Sorcery
From Codex Vocrotha
It did not take long for the students of Psychometry to seek out alternate means to replenish their magical energy, Wizardry was the most popularized end result of their research, but it was neither the first nor even the most effective result. Their earliest experiments revealed nothing they had not already suspected -- that magical energy could be found not just within the magically aware population, but within any sentient being. Logically, it followed that such energy -- known as Motes -- might be borrowed from others, then, to refill a spellcaster’s supply as necessary. Unfortunately, the techniques necessary to harmlessly transfer Motes from person to person proved more of a puzzle than the collected worthies were able to overcome.
At this point, the research into this line of inquiry took on a decidedly darker tone. Criminals sentenced to death were brought before Psychic researchers for scientific purposes, and experts in anatomy and medicine were invited to participate into a more physical examination as to the nature of Motes, the details of which are, perhaps thankfully, lost to modern history. As a result of these experiments, the exact location of the body in which Motes were stored or accessed was discovered; a place within the brain, easily enough located and receptive to Magic. It was the hope of many researchers that this knowledge would help them to refine their techniques enough to enable their sought-after painless transfer method.
Again, the techniques available were not equal to the task, as the brain proved far too complex a thing for them to manipulate -- but others continued in secret with this experimentation after the main body of researchers had given up, ending more and more lives for the dark lore they relentlessly pursued. Eventually, the inevitable occurred; a breakthrough was made, and a way to transfer Motes from one living being to another was discovered. A complete, efficient and fast means of transfer was accomplished, with no loss of potency from host to host.
The only drawback was that the donor had to die.
The Sorcerers -- a secret order, then -- ritualized and recorded in exacting detail the necessary steps and tools involved in the process of removing the relevant part of a creature’s brain from its cranium; they would use only a silvered steel blade to cut, a sacrificial blade passed from master to apprentice, in order to seal the Motes within; the blade would be sterilized by fire, and the organ would be harvested before the blood had gone cold. A generation passed before they were discovered, and by then the lore had passed beyond any attempts at stopping its spread. The original order was wiped out in the outcry, but many lived on, and secretly, stealthily handed down their knowledge to others eager for power. And so has the knowledge survived to this day; heinous and dark, often illegal and always murderous, but limited only by one’s ability to kill.
