Blood magic

Blood magic is a school of magic that taps into the inherent power of blood to fuel spellcasting and that can be used for violent, corrupting purposes such as mind control and demon summoning. Unlike with conventional magic, its users do not touch the Fade when casting spellsDialogue between Isseya and Calien in Dragon Age: Last Flight, Chapter 10. and actually find it harder to enter.Dialogue with Solas. They are also more susceptible to demonic possession.
Blood Mage is one of the mage specializations in Dragon Age: Origins, and Dragon Age II.
== History ==
The first person known to wield blood magic was Thalsian, a Neromenian dreamer who lived circa -1595 Ancient. He claimed to have learned the art after personally communicating with the Old God Dumat. He used his newfound powers to declare himself king of Neromenian and spread the worship of the Old Gods. Mages of the Imperial Chantry today argue that that blood magic was most likely learned from the ancient elves of Arlathan, though there is no evidence to definitely support either stance.Dragon Age: Origins: Prima Official Game Guide Collector's Edition - Traveler's Guide, p. 377 Others yet believe that knowledge of blood magic came from the powerful ancient demons known as the Forbidden Ones.Codex entry: Forbidden Knowledge
Whatever its ultimate origin, blood magic was used by the magisters of the Tevinter Imperium to conquer and rule over Thedas. History recounts how the magisters used their power to shatter the elven empire, sinking their fabled capital city into the ground and forcing its surviving people into slavery. However, according to the Chantry, reckless use of blood magic eventually led to the blackening of the Golden City and the creation of the darkspawn and the Blights.Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 1
== Viewpoints ==
thumb|275px|The magisters of the Imperium performing a dark ritual using blood magic.
Use of blood magic has been heavily stigmatized by the Chantry throughout Thedas. Even Tevinter publicly disavows the practice of blood magic despite its near-ubiquitous use among the magisters.According to Dorian Pavus. Fear of blood magic is strong enough that even non-magical fields of research like anatomical studies have been placed under suspicion.Tome of the Mortal Vessel 
However, not all see blood magic as inherently evil. Some mages argue that it is a tool like any other and that there is no harm in using it as long as it isn't used to hurt others and uses only one's own blood or that of a willing participant.Such as Solas, Merrill, and Dorian. There have been cases of blood magic being practiced without death or any sign of corruption in spite of frequent usage.Merrill and Jowan. Blood magic does not necessarily have to be used for wicked pursuits either, it can even be used to heal. Others believe that blood magic is the only type of magic that is truly free, as it is tied to the physical and not favors to spirits or demons. Their detractors point to the destructive nature of blood magic and the constant temptation for more power as justification enough for never using it.Blood Mage (Dragon Age II)Codex entry: Responsible Blood Magic
=== Dalish ===
Though the Dalish disapprove of blood magic,According to dialogue between an elven Inquisitor and Solas. many Andrastian humans believe and spread the unfounded rumor that Dalish elves routinely kidnap and sacrifice human children for use in blood magic rituals. This rumor has persisted for centuries.Codex entry: The Exalted March of the DalesAccording to dialogue between an elven Inquisitor and Josephine Montilyet in Haven.
=== Grey Wardens ===
The Grey Wardens fight darkspawn by any means necessary, blood magic included.As seen throughout history and confirmed by Duncan during the Magi Origin. The leaders of the Chantry and other powerful institutions are generally willing to look the other way as long as it is used solely against the darkspawn. Some mages therefore believe that only within the ranks of the Grey Wardens can blood magic be used freely and allowed to flourish in the name of arcane progress.Such as Avernus.
=== Orlesian Chantry ===
Blood magic is strictly forbidden by the Chantry as part of its formal doctrine. The Circle of Magi endeavors to supervise all individuals with the gift of magic from a young age to ensure none of them ever tap into this forbidden school, under the reasoning that any mage left unsupervised by the Chantry will otherwise succumb to its temptation. However, even their constant supervision allows the occasional maleficar to slip through their fingers and out into the world.
In her sermons, Divine Justinia I defined maleficarum as mages who use their powers to dominate hearts and minds or who use blood, especially the blood of others, to fuel their magic. Apostate was the label she applied to those who reject the Maker's law.Codex entry: Maleficarum Over the centuries, the Chantry has gone to great lengths to conflate the two terms, though in truth an apostate is simply a mage who isn't part of the Circle of Magi. Regardless of the actual definition, all apostates are systematically hunted by the Templar Order. While not all apostates start out as blood mages, many turn to blood magic out of desperation to survive or escape imprisonment. Maleficarum and apostates are generally executed on sight.Codex entry: Apostates
There is a significant exception to the Chantry's strict ban on blood magic: phylacteries–magical blood vials used by templars to track down apostates. The creation of phylacteries isn't just tolerated by the Chantry, it is standard practice when a new mage is brought to the Circle.Dragon Age: Asunder, Chapter 20 
Phylacteries are created by the First EnchanterAccording to Ser Thrask. or an Enchanter.Codex entry: The Creation of a Phylactery The Chantry doesn't seem to recognize this kind of practice as blood magic; for example, Finn identifies it as a "grey area."Finn uses a vial of Ariane's blood to track down the Lights of Arlathan. When questioned, he states that it isn't blood magic since the spell's power does not come from the blood but that it's a grey area.
