Talking about Swain has people talking about Vlad, and some have noted a connection between Vlad and Darkin. Narratively, we don't have a Darkin that has lost their fight over a human. What if Vlad uses the Darkin's power indirectly rather than holding it like the others?
I'd personally rather have a darkin been the one to teach Vlad blood magic, and for Vlad to have consumed it in some way.
I kinda doubt it considering that there are different hemomancers besides him.
This is purely my headcanon but I think the Bloodlord armor is what remains of a Darkin Vlad bested.
I mean look at the thing.
Vladimir is a master of Blood Magic that was taught to humans by the Darkin. That is their connection.
