Line #67 Webcomic/FlakyPastry


1	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/flaky_pastry.png]]
2	[[caption-width-right:350:L-R: Zintiel, Nitrine, Marelle]]
3
4	''[[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/index.php Flaky Pastry]]'' is a webcomic by Félix Lavallée (aka Falingard), which started in 2005 and is ongoing, with updates every Friday. It's a LowFantasy SitCom featuring the (mis)adventures of three college roommates, who have to deal with landlord dragons, vindictive halfling mages, impossibly large dungeons, and a whole host of other ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons''-esque characters and situations.
5
6	The three main characters are:
7
8	* '''Nitrine''', an unusually intelligent (read: about as smart as an average human) goblin girl with green hair. Loves inventing things with dubious purposes. Later learned to make clones of herself (or anything she wanted) using her imagination.
9	* '''Marelle''', the TeamMom, who is addicted to learning and has been studying at the university for a very long time. Has UnusualEars, making her look suspiciously like a CatGirl, but [[BerserkButton try telling her that]].
10	* '''Zintiel''', a sociopathic High Elf. Not strictly a student, but tags along with Nitrine and Marelle when she's bored. Surprisingly strong, and a dab hand with apocalyptic magic. Was due to be married to an Elven prince but ran away on their wedding day. She and Nitrine had previously crossed paths several years back.
11	----
12	!!''Flaky Pastry'' contains examples of:
13
14	* AccidentalTruth: Zintiel, expressing surprise at Tares having a daughter, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=791 sarcastically asks if she fell out of the sky]]. [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=636 Funny how she phrased that]].
15	* AintTooProudToBeg: Marelle is surprised [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=779 when Nitrine did so]], as she was just joking - she thought Nitrine would have more pride than that.
16	-->'''Nitrine''': I do, but I also have a profound need to not get murdered by a secret agent.
17	* AllTrollsAreDifferent: Marelle reads off [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=31 the standard entry for fantasy trolls]].
18	-->'''Dungeon Troll''': Yep, that's all fact. Well, except the "limited intelligence" part. I don't agree with that one.
19	** Later, the leader of the Troll delegation is "[[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=811 Biggest Brunk]]", who's so massive that the Orc leader is about as tall and wide as his ''shin''.
20	* AllWomenLoveShoes: Yes, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=828 including those who lack the feet to wear them]].
21	* AltText: Starting from [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=92 strip 92.]]
22	* AmazonianBeauty: Zintiel is muscled and portrayed as attractive, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=95 as showcased here]], where she appears in her underwear with the light shining around her.
23	* AmbiguousSyntax: Nitrine [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=330 says she should just go back home]], and Marelle thinks she means the apartment, not her ''childhood'' home.
24	%%* AncientArtifact: The Transcendental Reality Rearrangement Device.
25	* AnguishedDeclarationOfLove: Cassean, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=543 under the effects of a Chaos mark]], nearly does this to Trivine, [[IncestSubtext his sister]].
26	%%* AntiMagic: [[spoiler: The Cavernball stadium.]]
27	* ArtifactOfDeath: Again, the Transcendental Reality Rearrangement Device. Though it's unclear if using it would cause someone to die, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=52 what it does]] certainly sounds like it would cause death, and not just that of the user.
28	* ArtShift: [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=80 For Neighbour and Gabriel's fight]], it shifts to a pixelated style made to look like a fighting game, complete with ShoutOut to ''Franchise/StreetFighter'' with their outfits.
29	* AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther: Pretty much Zintiel's entire family. They act like your typical noble family with plots and intrigue, but underneath the surface is a very close loving family and not even a God of chaos can break their bonds. Ditto for her fiancée - she may have been a RunawayBride, but [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=511 she did]] [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=79 and still does]] love him. She even lampshades it [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=461 in a Reader Q&A]] strip.
30	* AxCrazy:
31	** Zintiel, so much. It's part of her broader Crazy.
32	** Prism, too, but only [[spoiler:when her true prime directive, to kill, is activated via the passphrase "Rainbow Love Child.]]
33	%%* BadassBookworm: The neighbour, as well as Arlen.
