| 1 | ''The Handbook of Heroes'' is a one-panel gag-per-day webcomic based on ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' (more specifically, the 3.5[[superscript:th]] edition SpinOff ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'', though ''D&D'' 5[[superscript:th]] edition-themed characters and gags occasionally show up as well). Each panel begins with a line of advice from the titular "Handbook of Heroes", then shows player characters applying (or mis-applying, or failing to apply) that advice in a humorous manner. |
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| 3 | Though each strip is mostly self-contained, the comic does maintain a loose overall continuity in the form of recurring characters. There are also occasionally story arcs that play out over multiple strips. |
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| 5 | The primary protagonists of the strip are an adventuring party, consisting of Fighter, Cleric, Thief, and Wizard (their names as well as their classes). Also frequently featured are various rival parties, including the Anti-Party (Paladin, Sorcerer, Barbarian, and Oracle), Team Bounty Hunter (Inquisitor, Ranger, and Magus), and the Evil Party (Witch, Necromancer, Succubus, and Antipaladin). |
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| 7 | The comic updates Mondays and Fridays, and can be found [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/ here]]. The first comic in the archive is [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-01 here]]. |
| 8 | |
| 9 | ---- |
| 10 | !!''The Handbook of Heroes'' provides examples of: |
| 11 | |
| 12 | * {{Ahem}}: Witch catches Antipaladin [[CutenessProximity baby-talking]] to a puppy. |
| 13 | -->'''Antipaladin:''' Who's a ''good dog?'' Who's a ''good boy?'' Who...\ |
| 14 | '''Witch:''' ''Ahem.''\ |
| 15 | '''Antipaladin:''' Who's a ''bad'' dog? Who's a ''dag nasty evil'' pup? Is it you? ''Yes it is.'' |
| 16 | * TheAllegedExpert: Inquisitor's job is to investigate crimes and pursue the culprits. She is, however, regularly portrayed as having [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/to-catch-a-killer-part-3-stay-of-execution rather lackluster]] [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/this-must-mean-something detective skills]]. (The rest of Team Bounty Hunter hardly helps.) |
| 17 | * AltText: Each strip has mouse-over text, usually containing an additional joke and sometimes providing additional information about the characters or world. |
| 18 | * AmazonBrigade: The various parties are more or less gender-balanced, but Team Bounty Hunter is entirely female. [[spoiler:That is, until Antipaladin joins them.]] |
| 19 | * AnimalJingoism: The cats vs. dogs enmity also applies to beastfolks, as demonstrated when Magus (a catfolk) and Miss Gestalt (a vampire/werewolf) are put close to each other... [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/cats-and-dogs at a hair salon.]] |
| 20 | * AnnoyingArrows: Barbarian is introduced in "Barbarian vs. Thief" standing in front of a hail of arrows, unconcerned by them due to her high HP. |
| 21 | * AnnoyingYoungerSibling: Fighter's player has a younger brother named Jeremy, who he finds annoying; he particularly dislikes Jeremy's insistence on playing a dragon character. After Fighter kills Jeremy's character, Jeremy switches to playing with his own group of friends in an all-dragon group of characters. |
| 22 | * ArsonMurderAndJaywalking: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/claiming-the-throne-part-2-5-grimdark Wicked Uncle's torture options]] include a variety of horrific fates, but also "non-elven wine". |
| 23 | * ArtShift: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/style "Style"]] is a one-shot panel done in an {{Animesque}} style. Complete with BishieSparkle for Wizard, which Thief would like to stay. |
| 24 | * BadWithTheBone: Barbarian manages to beat up Jeremy the Dracolich [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/unexpected-improvisation with his own femur]]. |
| 25 | * TheBerserker: Barbarian, of course, can enter a berserk rage in combat. [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/a-tempered-temper And sometimes out of combat, too.]] |
| 26 | * BestOutOfInfinity: In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/friendly-contest "Friendly Contest"]], after getting trounced by Pugilist twice, Necromancer goes for best of five. |
| 27 | * BirthdayEpisode: Thief gets two, both posted on January 22nd, her official birthday. The first, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/throw-anything "Throw Anything"]], she spent alone because she thought the title feat meant she could throw parties. The second, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/birthday-girl "Party Girl"]], is with her teammates. |
| 28 | * BlindSeer: Oracle has the [[https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/oracle/oracle-curses/ Clouded Vision curse]]. This makes her not fully blind, but her vision is obscured past close range. And her class has oracular powers, of course. |
| 29 | * BornAsAnAdult: Warrior, who appears to be an adult man, actually came into existence that way; he spontaneously appeared out of nothing as a result of Fighter drawing the Knight card from a Deck of Many Things. |
| 30 | * BornUnlucky: Thief frequently suffers from bad luck. This is stated to result from her player rolling poorly, and is amplified by proximity to Warrior (who, having been born from a Deck of Many Things, is a creature of chance and chaos). |
