first session and a question (about light)

[doominicus]

Yesterday was my first session of cking C&C. It was a great success: we were playing at the rising knight and there were some very fun moments.
A question arose: how much time do oil for lantern and torch burn? I didn't find it anywhere and am I right saying I must houserule it?

[alcyone]

I don't think it says in the PHB. I'd go with the AD&D times of 1 hour for a torch and 4 hours with a lantern.

[Sir Ironside]

I don't think it says in the PHB. I'd go with the AD&D times of 1 hour for a torch and 4 hours with a lantern.

Sounds about right, but I'd be a little more flexible with lanterns. The grade, size and fuel source should determine the length of time. I'd put it in the 4 to 6 hour range. Don't get hung up on the details, just make a judgement, on the fly. When they go looking to buy a lantern, just quickly explain what lanterns they can buy and leave it up to the person to decide. (Obviously cost would reflect just how good or bad a lantern is.)

[alcyone]

I've never tracked time as accurately as I should. Light is usually one of the last things I remember, and by the time I do, it's almost certain that it's too late. So for me, when i remember that there are such things as light sources, I just remind them that they are dwindling, they change them out or get a Light spell going, and all is good.

[doominicus]

thanx for your answers. I'll go with an hour for the torch and 4 hours for the lantern. I love keeping track of time but I do it only in dungeons, when there are adventures in the city I don't bother so much with time: I let the character do 3-4 things in the morning, 3 or four in the evening and 2 in the night befour they go to bed.

[serleran]

This is what I tend to use, though I alter it whenever I feel like it. Most times, I ignore it completely, arbitrarily deciding "oh, you need to replace the torches" as I don't like Abacus and Counting in my RPGs. I prefer to freewheel.

Standard torch = 1 hour; illuminates 30 degree arc to 15 feet.

Superior torch = 4 hours; illuminates 60 degree arc to 20 feet.

Hand Lantern = 4 hours; illuminates 30 degree arc to 30 feet.

Medium Lantern = 8 hours; illuminates 60 degree arc to 45 feet.

Large Lantern = 12 hours; illuminates 60 degree arc to 60 feet.

Everfire Torch = Indefinite; illuminates 30 degree arc to 10 feet.

Continual Light = Indefinite; illuminates 30 degree arc to 20 feet.

[Arduin]

Standard torch = 1 hour; illuminates 30 degree arc to 15 feet.

Superior torch = 4 hours; illuminates 60 degree arc to 20 feet.

Why would a torch (a big stick with end wrapped in flammables) not radiate 360 degrees?

[serleran]

The person holding it blocks the light. And, you cannot normally see behind yourself.

The arc is linear, not spherical.

[Arduin]

The person holding it blocks the light. And, you cannot normally see behind yourself.

The arc is linear, not spherical.

You hold it above your head not, in front of yourself. Otherwise, you are blinded and can't see anything. Try it sometime in a real cave. I have.

[serleran]

Actually, it's normally held slightly above and to the side. Even so, you could still not see behind yourself, so it would not matter if the light is there or not.

But, its no matter, as I have already stated I ignore my own "rules." Realism is not what I want to emulate in fantasy. Maybe you do, and that's good for your game. But, our tables are in different places.

[Arduin]

as I have already stated I ignore my own "rules." Realism is not what I want to emulate in fantasy. Maybe you do, and that's good for your game. But, our tables are in different places.

??? I just asked why you came up with the limited arc.

[serleran]

Sorry, it may have been more caustic than intended. I'll hold off the acid. Both for dipping and doing.

[Sir Ironside]

Actually, it's normally held slightly above and to the side. Even so, you could still not see behind yourself, so it would not matter if the light is there or not.

It would matter if you turned your head to look around. (Straight vision and peripheral vision.)

Though I agree that I kind of wing it myself.

[Arduin]

Sorry, it may have been more caustic than intended. I'll hold off the acid. Both for dipping and doing.

No problemo.