34	* BagOfHolding: Arlen has a full-blown one, while Puce [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=708 can pull a cell phone the size of her]] from her sleeve.
35	* BarrierBustingBlow: Marelle [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=206 hides behind a wall]] while [[spoiler:kill-mode Prism]] stabs at her through it, the knife going through the wall.
36	* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor: [[spoiler: Kurt, Nitrine's human boyfriend, becomes irritated by Nitrine's seeming disinterest in a serious relationship. Nitrine, who is a goblin, sees the world [[BlueAndOrangeMorality differently from Kurt and does not operate by the same standards.]] Thus, Kurt chooses the only logical option --[[BrainwashingForTheGreaterGood brain washing]] -- and changes it so that Nitrine will operate by human standards of decency. Zintiel explains why this is actually a [[FridgeHorror really bad idea.]]]]
37	* BerserkButton: Never call Marelle a cat-girl.
38	* BewareTheNiceOnes: Mona Theist, of the Sisters of Holy Retribution.
39	* BeyondTheImpossible: In a world full of magic, things still generally follow the laws of physics. [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=68 Unless you're Zintiel,]] anyway. She has no respect for gravity or Euclidean Geometry.
40	** For the record, she managed to use clay to sculpt a Necker Cube- which is an ''impossible optical illusion''- and managed to change the direction of gravity so she was standing on the wall. Magic can explain the gravity part, but ''nothing'' will make her sculpture make sense.
41	* {{BFS}}: Sister Mona carries one around with her in a guitar case.
42	* BigBrotherInstinct: Cassean with his sisters, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=532 even slapping Tares]] over it.
43	-->'''Cassean''': Say what you will about me, Tares, but I ''will'' defend Trivine's honour against anyone, even you. And furthermore, Zintiel saved my life today. I am proud to call her my sister. You do not ''get'' to insult her either. I challenge you.
44	* BilingualBonus: The [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=665 'Fro Mage]]'s specialty is cheese.
45	* BringMyBrownPants: Tares could have benefited from wearing some darker clothes [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=78 here]].
46	* BroughtDownToBadass: [[spoiler: Zintiel's Chaos powers [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=420 are blocked while she's inside the Cavernball dome]], leaving her... still capable of beating up the opposing team's players.]]
47	* TheCameo: Tycho Brahe of ''WebComic/PennyArcade'' is seen [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=124 waiting for a bus]]. Also appearing is that webcomic's running gag of Tycho getting his prized gold watch stolen.
48	* CantArgueWithElves: {{Subverted}} when Arlen is about to [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=359 talk about how proud they are of the Elf Gates]], only for [[TheGadfly Zintiel]] to interrupt and admit that the Elves actually have no clue where they came from - they just took the credit.
49	* CatGirl: Marelle, though she insists that she is not one, and [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=127 gets annoyed]] when people suggest it.
50	%%* ChainmailBikini: Cee [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=711 barely avoids wearing one]], though Drake and Puce seemed rather keen on the idea.
51	* ChekhovsGag:
52	** The stapler that Nitrine wanted to "borrow" from their Neighbour - [[spoiler: first it's just a BrickJoke when Nitrine winds up dropping it in the future, but turns into this when it's revealed that [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=294 Future!Marelle is using it to keep the portal stabilized for some plan]].]]
53	** And Nitrine is hit with this again when her SpiritAdvisor [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=429 turns out to be]] [[spoiler: the Excrementor elemental]].
54	** The Unicorn that Zintiel killed in the Real Dungeon? [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=721 Puce encounters it in the XTreme version]], where it had become an ''Un''-icorn due to the grisly death it suffered at Z's hands.
55	* ChekhovsGunman: The [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=312 penguin thief]] was the indirect cause of a whole story arc, as explained in the commentary on that page.
56	* CheshireCatGrin: Pretty much Zintiel's default expression. If she's not wearing one, she's either asleep or [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness something has gone wrong.]]
57	* ChurchMilitant: It's not really clear if Sister Mona Theist is this or a BadassPreacher. Given she belongs to the "Sisters of Holy Retribution", and considers it appropriate behavior to go around swinging a {{BFS}} at "evildoers", it's probably ChurchMilitant.
