D&D General Wearing a lantern on your belt?

[tetrasodium]

I tried similar hoping to head off "ZOMGBADWRONGFUNIHAVEDARKVISION!!!" with some players who started with 5e when I tried to introduce meaningful light rules but the end result was less willingness to keep half way and more outraged resistance woven with loophole seeking for the sake of the loophole rather than any willingness to actually engage with the possibility that light and darkness could add anything. I highly doubt that if allow it again but could possibly see it as a very magic item in a game with old school osr shadow dark or similar type light & darkness rules

 

[Tonguez]

A lantern on your belt? Only if you want to take constant fire damage ... in your pants.

Just cast Light. It's a cantrip (frankly, illumination is too cheap in 5e, but that's another discussion).

This - with all the darkvision and light cantrips around DnD undergrounds would likely resemble a bright city centre shimmering with neon

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Gotta admit, this is a new one to me. I've never had a player even suggest this one.

Yeah, no. Lantern on belt is a no-no. It just wouldn't work.

I've seen it in video games.

 

[Distracted DM]

I've seen it in video games.

I think this is where the idea came from, at least for my groups.

 

[Older Beholder]

A torch tucked into the back of your belt lets you see behind you while keeping your buns toasted.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I think this is where the idea came from, at least for my groups.

That's what I suspected. I would allow an artificer to construct a hands free shoulder mounted lantern hanger, or something like that - it's a realism issue, not a balance issue (Light Cantrip). And realism says the lantern gets very hot, and doesn't like to be bounced around.

 

[Distracted DM]

Yes, if "light" spell is cast in it. For better radius.

No, if regular oil lantern
Maybe, if it's some kind of solid fuel, like candle

Yes, if used out of combat, for lockpicking, searching or similar. No sudden movements.

Just use lantern shield:

View attachment 410856

Lol yeah, the lantern shield was "real" and no one has any real idea of its practical purpose afaik, because it looks like something you'd get from a knife shop in a mall :'D
I think it just goes to show that everyone gets crazy ideas now and again, and the results might not be ... useful.

 

[Horwath]

Lol yeah, the lantern shield was "real" and no one has any real idea of its practical purpose afaik, because it looks like something you'd get from a knife shop in a mall :'D
I think it just goes to show that everyone gets crazy ideas now and again, and the results might not be ... useful.

it's still better than helm lantern, at least hot oil will not drip on your face.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

it's still better than helm lantern, at least hot oil will not drip on your face.

Miners did stick candles on their helmets before electric lamps.

 

[Horwath]

Miners did stick candles on their helmets before electric lamps.

candles are solid fuel, mostly. and miner do not perform cartwheels while shooting crossbows and dodging fireballs.