blood magic

A genetically linked form of magic which allows the user to cast specific kinds of spells with a self-sacrifice of blood.

Execution

The only required elements of blood magic are the will of the caster and their own shed blood. This is usually focused with words of power and the use of a traditionally spelled knife which can only harm the wielder. The depth of the injury can often influence the strength of the spell, even to the point of killing the caster.

Components and tools

Many blood mages specialized in the making of spelled knives. The line which produced these mages is largely gone now, but blood blades still exist and are usually passed down in families as mages come into their powers. Spelled knives are usually under four inches long with a fixed single-edged blade. Spells are engraved on the blade which limit the damage to the body of the wielder; blood blades cannot be used against another person.