58	* CleavageWindow: Nitrine's [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=115 super-suit has one]], which did not escape [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=117 Kurt's notice]].
59	%%* ClingyJealousGirl: Morgana.
60	%%* {{Cloudcuckoolander}}: Tracy Ace, the university professor.
61	* ClueEvidenceAndASmokingGun: When Zintiel and Marelle [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=345 discover that Nitrine is gone]], the AltText implies an exchange between them with Marelle undercutting Zintiel's deduction by pointing out the obvious.
62	-->She can't have been gone long... the gum from her posters is still fresh - Ahem. Also we both saw her yesterday.
63	* ComicallyMissingThePoint:
64	** Something terrible, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=345 indeed]].
65	** Zintiel's "Cult of Chaos" ask her for advice on [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=535 how to be just like her]].
66	* CoverInnocentEyesAndEars: Mona [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=155 turns a little boy around]] before she draws her sword against Zintiel.
67	* {{Crossdresser}}: Leslie, a very androgynous male, who is often mistaken for a girl. This might have something to do with his part-time job as a ''[[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=57 barmaid.]]''
68	** [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=199 Later on]], he's MistakenForGay.
69	*** Leslie is however [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=357 guilty of mistaking somebody's gender as well.]]
70	* CurseCutShort: [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=430 Nitrine]] when she meets her SpiritAdvisor.
71	-->'''Nitrine:''' No way YOU're my "spirit guide"! You're full of sh--
72	* CuteLittleFangs: Nitrine.
73	* CuteMonsterGirl: Nitrine, a female goblin, looks like a short, cute woman with green hair and lips. The male goblins are classic goblin ugly.
74	%%* ADayInTheLimelight: Most of the 100 milestone comics are this.
75	* DesperatelyCravesAffection: Nitrine [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=326 thinks Morgana is this]], and not actually a lesbian.
76	* DisproportionateRetribution: Mona attacks Zintiel with a sword for stealing a kid's ice cream cone.
77	* {{Dissimile}}:
78	** In the AltText for [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=166 this page]], after Mona cuts off Zintiel's hair, which, being [[PrehensileHair animate]], then turns on her:
79	--->Sister Mona is reminded of the biblical story of Literature/SamsonAndDelilah, except... y'know... totally different.
80	** A later strip has Zintiel's sister [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=492 try to needle her]] about being a RunawayBride, but Zin quickly points out the flaws.
81	--->'''Zintiel''': So there's no ghost, no lake, no song and certainly no watery doom.
82	* DoWrongRight: Nitrine is [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=107 appalled that Griplen stole some of their Neighbour's stuff]].
83	-->'''Nitrine''': '''Idiot'''! I told you not to steal them ''from people I know''!
84	* TheDreaded: Zintiel has garnered a bit of a [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=470 reputation]]...
85	* DungeonBasedEconomy: A slightly scaled back one, but the Wizard has developed a theme park attraction involving adventurers buying supplies to conquer a 100-floor dungeon. He's less than happy when they wreck the place in the process of retrieving the final prize...
86	* DungeonCrawling: The trio had to do a supposedly 100-floor dungeon crawl to retrieve a {{Mac Guffin}} in the earliest story arc.
87	* EarlyBirdCameo: Cee, the roommate of Prism's boyfriend whose first featured appearance occurs in [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=708 strip number 708]] can be seen in the background of a much earlier strip nearly 11 years before [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=124 punching the lights out of Pliskin Oleum Saltzman.]]
88	* EmperorScientist: Future Marelle uses her knowledge of just about everything to take over.
89	* TheEveryman: Kurt. His relationship with Nitrine is said to be his one oddity. Well that, and he's kind of short at only five foot four.
90	-->'''Kurt''': Is '''everyone''' [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=102 totally crazy around here]]?\
91	'''Marelle''': I'm thinking yes, pretty much. Sorry.
92	* EveryoneKnewAlready: Arlen and Lumigado [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=795 unnecessarily tried to keep their romance secret]].
93	* EvilChancellor / SmugSnake: The goblin [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=402 Vizier Reptilis]] is an archetypal example of both of these.