| 31 | * BrutalHonesty: Wizard while wearing a ''[[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/curses headband of brutal honesty]]''. |
| 32 | -->'''Wizard:''' However, I can say with ''certainty'' that fighter is a ''{{chaotic stupid}}'' oaf.\ |
| 33 | Cleric? You are a litigious ''bore''.\ |
| 34 | And Thief, my dear? You are ''shockingly'' incompetent. Thank the gods you got a ''great ass''. |
| 35 | * BulletproofHumanShield: In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/point-man "Point Man"]], the party uses Fighter as a shield to block enemy arrows, as he has the highest HP. |
| 36 | * CallingYourAttacks: Spellcasters announce the names of spells as they use them. Arcane Archer also calls out the names of his magic arrows, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/named-arrow which can get excessive]]. |
| 37 | * CameBackWrong: Since her resurrection, Magus [[spoiler:is apparently [[DemonicPossession possessed]] by Demon Queen.]] |
| 38 | * CanaryInACoalMine: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-06 "Gnomish Hireling"]] has Fighter using a gnome in a cage for this purpose. |
| 39 | * CaptainErsatz: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/original-character Kineticist]] is an obvious serial-number-filed-off, DistaffCounterpart of Aang from ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'', despite TheRant's pointed disclaimer. |
| 40 | -->Similarities to any popular animated franchise you might be thinking about are purely coincidental. |
| 41 | * CardiovascularLove: Multiple: |
| 42 | ** In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/monster-adoption "Monster Adoption"]]: HeartSymbol-style, with Ranger's affection to her new pet. |
| 43 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/intra-party-romance "Intra-Party Romance"]]: Presumably the use of Thief's HeartSymbol tail in that strip. |
| 44 | * CatGirl: Magus is a catfolk, with cat-like ears and tail, and some personality traits such as [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/frickin-laser-beams a short attention span.]] In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/cat-herding "Cat Herding"]] she tries setting up a meeting of cat-like races, to little avail. |
| 45 | * CentipedesDilemma: In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/handle-animal "Handle Animal"]], Snowflake has more trouble with winged horseshoes than non-sapient horses do because she has to think about how they work. |
| 46 | * ChainedToARailway: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/railroad "Railroad"]] has Fighter tie his fellow party members to a railroad track in front of a train as a metaphor for an attempt to derail railroading from the GM. |
| 47 | * ChestMonster: |
| 48 | ** Fighter has a history of running afoul of mimics and similar monsters. |
| 49 | *** He once falls victim to [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/mimic a mimic disguised as a toilet.]] |
| 50 | *** At another time, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/treacherous-treasure he misses his perception check on a sword-shaped mimic,]] thinking his own TalkingSword is just jealous. |
| 51 | *** He's more suspicious, though, when confronted by [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/adorabolical a wolf-in-sheep's-clothing looking like an innocent fawn.]] |
| 52 | *** And then there's the infamous [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-living-room "Living Room"]], a place made of nothing but mimics, stun jellies, lurkers above, and trappers. |
| 53 | ** There is also a cameo from ''Rusty and Co.''[='s=] Mimic (a.k.a. Boxford), [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/rusty-and-co-crossover-part-4-5 where he ends up being Succubus's stool.]] |
| 54 | * {{Crossover}}: |
| 55 | ** The comic has one with ''Webcomic/RustyAndCo'', which had the ''The Handbook of Heroes'' cast as background characters in one arc, and subsequently ''The Handbook of Heroes'' has a five-strip series featuring their characters interacting with members of ''Rusty and Co.'' |
| 56 | ** In-universe, one of the recurring characters is a [[TabletopGame/{{Shadowrun}} Street Samurai]], used to illustrate how fantasy and sci-fi [=RPGs=] have a... rough time mixing. |
| 57 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/god-shopping Another]] [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/switch-a-roo crossover]] is with the webcomic ''Webcomic/DungeonsAndDoodlesTalesFromTheTables'', also reciprocated: [[https://tapas.io/episode/2391592 first with Antipaladin, Patches and Witch,]] and later [[https://tapas.io/episode/2974829 with Wizard and Thief.]] |
| 58 | * TheCuckoolanderWasRight: In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/behaving-intelligently "Behaving Intelligently"]], Magus's proposal of a "slow mouse and fresh cream" demiplane is used to illustrate her ditzy nature. In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-outer-planes-part-6-rat-bastards a later strip]], she actually finds such a plane. |
| 59 | * CutawayGag: In the AltText of [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/unconventional-mount "Unconventional Mount"]], about events happening to Summoner and Rouge, the latter being "[[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/role-call a cartoonishly proportioned clone of Thief]]": |
| 60 | -->"I like to ride her until she works up a good sweat," said Summoner. "Giggle snort."\ |
| 61 | Hundreds of leagues away, Thief began to wonder why she was suddenly angry. |
| 62 | * DeathIsASlapOnTheWrist: |
