Minions

And sometimes you have… whatever the heck Lil Cal is.

Some specibi and specializations can give you creatures and objects that fight under your control, while certain psionic powers can summon creatures to similar effect. In these cases and more, where you can control these other creatures and objects, these creatures/objects are collectively referred to as minions.

Minions from specibi, such as Saddlekind, count as allies while they are present and on the field, for the purposes of Steps and other effects that benefit allies. However, whenever you use any abilitechs with these specibi, it counts as you and not an ally, as you are the one actually acting through the minion; these minions are just a tool in your hands in this case, no different than a sword or a needle or a gun.

Minions from other sources, such as the Companion specialization or psionic powers, always count as allies, even if you command them to act a certain way; these minions are their own, independent creatures. They never benefit from your own Steps or other benefits unless they explicitly extend to your allies or minions.