Example Light Sources
Even though many dungeons are adequately lit, the cautious adventurer brings a torch or a sunrod when venturing into a cavern or an underground complex.
Common light sources are described in the Light Sources table. Assuming nothing blocks a creature's view, the creature can see most light sources from at least a quarter of a mile away, and it can see exceptionally bright sources from up to a mile away.
LIGHT SOURCES
| Source | Brightness | Radius | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonfire | Bright | 20 squares | 4 hours |
| Campfire | Bright | 10 squares | 8 hours |
| Candle | Dim | 2 squares | 1 hour |
| Fireplace | Bright | 5 squares | 8 hours per load of fuel |
| Forge | Bright | 2 squares | 8 hours per load of fuel |
| Lantern | Bright | 10 squares | 8 hours per pint of oil |
| Magma | Bright | 40 squares | Ongoing |
| Phosphorescent fungi | Dim | 10 squares | Ongoing |
| Sunrod | Bright | 20 squares | 4 hours |
| Torch | Bright | 5 squares | 1 hour |
Brightness: Most light sources provide an area of bright light around them.
Radius: A light source illuminates its space (or a creature's space if the creature is carrying the light source) and all squares within the stated radius. For example, if a character carries a torch, bright light illuminates his or her space and 5 squares in every direction.
Duration: Most light sources last only so long because they require a fuel source.
Published in Dungeon Master's Guide, page(s) 67, Rules Compendium, page(s) 167.