| 63 | ** Adventurers die so often that Fighter's group has it as a rule that the money to bring you back from the dead comes out of ''your'' share of the loot. |
| 64 | ** Downplayed by Magus's death in the "To Catch a Killer" arc: While she eventually gets brought back, it's neither quick nor easy (mostly because Team Bounty Hunter is dead broke), and her girlfriend Inquisitor is left seriously traumatized by the ordeal. [[spoiler:It also turns out she CameBackWrong and got possessed by Demon Queen.]] |
| 65 | * {{Dracolich}}: After Jeremy the dragon is killed by Fighter, he returns as an undead dracolich. |
| 66 | * DragonsPreferPrincesses: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/off-the-rack-adventuring "Off-the-Rack Adventuring"]]: The Elven Princess has been captured by a dragon... And then a MonsterAdventurers party, of just dragons, is rescuing her, when she says: "Won't you rescue me from this '''''loathsome dragon?'''''" |
| 67 | * DrinkingContest: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/save-vs-beer "Save vs. Beer"]] depicts the aftermath of one. |
| 68 | * DualWielding: Thief with daggers, in some strips, like [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/monster-lore "Monster Lore"]]. |
| 69 | * EatTheRich: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/pastoral-ideal "Pastoral Ideal"]]: Why one commoner wishes they were a monster. |
| 70 | * EekAMouse: Both Oracle and Assassin ends up blowing their saves vs. fear against Scabby the undead rat familiar, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/save-vs-fear leaving them scrambling on top of a stool.]] |
| 71 | -->'''Assassin:''' Aren't you a ''divine vessel?''\ |
| 72 | '''Oracle:''' Aren't you a ''cold-blooded murderer?'' |
| 73 | * EvilDetectingDog: Antipaladin's puppy is the first to notice that [[spoiler:Magus is possessed by Demon Queen post-resurrection]] and reacts aggressively. |
| 74 | * EvilUncle: Wizard's uncle, the appropriately named Wicked Uncle, who kills Wizard's father and usurps the Ivy Throne of the elves. |
| 75 | * EvilWeapon: Fighter's sword, Mr. Stabby. A black sword with a glowing red aura that constantly chants "blood blood blood" and tries to drive whoever wields it to violence. |
| 76 | * ExactlyWhatIMeantToSay: From [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/tools "Tools"]], when talking about Mercy, a {{Named Weapon|s}}: |
| 77 | -->'''Paladin:''' Repent, or receive '''''mercy'''''.\ |
| 78 | '''Villain:''' Don't you mean ''''''and'''''' receive mercy?\ |
| 79 | '''Inquisitor:''' Nope. |
| 80 | * ExtraEyes: Thief, a tiefling, has six eyes due to her Abyssal heritage. She usually keeps them concealed behind her bangs. |
| 81 | * {{Familiar}}: Some of the spellcasters have animals mystically linked to them; unlike their masters, they do receive proper names. |
| 82 | ** Wizard has two: Scabby, an undead rat holdover from Wizard's short [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/goth-phase Goth Phase]], and Skitter, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/unfamiliar a centuries-old spider.]] |
| 83 | ** Witch has Brutus, a hedgehog with which [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/which-witch she frequently discusses lethal pranks and mayhem.]] |
| 84 | * {{Fangirl}}: Apparently, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/fandom-folly Kineticist is one for Inquisitor]], up to writing a {{Fanfiction}} about her called ''Spider-Ma'am''. Worst, she's a {{Shipp|ing}}er -- though not with Magus, Inquisitor's current girlfriend, but with [[FoeYayShipping Drow Priestess]] instead.[[invoked]] |
| 85 | * FanserviceFauxFight: Subverted; Magus was ''expecting'' a [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/practice "sexy pillow fight",]] but under Inquisitor's coaching, it still counts as martial combat training. |
| 86 | -->'''Alt Text:''' "An object that bears no resemblance to a weapon deals 1d4 damage." Deal with it. |
| 87 | * FaustianRebellion: [[spoiler:When Demon Queen's ritual sacrifice of Antipaladin goes awry, BBEG takes the opportunity to forcibly swap bodies with her, usurping her rule of the Demonweb Pits and reducing her to a skull.]] |
| 88 | * FeigningIntelligence: Surprisingly, despite not being the sharpest claws in the kitten box, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/behaving-intelligently Magus manages to fool Wizard into believing she's much smarter than she truly is.]] |
| 89 | * FingerInTheMail: As seen in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/claiming-the-throne-part-3-5-unsurprising "Claiming the Throne, Part 3/5: Unsurprising"]], when Wicked Uncle is holding Aristocrat prisoner, he cuts off one of her ears and sends it to the heroes along with his villainous ultimatum. |
| 90 | * FlamingHair: Antipaladin is a fire genasi, and as such the fiery red hair atop his head are actual flames. [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/white-haired-witch They happen to be doused by water after a shipwreck, making him look bald.]] |
| 91 | * FluffyTamer: Ranger tends to adopt dangerous creatures as pets despite her teammates' objections, including [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/monster-adoption an aurumvorax]], [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/new-recruit a cockatrice]] and [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/animal-attention a misplacer beast]]. |
| 92 | * FlyingBroomstick: Bizarrely, not used by Witch but by Druid instead. [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/travel-planning Unfortunately, it doesn't accommodate]] her ''Allosaurus'' animal companion. |
