Line #73 Webcomic/TheWayOfTheMetagamer


1	''[[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com The Way of the Metagamer]]'' is a StickFigureComic in [[StickFigureComic a similar art style to]] ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick''.
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3	Originally envisioned as a ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' tutorial, in somewhat-humourous-webcomic form, the comic developed a plot involving attempts to prevent [[EldritchAbomination evil from beyond the universe]] from entering said universe through playing ''Dungeons & Dragons''. This works as follows: playing ''Dungeons & Dragons'' strengthens a [[SomeKindOfForceField defensive]] [[DeflectorShields barrier]] around the universe. Since it's popular among [[MostTropersAreYoungNerds young nerds]], it gets played a ''lot'' by said young nerds, helping to protect the universe. However, some evil, already within the universe, utilises spells from [=DnD=] to create [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks DnD Fourth Edition]], which weakens and destroys the barrier. In response, Gary Gygax creates the "Book of [=DnD=]", a [[MacGuffin magical artifact]] with the power to fight back against Fourth Edition. Unfortunately, the evil, discovering the Book, attempts to obtain it for unlimited power. Gary retaliates by sealing all the magical power within the Book, but ends up [[SealedEvilInACan sealing the evil in with it]]. ''And'' the raw magical energy kills him. The plot got pretty complicated, huh?
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5	Unfortunately for the future of the universe, the Book of [=DnD=] ends up being sold on eBay - purchased by a main character by the name of Bob. As soon as Bob reads the Book, he is [[TrappedInTVLand transported inside it]], to discover the Book contains a fully-running game of [=DnD=]. He then [[NoFourthWall gets fed up with the comic, and decides to leave.]] However, he finds he can't, and soon meets his friend Fred and a resident named Jane. They go to a town, and then to a castle, where they meet, believe it or not, JustForFun/TropeTan and defeat CaptainObvious. And with the help of {{Plot Hole}}s, they get to the [[Series/MysteryScienceTheater3000 Satellite of Love]] where time travel happens and that's when it gets sort of complicated.
6	----
7	!!''The Way of the Metagamer'' provides examples of:
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9	* AerithAndBob: Most of the characters have normal names - the heroes are named "Bob", "Fred", and "Jane". Then we throw in "Xavius" and "JustForFun/TropeTan".
10	* AllInARow: The party spends a ridiculous amount of time walking in single file.
11	* AllThereInTheManual:
12	** The Tower of Dread is only named as such in the table of contents.
13	** Several characters are only named in the comic transcripts, never in the actual comic.
14	* AltText: With an actual ''presenter'' reading it, who interacts with the AuthorAvatar and other characters repeatedly.
15	%%* AudienceParticipation: Comics 248 and 249.
16	* ArtEvolution: As with any comic, to be expected. Subverted, however, during time-travel storylines: characters and locales from the past use the poorer art appropriate to their epoch, [[StylisticSuck despite the author's improved artistic ability]].
17	* ArtifactTitle: WordOfGod is that the main characters were originally going to [[RPGMechanicsVerse take levels in the Metagamer class]] which would be invented for the purposes of the comic. However, the comic's focus has since moved from RPGMechanicsVerse to NoFourthWall, and [[AbortedArc the Metagamer class was never actually introduced]].
18	%%* AuthorAvatar: First appears in [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/19616 this comic.]]
19	* AuthorFilibuster: Ranting about ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' Fourth Edition.
20	* BehindTheBlack: Averted [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/32960 here]] in order to allow the characters to mock the audience. Usually played straight.
21	* BetterThanABareBulb: LampshadeHanging even directly references the tropes on Website/ThisVeryWiki!
22	%%* {{BFG}}: The Rod of Za-Boom. So much.
23	%%* BrainBleach
24	%%* BreadEggsMilkSquick
25	%%* BrokenBridge: Lampshaded.
26	%%* BuffySpeak
27	* CallingYourAttacks: As with [[Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick Order of the Stick]], when a spell is cast, its name is shouted - or said in a [[RuleOfDrama dramatic tone of voice]]. And all sneak attacks must be punctuated by shouting "SNEAK ATTACK!"
28	** [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18723 Also,]] [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBros Falcon]] [[MemeticMutation PUNCH!]]
