Lighting
Whether exploring deep dark dungeons, or dowsing the lights during a raid with the local militia, light and vision come into play frequently. Lighting refers to the ambient light in an area, which can affect a creature's ability to hide from others (i.e. Stealth) and to see creatures and objects around them (and gain line of perception to opponents). Lighting is typically described in one of the following categories:
- Bright Light: Bright light signifies typical daylight conditions and the lighting immediately surrounding a bright source such as a torch or campfire. It is usually easy to see in bright light, so it imposes no penalties to vision or targeting. Some creatures native to underground environments are sensitive to Bright Light (or in the case of some Undead, Sunlight specifically), and suffer penalties when exposed to such conditions.
- Dim Light: Dim light is put off by dim light sources, such as a candle or sconce, the ambient light under a full moon, and the light put off at the outskirts of bright sources (i.e. these sources will shine bright light to a distance, then dim light to an equivalent distance beyond). Areas of dim lighting are considered to be Partial Concealing Terrain(Vision). Creatures with Low-Light or Darkvision (and similar visual capabilities) ignore the effects of the terrain. Dim lighting also grants a +4 bonus to Stealth checks (though it might be difficult for a creature with normal vision to see in order to move around).
- Darkness: Darkness signifies a complete lack of lighting or lighting so dim that no distinction can be made between objects, creatures, and their surroundings. Areas in complete darkness are considered to be Total Concealing Terrain(Vision). Creatures with Darkvision (and similar visual capabilities) ignore the effects of the terrain.
- Supernatural Darkness: Supernatural darkness is usually the result of magical or supernatural effects or exists on certain alternate planes (such as the Shadow Plane). Supernatural Darkness functions similarly to Darkness, except that creatures with Darkvision don't ignore the effects of the terrain. Creatures with Devilsight do not suffer penalties in Supernatural Darkness.
Light sources
In order to prevent impaired vision or effective blindness, most creatures carry a light source. The range at which they can see normally depends on the type of light source and the type of vision the creature has. The chart below describes some light sources, their radius, and the brightness of light they emit.
| Radius | Brightness | |
|---|---|---|
| Candle | 10 ft | Dim |
| Torch | 20 ft, 40 ft | Bright, Dim |
| Lantern | 25 ft, 50 ft | Bright, Dim |
| Campfire | 30 ft, 60 ft | Bright, Dim |
The radius describes the distance from the source that the object emits light. If a source emits bright light, it emits dim-light out to double the radius. Therefore, a creature with low-light vision using a bright light source can see normally to a distance twice as far as a creature with normal vision.
Seeing in the Dark
While most creatures can see equally well in bright light, their visual range is often limited by darkness. In dim light, a creature's vision is impaired unless they have low-light or dark-vision (or another supernatural form of sight). Creatures with impaired vision having trouble seeing their enemies, and therefore other creatures in the area have concealment against a creature with impaired vision. Creatures with low-light or darkvision are able to see normally in dim light.
In darkness, a creature is effectively Blind unless they have Darkvision (or another supernatural form of sight). Creatures in the area are invisible to a creature who is effectively blind. Creatures with Darkvision are able to see normally in darkness.