abstract
| - When a hero has pushed him/herself too hard physically and abruptly starts a physical breakdown. That one of these is coming may or may not be clear in advance, but when it starts, it will hit all at once. Causes vary. It could simply be the hero wearing him/herself out after a good case of Heroic Resolve -- or Bottled Heroic Resolve -- or it could be the consequence of using a Dangerous Forbidden Technique. Some works even directly support this via Cast From Hit Points. Often caused by Phlebotinum Overload or Deadly Upgrades, especially if the hero is a Flawed Prototype. It might be represented with burning Tron Lines, Tainted Veins, Volcanic Veins or actually turning red. If it's done on purpose, it may be a Heroic Sacrifice, but it is at least as likely to be accidental. Injuries sustained during Heroic RRODs should range between serious and fatal if left untreated (although rarely crippling), possibly leading to a case of You Are Already Dead. Also a common cause of You Can Barely Stand. This is the Heroic Red Ring Of Death. Named after a warning signal on Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles. A Sister Trope to Power Strain Blackout (when the cause is not as serious). Compare Heroic BSOD (the mental and emotional counterpart), Power Degeneration, Post Dramatic Stress Disorder, Explosive Overclocking (the Phlebotinum version), Powerup Full-Color Change (often used as visual and literal indicator). Contrast Superpower Meltdown, which is equivalent to a failing Xbox 360 setting a house on fire. Normal Heroic RRODs only directly affect the person having them. Not to be confused with Rings of Death. Examples of Heroic RROD include:
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