Blood Magic

Blood is the most important substance of a living creature, and those who possess power over it posses great power over the creature.

Blood Contracts
A blood contract is sealed by placing the blood of both parties involved into a vial by a blood mage, who then performs a short ritual that enchants the contract and the blood. When the contract expires, if the terms are met by both parties, the blood dissipates into the air.

If the contract is broken, the vial of blood gives off a dark red magical glow, and whoever holds the vial can inflict extreme pain upon the giver of the blood.

Blood Servants
Many desperate people are coerced into taking out blood contracts, and when they are unable to pay their loans when the contract expires, they become blood servants. Blood servants are highly coveted, as they are almost 100% obediant.

Blood Markets
While the majority of blood servants are sold directly by banks to wealthy clients, some vials of contracted blood make their way into black markets. Blood servants can be used for many nefarious purposes, as they must follow orders without regard for life. Since the Banks keep secret all their contracts, it is also very hard to determine whether or not someone is a blood servant if it has never been disclosed.

Blood Mages
Blood magic is not an art that is commonly available. In ancient times, blood magic was greatly feared, and practitioners of blood magic were persecuted by governments and commoners alike. This all changed when banks began incoroporating the use of blood magic into their business. Blood mages are now trained from a lengthy apprenticeship, after which they are immediatley hired by one of the Three Banks.

Blood mages, although they are highly paid, are distrusted and feared. They themselves are bound by contract to their employers. Blood mages make contracts in a ring structure; each mage is bound to three other mages in the bank.