29	** Also also, the author [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/32150 shouts out what he's doing]] [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/34024 when he does stuff]].
30	** [[OverlyLongGag Also also also]], when yelling "SNEAK ATTACK!" it is not actually [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/133 necessary]] to hit anyone in order to injure them.
31	* CaptainObvious: And ''how''! First appears in [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18697 this]] comic, but really becomes important [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/20968 here]].
32	* CardCarryingVillain: [[spoiler: CaptainObvious]] has a [[GoodHairEvilHair goatee]] specifically to demonstrate his evilness.
33	** The yellow, evil goatee is yellow and evil.
34	* CatchPhrase: [[CaptainObvious "I have a cape which is red and says CO on it!"]]
35	* CharacterisationTags: Applied extensively during the time travel arc, usually "past!" or "future!".
36	* CliffHanger: Lampshaded repeatedly. [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/30544 Here,]] for example.
37	* ContextSensitiveButton: The explicit power of the Rod of Versatility.
38	* ConvectionSchmonvection: Lampshaded, then "justified" with the MST3KMantra.
39	%%* DeadpanSnarker: Bob, being the most cynical character in the story.
40	* DelayedRippleEffect: Changes to the timeline move forward at approximately the same rate as new pages are produced.
41	* DeliberatelyMonochrome: Greyzones are monochrome for reasons of plot. Also, ''The Way Of The Metagamer 2: InNameOnly'' is "monochrome for dramatic purposes", although with the occasional SplashOfColor.
42	* DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment: CaptainObvious usually repeats any given fact at least twice.
43	%%* DismantledMacGuffin: The Colour Drops.
44	%%* DoomyDoomsOfDoom
45	* EnhanceButton: [[Series/MysteryScienceTheater3000 Joel Robinson]] invents a justified one [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/41384 here]].
46	* EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: Every character of ''InNameOnly'' is named "[[SpellMyNameWithAThe The]] -Occupation-". Including "The ''Victim''".
47	* EverythingSensor: JustForFun/TropeTan has one in her GBA.
48	* EvilLaugh: Lampshaded (also a {{Series/Firefly}} ShoutOut) [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/20968 by Captain Obvious]].
49	* ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin: Townwithanequipmentstoreaplacewithmapsandatavernofcourse.
50	* FakeCrossover: With Series/MysteryScienceTheater3000.
51	* FangThpeak: Trope-tan thometimeth getth a lithp, due to her CuteLittleFang. However, she's done a lot of vocal training and thus only lisps when she's distracted by something.
52	* FictionalDocument: The sequel, ''The Way Of The Metagamer 2: InNameOnly''.
53	* FillerStrips: One of these, ironically, took more time to create than the actual comic it was filling in for.
54	%%* FireAndBrimstoneHell: Lampshaded.
55	* FloweryElizabethanEnglish: Anyone from the past. As with the FutureBadass rule, it doesn't matter ''how far'' from the past one is.
56	* FourthWallMailSlot: [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/249 Page 249]] features reader questions from the comment section of the previous comic being answered since it seems there is no way to continue the plot.
57	%%* FrameBreak
58	* FunWithAcronyms: The GIGAHERTZ and the CFVDEWTOD.
59	* FutureBadass: Parodied. Everyone from the future is badass. No matter ''how far'' that future is. Even characters from five minutes in the future are incredibly badass.
60	* GilliganCut: [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18696 "We're not going to the tavern."]]
61	* GlassesPull: The Detective of ''InNameOnly''.
62	%%* GoodHairEvilHair: Lampshaded.
63	%%* GratuitousJapanese: Justifiably invoked by MoeAnthropomorphism JustForFun/TropeTan.
64	%%* HeroicMime: Parodied.
65	%%* HolodeckMalfunction: The intended function of the CFVDEWTOD.
66	%%* HypocriticalHumour
67	* ILied: Quoted [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/34423 here]].
68	* ImpossibleThief: The Detective in ''The Way Of The Metagamer 2: InNameOnly''.
69	%%* InAWorld: The trailers for ''InNameOnly''.
70	* InfiniteCanvas: Although the comics are all approximately the same size (except for double-length specials), characters, speech bubbles, and shoes often breach the borders of the panels. And then there's [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18679 this]] comic, in which [[NoFourthWall the characters climb behind the panels.]]
