I see entries for functions like: GetAnimationVariableFloat/Int/Bool/etc in the creationkit documentation, but no listing of AnimationVariables other than the few listed as examples in those corresponding entries. Is there a list of these somewhere, or a way to look them up in the creationkit themselves?

I tried using those to store arbitrary information - but their data just refuses to stick

These are Values stored in the Behavior Files and used to conditionalize animations...

Precisely why I'd like to mess around with them

Like SaidenStorm mentioned, these are animation variables, which some are hardcoded. Attempting to mess with it will potentially damage your game. I found out a hard way while moding my mounted combat (see sig), and ended up steam-restore the game. So do be careful when you attempt to change it