Blood magic

Introduction

Introduced in Dance of the Dead, blood magic is a form of black magic which appears to be native to the domain of Souragne and draws its power from the shedding of living blood. Just as the opposing fruit and flower magic is presented as a pair, so blood magic is paired with bone magic. Those willing to engage in the use of this practice may use both their own blood and the blood of others, which may lead to heavy scarring in the spellcaster and the torturous death of any external 'donors'.

Definition

It is unknown whether blood magic is arcane or divine in nature, or something in between. Certainly it requires study and its spells may be recorded in books, but the use of blood and the ending of lives as a kind of sacrifice and the note that it is learned by turning to evil powers muddies the waters of definition.

Uses

Blood magic, often partnered with bone magic, is noted to provide great power. The power corrupts those who overindulge in it in mind and soul, however, and it is noted to be highly seductive. In closing, no use has been shown so far of blood magic which was not negative in nature, much of it being involved with the use of Necromancy as well as acts of killing to draw blood and harvest life energies. This may have been in response to Anton Misroi's edict that no magic may be used in Souragne which is not necromantic in nature.

Practitioners

Known users of blood magic include Alondrin the Betrayer, Anton Misroi and Larissa Snowmane.