Now that I'm making things myself, I feel like I can answer these questions with some more confidence!
1 - What's their attitude?
All sorts. This is the most wishwashy answer, but it comes from a love of all types of zako. From forced volunteers to normal women taking on a dangerous job to sadistic dark elven assassins, I love 'em all.
2 - What's their uniform?
It's appropriate to the theme, but I like it to be sexualized. Short skirts and open suits, tight bodysockings, basically a bikini that has a lot of ornamentation... that sort of thing. Modest dress that's also ill suited for combat is great too, especially if it's particularly feminine, like a ball gown or very long skirts.
3 - What weapons do they use?
Since I bounce around, it depends on the setting. Sometimes bows, sometimes guns, sometimes lasers. Even simple magic, like battle mages or hedge wizard bandits. The key is they're trying to at least seriously hurt the hero, or are capable of doing so. Even if unarmed, they're aiming for key spots to incapacitate or seriously injure their opponents. Although there is one notable exception here: the Overpower Via Numbers strategy where a bunch of zako throw themselves onto the hero to bring them down via sheer weight. Although I like it when they're doing that because other things didn't work.
4 - How skilled are they?
They're not very good at it. They can be good enough, but are always unprepared or outclassed. They panic, they fire off shots before they've fully aimed, they swing wildly, their spells tend to backfire. They're not harmless, they absolutely can harm or even kill the hero, but the chances of that happening aren't very high.
5 - Do they survive?
Absolutely. While I'm a bit less discerning in what I like to see(I.E., I don't necessarily mind blood or death to the point where it turns me off totally), it's still the best if they live. And when I make stuff, I'll come up with any excuse I can as to how they're still alive, and the hero will take risks to make sure everyone makes it out.
6 - What's their age range?
Age ain't nothin' but a number, but they have to be adults. There is nothing sexy about kids in these situations. I suppose they visually are younger, and it makes sense for big amounts of unskilled characters to be young instead of vets. But I don't really think much about how old they are.
7 - Do you care about their background?
Yes, and no. I love to humanize them and consider what they like and how they got in this position, but it doesn't impact how they're treated. The sadistic thrillseeker gets the same treatment as the naive girl trying to save money for college.
8 - Describe your perfect zako scenario?
Varies based on the setting, but there's nothing I like more than a desperate surrendering zako, pleading with the hero, begging for her life and being willing to do anything; just don't hurt her! And the hero... accepting. With no real strings attached, too, not if she sucks his dick or anything.
As for the hero:
1 - What's their attitude?
He(or she, I guess, although I almost always self-insert as the hero) is determined to get whatever needs done done, but doesn't want anyone to get hurt. They'll be gentle with the henchwomen, take risks and hurt themselves to prevent serious injury or death(rescuing someone who falls, getting in the way of shrapnel, counter spelling a runaway magical effect caused by one of the zako who tried to cast something she wasn't able to control). They're Heroes with a capital H.
2 - What's their gender?
I tend to imagine them being male, but I suppose a female hero could work too. Or a genderless or genderfluid being, for that matter.
3 - What type of equipment do they use?/4 - What is their fighting style?
Depends on the setting, but they're always armed or equipped for non-lethal encounters, even(actually, especially) if that leaves them at a disadvantage. They are outnumbered and outgunned, and they want to make it out the other end of this with everyone alive.