==== Nevarra ====
The mages of Nevarra are part of the order of the Mortalitasi, also known as the "Death Mages of Nevarra," a group that studies death extensively and experiments with necromancy. While well-respected within Nevarra, some mages outside the kingdom's borders believe that the Mortalitasi are a death cult carrying out macabre rituals in the Grand Necropolis. While some necromantic practices might require blood magic, its practice by the Mortalitasi doesn't seem to be considered as such by the Mortalitasi themselves or the Chantry. Viuus Anaxas directly opposes the suggestion that necromancy is blood magic, pointing out that blood magic consumes life, manipulating and destroying the living, while necromancy honours life by venerating the dead.Viuus Anaxas/Dialogue Mortalitasi mages are still considered part of the Circle; in fact, the seat of the College of Enchanters is located in the Nevarran city of Cumberland. Cullen Rutherford, who was trained as a templar, also states that he "can accept that necromancy is not blood magic."Revere
=== Qunari ===
Under the Qun, mastery of the self is the first and greatest duty. As mages are constantly at risk of losing themselves to demons, the Qunari believe that it makes them inherently dangerous, and call them saarebas, "a dangerous thing." Blood magic is especially abhorrent to the Qunari; those found or suspected of having used blood magic or been corrupted by demons will have their tongues cut so that they may not corrupt others or will be killed outright, as will be those who came into contact with an unsupervised saarebas.As seen during Shepherding Wolves.
=== Tevinter Imperium ===
In Tevinter, blood magic is officially discouraged but it is widely, if quietly, practiced. Since Andraste specifically spoke against blood magic,Codex entry: A Missing Slave it has been removed from public ceremonies and is not formally taught in Imperial Circles. However, since most heroes of Tevinter folklore used or benefited from blood magic, the practice does not carry as much stigma as it does elsewhere. The traditions of blood magic are quietly passed from master to apprentice and even the most devout mage knows at least a little blood magic. Tevinter does not consider the moderate use of blood magic inherently dangerous e.g., the use of one's own blood or a willing participant. However, "moderate" use can only garner so much power. It's safe to assume that any mage of rank does the forbidden kind, meaning sacrifices and demon-summoning, behind closed doors. Those who protest against such widespread use of blood magic are blackballed from power and shunned by the other magisters. While Imperial Templars are meant to stop magisters when they cross the line,According to Fenris. in practice only the weak have templars sent after them.
== Spells and powers ==
Though the art can be taught by a blood mage to an apprenticeAs is done in Tevinter, or as Calien d'Evaliste did with Isseya. or self-taught via manual, it can also be learned by contacting a demon, at the risk of becoming an abomination.Codex entry: Scrolls of Banastor
=== Spells powered by blood instead of mana ===
Blood magic, first and foremost, is the practice of using blood—life itself—as a potent fuel for casting spells. This life may be supplied by either the mage or sacrifices, whether willing or unwilling. As such, the use of blood magic often allows a mage to cast spells that would otherwise be beyond the abilities of any mage, or require the use of lyrium. The magisters of the ancient Imperium were known to keep numerous slaves on hand as blood sacrifices for particularly arduous castings, a practice that is perpetuated by some blood mages in the present day. It should be noted that the more violent the pain or death used in blood magic, the more powerful a spell becomes. Furthermore, wounds will not heal while under the effects of a blood magic spell and will continue to deteriorate until the blood magic spell is lifted.e.g., Blood Magic (Origins), Blood Magic (Dragon Age II) The only time wounds will heal while under a blood magic spell is when a blood mage performs a Blood Sacrifice/Sacrifice or performs the Grave Robber Spell and consume the residual life force of nearby corpses.
=== Spells exclusive to blood magic ===
Originally, blood magic was not considered a school of its own. Rather, it was seen as a means to augment spells from any school. In time, however, magisters discovered certain spells that could only be performed using the power of blood, such as Blood Wound/Hemorrhage. And while lyrium may be used to send the individual waking minds of mages into the Fade, blood magic can be used to find the sleeping minds of others. In fact, with just the sacrifice of another person's life, a blood mage can project another mage's conscious self into the Fade—in a manner similar to the Circle of Magi's Harrowing—without the use of lyrium.According to Jowan's blood magic ritual during The Arl of Redcliffe.
