Page 659 – Hippo Crate

Character-based irony is an astonishingly common occurrence in tabletop roleplaying. We’ve been over this once before in the A.N., I think – characters get known for a certain set of traits that stick to them as jokes, which makes it surprising when they buck the trend.

In writing, I don’t consider it a bad thing when a character breaks their own mold. I’ve spoken previously about “character dimensions,” where a character portrays two opposing but natural traits (greed/generosity, fear/confidence) and thus reveals a spectrum of deep character. When it’s done well, it belies a consistent internal logic of the character. And in roleplaying, where everything is an improvisation, it makes such revelations all the more surprising for how organic they are.

But that’s not really the intent of this page. I like to be a writing nerd and take things way too seriously. On today’s comic, I’m actually just making fun of people.

DM: Here you go. The letter from Applejack, for your reading pleasure.

Twilight Sparkle: “Family and friends: Not coming back to Ponyville. Don’t worry, will have ticket soon.” …That’s all there is??

DM: That’s all there needs to be.

Rarity: As someone who routinely acts suspiciously and dislikes having it scrutinized… this is highly suspicious behavior and deserves scrutiny!

Rainbow Dash: Yeah!

Pinkie Pie: You said it!

DM: Ugggh…