94	* EvilCounterpart: The "Rivalkyries" arc revolves around this. Prism is the counterpart to Marelle, Morgana is Nitrine's, and Mona is the GoodCounterpart to [[HeroicComedicSociopath Zintiel]].
95	* EvilGloating: Nitrine [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=555 provokes one of Tares' underlings into this]].
96	* ExtendedGreetings: All royal elves have multiple stacked titles to their names, by which they are introduced. The ones in Zintiel's family have six or seven each.
97	* EyeScream: Nitrine defeats a troll [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=32 by shooting it in the eye]]. Even a HealingFactor doesn't make him immune to this trope.
98	* FakeOutMakeOut: "I should [[ChekhovsGag hide]] [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=71 my]] [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=328 face]] or something." [[note]]AltText - Clearly [[LampshadeHanging that could be ANY disheveled white-haired guy and cat-eared lavender-haired girl!]][[/note]]
99	* FantasticCasteSystem: Of a sort, the [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=386 Four Main Biznesses of Gobhood]]: Rigging, Digging, Filching, and Whacking.
100	* FlatWhat:
101	** Probably the only reasonable response to Damian's [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=379 "secret technique."]]
102	** Also the response from Nitrine and Marelle in learning about [[spoiler: Zintiel's fiancee, Prince Camambar.]]
103	** And prior to these, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=140 Zintiel's reaction to someone actually blocking]] [[MegatonPunch one of her blows]].
104	* {{Foreshadowing}}:
105	** Mona's WallOfText in the background of [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=2 this]] comic reveals her ChurchMilitant background, although we don't get to see it until she turns up again over a hundred pages later.
106	** Pay close attention to [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=206 this page.]] [[spoiler: The final stab actually hits, as evidenced by the 'twinge!' and the red spot on Marelle's back in panel 6. This was a hint to her immortality.]]
107	* ForgotAboutHisPowers: Nitrine has a habit of forgetting that she can clone herself, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=780 as lampshaded here]] - the AltText says it's because of RuleOfFunny.
108	* FormulaBreakingEpisode:
109	** The "Croissant's Corner" strips, where SeriesMascot Croissant presents [[AllThereInTheManual extra info on the Flaky-verse,]] [[FourthWallMailSlot interviews with the characters,]] (mostly) non-canonical nonsense, and other manners of filler.
110	** The 100 milestone comics. With the exception of the first one and the seventh one, they're ADayInTheLimelight for various side characters.
111	** The [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=800 800th strip]] is a {{Gamebook}} story from the perspective of Prism, and continuing their story arc.
112	* FunetikAksent: Most goblins. [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=404 This goblin dialogue]] is a good example.
113	* FunnyBackgroundEvent:
114	** [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=92 Here]], Griplen and Graplen can be seen working in the background. When Griplen winds up with a mallet, the mallet head falls off and onto Graplen's head, and the next panel has Graplen strangling Griplen.
115	** After Zintiel's first Omega Murder Blast, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=47 you can spot Neighbour falling in the background]].
116	* FutureMeScaresMe: [[spoiler: Future Marelle seems to have turned to the dark side.]]
117	* GadgeteerGenius: Nitrine, and goblins seemed to be an entire race of then earlier.
118	* AGlassInTheHand: Hey, what did [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=346 that orange]] ever do to you?!
119	* GoForTheEye: Nitrine defeats a troll [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=32 by shooting him in the eye]].
120	* GoodParents: Zintiel's mother and father are unfailingly supportive of their children, even when their lives lead in strange directions. Once they reestablish contact, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=854 they make sure to talk with Zintiel regularly]].
121	* HappinessInSlavery: Nitrine's maybe-cousins would rather work for her as her slaves then not. Not because she's any nicer to them, but because she's away from home so often, so they get a nearly year-round vacation.
122	* HeroOfAnotherStory: Leslie and Daran, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=358 here.]] But we do eventually get to see how that turned out in [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=500 strip 500]]
123	* HeroicBSOD: [[spoiler: Nitrine]] gets stuck in one when [[spoiler: she's given a conscience against her will. Eventually, though, she learns how to live with it... just before it's removed by the [[AntiMagic Cavernball arena's magic-cancelling field]].]]