Therein lies the heart of one of blood magic's most potent and dangerous abilities: to influence, and even take control of, the actions of other beings. Blood Control/Blood Slave enslaves a victim by forcibly controlling the victim's blood. Blood magic can also be used to view the dreams of sleeping people, and even influence or dominate their thoughts. The Litany of Adralla is the only guaranteed counter to this mind control—and it can only be used as a preventive measure, not to sever control after it is established.Codex entry: The Litany of Adralla
Blood magic can also be used to summon demons into the corporeal world, either as a physical manifestation (e.g. shades) that can be bound to a mage's will, or through possession of a host body (living or dead). Demonic possession of the living produces abominations, while possession of a corpse results in one of the living dead, a creature whose strength and abilities depends on the power and type of host and demon involved (it is unclear whether or not dwarves and other magic-resistant beings can become possessed).Codex entry: Corpse Often, however, the demons will possess, kill, or completely ignore the blood mage who summoned them.Codex entry: Abomination It is possible however, to influence creatures of the Fade to do one's bidding by forcing them into servitude through spirit binding via blood magic.According to Solas' dialogue during Subjected to His Will According to Cole's description of spirit binding, "Demons are bound when you 'tell' them what they are so loudly that it's all they can hear. They have to be what you want." But a spirit who evolves to become more of a "real person" is less malleable than a spirit and if they have the certainty of who they are and who they desire to be, they can resist binding entirely.According to a "human" Cole's dialogue in the Skyhold party post-Doom Upon All the World if he resisted Corypheus' binding spell. Rezaren Ammosine's use of spirit binding is depicted as using blood-tethers as restraints for a demon and forcing it to follow his commands. Spellbinders can also bind the spirit or demon into the blood and transfer the enchanted blood into a corpse; the result being the creation of a loyal undead warrior at the blood mage's command.
Alternatively, a mage can risk soliciting a demon's loyalty by pledging one's heart to them. Demons for example, require little in the way of bribery. Their natural state is one of longing for the world of flesh and blood. If a mage is strong, a demon will seek to possess them not through force but through guile. Should a mage offer them a respite from their eternal search for true life through a deal, a mage can negotiate a demon's compliance for a time. However, one should be aware that demons are well-versed in the art of manipulation and they will seek to possess the mage at any time. Should the demon get the upper hand, it will result in the mage becoming an abomination. If enough lives are sacrificed, a blood mage may use the corpses of the sacrifices to turn one's self into a Harvester.
Just as treacherous, blood magic allows sundering the Veil completely so that demons may physically pass through it into the physical world.Codex entry: Blood Magic: The Forbidden School The Magisters Sidereal were even able to use blood magic to physically enter the Fade—a feat which required the ritual sacrifice of countless slaves and over two-thirds of the lyrium in the entire empire.Codex entry: The Cardinal Rules of Magic However, the Chantry claims that the true cost came when the magisters entered the Golden City, corrupting it with their presence. They were cast down, returning to Thedas as the first darkspawn and unleashing the Blights upon all of Thedas.
Ancient lore and present-day events hint that blood magic holds the key to incredible powers yet undreamed of, or long thought lost. Such power generally requires a terrible sacrifice, however: a debt paid in blood at the cost of the lives of others or the blood mage; or even one's own humanity. As such, while blood magic itself is merely a convenient tool, it is by far one of the most dangerous ones.
=== Spells that use blood as a component ===
There are some spells and rituals that use blood as a component rather than as a power source, such as the ritual involved in the creation of phylacteries. These spells seem to be viewed as more of a "grey area" than actual blood magic by the Chantry and the Circle.
== Involvement ==
=== Dragon Age: Origins ===
As a Grey Warden, the Warden can become a blood mage during both Origins and Awakening without becoming a target of the templars. 
==== Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening ====
=== Dragon Age II ===
Hawke can become a blood mage during Dragon Age II. However, their use of blood magic is never remarked upon, even when performed in front of templars and city officials. How they came about knowledge of blood magic is also left unspecified, though it should be noted that there are an abundance of blood mages in Kirkwall, numbers that have been steadily rising in recent years. Ironically, a portion of this can be attributed to the templars under Knight-Commander Meredith, who have gradually turned the Gallows into a veritable prison and driven good-intentioned apostates to blood magic out of desperation for survival and freedom.
=== Dragon Age: Last Flight ===
=== Dragon Age: Inquisition ===
=== Dragon Age: Absolution ===
== Notable blood mages ==
thumb|150px|right|Jowan
* Avernus
* Caladrius
* Calien d'Evaliste
* Corypheus
* Danarius
* Frenic
* Gascard DuPuis
* Grace
* Hadriana
* Hawke (conditional)
* Isseya
* Jowan
* Livius Erimond
* Merrill
* MorriganWhen questioned about blood magic, Morrigan states "I know many obscure, forgotten, and forbidden arts. Some of it you might consider blood magic, yes."
* Nereda
* Orsino
* Quentin
* Rezaren Ammosine
* Tarohne
* Thalsian
* Uldred
* The Warden / The Warden-Commander (conditional)
* Zathrian
== Codex entries ==
:
:
== Trivia ==
* There is technically no blood magic specialization in Dragon Age: Inquisition. The writers thought that doing it properly it would require a lot more reactivity than other specializations, which would be detrimental to other content.
* Artifacts such as Lifegiver and the Juggernaut armor set were created using blood magic. Other artifacts such as the Circulum Infinitus and the Magrallen are powered by blood magic.
== Gallery ==
Bloodmagicdawnoftheseeker.png|Blood mages perform a ritual in Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker.
Templar Blood Magic Victim.png|A templar slain by Blood Magic
Blood Magic.jpg|Blood magic in use
Blood magic in action.png|Blood magic in action
== References ==
Category:Magic
Category:Blood magic
Category:Specialization lore
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