Spend Your Loot on an Everburning Torch

Adventuring is a dark experience, Sneaking around at night, delving into caves and sprawling dungeon complexes, and keeping watch at night while your companions sleep. Light can be one of the most underestimated resources on the tabletop.  the first equipment table had light sources on it as a forewarning of one of the fundamental dangers of dungeoneering. 

This level one Evocation Item has exactly what you need to deal with the unavoidable tribulations of adventuring. For only 15 GP,  your party can have access to an absolutely dependable light source. A magic source of light that doesn't burn and can not be quenched. The Everburning Torch may be the best use of 15 Gold in Pathfinder.

Everburning Torch    Item 1

 

WHITE

EVOCATION

LIGHT

MAGIC

 

Price 15 gp

Usage held in 1 hand; Bulk L

An everburning torch is one of the most common applications of permanent magic. This torch sheds light constantly, requiring no oxygen and generating no heat. The flame can be covered or hidden, but can't be smothered or quenched.

Source Core Rulebook pg. 573 4.0

Utility

The Everburning Torch glows but does not burn. This speaks to its advantages. The Everburning Torch is always on; no additional actions need to be used to light it. This torch functions even when it's wet, even underwater. 

Complications

The Everburning Torch's light can not be put out, only blocked. A sack to cover the torch is essential to include when you buy the Everburning Torch; Perhaps more deluxe versions would come with a twist on torch cap.

Darkvision

"But I have Darkvision," you say, "Shut up, just Shut up" 

Darkvision loses important detail by not using light. Darkvision is black and white; relying on Darkvision will cause you to miss subtle color details. 

Availability

Everburning torches are common magic items crafted by an Expert. settlements with access to magic items would have the torches for sale. Cultures with an abundance of magic items would be able to outfit their watch with everburning torches.

Rarity

Rules as written, describe the Everburning Torch as a common item; this mechanically means the game is balanced for their inclusion. Common magic items would still only exist where there are evokers who can make them. While adventurers would take Everburning Torches on expeditions, the presence of these light sources are a clue that adventurers had passed this way.