Blood magic is a powerful and controversial form of magic in the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. It is a type of magic that involves the manipulation and sacrifice of one's own life force, or the life force of others, in order to cast spells and perform rituals. In 5e, blood magic is not a specific school of magic, but rather a concept that can be incorporated into various types of magic, such as necromancy or enchantment. It is often associated with darker and more sinister characters, as the use of blood magic can have dire consequences. One of the key features of blood magic in 5e is the concept of blood magic rituals. These rituals involve the use of blood, either from the caster themselves or from a willing or unwilling participant, in order to perform a specific action.
“If I didn't have any other jobs, I really don't mind driving. It's really fun. I love having conversations with people. I just like to get to know their worlds, how people live their lives,” he said, relating a memorable encounter with an initially grumpy passenger who softened after he offered to switch the music in his car for her. This led to a heart-to-heart conversation and she even gifted him a snack after their exchange.
Ironically, just two weeks after he started, job opportunities picked up and he found himself juggling driving with rehearsals, teaching yoga and lecturing classes. In this final Makan Kakis instalment, Mediacorp Gold 905 DJ Denise Tan chats over chaat with a private hire driver at Dwaraka Restaurant s street food kiosk, just opposite Mustafa Centre.
These rituals involve the use of blood, either from the caster themselves or from a willing or unwilling participant, in order to perform a specific action. These rituals can range from simple spells to complex and powerful enchantments, with the level of sacrifice required often correlating to the power of the effect. The use of blood magic in 5e comes with risks and drawbacks.
Quick chaat at a Little India kiosk where the street food is as authentic as it gets in Singapore
In this final Makan Kakis instalment, Mediacorp Gold 905 DJ Denise Tan chats over chaat with a private hire driver at Dwaraka Restaurant’s street food kiosk, just opposite Mustafa Centre.
Dwaraka Restaurant's pani puri (left) and papadi chaat. (Photos: Denise Tan, Abundant Productions)
Denise Tan / Gold 905
19 Oct 2023 07:21AM Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn“We're going to end this series with a bang,” I announced excitedly to my friend and occasional private hire driver Oliver Pang, who made it patently clear I had not chosen my words wisely. “Can I get out now?” he asked, jokingly trying to exit my vehicle.
As I drove us to Oliver’s choice for Indian street food, we chatted about how the theatre performer/drama teacher/yoga instructor got into private hire driving. As with many gig economy workers, it was to cover costs while he was between jobs for two months.
“I thought it'd be nice to rent a car and drive my mum around. I drove two to four hours a day mainly to pay for the petrol and rental,” he explained.
Ironically, just two weeks after he started, job opportunities picked up and he found himself juggling driving with rehearsals, teaching yoga and lecturing classes. The workload became exhausting, so he decided to take a hiatus. Still, Oliver really enjoyed his private hire driving experience – despite the physical toll on his back and bladder – and would return to it should the need arise.
05:23 MinDwaraka Restaurant offers 12 authentic Indian street snacks to go – pani puri or papadi chaat, anyone?
“If I didn't have any other jobs, I really don't mind driving. It's really fun. I love having conversations with people. I just like to get to know their worlds, how people live their lives,” he said, relating a memorable encounter with an initially grumpy passenger who softened after he offered to switch the music in his car for her. This led to a heart-to-heart conversation and she even gifted him a snack after their exchange.
“To be honest, I've been very blessed. I've not had any bad experiences. It always starts off not-so-nice but ends very beautifully. If someone is not happy, my aim is to make sure that they leave feeling good,” Oliver shared.
Having worked with him on several stage productions in the past, I noticed the similarity between his approach to theatre and driving. Oliver thrives in situations that allow for temporary, but meaningful connections. To be an actor is to be open and adaptable – traits that also helped him own and operate a successful cafe and yoga studio for more than a decade.
Mediacorp Gold 905 DJ Denise Tan with her friend, occasional private hire driver Oliver Pang, savour some authentic Indian street snacks outside Dwaraka Restaurant in Little India. (Photo: Denise Tan)
After returning from his studies in England, he went on a soul-searching, life-changing trip to Nepal. Inspired by how simple the Nepali way of life was, he envisioned a cafe in Singapore where he could recreate the same peaceful, grounding atmosphere. Frequent trips back and a yoga-training stint in India solidified his deep affinity for both countries. “It can be chaotic, but you can still be at peace. Somehow it works,” Oliver revealed.
As a personal homage, h e opened cafe and yoga space Going Om in Haji Lane, where it served as a gathering place for local artists and those seeking solace from city life. The menu was a fusion of his travel experiences and input from his Nepali and Indian staff.
However, after 14 years in business, the cafe became a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. But Oliver has no regrets, recognising that the time and labour invested went beyond a mere business venture. It was a conduit for cultural understanding and human connection, with food as the common language.
To relive his past culinary adventures with me, Oliver chose Singapore’s Little India as our makan destination. The enclave is one he frequents, to wander the little lanes, soak in the bustling atmosphere and sample a snack or two. Case in point: Dwaraka Restaurant’s street food kiosk, strategically located opposite the famous Mustafa Centre.
Dwaraka Restaurant offers 12 authentic Indian street snacks to go – pani puri or papadi chaat, anyone?
The manipulation of life force is a delicate and dangerous practice, and can have unpredictable consequences. Those who delve into blood magic often find themselves bound by their own rituals and sacrifices, and may suffer from physical and mental deterioration over time. Additionally, the use of blood magic can come with significant moral and ethical implications, raising questions about the value of life and the boundaries of magic. In terms of gameplay, blood magic can provide a unique and intriguing option for characters in 5e. It can offer powerful spells and abilities, but at the cost of the caster's own well-being. It can also add an element of choice and consequence to the game, as characters must consider the potential risks and sacrifices involved in using blood magic. Overall, blood magic in 5e is a complex and controversial aspect of the game. It offers intriguing possibilities for both storytelling and gameplay, but comes with significant risks and moral implications. Whether embraced or shunned, blood magic is sure to add depth and complexity to any D&D campaign..
Reviews for "The Ethics and Morality of Blood Magic in D&D 5e"
- Jane - 2 stars
I was really excited to play "Blood Magic 5e" because I love the idea of incorporating dark and mysterious spells into my character. However, the execution of this supplement was extremely disappointing. The new spells introduced were unbalanced and overpowered, completely breaking the game's mechanics. Additionally, the writing and organization of the content felt sloppy and confusing. I found myself constantly flipping back and forth between pages trying to make sense of the information. Overall, "Blood Magic 5e" was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a balanced and well-executed addition to their 5th edition game.
- Mike - 1 star
I have been playing Dungeons & Dragons for years and "Blood Magic 5e" is by far the worst supplemental rulebook I have ever come across. The concept of blood magic sounds intriguing, but the execution was abysmal. The spells introduced were not only unbalanced, but also completely disrupted the flow of the game. It felt like the designers didn't bother playtesting these spells at all. Furthermore, the artwork and layout of the book were lackluster and uninspiring. Overall, "Blood Magic 5e" was a waste of money and I would strongly advise against purchasing it if you value your gaming experience.
- Sarah - 2 stars
I was really looking forward to adding a touch of darkness and danger to my campaign with "Blood Magic 5e", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The new spells introduced were poorly balanced, with some being incredibly overpowered and others being practically useless. It felt like no effort was put into playtesting or balancing these spells. Additionally, the writing style of the book was convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to fully grasp the mechanics and rules of blood magic. Overall, while the concept was promising, "Blood Magic 5e" failed to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable addition to my game.