
Bandicoot (Northern Brown) - Plumbing:
Not only does the Northern Brown Bandicoot ensure the water stocks, but it also will ensure that the nest is watertight, meaning that it may collaborate with the Golden Bandicoot on contruction issues. The most aggressive of the Bandicoot family, the NB Bandicoot is also employed as an elite guard present at important negotiations or council meetings.
Red Kangaroo - Main Foot Legion:
Due to their great stature and resilience against dehydration, the large Red Kangaroo is ideal for fighting in skirmishes. The main offense of the R Kangaroo are the footpaws. Powerful, large, and tough, this giant is never one to back down, meaning that among the species much hot-headedness may arise, leading to potential conflicts within a unit. The females, having a pouch in the front, carry travelling supplies for herself and a male. The effectiveness of these Legions is incredible. Every one of these large Kangas is eager to impress and never willing to back down, although they will always obey their superiors.
Tree Kangaroo - Ambush Legion:
Able to land on all fours when jumping out of a tree, the Tree Kangaroo can easily surprise an enemy unit giving chase. Seldom used in regular skirmish fighting, the Tree Kangaroo is often saved for instances where the Maruplatoon must make a hasty retreat and require time to make good the escape.
Grey Kangaroo - Elder Council/Panel of Chief Overseers in charge of Special Projects:
The largest of the Marsuplatoon, the Grey Kangaroo also possesses the greatest intellect among it's comrades. Not having the same water retention as the Red Kangaroo, the G Kangaroo predominantly remains at base to coordinate strategies. As the Marsuplatoon High Council can't contain all the G Kangaroos, many get stationed in command at outposts, or become Chief Overseers of Special Projects. As Chief Overseers, their great strength and size come into use at many a time, mainly for construction and materials transport. When needed, G Kangaroos can also be used as effective defense forces. Or if the Marsuplatoon effectively has an enemy under siege, basic siege weapons can be operated by these giants.
Koala - Medical Assistance:
Koalas, with their vast knowledge of special herbs, can provide injured legions with much needed medical relief. Using the abundant eucalyptus leaves in conjunction with sanicle, dock leaves, and aloe plants, there are few health oriented tasks these rubbery-nosed healers can't do. The Marsuplatoon requires many Koalas do be effective, as the Koala can be found sleeping for up to eighteen hours a day. They often employ the Long-Nosed Bandicoot to gather fresh supplies of herbs.
Possum - Kitchen Team:
Ever willing to explore new areas of food, the Possum concocts and creates at will. Receiving raw food from the Long-Nosed Bandicoot, the Possum is required to prepare the food for the entire troops. Two types of possum chefs exist. The base cooks, situated in home base or in outposts, provide more elaborate meals for the Marsuplatoon. The travel cooks go along on raids or sieges to feed the masses. The travel cooks have limited possibilities, as non-perishable foods are more used on campaigns, with a smattering of perishable foods picked up along the way.
Quokka - Inactive Side-Group:
The Quokka, a bushy ball of fur, prefers to stay out of the Marsuplatoon's affairs, but that's not to say there is enmity between the two groups. Living in large groups of up to 150 animals, the Quokka is something of a reserve squad for the Marsuplatoon. The Marsuplatoon can request aid, and the Quokka's nearly always agree. Thus the Marsuplatoon, not wishing to take this friendly help for granted, only ask for aid in the direst of situations, and the Quokka tribes never fail to impress. The Quokka system is similar to an aristocracy, where a group of elites have the power, dominated by the eldest male, but the rest of the tribe has a strong say.
Quoll - Storm Troops:
Plainly put, these small marsupials are not to be taken lightly. Razor sharp teeth and claws make the Quoll a deadly adversary. Being as small as they are, the Quoll is a speedy creature and is therefore difficult to hit with anything, be it melee or missile weapon. The Quoll squad is a temperamental group, and will not always obey direct orders, making them unreliable. They demand high payment for their work.
Sugar Gliders - Aerial Informations Specialists:
Naturally, with the ability to glide about, the Sugar Glider is a shoe-in for this position. Equipped with a pair of the finest ears a creature could be born with, the Sugar Glider can pick up the smallest of noises, such as high frequency insect sounds. However, the Cuscus has an extreme advantage over the Sugar Glider regarding espionage. The Sugar Glider's main special ability is only useful where there is a high place to launch from, meaning that they will be used only in forested areas.
Tasmanian Devil - Elite Assassin Troops:
A vicious animal by nature, the Tasmanian Devil is well suited to being night strike perfectionists. Never afraid, the Devil will relentlessly pursue it's foe and will not stop until death defeats it. But, as a night-striker, the Devil's dark fur allows for excellendt camouflage, and will only be seen if it wishes it to be so. The rest of the Marsuplatoon are very fearful of the Devil, and assert that the Devils be accomodated in a special base to themselves so as to pose no threat to the rest of the faction. The cry of the Tasmanian Devil is a horrible thing to behold, and spells almost certain death to those enemies who hear it.
Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger)- Extinct Saviour of the Marsuplatoon:
An extinct creature with a bizarre appearance, the Thylacine has many hopes resting on it's non-existant shoulders. The front half of the Thylacine is thought to have been a dusty light brown, while the back half was thought to have been striped, like a tiger. The Marsuplatoon, while effective in it's own way, is gaining ground very slowly, and they have high hopes for the return of the strong-jawed Thylacine.
Wallaby - Inactive Middlegroup:
The Wallaby is a peaceable animal, and doesn't take one side over the other. Although on friendly terms with the other marsupials, the Wallaby has been known to live with humans as pets. The Wallabies know the seriousness of the situation between the two sides, and therefore divulge no information to either side concerning the other. Those that have opted to live outside both groups (although welcome in both) live far away from any other creature so as to avoid any kind of negative encounter.
Wallaroo - Lesser Foot Legion:
A combination of a Wallaby and a Kangaroo, the Wallaroo is in essence a smaller version of the Kangaroo, with minor variations. Slangily known amongst the Marsuplatoon as the Cleanup Crew, the Wallaroo gang is basically just that. Once the main legion of Red Kangaroos have finished the battle and desire a rest, the Wallaroo Legion enters the fray and viciously assaults the tired opposition, taking out the trash, as it were.
Wombat - Security:
The Wombat, a large, strong creature, is used in bases and outposts as guards to keep intruders away, and to keep the peace if any inner conflicts should arise. Once inside a Marsuplatoon hideout, a Wombat will never be far behind.
