Skip to main content

Candle

Candle

Category: Light Sources
Weight: — (negligible)
Cost: 1 CP
Light Properties: 5-ft bright, 5-ft dim, 1 hour

Description​

A candle is a simple light source consisting of a wick surrounded by wax or tallow. When lit, it provides a small but reliable flame that burns for approximately one hour. Candles are among the most basic and affordable light sources available to adventurers.

Light Properties​

Illumination Range:

  • 5-foot radius of bright light
  • Additional 5-foot radius of dim light
  • Total effective range of 10 feet
  • Burns for exactly 1 hour

Light Quality:

  • Steady, warm flame
  • Minimal flickering in still air
  • Easily extinguished by wind or water
  • Can be relit if not completely consumed

Tactical Applications​

Stealth and Reconnaissance:

  • Minimal light signature for covert operations
  • Easy to conceal or extinguish quickly
  • Silent operation unlike torches
  • Can be used to mark locations or create signals

Emergency Lighting:

  • Backup light source when other options fail
  • Long burn time for extended activities
  • Multiple candles can be lit for increased illumination
  • Reliable ignition source for other fires

Alternative Uses​

Practical Applications:

  • Wax can seal letters or containers
  • Dripping wax can mark trails or locations
  • Flame can be used to heat small objects
  • Light source for reading or detailed work

Utility Functions:

  • Time measurement (1 hour burn time)
  • Heat source for warming hands or small areas
  • Fire starter for larger fires
  • Component in various crafting activities

Environmental Considerations​

Weather Effects:

  • Easily extinguished by wind or rain
  • Requires protection in outdoor conditions
  • Cold temperatures may affect wax consistency
  • Hot weather can cause melting during storage

Indoor Use:

  • Ideal for enclosed spaces
  • Risk of fire if left unattended
  • Wax drippings can damage surfaces
  • Smoke production in poorly ventilated areas

Economic Benefits​

Cost Effectiveness:

  • Extremely affordable at 1 copper piece
  • Widely available in most settlements
  • Can be made from common materials
  • No special equipment required for use

Bulk Purchasing:

  • Often sold in bundles for additional savings
  • Easy to stockpile due to low cost and weight
  • Long shelf life when properly stored
  • Good backup option for expensive light sources

Storage and Maintenance​

Proper Storage:

  • Keep in cool, dry places to prevent melting
  • Protect from crushing or bending
  • Store away from heat sources
  • Wrap individually to prevent sticking together

Care Requirements:

  • Trim wick occasionally for optimal burning
  • Protect flame from drafts
  • Have snuffer or method to extinguish safely
  • Monitor burn time to prevent accidents

Creative Applications​

Signaling and Communication:

  • Multiple candles can create coded signals
  • Placement patterns can convey messages
  • Timing of lighting/extinguishing for communication
  • Visible markers for meeting points or safe areas

Atmospheric Effects:

  • Create mood lighting for social encounters
  • Provide ambiance for ceremonies or rituals
  • Enhance dramatic moments or storytelling
  • Contribute to immersive role-playing experiences

Safety Considerations​

Fire Hazards:

  • Never leave burning candles unattended
  • Keep away from flammable materials
  • Ensure stable placement to prevent tipping
  • Have extinguishing method readily available

Proper Extinguishing:

  • Blow out flame or use candle snuffer
  • Ensure wick is completely extinguished
  • Allow wax to cool before moving
  • Check for smoldering or remaining heat

Variants and Types​

Common Varieties:

  • Tallow Candles: Cheapest option, made from animal fat
  • Beeswax Candles: Higher quality, cleaner burning
  • Scented Candles: Infused with herbs or oils
  • Colored Candles: Dyed for specific purposes or aesthetics
  • Votive Candles: Small, short-burning candles for specific uses

Religious and Cultural Uses​

Ceremonial Applications:

  • Required for many religious rituals
  • Symbol of hope, remembrance, or prayer
  • Used in blessing ceremonies and consecrations
  • Traditional component in various cultural practices

Social Significance:

  • Romantic dinners and intimate settings
  • Memorial services and remembrance ceremonies
  • Celebration of holidays and special occasions
  • Mark important moments or transitions

Limitations and Drawbacks​

Physical Limitations:

  • Very limited light radius (5 feet bright)
  • Easily extinguished by environmental factors
  • Consumable item with finite burn time
  • Fragile and can break easily

Practical Constraints:

  • Requires ignition source to light
  • Produces smoke and may trigger allergies
  • Wax drippings can create mess
  • Not suitable for active combat situations

Comparison with Other Light Sources​

Advantages over Torches:

  • Much lighter and more portable
  • Quieter operation
  • Easier to conceal
  • More precise light control

Disadvantages vs. Magical Light:

  • Requires fuel and has limited duration
  • Can be extinguished by environmental factors
  • Produces heat and smoke
  • Much smaller illumination area