Deployer (Transformers)

Deployers (also known as Symbiotes or Symbionts) are a subspecies of binary-bounded Cybertronians from the planet Cybertron.

Anatomy
Deployers share a similar biology to other Cybertronians, though the term can alternatively refer to the Mini-Cons they partner with.

Instead of transforming into vehicles or machinery, Mini-Con Deployers instead become additional armor or accessories for Bulk partners and remain attached until summoned into action. Mini-Con Deployers have different types of robot modes, with humanoids being the most common.

Animalistic Mini-Cons are also common, with Laserbeak and Sunder being avianoids; Ravage and Steeljaw being felines; Ramhorn being a rhinoceros; Ratbat and Psychobat being bats; Slicedice and Forth being reptilian; Sawback being a canine; Beastbox, Axiom, and Theorem being simians; Dragonus, Hammer, and Windra being dragonics; Anvil and Barithunder being gargoyles; Back and Ironjam being quadrupedal insectoids; Scorponok and Sandsting being scorpions; and Velocirazor being a Velociraptor.

There are three common types of Mini-Con Deployers: the Buzzsaws, who transform into buzzsaw-like objects; the Torpedoes, who transform into torpedo-like objects; and the Cyclones, who transform into spheres.

Powers and abilities
Deployers share many of the same abilities as Mini-Cons and other Cybertronians.

The advantages that a Deployer's symbiosis confers are manifold: the full-sized Deployers gain an extra pair of hands while Mini-Cons benefit from the additional armor and protection that their partners afford.

Culture and society
Deployers have chosen to form a partnership with at least one Mini-Con. Although they traditionally pair up with one or two Mini-Cons, Soundwave has been known to be partnered with at least four at a time.

Mini-Con Deployers spend much of their existence living within the exostructure of another, larger partner. Though sometimes displaying minimal intelligence, they are fully sparked Cybertronians in their own right.

Buzzsaw Mini-Cons are commonly aligned with the Autobots whereas Torpedo Mini-Cons are commonly aligned with the Decepticons.

Notable members
Known Autobot Deployers:
 * Drift and Sideswipe (occasionally) with Jetstorm and Slipstream
 * Blaster with Steeljaw, Rewind, Eject, Ramhorn, and Sunder
 * Ratchet with Undertone

Known Decepticon Deployers:
 * Soundwave with Laserbeak, Ravage, Rumble, Frenzy, and Ratbat
 * Soundblaster with Buzzsaw
 * Ravage with Scalpel and Reedman
 * Blackout and Grindor (occasionally) with Scorponok
 * Barricade (occasionally) with Frenzy
 * Fracture with Airazor and Divebomb
 * Overload (temporarily) with Backtrack and Ransack
 * Crazybolt with Slicedice
 * Razorpaw with Glacius and Swelter
 * Simacore with Axiom and Theorem
 * Bisk with Hammer and Anvil
 * Quillfire with Back and Forth