Discussion Main / ToxicPhlebotinum

The current description sounds like "power cores that bring great power at great cost", which definitely has a place in this trope. It is limited, though. If we don't merge it with Power at a Price, here is a proposed rewright:

There are two kinds of Applied Phlebotinum: the kind that does exactly what you need, and the kind that does exactly what you need with some unpleasant side effects. Crippling injuries, explosions, and even mutations can result if you overuse it. Don't worry, though. The price you pay will be offset by the unfathomable power attained.

Heroes may use it anyway as long as their friends are not affected, despite the dangers. The hero is trying to protect everyone by putting himself at risk anyway, right? Besides, this dangerous phlebotinum doesn't corrupt the mind and soul one who uses it.

When a villain picks up Toxic Phlebotinum, he will use others to pay the price.

See also Psycho Serum and Power at a Price. Sometimes overlaps with Blessed with Suck and Sentient Phlebotinum; in the later case it's liable to become The Corruption or The Virus.

I would say there's a notable distinction here- there's an Evil Phlebotinum that good guys would NEVER use. Thus Ye Shall Know Him By His Phelbotinum?

Trilithium has no good use. It destroys stars. It's inherently evil. No good guy would ever touch the stuff. We can readily identify the bad guys as the ones who have, or want, the stuff.