Hi, thanks for you feedback.
Yes - I chose not to make the unlikely ally the obvious in the story. I avoided the cartoon like approach of saying - look an elf and an orc (for example), who are obviously not allies but will be in this story.
My version of unlikely allies is supposed to be more realistic (hopefully!).
The idea was that Donoghue and his "buddy" Zahir were subsidiary versions of unlikely allies (as why does Zahir stay allies with Donoghue who mistreats him).
The main usage is Donoghue and Fenton/Brookes - as Donoghue is supposed to be selfish etc. so is not a likely ally in terms of friendships.
It was not a strong representation, especially compared to the other stories i've read where its often right in your face, so I suppose I could aim prioritise the theme so its clearer for readers :)
Viewing post in Platoon Harbour jam comments
Yeah, for me subverting expectations is what makes it fun.
While he did seem like a dick who maybe had some hold over Zahir, he doesn't come across as too moustache twirly bad guy despite it. So many adventurer manga arcs feature bullies and cocky types with barely any dimensions appear, with their sole reason for existing being to spotlight how the hero can resort to violence to put them in their place. Often with ease and in as humiliating a way as possible.