Usurpation » Bloodtheft
Bloodtheft is commonly used to describe the rarest form of bloodline strength transference. Bloodtheft is a specialised form of usurpation which requires not merely that the deceased scion died a violent death, but also that the deceased scion was slain as the result of being pierced through the heart (via a coup de grace), then the victim's divine essence passes in its entirety, to the slayer whether or not he is blooded. Specifically slaying a scion through a blow to the heart to claim their bloodline is commonly referred to as bloodtheft. Bloodtheft also occurs when a scion is slain by a weapon made of bloodsilver, more properly known as Tighmaevril.
Certain scholars of the Hydra and other beasts turned awnsheghlien have postulated that if the deceased scion is consumed shortly after death then the consumer also gains bloodline strength as if they had committed bloodtheft.
When someone commits bloodtheft, the bloodline strength of the deceased scion passes to the slayer of the scion in total. A scion that commits bloodtheft is not subject to any maximum limit for absorbing RP (normally twice the receiving scion's bloodline score). Furthermore, this regency is immediately used to raise the scion's bloodline score at the standard cost (one more than the current bloodline score).
Rumours say that the visible effects of a regency storm are far weaker if the bloodline of the slain scion is subject to bloodtheft rather than usurpation. Similarly it is far more likely that the bloodline of the slain scion will dominate the bloodline of the slayer, but these are probably just rumours.
It should be noted that where bloodtheft occurs the slain scion's blood heir does not receive any strength from the slain scion.

[top]Death of Scions and Bloodtheft

We all know when a scion dies by piercing the heart that there is a light show that happens as a result. Well, in keeping with my pet preference that the various derivations imbue certain traits and characteristics to their possessors.Now the light show (or, more correctly, the *type* of light show) depends on the derivation of the former scion and the alignment of the bloodthief.
Anduiras: The scion's bloodpower leaves the body in a soft golden glow, rising skyward to gently fade away into the heavens (or, if bloodtheft occurs, the recipient is briefly surrounded by a golden halo of light. The recipient feels energetic, yet warm and comforted for a long while afterwards. If the bloodthief is of evil alignment, there is a great clap of thunder and the recipient is blown backwards, crackling with wild energy for a short duration afterwards, and they feel supremely powerful during this time).
Reynir: The bloodpower of the scion virtually drains away from the body (torso), the soft emerald green rivulets of power trickling into the cracks/undergrowth/crevices of the surrounding earth within a matter of moments (if bloodtheft occurred, the green rivulets flow up the instrument of death and under the skin of the arms to disappear in the recipients body, eyes briefly glowing an emerald green (ala the black oil in the X-files). The recipient feels more *alive* for awhile afterwards, and all senses are heightened for the duration. Note, if the bloodthief is of evil alignment, this transfer of power feels slimy, like there is a million slugs slithering all over them. It is a most uncomfortable feeling, and only abates when Reynir's essence has been thoroughly corrupted and polluted by the new possessor's evil disposition).
Brenna: Brenna's bloodline leaves very little indication that a transference of power occurred. The scion's bloodpower leaves the body in the barest tendrils of the blackest black, darker than obsidian; indeed, its more a *feeling* of the transfer occurence. Best described as 'the hair standing on end' electrified feeling one gets when near high voltage currents. During the transfer, the recipient feels a burning cold but, strangely, long afterwards feels flushed and intoxicated at the same time Brenna's essence does not distinguish between alignments).
Basaïa: The former scion bursts into flame from the release of the intense divine essence of the sun goddess, leaving only a fine powdery ash of the former godling (effect dependent upon the bloodline strength of the former scion - tainted would leave a burned corpse, whereas a great strength reducing it as per above). (If bloodtheft occurs, the recipient *also* temporarily bursts into flame, but is little harmed by the transfer - except perhaps in requiring a new wardrobe! (modesty being maintained all the while, of course!) ;) Recipient feels hot and flushed afterwards, full of energy and action. If of evil alignment, the bloodthief feels like their blood is boiling, and relief comes only slowly to the recipient (until the essence is thoroughly polluted by their evil disposition)).
Masela: Wave after wave of radiant actinic energy rushes out of the dying scion, all the intense emotions of the scion's last moment of life pulsing out with it! All those touched/in the vicinity of the release of bloodpower experience every intense emotion, from hatred to love, ranging the full spectrum of the specie's capacity for feeling them, but beyond any extreme most mortals have ever felt. The last emotions are almost always pain, sorrow, and agony, however, and most scions bless that they never feel this transference of power. Every scion who has ever felt Masela's essence describe it most like the pain and agony that is associated with forceful divestiture and/or bloodtheft [or giving birth! ;)]. (If bloodtheft occurs, there is no mercy for the thief. The killer feels *only* the pain and agony of his deed, and the recipient is incapacitated long afterwards by painful cramps, nausea (sea sickness), and during the act, the feeling that every fiber of their person is being pulled in every direction at the same time). [Note: the picture on the front of the BoP, IMO, shows the transfer of the essence of Masela to a scion]. Masela's essence does not distinguish between alignments - all types feel the same pain and suffering).
Vorynn: A soft white light surrounds the dying scion, and gradually fades into nothingness within the heavens (much like Anduiras' effect). (If bloodtheft occurs, the recipient is surrounded by a white, wispy halo, much like the faerie fire spell, and feels the utmost calm and serenity that the being has probably ever felt in their life. It is reported that visions often come to the recipient afterwards. Oddly enough, the effect of Vorynn's essence does not change when the recipient is of evil alignment. However, evil bloodthieves always feel an odd sense of foreboding for a long while after the transfer, and the uneasy sense that they will come to regret their actions. Indeed, it is said that the evil scion cannot shake the feelings of doubt and uncertainty that haunt their every thought thereafter).
Lastly
Azrai: This is the traditional lightening effect, the most grandiose display (as is proper for the former god of pride!). Lightning sparks and arcs from the dying scion's heart/torso into the ground surrounding them and into the heavens above. Of course, Azrai's 'curse' is the most widely known of all the bloodlines, and is the type most associated with bloodtheft throughout Cerilia. Curiously, even during bloodtheft or proper investiture ceremonies, accounts state that Azrai's essence seems to strike and imbue godly essence into nearby living creatures or inanimate objects, seemingly at random, despite the intentions of the bloodthief or investiture priest! One can never be sure what to expect when dealing with the Bloodpower of the Supreme Shadow.

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