Blood Mage

“Perhaps there’s some truth to the idea that the real danger of blood magic isn’t that it draws its power from sacrifice, or that it tempts the greedy and ambitious into using the suffering of others to fuel their spells. Perhaps the danger is simply that we do not understand it, and that lack of understanding invites disaster even when our intentions are pure.”―Calien d'Evaliste

Nothing inspires as much wild-eyed terror as the Blood Mage.  Mages of this type take the raw energy of life and twist it to their own purposes.  They can corrupt and control, and sustain their power by consuming the health of others, willing or not.  The effects can be vile, but this specialization isn't limited to madmen and monsters.  Many see it as the only form of magic that is truly free, because it's tied to the physical, not favors to spirits or demons.  It remains an undeniably violent and self-destructive discipline, however, the Blood Mage must be careful because the temptation to take just a little more is always there.

Dark Influence

Though the art can be taught by a blood mage to an apprentice or self-taught via manuals or tomes; it can also be learned by contacting a demon or participating in forbidden rituals.

Apprentice

Having been taught by an advanced blood mage you are able to master the techniques required for this delicate art easier than others.  Your mentor has been especially helpful in teaching you how to manage your spells allowing you to gain a bonus to your ranged spells.

Corrupted

You are a self taught blood mage from some old corrupted spell books you found that belonged to unknown sorcerers from long ago.

Demonic

You have learned the secrets of blood magic by bartering and making deals with demons.  In doing so you have learned how to communicate with creatures from the abyss and even able to call upon smaller creatures to aid you.

Ritualistic

You have learned the ways of blood magic that have been passed down through the generations by participating in a secret, centuries old, ritual.

Blood Magic

You have learned to combine blood with arcane formulas to cast more powerful spells—your own blood. Your blood is your life, but it is also your source of power. Few wizards step upon this path to arcane mastery, because it is a path steeped in pain and soaked in blood. But you have embraced the way of blood and magic, and you have become more powerful because of it.

All magic has its pros and cons.  With Blood Magic comes great power but at a great cost all effects that heal the blood mage are half as effective.  Learning Blood Magic can allow the caster to utilize their own lifeforce to cast spells in lieu of spell slots.

Bloodied

Starting at 6th level, your blood magic empowers you with unholy resistance once per short rest.  When you drop below half health, you gain advantage on all Constitution saving throws and gain resistance to poison and acid damage.

Bloodlust

Starting at 14th level, when you are reduced to 0 HP you may expend a hit die, provided you have one and gain half that amount in HP (rounded up), and temporary HP equal to the remaining amount.  You regain use of this feature after you finish a long rest.

One Foot In

Starting at 18th level, when you finish a short rest, you may regain spent hit dice equal to your Constitution modifier(minimum 1).  You may use this feature once, and you regain use of this feature after you finish a long rest.