| 93 | * FurAgainstFang: Parodied for all it is worth in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/vampire-werewolf "Vampire Werewolf"]], the result of a Patreon Poll on whether to introduce a vampire or werewolf as new character which ended up a perfect 50/50 split. |
| 94 | -->'''BBEG:''' It says here that you are a "''vampire werewolf''".\ |
| 95 | '''Miss Gestalt:''' I'm an ''abomination''.\ |
| 96 | '''BBEG:''' Don't be so ''hard'' on yourself. Sure, your backstory is a little ''extra'', but--\ |
| 97 | '''Miss Gestalt:''' You don't understand. In the ''[[TabletopGame/OldWorldOfDarkness World of Dimness]]'', "abomination" is a ''technical'' term for a--\ |
| 98 | '''BBEG:''' A really ''shitty backstory''. I ''get'' it. |
| 99 | * GenderBender: Wizard, who starts the comic as male, ends up being permanently transformed into a woman by a magic spell. |
| 100 | * GeniusDitz: Magus is an Intelligence-based class, which suggests that Magus used Wisdom as a DumpStat, given her generally foolish behavior. |
| 101 | * GenreRefugee: Most of the characters fit the Medieval Fantasy setting (whether Western or Eastern-inspired), but Street Samurai is clearly from a much more CyberPunk universe. |
| 102 | * GirlInTheTower: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/retro-evil "Retro Evil"]]: Elven Princess is captured in a tower, [[spoiler:note, not even head-height]], by Antipaladin, with Horsepower to save her. [[spoiler:... For the '''''third''''' time that '''''week''''']]. |
| 103 | * GloveSnap: In "[[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/guild-charter Guild Charter]]", the adventurer guild happens to have a mandatory annual ''[[CharacterAlignment alignment]] [[invoked]]detection'' rule. While the guild attendant is putting on a magic white glove, Fighter and Thief (who are not exactly good-aligned) are seen fleeing in the background. |
| 104 | -->'''Alt-Text:''' Don't worry. They disinfect the rubber glove of alignment detection between uses. |
| 105 | * GrievousHarmWithABody: In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/magic-weapon "Magic Weapon"]], Fighter uses Wizard as a club. Wizards are magic, so their bodies should count as magic weapons for overcoming damage resistance, right? |
| 106 | * HalfHumanHybrid: |
| 107 | ** From [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/speed-dating "Speed Dating"]]: "Half-dragons happen." |
| 108 | ** Among the recurring cast, Sorcerer is a half-elf and Ranger a half-orc. |
| 109 | * HeelFaceTurn: In the [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/face-turn "Face Turn"]] page, [[spoiler:Antipaladin]] decides enough is enough with a simple declaration that cements the alignment change: |
| 110 | -->'''[[spoiler:Antipaladin]]:''' [[spoiler:Smite Evil]] |
| 111 | * HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler:Patches throws himself in the way of the possessed Magus's sacrificial knife, saving Antipaladin and triggering his HeelFaceTurn.]] |
| 112 | * HisNameReallyIsBarkeep: This is the norm in the comic. For example: |
| 113 | ** The fighter is named Fighter. |
| 114 | ** The cleric is named Cleric. |
| 115 | ** Wizard's evil uncle is named Wicked Uncle. |
| 116 | ** The main villain is named BBEG, a.k.a. Big Bad Evil Guy. |
| 117 | * HolyHalo: Paladin is an aasimar, and the yellow halo hovering above his head hints of his celestial heritage. [[spoiler:Although after his fall from grace, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/fate-of-the-fallen the halo tends to flicker.]]]] |
| 118 | * ICallItVera: Inquisitor owns a giant battle-axe which she calls "Mercy". |
| 119 | * IfItsYouItsOkay: Thief is bisexual, which she casually reveals after Wizard is permanently gender-swapped. |
| 120 | -->'''Thief:''' Sorry, hon, I'm ''neutral''. My alignment goes ''both'' ways. |
| 121 | * IfYoureSoEvilEatThisKitten: Antipaladin's introduction sees him being asked to kick a puppy to prove how evil he is. Antipaladin refuses on the grounds that it's not only cruel but also pointless; he's evil, not Snidely Whiplash. |
| 122 | * ImpossiblePickleJar: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/i-cast-maslows-hammer In a spectacular case of overdoing it,]] Sorcerer manages to open Oracle's pickle jar... with a ''fireball''. |
| 123 | * IndyEscape: Parodied in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/roll-hard "Roll Hard"]], where the rolling boulder is... a giant 20-sided die. And it threatens not so much Thief and Cleric than their figurines. Used to illustrate the trouble with ''D&D'' players rolling their dice too hard and causing havoc on the gaming table. |
| 124 | * InhumanEyeConcealers: Thief has bangs which cover the upper part of her face, hiding her eyes -- specifically, the fact that she has six of them, as a result of her tiefling heritage. |
| 125 | * InterspeciesRomance: Most of the {{Official Couple}}s. |
| 126 | ** Wizard and Thief are a high elf and a tiefling, respectively. |
| 127 | ** Druid is a wood elf, while Arcane Archer is a [[FoxFolk kitsune]]. |
| 128 | ** Inquisitor is a drow elf, while Magus is a catfolk. |
| 129 | * JackassGenie: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/wish-bound "Wish Bound"]] has Summoner binding an evil efreet and extorting him for a wish. The efreet is looking forwards to screwing him over. |
| 130 | * JewelersEyeLoupe: Wizard [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/priceless offers his tiefling girlfriend a priceless heirloom cloak...]] and she pulls out an anachronistic eye loupe. (She's a Thief, so it's to be expected.) |
