Cruel Sadist

{B}, {T}, Pay 1 life: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.
{2}{B}, {T}, Remove X +1/+1 counters from this creature: It deals X damage to target creature.

Stirge

Flying
This creature can't block.
Blood Drain — {1}{B}, Pay 1 life, Sacrifice this creature: Draw a card.

Verrak, Warped Sengir

Flying, deathtouch, lifelink
Whenever you activate an ability that isn't a mana ability, if life was paid to activate it, you may pay that much life again. If you do, copy that ability. You may choose new targets for the copy.