Blood Hex Ritual

While all Blood Hunters devote themselves to an Order, how closely or how loosely they choose to follow their Order varies from hunter to hunter. Some Blood Hunters elect to pursue a life of wanderlust, moving from town to town, rarely staying in one location for too long. These hunters prefer a more independent path, one not tied to a specific origin or destination. They simply wish to travel and hunt their prey, and would rather not be restricted by politics or creed.

”...subjects may respond with elevated aggression, fortitude, and stamina. Recent studies have concluded in premature expiration of recipient, either self inflicted or otherwise. As a result it is my recommendation that this ritual only be performed with adequate support and when all other solutions have been exhausted. Additionally, it is also my recommendation that a caster invest in wards, alarms, traps, and other such devices when resting. If these tools are unavailable, then a retinue of guards, summoned or otherwise, is encouraged.” - Venton Aeris, Order of the Profane Soul

To accomplish this a hex was created that would provide the hunter a source of energy by directly tapping into the essence of their prey. 

First, the Blood Hex Ritual requires a restrained subject and a receptacle suitable to contain a fire. Next, a chalk circle large enough to properly surround the restrained target is drawn on one side of the fire. Then, a second circle large enough to accommodate the Blood Hunter is placed opposite the first circle so that the fire is situated evenly between the chalk outlines. The caster will then slowly place the required materials into the fire, being careful not to douse the flame.

After the items have been sacrificed to the flame, the hunter will then place themselves in the remaining chalk circle where they will mediate uninterrupted for 1 hour. This time is spent focusing their connection to the restrained target.

”My best advice? Steer clear of a beast that can track your scent. Dumped a werewolf and the cranky bastard tracked me twenty miles, maybe thirty. Stupid idiot would have got me too if my silver-tipped crossbow trap didn’t get him, first.” - Draco Forrester, Order of the Profane Soul

Once the time has passed, the Blood Hunter will leave the circle and attempt to touch the restrained target. If successful, a glowing mark will appear upon the flesh of the subject. This brand will only be visible to the Blood Hunter and their victim.

The target must make a Wisdom saving throw, which is modified by how well you know the target and the sort of physical connection you have to it.

On a successful save, the target isn't affected, and you can't use this spell against the same target again for 24 hours.

On a failed save, the ritual is complete and the Blood Hunter may immediately start utilizing their Order specific abilities.

A connection with the victim lasts for a number of days equal to half the targets Constitution rounded down. The duration of the Blood Hex Ritual increases as the Blood Hunter gains in level. A hexed creature may be released, at will, by the Blood Hunter.

If a creature is destroyed, killed, or released from the hex, a Blood Hunter has 24 hours to complete a new ritual. This time represents the remaining energy still coursing through the hunter's system and how long before it is depleted.

At the conclusion of a number of days equal to half the targets Constitution, rounded down, the victim's body is destroyed and the connection is severed. The Blood Hunter must find a new energy source.

A remove curse spell ends this effect.