| 131 | -->'''Thief:''' So... if you had to translate "''value beyond measure''" into ''gold pieces''? |
| 132 | * KilledOffForReal: While most characters who die can be resurrected (it is a ''D&D'' comic, after all), the readers were allowed to vote on one character to kill off for real. The unlucky winner was Thaumaturge, who was killed off in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/cessation-of-hostilities "Cessation of Hostilities"]]. |
| 133 | * LeeroyJenkins: In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/stupid-deaths "Stupid Deaths"]], just as Inquisitor is deeming that the bounty on a cloud giant doesn't cover the risks, Magus is seen in the background charging at its foot, rapier blazing with magic. The AltText lampshades it: |
| 134 | -->'''Alt Text:''' As the leader of Team Bounty Hunter, Inquisitor relies on meticulous planning and careful cost-benefit analysis when picking her marks. Magus relies on shouting "Leeroy Jenkins." |
| 135 | * {{Mesodiplosis}}: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-03 "Bastard Sword"]]: The caption talking about a blood-seeking sword, vs. a murderous person wielding a regular sword, using "some" {{Anaphora}} and "are" Mesodiplosis to connect the comparisons: |
| 136 | --> Some swords are intelligent. Some adventurers are crazy. Learn to tell the difference. |
| 137 | * MinionsCustomizedAtCreation: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/waifudolon "Waifudolon"]] commentary talks about the possible fun of a customizable minion: |
| 138 | -->... the true beauty of the eidolon is that it can be whatever you want it to be. As per the class description: "The eidolon's physical appearance is up to the summoner, but it always appears as some sort of fantastical creature." Just think about that for a second. That's a lot of creative power to put in the hands of a player! It means that Xenomorphs, Freddy Fazbear, and the freaking Kool-Aid Man are all on the table, not to mention creeping on your fellow party members.\ |
| 139 | "''Tut-tut!'' says the intrepid GM. "''The rules stipulate that your control is not fine enough to make your eidolon appear like a specific creature.''"\ |
| 140 | "''Fine then. She's size Large and pink. Happy?''" |
| 141 | * MorphicResonance: As seen for example in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/tournament-arc-part-5-8 "Tournament Arc, Part 5/8"]], Druid can wild-shape, but she keeps her braided hair and color scheme whenever taking an animal form ([[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-outer-planes-part-8-8-whimsy or plant form]]), as well as [[GlamourFailure a tell-tale green leaf on her head]]. |
| 142 | * {{Munchkin}}: Fighter is the classic "I don't do shit unless it gets me loot and XP" player archetype, crossing over into the "Real Man" archetype at times. The author has explicitly used the word "Munchkin" to refer to him. |
| 143 | * MushroomSamba: In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/psychedelic "Psychedelic"]], Magus is tripping hard after licking a myconid sprout. |
| 144 | -->'''Inquisitor:''' I don't care ''how'' your people groom their young. Put the sprout ''down''. |
| 145 | * NumberedSequels: The NeverSplitTheParty strips: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-07 "Never Split the Party"]], [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/never-split-the-party-2 "Never Split the Party 2"]], and [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/never-split-the-party-3 "Never Split the Party 3"]]. All of which use PunctuatedForEmphasis in the strips' text. |
| 146 | * NumberOfTheBeast: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/trojan-catgirl Strip #666 ("Trojan Catgirl")]] is the one including TheReveal of [[spoiler:the Demon Queen now occupying Magus' body.]] |
| 147 | * OfficialCouple: |
| 148 | ** Wizard and Thief are an item. Wizard flipping gender mid-comic doesn't change a thing. It's often used to contrast their respective, very different approaches to role-playing a relationship. [[spoiler:They end up married later in the comic.]] |
| 149 | ** Druid and Arcane Archer are dating too, brought together by being both shapeshifters. |
| 150 | ** Summoner considers his Eidolon Rouge as his girlfriend, but since he summoned her, it's no healthy relationship. And he's a sleaze who will flirt with anything female anyway. |
| 151 | ** Inquisitor and Magus are also a couple, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/to-catch-a-killer-part-5-job-offer although for quite a while little attention is brought to it.]] |
| 152 | * OffstageWaitingRoom: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/pastimes "Pastimes"]] sees a bunch of [=NPCs=] being interrupted from their marathon toke session when the player characters come back. |
| 153 | * OnePersonBirthdayParty: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/throw-anything "Throw Anything"]] has Thief celebrating her birthday alone after discovering that her Throw Anything feat does not apply to throwing parties. |
| 154 | * OneWordTitle: A few strips: |
| 155 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-10 "Doppelganger"]]: About a SpotTheImposter situation. |
| 156 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/context "Context"]]: About the "willing teleport" rules, and how sleep plays into that. |
| 157 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/style "Style"]], a one-shot panel which focuses on an ArtShift to {{Animesque}} style. |
| 158 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/trapsmith "Trapsmith"]]: Also a {{Portmantitle}}-style JobTitle, about Thief disarming all the traps. |
