bloodbenders

Bloodbending is a fictional form of elemental manipulation that allows the user to control the blood within the bodies of living creatures. This ability is typically depicted as a rare and dangerous subset of waterbending, requiring immense skill and concentration. The primary characteristic of bloodbending is its ability to override the target's will, forcing their body to move against their own desires. This can range from minor adjustments to complete control over all bodily functions.

The ethical implications of bloodbending are a significant point of discussion in fictional narratives. Due to its invasive nature and the potential for extreme harm, it is often portrayed as a dark art or a forbidden technique. Practitioners are frequently depicted as antagonists, or at least characters struggling with moral quandaries. The exertion of bloodbending can be physically and mentally taxing on the user, and its use is often limited by factors such as the phase of the moon, mimicking certain aspects of waterbending. While the specific rules and limitations of bloodbending can vary between fictional universes, the core concept of controlling another's internal fluids remains consistent.