Basic Trope: A character needs to consume some kind of special material, energy or universal force within the setting to survive (as opposed to using it as an optional cost to trigger powers or abilities).
- Straight: Charles must consume Green Rocks, reasonably common luminescent stones formed in places where energy from the Background Magic Field is trapped in the mortal world. If he fails to meet this demand for a week, he'll go through the usual symptoms of extreme starvation.
- Exaggerated: Charles must consume extremely rare and magically powerful Thunderbolt Iron every day or rot quickly while he's still alive until he perishes.
- Downplayed: Charles must consume Mana, which permeates the world and is carried by every living being, but only occurs in significant concentration in spellcasters, supernatural creatures and potions. If he fails to meet this demand for two months, he begins to wither for two more months until he finally dies.
- Justified:
- Charles is a member of a species that has supernatural physiology. This species uses Applied Phlebotinum as a form of nutrition.
- Charles uses a magical artefact as a form of supernatural life support. He can avoid mortal death, but only as long as the artefact continues to work. When he feeds on Applied Phlebotinum, the energy goes to the artefact to keep it turned on.
- Inverted: Charles can use the nutrition he gains from food to create green rocks, which brings him closer to death, but creates a power source rather than destroying it and is completely voluntary.
- Subverted: Charles goes past the point where he should consume green rocks and doesn't experience any side effects.
- Double Subverted: He reveals that he has been using a substitute to sustain himself. Now that that resource has also been exhausted, Charles is noticeably sluggish and slow to react and some of his tissues have undergone necrosis.
- Parodied: Charles discovers that he can survive on ordinary, everyday objects like paper clips or rubber ducks instead of the special material everyone else needs. The comedic aspect is emphasized as he nonchalantly munches on bizarre items to sustain himself, much to the confusion of others.
- Zig Zagged: At first, it seems like Charles needs to consume green rocks, but then it is revealed that he has found an alternative source of sustenance. However, later on, it is discovered that the substitute he was using is not as effective, and he starts experiencing negative effects. Eventually, he finds a different solution altogether, completely changing the dynamics of his survival requirement.
- Averted: Charles does not require green rocks in order to live.
- Enforced: The requirement for Charles to consume green rocks is established by the writers to create an ongoing plot point or to explore themes related to dependency, scarcity, or the nature of power.
- Lampshaded: One of the characters remarks, "Isn't it strange how Charles is the only one who needs to eat those glowing rocks to survive? It's like his body runs on a different rulebook."
- Invoked: Charles deliberately consumes green rocks to tap into their magical energy, enhancing his powers or abilities beyond their normal limits. He strategically utilizes this requirement to gain an advantage in battles or other situations.
- Exploited:
- Charles makes himself dependent on green rocks because they are not possible to poison by normal means, making him more difficult to assassinate.
- A cunning antagonist discovers Charles' dependence on green rocks and exploits it by controlling the supply or using it as a bargaining chip to manipulate or coerce Charles into fulfilling their objectives.
- Defied:
- Charles becomes mortal in order to make himself less reliant on unusual and potentially expensive resources.
- Charles researches the long-term effects of eating green rocks and decides to pass away instead of putting himself on life support.
- Charles actively resists his reliance on green rocks and seeks alternative methods to sustain himself, such as developing a new form of nourishment or finding a way to harness his own internal energy source.
- Discussed: Characters engage in a conversation about the implications and consequences of Charles' need for green rocks, discussing the effects it has on his daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
- Conversed: In an unrelated situation, characters discuss the concept of beings in different dimensions or worlds requiring specific substances to survive, drawing parallels to Charles' situation and exploring the broader implications of such dependencies.
- Implied: Although it is not explicitly stated or shown, there are subtle hints or clues throughout the story that suggest Charles' need for green rocks to survive. This may be implied through his behaviors, interactions with other characters, or symbolic references.
- Deconstructed: The story explores the negative consequences and drawbacks of Charles' dependence on green rocks. It delves into the physical, emotional, and psychological toll it takes on him, highlighting the limitations, sacrifices, and risks associated with relying on a specific material for survival. The deconstruction sheds light on the potential dangers and complexities of such a requirement.
- Reconstructed: The trope of Charles needing to consume green rocks is reimagined in a way that presents it as a positive and empowering aspect of his character. The story emphasizes the benefits, advantages, and unique abilities that stem from his connection to these rocks, showcasing how it enhances his strength, resilience, or intelligence. The reconstruction focuses on the potential for growth and personal development resulting from this special requirement.
- Played For Laughs: The trope of Charles needing green rocks for survival is used as a source of humor and comedic situations. The story exaggerates the absurdity or inconvenience of his dependence on these rocks, leading to humorous mishaps, misunderstandings, or comedic scenarios surrounding his efforts to obtain and consume them.
- Played For Drama: The requirement for Charles to consume green rocks is portrayed in a serious and dramatic manner. The story explores the emotional and existential implications of his reliance on this material, delving into themes of identity, mortality, and sacrifice. The dramatic presentation emphasizes the weight and significance of this need in his life and the challenges he faces in fulfilling it.
Back to Phlebotinum Dependence.