| 159 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/flighty "Flighty"]]: About {{Airborne Mook}}s. |
| 160 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/consequences "Consequences"]]: About, well, consequences of actions. |
| 161 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/dodgy "Dodgy"]]: About Thief being very good at dodging. |
| 162 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/alarming "Alarming"]]: About alarm spells. |
| 163 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/decorum "Decorum"]]: About royals meeting. |
| 164 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/awaken "Awaken"]]: About ''awaken'' spells. |
| 165 | * OurAngelsAreDifferent: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/special-snowflake "Special Snowflake"]] mentions them as part of her TooManyHalves NonHumanHumanoidHybrid of at least catfolk, angel, and dragon. |
| 166 | * OurMermaidsAreDifferent: From [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/zero-prep "Zero-Prep"]]: The featured characters. |
| 167 | * OverusedCopycatCharacter: As seen in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/family-ties-2 "Family Ties"]], Inquisitor's father is a clear copy of [[Literature/TheDarkElfTrilogy Drizzt Do'Urden]]. |
| 168 | * PintSizedPowerhouse: |
| 169 | ** Pugilist is a female kobold; despite her small size and strength penalty, though, she certainly kicks ass, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/small-packages to Fighter's complete puzzlement.]] |
| 170 | ** Even more embarrassing for Fighter [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/bell-curve-losses is that one time he gets beaten up]] by a ''baby'' kobold. |
| 171 | * PointyEars: For multiple species, such as: |
| 172 | ** Elves, seen in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-04 "Babe Magnet"]]. |
| 173 | ** Presumably an Elf, seen in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-05 "Early Detection"]]. |
| 174 | ** Gnomes, seen in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-06 "Gnomish Hireling"]] |
| 175 | * PooledFunds: In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/all-that-glitters "All That Glitters"]], Thief gathers her loot into a pool and tries diving in like Scrooge [=McDuck=]. It doesn't work for her. |
| 176 | * PrehensileHair: Witch is able to control her hair, and frequently forms it into extra arms. Rulewise, she has the [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/white-haired-witch "White-Haired Witch"]] archetype (her hair being usually blonde is a dye job). |
| 177 | * PrehensileTail: Thief's tiefling tail [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/bad-romance is described as such by Wizard,]] [[PowerPerversionPotential who seems to appreciate its implication in the bedroom]]. |
| 178 | * PrincessesRule: No higher level of royalty has been mentioned in Elven Princess's lands. |
| 179 | * PunctuatedForEmphasis: In multiple strips: |
| 180 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/sweet-haul "Sweet Haul"]]: Oh. My. Gods. |
| 181 | ** The NeverSplitTheParty strips, which say that with emphasis in the strips' text, though in different fonts for each: |
| 182 | *** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-07 "Never Split The Party"]] |
| 183 | *** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/never-split-the-party-2 "Never Split the Party 2"]]. |
| 184 | *** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/never-split-the-party-3 "Never Split the Party 3"]]. |
| 185 | * RaisedByWolves: Ranger's connection with nature and lack of speech are revealed to come from the fact that she was abandoned as an infant and reared by a pack of wolves. |
| 186 | * TheRant: Each strip has a rant underneath. It is usually discusses an issue raised by the subject of the comic or relates a gaming story, but sometimes introduces plot elements -- most notably, Aristocrat's true identity and reason for disguising herself as a hireling, which eventually became central to an arc of the strip itself. |
| 187 | * RebelRelaxation: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/mean-girls-part-3-3 Witch takes this pose]] and smokes a pipe while recruiting Necromancer to her Evil Party. |
| 188 | * RocketJump: Sorcerer proposes using "fireball fast-travel" in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/rocket-jump "Rocket Jump"]]. His companions (and the alt text) are skeptical. |
| 189 | -->'''Alt Text:''' According to the Tsiolkovsky rocket jump equation, the motion of TTRPG vehicles that follow the basic principle of a rocket jump can be described by the following equation: 8d6 fire damage. |
| 190 | * TheRoleplayer: Wizard loves having a complex character backstory (and flaws). Leaning into the DramaQueen, as he's overjoyed when learning his evil uncle overthrew his parents and stole their kingdom. And after a GenderBending incident, ''she'' insists this should [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/core-values lead to a tragic breakup with her girlfriend]], Thief, despite the [[IfItsYouItsOkay latter not giving a hoot]]. |
| 191 | * RubberHoseLimbs: Characters are always depicted without elbows ([[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/pure-reflex with some very rare exceptions]]), and frequently without knees either. |
| 192 | * RulesLawyer: Cleric will interrupt combat to complain about the exact letter of the rules not being followed, even if it's to his allies' detriment. It's a trait which first appears in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/lawful-pedantic "Lawful Pedantic"]] and is used in a number of subsequent jokes. |
