What's the most critical piece of dungeoneering equipment?

[InVinoVeritas]

Yup, rations, light source, rope. Those are the most crucial.

 

[Steel_Wind]

Rope. Even more important than a mundane light source, as any noob mage can whip up a light spell in a pinch.

But 50' of rope? A 10 foot pole doesn't come even remotely close to the utility of a coil of good rope.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Yeah, but when was the last time you saw a stripper dancing on a 50' coil of rope?

 

[xXxTheBeastxXx]

Usually, a light source. However, with the release of the Adventurer's Armory, we've come to realize the utility of the skeleton key. Finally, a party with a serious lack of rogue can invade a standard dungeon without breaking down the damn door.

-The Beast

 

[Celebrim]

I want to say 10' pole, but really I think it's either the humble rope or the torch.

In any event, you don't leave home without all three.

 

[Hand of Evil]

A torch.

second this as the game does not discuss it as a device of protection, yes it can be a weapon but also can be used to keep animals at bay and even cause fear. It's shear power to catch things on fire, set off traps, is underated. Other light sources do not offer this.

 

[TarionzCousin]

A torch.

A ten foot long torch?

 

[roguerouge]

Recently, it seems to be outfits. My recent characters want to have a change of clothes while adventuring, along with outfits for special occasions. As for magic items, the lowly Wand of Prestidigitation has become a favorite.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

A torch.

A ten foot long torch?

The Swiss Army Donkeyhorse with fold-out 10' Pole also has a torch built in.

It is also equipped with Chuck Norris.

 

[FireLance]

Dynamite.

After that, everything else is just logistics.