124	* HotSkittyOnWailordAction: Puce [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=858 slept with an Orc woman]], which ''baffles'' Nitrine in terms of the sheer mechanics of doing so.
125	* HurricaneOfPuns:
126	** The AltText for [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=263 this comic]] uses a ton of mole puns when Zintiel mentions having fought an army of mole-people.
127	** Zintiel [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=478 unleashes a flurry of pee-based puns]] to goad Tares about his BringMyBrownPants [[OnceDoneNeverForgotten moment]].
128	* {{Hypocrite}}: Gabriel embodies the EntitledToHaveYou trope regarding Marelle, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=72 yet delivers this line to her date]].
129	* IceQueen: [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=488 Princess Pulmatrah]].
130	* {{Immortality}}: [[spoiler: Marelle.]]
131	* ImpactSilhouette: Too bad Cryptos [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=192 didn't account for this method of escaping his traps]].
132	* IKissYourHand: [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=352 Arlen to Marelle.]]
133	* ImStandingRightHere: Mona feels relieved that [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=724 it's just a robot wolf, so she can carve it to pieces]] while standing right next to Prism.
134	* InnocentInnuendo: [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=90 #90]]
135	* ItAmusedMe: The reason Zintiel does nearly anything. For example, at one point she fights [[KnightTemplar Mona]], who abandons the fight to save people from a collapsing building. Zintiel then starts rescuing people, too... ''as a competition to see who rescues more''.
136	* IWillOnlySlowYouDown: While uninjured, Neighbor [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=44 invokes this trope]] during the dungeon crawl - though he's quietly offended that none of the other three even ''tried'' talking him out of it.
137	%%* JerkJock: Gabriel
138	%%* {{Keet}}: Damian
139	* KnightTemplar: Mona Theist.
140	* KonamiCode: Oddly enough, it's the [[spoiler:only way to stop Prism from going on a mass murder spree anytime somebody says "Rainbow Love Child".]]
141	* LingerieScene: [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=95 This strip]] has a fanservicey shot of Zintiel in her underwear.
142	* LoopholeAbuse: When Zintiel [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=136 challenges Gabriel to a duel]] to prove she's competent, he refuses because he WouldNotHitAGirl. According to her, this means he forfeits and she wins by default.
143	* LostTechnology: Goblins used to be a highly advanced civilization before a catastrophe drove them underground; they built very high-tech things like the Cavernball stadium.
144	* LowFantasy: The world is a lot like ours, except that it's populated by races straight out of a ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' sourcebook.
145	* LoveableSexManiac: Nitrine is not only bisexual, but will flirt with just about anything and anyone she thinks looks good. [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=68 It even extends to her artwork]].
146	* LukeIAmYourFather: Who would have guessed that [[spoiler: the neighbour is Daran's father]]?
147	* MacGuffin: The Transcendental Reality Rearrangement Device, whose owner would not retrieve it himself and would rather sacrifice a bunch of treasure-happy dough-heads to the DungeonCrawler on the off chance that they would find it and bring it back to him. He does this because it's too unstable to use magic directly on (so he couldn't just teleport it to himself) and [[strike:he's too lazy to get it himself]] it's very dangerous for someone to touch it.
148	** [[spoiler: The Black Heptagon. An ancient, powerful, light-devouringly dark, and seven-sided gem that [[SealedEvilInACan contains seven worlds that imprison a great evil]], though with conflicting accounts of exactly ''what'' great evil is sealed within it.]]
149	* ManlyGay: [[spoiler: [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=486 Prince Lumigardo]]]].
150	* MeaningfulName:
151	** Mona Theist and her EvilTwin sister Polly, referring to "monotheist" and "polytheist" respectively,
152	** Pliskin Oleum Saltzman, whose name refers to SnakeOilSalesman.
153	** The elemental creature [[{{Squick}} Excrementor]].
154	* MesACrowd: Nitrine and her clones.
155	* MidBattleTeaBreak: [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=196 Here.]]