| 193 | * SarcasmBlind: Necromancer seems to have trouble with dry wit, to her teammates' misfortune. |
| 194 | -->'''Necromancer:''' Do you need healing?\ |
| 195 | '''Succubus:''' No. I ''prefer'' my blood to be ''outside my body''.\ |
| 196 | '''Necromancer:''' Oh ''good''. I was getting worried. |
| 197 | * SecretIdentity: Fighter's unicorn mount, Lumberjack Explosion, secretly fights crime without the party's knowledge in the guise of the masked vigilante Horsepower. |
| 198 | * SelfMadeOrphan: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-13 "Tragic Backstory"]] reveals that Fighter killed his own parents at a young age, in order to become an adventurer (as everyone knows that all the best heroes are orphans). |
| 199 | * ShapeshiftingLover: A two-way case with Druid and Arcane Archer, whose shapeshifting abilities (Wild Shape and kitsune powers, respectively) [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/shared-interests are what bring them together]]. |
| 200 | * ShootTheHostage: When Witch takes Elf Princess hostage in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/hostage-crisis "Hostage Crisis"]], Inquisitor resolves it by simply stabbing through them both. Resurrection magic exists in this world, after all. |
| 201 | * ShoutOut: Aplenty. |
| 202 | ** To ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/sharing-information "Sharing Information"]], where Oracle is clearly holding a Palantir. |
| 203 | --->'''Alt Text:''' Never have a staring contest with a Palantir. |
| 204 | ** To the origin of Peter Parker's powers in ''ComicBook/SpiderMan'', with the AltText of [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/advanced-recon "Advanced Recon"]]: |
| 205 | --->'''Alt Text:''' Skitters developed her extraordinary photography skills when she was bitten by a radioactive Peter Parker. |
| 206 | ** To ''Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail'' in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/subbing-in "Subbing In"]], the monster awaiting in the cave being clearly the Rabbit of Caerbannog. |
| 207 | --->'''Alt Text:''' 5 gp says there's a fluffy white rabbit in there. |
| 208 | ** To ''WesternAnimation/{{The Little Mermaid|1989}}'' with [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/zero-prep "Zero-Prep"]], with Wizard as the mermaid and Witch as the Sea Witch. |
| 209 | --->'''Wizard:''' Lost session notes?\ |
| 210 | '''Witch:''' ''Yup''. Pity us poor, unfortunate souls. |
| 211 | ** To ''Literature/{{Redwall}}'' in the AltText for [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/monster-adoption "Monster Adoption"]]: |
| 212 | --->'''Alt Text:''' Unless its war cry is "Eulalia", I have a firm "no badgers in the party" policy. |
| 213 | ** Witch exclaims "I'm ''[[Literature/TheWonderfulWizardOfOz melting!]]''" after her [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/white-haired-witch blonde dye job is ruined by seawater.]] |
| 214 | ** In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/back-to-basics "Back to Basic"]], Magus [[spoiler:(actually Demon Queen possessing her body)]] tries casting, among other overpowered spells, ''[[Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick spiked tentacles of forced intrusion]]''. |
| 215 | * TheSmurfettePrinciple: For the first three years of the strip's run, Thief is the only woman in the main party. Averted after Wizard is turned female too. |
| 216 | * SpeakInUnison: |
| 217 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/fearsome-foe "Fearsome Foe"]] has Wizard and Thief both yell "Botch!" |
| 218 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/internal-conflict "Internal Conflict"]] has both Paladin ''and'' Anti-Paladin agonizing over whether they should rescue Necromancer. |
| 219 | * SpecialSnowflakeSyndrome: PlayedForLaughs. ''Every'' character is a different race and class, reflecting the sheer number of those available in ''D&D''/''Pathfinder''. |
| 220 | * SpotTheImposter: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-10 "Doppelganger"]] has Fighter resolving one of these dilemmas by simply killing both Wizard and his {{Doppelganger}} -- after all, they can just resurrect the real one later. |
| 221 | * SquareRaceRoundClass: Pugilist, introduced in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/small-packages "Small Packages"]], is a kobold brawler. Despite her small size, though, she quickly proves to be a PintSizedPowerhouse. |
| 222 | -->'''Fighter:''' ''[getting strangled]'' But you... Racial... ''Strength penalty...''\ |
| 223 | '''Pug:''' Say ''"dex is best stat." Say it!'' |
| 224 | * StandardHeroReward: As [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/always-choose-gold "Always Choose Gold"]] says: that, over the standard. |
| 225 | * StickySituation: In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/minor-magic-items "“Minor” Magic Items"]], Thief sneakily uses ''sovereign glue'' to stick a black knight to his toilet seat before stabbing him. |
| 226 | * {{Streaking}}: In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/save-vs-beer "Save vs. Beer"]], Magus is apparently stripping and running outside the tavern after too much drinking. |
| 227 | * SuperGullible: Magus is described in the role call as "naive and trusting", and she is indeed [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/betrayal easily fooled]] by Thief in disguise. |
| 228 | * TalkingAnimal: Multiple: |