71	* InNameOnly: ''The Way Of The Metagamer 2: In Name Only'', starring The Detective and TheWatson.
72	* InsurmountableWaistHighFence: Parodied [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/33451 here]].
73	%%* InteractiveNarrator
74	%%* IronicEchoCut: Every panel in the second half of [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18697 this]] comic.
75	%%** Also, [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18689 the introduction]] of Townwithanequipmentstoreaplacewithmapsandatavernofcourse.
76	* Administrivia/JustifyingEdit: Parodied [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/31676 here]].
77	* LetMeGetThisStraight: Lampshaded [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/31676 here]].
78	** And again [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/33183 here]], along with about 12 panels worth of getting it straight. The actual line is used, too.
79	** This becomes a sort of RunningGag, with several conversations lampshading it. For example:
80	-->'''Trope-tan''': So, you spent an entire chapter trying to escape from this comic, to no avail?\
81	'''Bob''': Yes, that is exactly what I just said, except rephrased as a question.
82	* LoadsAndLoadsOfLoading: [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18720 Simple Mode]] takes a [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18721 long time]] to load.
83	%%* LongList
84	* MagicalComputer: The [=DnD=] within the Book actually runs on an "XLPQ-732 Dungeon Master" - a computer powerful enough to run ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' fully. Although it does have the occasional BSOD.
85	* MajorInjuryUnderreaction: Xavius gets shot through the head. With a laser.
86	--> '''Xavius''': ''Ow.''
87	* MediumAwareness: The characters can [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18673 read each other's]] [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/21467 speech bubbles.]]
88	%%* {{Metaphorgotten}}: [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/32804 Like a jigsaw puzzle.]]
89	%%* MinovskyPhysics: {{Unobtanium}}.
90	* MrExposition: Gary's major role is to explain the entire plot.
91	%%** Xavius and the Author have also taken on this role.
92	* MST3KMantra: In-Universe. Specifically cited [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/34423 here]]. Appears once more during the [[Series/MysteryScienceTheater3000 MST3K]] crossover.
93	* {{MST}}: Of ''itself'', during the FakeCrossover.
94	%%* MyFutureSelfAndMe: The time-travel arc, although mostly with past selves.
95	%%* NoFourthWall: The comic's ''defining'' trope.
96	* NoNameGiven: Jane doesn't actually have a name; "Jane" is merely her desired pseudonym.
97	* NoodleImplements: You don't want to know what they do with the protractor.
98	* OddShapedPanel: [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/32150 This comic]] has a particularly notable example.
99	* OhMyGods: [[{{Series/Firefly}} "Gorramit"]] and "Oh my [[Literature/HaruhiSuzumiya Haruhi]]".
100	* OverlyLongName: Townwithanequipmentstoreaplacewithmapsandatavernofcourse.
101	* PlotHole: ''Literally.''
102	* PowerFloats and PowerGlows: Everything with any degree of magical power. Especially the [[DismantledMacGuffin Colour Drops]].
103	%%* PunnyName: Ebony Nauss.
104	%%* QuipToBlack: The Detective of ''InNameOnly''.
105	* RedShirt: [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18690 Destruction!]] He's even wearing a ''literal'' red shirt.
106	** After the ResetButton hits, that guy dies. ''[[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/25385 Again]]''.
107	** [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/68614 This comic]] reveals that his ''actual name'' is [[EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep The Red Shirt]]. Also, he dies again.
108	* ResetButton: You need one if your comic [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18693 throws up a BSOD.]]
109	%%* RuleOfFunny: Mentioned [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/32804 here]].
110	%%* SarcasmMode
111	* SchizoTech: There are skyscrapers in the Medieval towns. With ''elevators''.
112	* ScoringPoints: "Awesome Points" are occasionally handed out to both characters and readers. They don't do anything. [[ChekhovsGun Yet]].
113	** PinballScoring: The lowest possible value of Awesome Points is 100.
114	%%* SealedEvilInACan
115	%%* SeinfeldianConversation
116	* SelfDeprecation: Full of it, particularly during the {{MST}}ing.
117	* ShoutOut:
118	** To ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'', ''Franchise/AceAttorney'', ''VideoGame/GearsOfWar'' and more.
