A well-made lantern burns longer and brighter than a torch, its flame protected by glass and metal. A hooded lantern casts bright light out to 30 feet and dim light for another 30, burning roughly 6 hours on one flask of oil. An open bullseye lantern focuses that light into a 60-foot cone, ideal for exploring or signaling across dark spaces.
Lanterns are steadier in wind and rain but heavier to carry and slower to ready. Oil can spill, glass can crack, and the telltale glow can betray a party's position long before their footsteps are heard. A wise DN uses lantern light as both comfort and liability - a beacon in the dark that can guide or give away.