History WebAnimation / EpithetErased

In the world of ''Epithet Erased'', one in every five people has a unique ability called an epithet, [[SuperpowerfulGenetics granted to them at birth]] by a random word inscribed onto their soul. While some people get words like [[PlayingWithFire "Fire"]], most of the time they wind up with useless words like [[WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway "Coupon" or "Soup"]] (well, [[HeartIsAnAwesomePower seemingly useless]], anyway). Rumor has it that there exists a magical artifact somewhere in Sweet Jazz City known as the Arsene Amulet, which has the ability to [[PowerParasite steal epithets]], making it the perfect target for thieves, miscreants, and generally not-so-nice folks who'd kill to get new powers for themselves--or take them away from someone else. The question is, who will be the one claim the amulet at the end of the day, and which unlucky sap will end up with their [[TitleDrop epithet erased]]?

In July 2020, it was confirmed that, due to the steep cost of making an animated show and VRV's lack of interest in funding future seasons, ''Epithet Erased'' would continue as [[https://jelloapocalypse.tumblr.com/post/624287906912141312/hey-jello-just-finished-watching-the-stream-you a series of light novels and audio books]]. The first of these books would be ''[[Literature/EpithetErasedPrisonOfPlastic Prison of Plastic]]'', released in digital and audiobook formats on December 9, 2022, with a physical book version scheduled to release in 2023; tropes for the book go on its respective page. Adaptations of the first two story arcs are also planned to see novel adaptations.

** In episode 5, Zora laughingly points out to Ramsey how the jail he's in offers little security from her if she really wanted to get to him--she demonstrates by pulling a rusty bar out of the window, and it promptly crumbles to dust in her hand.[[spoiler: Turns out, Zora's epithet allows her to age things forward until they're dust--she wasn't pointing out how fragile the jail was, she was warning Ramsey just how powerful ''she'' was.]]

* ExactWords: When Martin reveals Molly has an Epithet to Mera in her tour guide disguise, Mera asking molly for what it is has her downplaying it's specialness or uniqueness, and saying it's Dumb. Mera assumes Molly just doesn't want to say what it was, but Molly was being completely straightforward -- her Epithet really is called 'Dumb', and it allows her to mute or simplify things. The Epithet's description also falls under this, as the 'things' it can simplify range from [[AntiMagic weakening the effects or constructs of other Epithets]], to [[ScratchDamage weakening the damage inflicted upon somebody]] and [[FeelNoPain their sense of pain from it]] to practically nothing. [[spoiler:Realising that last aspect is what makes Mera determined to steal Molly's Epithet one she realises that it's the exact counter she needs for her own Epithet's painful side-effects]].

** This means any word the collective public understands (not a word only your friend group uses) can be an Epithet. Even slang applies to this (Jello has beean asked a lot if "yeet" counts, and it does,) though brand names are hit-and miss; Wal-Mart cannot be an epithet, but Thermos (which is synonymous with vacuum flasks as a whole) can.

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/epithet_erased_title_6.png]]

* GivingTheSwordToANoob: Given the SemanticSuperpower nature of many Epithets, a creative type with "Bluster" could give themselves [[BreakThemByTalking an intimidation factor]], or [[MakeMeWannaShout different]] [[BlowYouAway flavors]] of a BreathWeapon. Unfortunately, Sheriff Gorou has very little creativity and the only power his "Bluster" Epithet gives him is the ability to blow air ''slightly'' harder than most people.

* PeopleOfHairColors: Most in-universe races have a single typical hair color. Taiga people are blonde, Deepwoods people and most Island people have dark hair, and Desert people have pale grayish hair. Ocean people have more diverse hair colors, including pink, green, and purple. Mixed-race characters are exceptions to the trope (those who are part Ocean Race especially, as Ocean hair colors are almost always inherited).

* TrivialTitle: Despite the title, epithet erasure does not play a very big role in the story: in the web series, [[spoiler:it only happens to one character (Sylvie), and even then it quickly gets undone]], and in ''Prison of Plastic'', the concept is barely even alluded to at all.