119	** Reaching JustForFun/TropeOverdosed on Website/TVTropes is the author's stated goal, as seen [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/34423 here.]]
120	* SpellMyNameWithAThe: Every single character of ''InNameOnly''.
121	* SpiritAdvisor: Creator/GaryGygax.
122	* SuspiciouslySpecificDenial: Bob at one point in the MSTing.
123	--> '''Bob:''' I was definitely pointing out how Jane having all those spells prepared made no sense. And I certainly wasn't cursing at her like a complete idiot. Definitely. Yeah.
124	%%* SwissArmyWeapon: The Rod of Versatility +3. Kinda.
125	* TakeThat: Ouch for ''Literature/TheTwilightSaga''.
126	* TalkingIsAFreeAction: Lampshaded [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/22223 here]].
127	* {{Technobabble}}: Technobabble Box™. Technobabble has been provided by nearly everybody: the Author, Trope-tan, [[Series/MysteryScienceTheater3000 Joel]]...
128	* ThemeNaming: "Titular", "Ebony Nauss".
129	* TheoryOfNarrativeCausality: As the comments [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/34849 here]] explain, narrativium is a major element - high concentrations of narrativium produce raw plot energy, rendering certain areas more plot-relevant than others. The PlotHole is dangerous because it takes away narrativium.
130	%%* ThisIsForEmphasisBitch
131	%%* TimelineAlteringMacguffin: past!Jane.
132	* TimeSkip: [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18695 Fast Forward!]] The TimeSkip was only 22 comics in length, though.
133	%%* TimeTravelTenseTrouble: Lampshaded, of course.
134	* TimeyWimeyBall: The only real way to explain the events of the time travel arc. The chapter's called [[Series/DoctorWho "Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Wimey"]] for a ''reason''.
135	* TomatoInTheMirror: Parodied in ''InNameOnly''.
136	-->'''The Wise Wizard Guy:''' You, Detective... you are a tomato.\
137	'''The Detective:''' Yeah, I know.\
138	'''The Wise Wizard Guy:''' ... no "oh God, what have I become"?\
139	'''The Detective:''' Nope.
140	* TradeSnark: As noted above, Technobabble Box™. Other trademarked boxes include the "Exposition Box™" and the "Inventory Box™".
141	* TrailersAlwaysSpoil: The second trailer for ''InNameOnly'' is intentionally filled with spoilers.
142	* TrickedOutTime: [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/53260 Invoked.]]
143	* TrustPassword: JustForFun/TropeTan uses one of these in a way.
144	--> '''Trope-tan:''' Greetings, past/future!Trope-tan. Shall we collate our information now?
145	--> '''past/future!Trope-tan:''' Indeed, present!Trope-tan. We shall.
146	* {{Unobtanium}}, which is actually fits MinovskyPhysics.
147	%%* TheUnreveal: [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/32960 Bad luck]], readers.
148	* UnsoundEffect: Temporarycollapse!
149	* VerbalTic: Several.
150	** Trope-tan uses "desu" and "nyoro" frequently.
151	** Past!characters use "forsooth", "alack", and "alas".
152	* WallOfText: Practically a necessity for CaptainObvious. Walls of text are often specifically denoted - [[OddShapedPanel rectangular speech bubbles]] are used, labeled with a message such as "{{Technobabble}} Box" or "[[MrExposition Exposition]] Box".
153	* TheWebAlwaysExisted: Bob's iPhone still works in the Medieval world of D&D. Technically justified, since the Book exists in the present day.
154	* [[WelcomeToCorneria Welcome To]] [[strike:Corneria]] Townwithanequipmentstoreaplacewithmapsandatavernofcourse.
155	* WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway: Bob's power, which is "failing at building demolition".
156	%%* AWizardDidIt: The Summariser uses this as a [[JustifiedTrope justification]] of JustForFun/{{egregious}} tropes.
157	* YeOldeButcheredeEnglishe:
158	** Parodied, as every store is named "Ye Olde X". Fred speaks like this for [[http://wayofthemetagamer.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/18697 about one panel of one comic]].
159	** Anyone from the past invokes this, along with FloweryElizabethanEnglish.
160	* YouAlreadyChangedThePast: [[RunningGag Gorramit, predestination.]]

Context Webcomic / TheWayOfTheMetagamer