Shades of Eternity
Legend
Noticing a lot of dungeons seem to have torches lit , allowing illumination.
So asking
Whom keeps them lit and why?
So asking
Whom keeps them lit and why?
D&D General Whom keeps the torches lit?
- Thread starter Shades of Eternity
- Start date
If I have lit torches in an abandoned ruin, they're typically continual flame. But even creatures with darkvision probably want to see color now and then while also not being at disadvantage on perception checks. The also want to avoid being attacked by enemies that can hide in dim light.
But every passageway having light 24x7? Unless it's magic it doesn't make a lot of sense.
But every passageway having light 24x7? Unless it's magic it doesn't make a lot of sense.
Clint_L
Legend
If they’re lit in a dungeon that I am running, it’s by inhabitants who need the light.
I’m confused by your initial statement - if you’re the DM, you aren’t “noticing” that a lot of dungeons have torches lit, you’re deciding to make it so. If you’re a player, then ask your DM about it.
If you’re observing a lot of other people’s games (for some reason) and noticing a trend…why does it matter?
I’m confused by your initial statement - if you’re the DM, you aren’t “noticing” that a lot of dungeons have torches lit, you’re deciding to make it so. If you’re a player, then ask your DM about it.
If you’re observing a lot of other people’s games (for some reason) and noticing a trend…why does it matter?
EzekielRaiden
Follower of the Way
Yeah, for me, this was always the much bigger weirdness. Torches are weird, sure. But fresh fruit in a barrow that hasn't been opened in a thousand years?
I seldom have lit dungeons, because it doesn't make sense to me. Since they only last an hour, it'd be like leaving the lights on in your house, only to replace the bulbs every hour. Inhabitants will keep occupied areas lit, then use torches to move between those place as needed. Most creatures with darkvision aren't going to bother with light, except really important areas where clear vision is vital, such as a throne room or guarded area.
TwoSix
Everyone's literal second-favorite poster
Magical runes detect movement by sufficiently large creatures, powering up the lights when they are present and powering them down after a short period of time.
CleverNickName
Limit Break Dancing (He/They)
What a great topic for a thread!
I try not to put any lit torches or lanterns in truly abandoned places because it's too distracting. One single torch can change the entire vibe of the adventure, change the whole course of the story. Like, imagine that you--the actual person here in the real world, the person looking at the screen right now--you are a teenager again, and you are exploring an abandoned building on the outskirts of your hometown:
That simple old lantern changes the entire experience. In an instant, the building is no longer abandoned, you and your friends are not alone, your evening just went from "fun little distraction" to "we are in mortal danger," and last night's news story about an escaped inmate from the state penitentiary just leapt to the front of your mind. It's just a lantern, but it is suddenly the most important and terrifying thing in this whole building. For years to come, you and your buddies will talk about that lantern in hushed voices.
If I need the place to be truly abandoned but also well-lit, I'll put a few "natural" light sources in there. Fire beetles are my favorites, but I've also used bioluminescent mushrooms, glowing slimes, and glow worms. But open flames, or items that have limited durations? Those aren't just light sources, they are clues and warning signs.
I try not to put any lit torches or lanterns in truly abandoned places because it's too distracting. One single torch can change the entire vibe of the adventure, change the whole course of the story. Like, imagine that you--the actual person here in the real world, the person looking at the screen right now--you are a teenager again, and you are exploring an abandoned building on the outskirts of your hometown:
You and a couple of friends are bored one evening and decide to check out the old schoolhouse. You ignore the "Warning: Condemned Building" sign on the front gate as you climb the fence, you pry the boards off of a back window with Jake's crowbar, and you crawl inside to find the floor littered with trash and mouse droppings. On an abandoned table you find a yellowed newspaper from 1955 and rusty Lone Ranger lunch box. It's eerie and exciting, your adrenaline is pumping--what other artifacts from the past will you find here? You explore a little further, and find a staircase heading down to the sub-basement. You descend below the old schoolhouse, and at the bottom of the steps you freeze: there's light down here. An old red lantern hangs from a twisted piece of exposed electrical wire above the old furnace.
That simple old lantern changes the entire experience. In an instant, the building is no longer abandoned, you and your friends are not alone, your evening just went from "fun little distraction" to "we are in mortal danger," and last night's news story about an escaped inmate from the state penitentiary just leapt to the front of your mind. It's just a lantern, but it is suddenly the most important and terrifying thing in this whole building. For years to come, you and your buddies will talk about that lantern in hushed voices.
If I need the place to be truly abandoned but also well-lit, I'll put a few "natural" light sources in there. Fire beetles are my favorites, but I've also used bioluminescent mushrooms, glowing slimes, and glow worms. But open flames, or items that have limited durations? Those aren't just light sources, they are clues and warning signs.
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