Bloodlust

Bloodlust is a slang term used by Magic R&D to describe a triggered ability that gives a creature a number of +1/+1 counters when dealing combat damage to a player, i.e. a saboteur ability. As it tends to snowball when backed with various tempo pieces, it is a relatively rare mechanic. It can be numbered, where "Bloodlust 1" would mean one counter upon hitting, but as the ability is rare as-is, it could be defined as one counter, and a card such as Falkenrath Marauders could be said to have "Bloodlust, bloodlust".

History

For a time, this was known as the Slith ability, after the cycle in Mirrodin. A sixth Slith, an artifact, was printed in Darksteel. Sliths were later referenced in Modern Horizons sets, with Tempered Sliver, Hexgold Slith and Etched Slith.

The next significant usage was during Innistrad, which made it the unofficial Vampire mechanic and gave it its current name. With only one black card Stromkirk Patrol, it was marked as a red mechanic in this set. It was later referenced in Shadows over Innistrad on Stensia Masquerade and Bloodmad Vampire.

Guild Thief, Basim Ibn Ishaq and Wakka, Devoted Guardian have stand-alone designs of Bloodlust. Skullbriar, the Walking Grave combines it with a counter-retaining ability.

Higher-rarity cards grant bigger or broader applications of this design.

• Dreadhorde Butcher also gets a counter when hitting planeswalkers.
• Borborygmos and Drana, Liberator of Malakir put a counter on each of their controller's creatures. Thunderwolf Cavalry doesn't add one to itself but rather adds to all others.
• Scurry of Squirrels can target where the counters go; Briar Hydra has a similar one that scales with Domain.
• Westgate Regent gives a counter per damage, and Power Fist grants this ability as an equipment. Necropolis Regent grants it to all its controller's creatures. Conclave Sledge-Captain grants it to those targeted by its Backup ability.
• Longtusk Cub has an effect where it has this ability by proxy using energy. Piper Wright, Publick Reporter ties it into making and sacrificing Clues.
• Cazur, Ruthless Stalker, Sphere Grid, and Curse of the Stalked Hunt give Bloodlust to creatures attacking, generally one's own but potentially others. Exsanguinator Cavalry does so for Knights. Vraska, Swarm's Eminence grants it to creatures with deathtouchers and also when hitting planeswalkers.