156	* MistakenForRacist: Marelle initially thinks that Prism's "animal-thing" insult is based on her [[LittleBitBeastly cat ears]] - turns out, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=228 it's actually a result of her roboticism]], and it's her insult for [[CallAHumanAMeatbag all organic lifeforms]].
157	%%* MysteriousWaif: Daran seems to be one.
158	%%* NeckLift: Zintiel with Kurt.
159	* NeverMyFault: Tares has a ''really'' bad [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=634 case of this]], laying all the blame for the horrific events on Zintiel rather than accepting his own part.
160	%%* NiceGuy: Kurt. Unfortunately, it doesn't do him much good.
161	* NoNameGiven: The neighbour.
162	** At one point, Nitrine claims Marelle doesn't know his name either. [[TheUnreveal She doesn't dignify the statement with an answer]].
163	** [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=311 This page]] hints that his name might be [[spoiler: Falingard]].
164	* OpenMouthInsertFoot: The leader of the Wizard delegation [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=815 does this by using only male pronouns in regards to who would be welcome as a new wizard]], making him come across as a misogynist despite a female wizard [[ImStandingRightHere standing right behind him]].
165	* OrderVersusChaos: This emerged in the wake of Zintiel's trip home, and [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=773 the neighbor helpfully relates the tale afterward]]. Each society - the Oracles (Order), Chaos, and the Builders - have some part in creating new universes. The Builders construct them, the Oracles maintain them, and eventually, Chaos destroys them.
166	* OurVampiresAreDifferent: Moirganae. Justified, since she's a product of the imagination.
167	* OutOfClothesExperience: Nitrine when she falls unconscious and [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=429 enters her mindscape]].
168	* OverlyLongName: The girls' landlord's full name is Sir Manfred Adalbert Portrind of Frownshire the Twenty-fifth.
169	* OverlyNarrowSuperlative: Trivine [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=490 calls Arlen and Cassean]] her two favourite brothers. Arlen points out that she only has three brothers, and the third one is Tares, who -- as the cast page puts it -- is a stuck-up meanie. The AltText jokes, "And you, Trivine, are my favourite blonde sister!" (Trivine is the only blonde sister in the family.)
170	* PerceptionFilter: Daran, as a side effect of her situation.
171	* PortalNetwork: The [[CoolGate Elfgates]] (which, despite the name, was built by [[LostTechnology some race preceding the elves]]) are apparently a common method of travel from one universe to another, as featured [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=359 here]].
172	%%* PrehensileHair: Zintiel. Even when it's cut off.
173	* TheProfessor: Nitrine, whose inventions are frequently nonsensical and often deadly.
174	* ProphecyTwist: [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=293 The April Fools' Day strip.]] Everything it claimed actually had some truth to it.
175	* ProudWarriorRaceGuy: The leader of the Dwarves is upset at the Orcish hordes incursion on their lands.
176	-->'''Chief Tapposh''': [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=847 Orcs are a warrior people]]. We gotta be at war with ''somebody''. Whatcha trying to do, [[BlueAndOrangeMorality repress our culture]]??
177	* PsychoKnifeNut: When [[spoiler:Prism]] becomes AxCrazy, she produces a knife. Lampshaded by the alt text, which wonders where she got it from.
178	* PunchPunchPunchUhOh: Zintiel's "punch in the face" method of solving problems [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=140 does not work on Prism]].
179	* PunnyName: Sister Mona Theist. Not to be confused with her sister, Polly.
180	* PuppyDogEyes: Nitrine can sport [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=412 an impressive enough set to get]] ''[[AxCrazy Zintiel]]'' to stand down.
181	* ReallySevenHundredYearsOld: Zintiel is about two hundred, in the time travel arc she doesn't look much older four centuries later, while Marelle doesn't appear any older.
182	* RedEyesTakeWarning: When [[spoiler: Prism's kill-mode is activated, she closes one eye and the other is seen to turn red.]]
183	* RepetitiveName: Kurt's boss, according to the cast page, is named Eldritch Eldritch.
184	* ReplacementGoldfish: [[spoiler:Prism]]'s father built her as a robotic replacement for his missing daughter.
