Sudden Supercharge Meltdown

A body stood in place, completely still in the centre of the room. The head and arms hung limply, the torso mangled from the void-black appendages that had burst out of it, wrapping around the frame and reaching onto any surface nearby that they could. Underneath the masses of root-like tendrils, what was left of the face was little more than skeletal, the jaw hung wide open in an agonised scream.
"This guy is fucked… Up…" Miss Major said, looking away from the gruesome sight.

Sudden Supercharge Meltdown (SSM), also known as Consumption, was first introduced in Walking With Strangers and is a recurring issue throughout the series. Consumption is an incredibly rare event that occurs when an Empowered attempts to reach their full potential too fast and without preparation, and their powers essentially take over- usually killing them in the process. It's identified by an overproduction of potestaline in the body in a small window of time, which cannot be burnt up or expended fast enough, and remains afterward until destroyed.
SSM only happens when an Ascension attempt goes wrong. An Ascended person will never suffer from SSM, but someone who has suffered from SSM can still ascend. The process is not well understood, and can seem supernatural- to the point where entire religions are based on the concept.

SSM in the Books

Walking With Strangers

SSM isn't introduced until near the end of the book. Tenebrae Grimm suffers from SSM and is consumed, though is only killed after his head is destroyed by Eclipse.

Midnight

SSM is one of the main plotlines of the story. Illusia, an Empowered working for ASIMOV, has been using isolated potestaline to cause multiple events of SSM, and even attempted to use this tactic to kill members of the Demigods.

SSM Details

Causes

The exact cause is debated, but the current scientific thoery suggests an overproduction in potestaline in a short time can lead to SSM. Normally, the body goes into a state of Overcharge and halts potestaline production to prevent this, but it doesn't work in all circumstances.

Symptoms

SSM is different for every Empowered and depends highly on what powers they have. Because it's so sudden, there's not even much time to identify it or help someone before it happens.

Prognosis

Almost all cases end in death.

Affected Groups

Empowered with Elemental manifestations make up 99% of the cases, but there has been at least one known occurence of a Corporeal SSM.

Prevention

Responsible uses of powers is the best way to prevent SSM. Lontoca, a metal known for storing and channeling powers, can actually be used to halt the process of SSM altogether as it absorbs the extra power. It's not a foolproof prevention, but in theory someone wearing a lot of Lontoca could survive SSM- with potentially unexpected results.

Cultural Reception

SSM is generally unknown to the public, including most Empowered.

Type

Physiological

Parent

Ascension

Origin

Magical

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Unique