The most common Real World warrior. Are like the Army Men of the Real World.
In the intricate landscape of the Toyverse, where Army Men Plastic Soldiers stand at a mere 2 inches tall, ants from the Real World are significant big players. These tiny creatures (not so much for the plastic soldiers), often unnoticed by humans, have a profound impact on the lives and strategies of the Army Men. This article explores the fascinating world of ants from the perspective of our brave plastic soldiers.
Ants: The Unseen Forces of the Plastic World
Anatomy and Strength
Ants, belonging to the family Formicidae, are eusocial insects known for their remarkable strength and complex social structures. Typically, normal ants range from 0.08 to 1 inch in length. Despite their small size, their strength is impressive, with some species capable of lifting objects up to 50 times their body weight. For the Army Men, this strength is akin to a soldier lifting a plastic tank single-handedly.
Social Structure and Communication
Ant colonies operate with a level of organization that rivals even the most disciplined battalions of the Army Men. Each colony consists of different castes, including workers, soldiers, and queens. Workers are responsible for foraging and maintenance, soldiers defend the colony, and the queen’s primary role is reproduction. Communication within the colony is primarily through pheromones, which can signal everything from food sources to threats.
Ants in the Plastic World
In the Plastic World, ants are both allies and adversaries. When ants came to the Plastic World, they learn and started to make tunnels in the plastic ground, and these tunnels and nests provided strategic advantages, such as hidden passages and storage areas for the Plastic Soldiers. However, their sheer numbers and relentless nature can also pose significant threats to the Army Men. A single ant incursion can disrupt entire operations, requiring swift and coordinated responses from the plastic soldiers.
Ants are not kept in large numbers in the Army Men world, only a few, and they need sustenance to survive. The first ones that arrived (by accident) were dying of starvation, as they could not find the carbon-based food they needed to survive. So at first they were returned to their world. But then, after discovering that they were digging in plastic, the Army Men organized supply parties brought from the Real World to feed them so they help with the tunnel networks.
These visits from outsiders from the other world have proven that the life of the Real World makes its way wonderfully to any place they can reach.
Ant Warfare
Ants are known for their aggressive territorial behavior and complex battle strategies. In the Real World, ant wars can involve thousands of individuals and last for days. For the Army Men, understanding these tactics is crucial for both defense and potential alliances. Observing ant behavior has led to innovative strategies in the Plastic World, such as mimicking pheromone trails to redirect ant movements in the tunnel networks construction.
Historically, the Tan Army of Plurtz 1 were the ones who innovated the use of Ants on the battlefield. While there were always skirmishes with insects, they never attacked only one faction and not the other. During the events of Army Men RTS, Sgt. Hawk and Bravo Company discovered that the Tan were holding the queen captive, which is why the ants obeyed them. But as soon as they freed the queen, she ordered her six-legged army to collaborate with the Green Army to destroy the Tan.
Mutant Ants: The Unnatural Threat
In the aftermath of the Real World Portal’s collapse, the Plastic World has faced numerous challenges, none more pressing than the emergence of Mutant Ants. These aberrations were the result of Dr. Madd’s sinister experiments, combined with the fallout from interdimensional visits and the pollution they brought. For over two decades, these unnatural life forms have disrupted the ecosystem, posing a grave threat to the stability of Real World’s nature, alike other worlds.
Origins of the Mutant Ants
The genesis of Mutant Ants can be traced back to Dr. Madd, a rogue grey scientist whose unethical experiments aimed to create super-soldiers, more than 20 years ago. By manipulating ant DNA & Army Men PDNA with alien substances and pollutants, he inadvertently unleashed a new breed of ants. These creatures, unlike their natural counterparts, exhibit enhanced strength, size, and aggression, making them formidable adversaries.
Impact on the Ecosystem
The introduction of Mutant Ants and other lifeforms threats has had catastrophic effects on the Real World’s ecosystem. These ants, with their unnatural abilities, outcompete native species for resources, leading to a decline in biodiversity. Their aggressive nature disrupts the balance of predator-prey relationships, causing further ecological instability. The once harmonious restored natural world (after human extinction) now teeters on the brink of collapse due to these invasive species.
The Army Men’s Mission
Recognizing the existential threat posed by Mutant Ants and other mutant insects, the Army Men with other toys have taken up the mantle of defenders of the natural order. Equipped with advanced weaponry and tactical expertise, they engage in relentless campaigns to exterminate these mutants. The Army Men’s efforts are not just about survival; they are a fight to restore balance and protect the remaining natural life forms of the Real World.
Challenges and Strategies
Battling Mutant Ants is no small feat. These creatures possess heightened senses and resilience, making them difficult to eradicate. The Army Men employ a variety of strategies, from direct combat to sabotage of ant nests. They also study the ants’ behavior to develop more effective countermeasures, such as pheromone traps and biological agents that target the mutants specifically.
Conclusion
Ants, the unseen forces of the Plastic World, are a testament to the wonders of Real World’s nature and the intricate balance of ecosystems. For the Army Men Plastic Soldiers, these creatures are a source of both inspiration and challenge. By studying and understanding ants, the Army Men continue to adapt and thrive in their miniature yet complex universe.
In the other hand, the Mutant Ants, born from the twisted experiments of Dr. Madd and the pollution of interdimensional visits, represent a dire threat to the Real World’s ecosystem. The Army Men Plastic Soldiers, dedicated to their mission, continue to fight these unnatural invaders with unwavering resolve. Their struggle is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Plastic World in the face of unprecedented challenges.