185	* RidiculousFutureInflation: While in the future, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=276 Nitrine buys some sort of fast food]] that cost fifty trillion, two hundred sixteen thousand, nine hundred forty three dollars and eighty one cents. Fortunately the cashier just assumes it'll be deducted from her [=CredPass=] as she leaves.
186	* TheRival: Prism to Marelle, Mona to Zintiel, and Morgana to Nitrine.
187	* RunawayBride: Zintiel - though uniquely for this trope, she ''does'' genuinely love her betrothed, she's just too chaotic to want to settle down into domesticity.
188	* SceneryPorn: When it goes there, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=490 it goes all-out]]. Used mostly for establishing new settings, especially in the later years of the comic.
189	* ScrewYourself: Apparently this is [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=570 how Nitrine refuses her clones back into herself]]... though that particular time ''may'' have just been to mess with Marelle and Zintiel.
190	* SealedEvilInACan: Nitrine discovers that Moirganae (the evil vampire created by Morgana) has been trapped in the belt-buckle of her PoweredArmor for all the time since their fight. Moirganae promises to fight Nitrine's enemies and suck their blood whenever she gets summoned - until she becomes powerful enough to free herself, that is. Then she'll kill Nitrine.
191	* SelectiveObliviousness: Nitrine [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=419 is angsting over how to stop]] the EvilChancellor's plot, missing the most obvious answer.
192	* SeriesMascot: Croissant, a character who acts as a host for the comic. She shows up occasionally to present extra material.
193	* ShoutOut:
194	** When using the Belt Buckle: [[VideoGame/ViewtifulJoe "Henshin A-Go-Go, Baby!"]]
195	** Also, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=37 this strip]], to VideoGame/MetalGear.
196	** [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=83 This strip]], too, to Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure.
197	** The AltText for [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=97 this strip]] is "[[Series/TheRedGreenShow If they don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy]]".
198	** [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=124 The hair and clothing of another bus-stop patron]] looks [[Webcomic/PennyArcade very familiar]].
199	** [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=153 The Halloween costumes for Neighbour and Marelle]] are [[Webcomic/TheAdventuresOfDrMcNinja Dr. McNinja]] and [[Webcomic/GunnerkriggCourt Antimony Carver]].
200	** [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=179 The neighbour's clothes]] in this strip are a reference to Dante's outfit in ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry3DantesAwakening'', as alluded to by the AltText ("Devil may be in the details").
201	** When Zintiel [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=237 shows off her]] PrehensileHair, the first hairdo looks like [[Anime/DragonBallZ Goku's]].
202	** Nitrine makes [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=408 the Rage Comics "Forever Alone" face]].
203	** [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=427 This one]] is a ''Film/ThreeHundred'' reference.
204	** The title of [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=459 this]] comic is ''WesternAnimation/AdventureTime'''s tagline.
205	** ''Film/ThePrincessBride'' gets one with [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=522 this comic's alt-text]], as it's what the Dread Pirate Roberts would say to Westley after the latter was shanghaied into service.
206	** Drake [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=651 takes Prism to see a movie]] that's ''also'' titled ''[[Film/AIArtificialIntelligence A.I.]]'', though with slightly different subject matter.
207	* SingingInTheShower: Zintiel, when she first [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=6 applies as a roommate,]] dumps a bag of gold on the table, then heads to their bathroom and starts using their shower, singing in Elvish. It contrasts with her appearance as a filthy hobo.
208	* SlapOnTheWristNuke: Omega Murder Blast obliterates the terrain in a substantial area around the target, but doesn't harm anyone other than the person it's centered on--after all, it's a single-target spell.
209	* SlapSlapKiss: [[spoiler: [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=233 Nitrine and Morgana]].]] It's [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=249 something of a "thing"]] for Morgana.
210	** Zintiel and Graplen. [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=111 Sorta.]]
211	* SleepsInTheNude: Implied for Zintiel; in [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=95 this strip]], she appears in the middle of the night wearing only underwear. When this is pointed out to her, she supposes that she forgot to take it off last night.
212	* SnakeOilSalesman: [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=28 Colonel P.O. Saltzman's Miracle Elixir and Medicinal Liniment]].
