Bloodsinger

Individuals accomplished in channeling that serve the military are known as bloodsingers, though sometimes this term is applied broadly to all channelers regardless. Government and military tend to prefer the specification if not outright enforce it, with civilian channelers being referred to as channelers. These two terms are used throughout Icalar, but of those noted as 'famous in the field', only bloodsingers who have served in a military in some capacity have been included.
In early histories, bloodsingers were the subject of mixed perception. Some regarded them as 'gifted', while others saw them as abominations. They have been alternately feared and praised, and there has been evidence of 'witch-hunting' in the past. Coordinated efforts by the bloodsingers themselves to serve their societies and temper their rogues has mitigated negative perceptions somewhat, but old stigmas sometimes persist.
Current Grand Elders:
Rel-Bloodsinger Grand Elder Tieorise Mamnafetche
Uon-Bloodsinger Grand Elder Aev Jsou
Grand Elder Cleric Ygyn Amnohphei
Notable Independent Schools:
The Bonefire Circle
Seminary of Xaescyra
Any mentees of Yso Moroketu (no physical assembly)

Career

Qualifications

Having achieved Novice skill or higher according to The Bloodsinger Codex.

Career Progression

Ranks, lowest to highest: Novice, Adept, Mentor, Elder, Grand Elder
(These are used by both Bloodsingers and Clerics, but not by general civilian channelers.)

As they dive deeper into their craft, their Ega tends to take on the shape of a flower or flame. There is a very high set of expectations for what skills and masteries one must obtain in order to be able to claim each rank, and these have been collected and published in The Bloodsinger Codex.
Since there is only an honor system standing between someone lying about their qualifications and no formal testing, the channeler community finds themselves in increasing need of centralized government and standardized guidance, as simple 'mutual agreement' on their practices -- especially in the chaos of the post-war world, the rise of warlocks, and the natural urge to explore non-elemental paths -- cannot be sustained for long.
Bloodsingers in Ustraria are often funneled into the Fiir division of the Itoqir.

Modes of Address

In formal situations, the bloodsinger’s field of specialization is sometimes included in their address, e.g., “Rel-Bloodsinger Adept [surname, or full name]”. The exception is for Aré Grand Elders, who are addressed as "Grand Elder Cleric [surname, or full name]"; this rank would apply to Master Shepherds, but they typically prefer the Master Shepherd title and regardless do not operate in the same circle.

Perception

History

Bloodsingers were a particular focal point of the War of the Six as potential recipients of any benefits of the ikam fruit.
Prior to the War of the Six, there was an annual search for channeler talent mostly slanted as a celebration, but which could also have been interpreted in a more ominous light. This traditionally took place on the second day of the new year (the Season of Opening) and is called Peithya's Feast, after a prominent historical channeler widely credited with having, ironically, removed much of the stigma surrounding channelers. It was suspended during the war years. Post-war much of the celebratory nature has gone, due to the shortage of channelers but also renewed stigma toward them (having been the source of much of the problems).
Several 'witch-hunts' have occurred for bloodsingers in Icalaran prehistory, despite Peithya's Feast predating the first documented cases. Indeed, several historians propose that in fact they often went hand-in-hand. The last known witch-hunt for Bloodsingers was in 777AC.

Operations

Tools

Usually none, though practitioners may have certain fetishes or foods with them that they believe contributes to their personal ability and stamina.

Provided Services

While the offense applications of Rel and Uon are well-suited to the military and make up a significant portion of bloodsingers, those who specialize in Aré typically find themselves as Shepherds of Leaving or Clerics, which are also valued. While the life-stealing and necromancy side of Aré is outlawed generally, it is additionally considered a war crime to use such things in conflicts. Moderately- to highly accomplished bloodsingers usually find themselves deliberately funneled into structured, controllable fields such as the military as a precaution.

Dangers & Hazards

Depending on personal skill and control, environment, and the spell itself, a practitioner is not necessarily immune to hazards. For example, fire cast on a volatile substance could inadvertently create an explosion that injures or blinds the practitioner, as well as day-to-day burns if they are careless in their practices. Frostbite is a common risk for inexperienced Uon practitioners or more experienced practitioners wielding higher spells. Are practitioners often experience the most physical exhaustion, and are at the unique risk of 'backflow' -- taking a patient's illness/injury back into themselves if they do not protect themselves properly.
Interestingly, dehydration is a common problem for all practitioners.

Type

Arcane

Demand

Higher in wartime than in peacetime.

Legality

There is no precise governing body overseeing institutions or methods of training, conduct, or research, though small independent groups do exist. Most governance, if required, tends to happen at the state level.

Famous in the Field

• Ce Yicye
• Joibri Vil'rabenen
• Jonna Biqare
• Nerise Vil'rabenen
• Saraphne Vil'rabenen
• Tieorise Mamnafetche
• Ygyn Amnohphei