| 229 | ** From [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/origin-stories-commoner "Origin Stories: Commoner"]]: Luigi the cat gangster. |
| 230 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/animal-cruelty "Animal Cruelty"]]: "Aid ye not the talking animal." |
| 231 | * TeleFrag: Warlock seems to have some trouble with the [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/two-wolves intricacies of summoning monsters.]] |
| 232 | -->'''Cleric:''' Inside of ye there are ''two wolves''.\ |
| 233 | '''Warlock:''' Bro... Conjuration magic is ''hard''. |
| 234 | * ThirdWheel: In [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/third-wheel "Third Wheel"]], Gunslinger to Druid and Arcane Archer's picnic date. |
| 235 | * TokenEvilTeammate: Fighter is by far the jerkiest member of the protagonist party, committing vile deeds like slaying a good gold dragon for its hoard or killing a magical talking deer for food. [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/chaotic-naughty "Chaotic Naughty"]] confirms that his in-universe alignment is Evil. |
| 236 | * TongueOnTheFlagpole: Apparently, Magus thinks this trope is an urban legend, and she ends up [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/fight-a-round-and-find-out trying to lick a frost giant,]] to Inquisitor's exasperation. |
| 237 | * TooAwesomeToUse: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/phoenix-downs "Phoenix Downs"]] has Oracle wanting to save an anti-venom potion for later, instead of healing her now. |
| 238 | * TooImportantToWalk: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/unnaturally-comfortable Necromancer]] sometimes gets around on a divan carried by zombified arms. |
| 239 | * TooManyHalves: A character appearing in [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/special-snowflake "Special Snowflake"]] proclaims herself to be half-angel, half-dragon, and half-catfolk (and maybe some other halves, her diatribe is cut short), to Thief's amusement. |
| 240 | * TotemPoleTrench: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/boosties A bunch of small-sized characters]] (Oracle, Gunslinger, Monk and Summoner) resort to piling up and hiding under a cloak in an attempt to be allowed riding a griffon ride with a "[[YouMustBeThisTallToRide You must be this tall]]" sign. |
| 241 | * {{Unicorn}}: Multiple. Also things that aren't: |
| 242 | ** From the very first strip, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-01 "Spider-Corn"]], a MixAndMatchCritters named for a Spider + Unicorn, and as mentioned on [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-05 "Early Detection"]], they reference the usual OnlyTheChosenMayRide, VirginPower ability to detect said virgins. |
| 243 | ** [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/disembodied-voice "Disembodied Voice"]] has said voice say it's one, but it really isn't. |
| 244 | * VerbedTitle: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/unconfirmed "Unconfirmed"]], about the need to confirm crits. |
| 245 | * TheVoiceless: Ranger is the strong, silent type, on account of being RaisedByWolves. She's not entirely incapable of speech, however, having [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/frickin-laser-beams done so]] [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/unmute twice thus far]]. |
| 246 | * WhatAreYouInFor: Parodied with two {{Talking Sword}}s [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/dice-jail in a cell.]] |
| 247 | -->'''Goldie:''' What are ''you'' in for?\ |
| 248 | '''Mr. Stabby:''' Blood. Blood-''blood''.\ |
| 249 | '''Goldie:''' ''Yeah.'' I've been rolling like crap ''too.'' |
| 250 | * WhatTheFuAreYouDoing: Ninja's [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/ninja-weapons assassination attempt on Elf Princess]] with a kusarigama solely results in a self-inflicted GroinAttack. |
| 251 | * WhenAllYouHaveIsAHammer: |
| 252 | ** Arcane Archer solves all his problems with magical arrows, [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/utility-shot even when it doesn't make sense]]. |
| 253 | ** Likewise, Sorcerer is a bit too fond of his {{Fireballs}}. [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/i-cast-maslows-hammer Even if it's just to open]] an ImpossiblePickleJar. Or suggesting to use the explosion for a bonus to jump checks (his teammates stay unconvinced). Naturally, he's a bit at a loss on [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/damage-type how to deal with a forest fire.]] |
| 254 | * WildMagic: In "[[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/un-wondrous-2 "Un-Wondrous"]], Sorcerer casting a spell in the "Wild Magic Testing Ground" (a place filled with ominous craters) results in the whole Anti-Party [[AshFace scorched black and smoking]]. |
| 255 | -->'''Sorcerer:''' I was ''really'' hoping for the illusory butterflies and flower petals. |
| 256 | * WingdingEyes: From [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/hit-dice "Hit Dice"]], a dead Wizard has X-es for eyes. |
| 257 | * WouldHurtAChild: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/the-handbook-of-heroes-11 "Command Performance"]]: From the AltText: Fifty fearsome orcs he slew / Then their wives and children too / Someone fetch the sheriff please / Because he's in back of — OUCH! |
| 258 | * YouMustBeThisTallToRide: [[https://www.handbookofheroes.com/archives/comic/boosties A griffon ride handled by a female orc]] is under such a condition. This forces a bunch of small-sized characters to resort to a TotemPoleTrench to be allowed. |
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