213	* TheSociopath: It's revealed that Nitrine, as a goblin, ''literally'' lacks a conscience. Zintiel, in contrast, has a conscience but ignores it.
214	* StatingTheSimpleSolution:
215	** Morgana drops one on Nitrine [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=307 here]], along with a healthy dose of ForgotAboutHisPowers.
216	** Ditto for the Elven King, [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=640 who points out that Lumigardo can simply]] ''adopt'' to avoid a SuccessionCrisis rather than remain in the closet.
217	* StatuesqueStunner: Zintiel.
218	* StickyBomb: The Cavernball has a setting that makes it stick to the holder's hand, and it explodes after being held for 30 seconds.
219	%%* TheStoic: Prism, understandably as she is an android.
220	* StraightGay: [[spoiler: Zintiel's brother [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=486 Arlen]].]]
221	* StunnedSilence: Zintiel [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=6 dumps a bag of treasure]] on Nitrine and Marelle's table, leaving them staring at it in shock for three panels while she heads off to use their shower.
222	* SuperSpeedReading: Marelle spots Prism scanning the insides of books while [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=177 flipping through them]] in seconds.
223	* SuspiciouslySpecificDenial: The AltText name-drops the trope [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=539 regarding Marelle's reply]].
224	%%* TeamMom: Marelle
225	* TerribleIntervieweesMontage: Nitrine and Marelle's search for a roommate at the start of the comic. First up is Mona, who [[WallOfBlather talks their ears off]]. Next is Morgana, who talks herself up as a force of darkness, then gets upset when Nitrine points out her hair roots, curses her, and runs off. Then there's Leslie, who is attractive and charming, but can't pay the rent. After that is Tracy, who is turned down on account of being one of Nitrine and Marelle's teachers. And finally there's Zintiel, who by all appearances is a filthy hobo. However, Zintiel subverts first impressions by turning out to have a ton of money and to [[SheCleansUpNicely clean up nicely]] with a proper shower.
226	* AThreesomeIsHot: When Zintiel hits on Kurt, he turns her down - [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=123 only for Nitrine to casually mention how hot the concept would be]] when she gets back in the room.
227	* TooSpicyForYogSothoth: Nitrine's [[ScrewYourself technique for remerging her doppelgangers]] seems to even make Zintiel blush.
228	* TriggerPhrase: Don't say "Rainbow Love Child" in front of Prism if you value your life.
229	* TryToFitThatOnABusinessCard: Apparently elven nobles, that is to say almost all of their species, such as Zintiel, tend to have [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=363 a lot of titles]].
230	* TwitchyEye: Marelle gets one [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=100 when a fan question is filled with]] [[FantasticRacism questions regarding her behavior as a catgirl]].
231	* TooKinkyToTorture: Drake's with Prism [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=648 for just this reason]], apparently.
232	* UglyCute: In-universe. Nitrine thinks that Schlomp (a chaos demon that looks [[CephaloThorax like a head with arms and legs]]) is this. Everyone else thinks he's just plain ugly.
233	* UnusualEars: Almost all of the cast, except for the humans.
234	* UpgradeArtifact: Nitrine uses the Transcendental Reality Rearrangement Device to solve the problem of her belt requiring phenomenal amounts of energy to function for just thirty seconds.
235	* VillainCred: Zintiel stops Nitrine [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=746 from ruining Mona's opinion of her]].
236	%%* WallOfBlather: Mona's interview.
237	* WallOfWeapons: Zintiel's wardrobe of weaponry.
238	* WebcomicTime: Lampshaded [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=239 here]].
239	* WouldNotHitAGirl: Gabriel [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=136 refuses to fight Zintriel]] on these grounds, which she points out means that he forfeits her challenge, meaning he's no longer undefeated.
240	-->'''AltText''': Do you hear that, [[Film/ThePrincessBride Fezzik]]? That is the sound of ultimate suffering.
241	* WrenchWench: Nitrine, as well as possibly future-Marelle.
242	* YourApprovalFillsMeWithShame: Zintiel [[http://flakypastry.runningwithpencils.com/comic.php?strip_id=325 drives home]] how nasty what Kurt did to Nitrine really was.
243

Context Webcomic / FlakyPastry