Hemalurgic Decay

Hemalurgic Decay emerges as a pivotal flaw in the Hemalurgy magic system in Mistborn Era 1, manifesting as an intangible force that progressively weakens stolen Allomantic and Feruchemical powers each time a Hemalurgic spike is transferred between hosts. First elucidated during the climactic revelations of The Hero of Ages, this decay underscores the inherent instability of Ruin's gifts, explaining why Inquisitors and kandra grow frailer with multiple spikes and why Preservation's intricate plans hinge on minimizing such losses. Though not revisited in later eras, it fundamentally shapes understanding of Scadrial's metallurgy of power, highlighting the parasitic nature of Hemalurgy across the Cosmere.