Difference between revisions of "Lantern of shadows"

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{{flavour|An unholy device which calls forth flickering shadows to assist its wielder. It shrouds the wielder in unnatural darkness, making them unstealthy and significantly reducing the power of their spells.}}
 
{{flavour|An unholy device which calls forth flickering shadows to assist its wielder. It shrouds the wielder in unnatural darkness, making them unstealthy and significantly reducing the power of their spells.}}
  
== Operation ==
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The '''lantern of shadows''' is a "[[weapon]]" which reduces your [[line of sight]], but with a number of penalties.
Unlike most of the miscellaneous items, the '''lantern of shadows''' is not evoked; it is activated whenever it is wielded as a "weapon". When wielded, this sinister device will dim the natural light of the dungeon around the user, erasing all colours and reducing his or her [[line of sight]] (and the monsters' as well) by 2 tiles. This gives you 6 tiles from the usual 8 tiles. This stacks with other sources of LOS reductions (like Nightstalker mutation or the [[Darkness]] spell).
 
  
In addition, neutral [[shadow]]s will begin to spawn from the lantern, and be attracted to flutter around it like moths until they expire. The [[good gods]] take this as Necromancy. [[Okawaru]] does not like it when they are destroyed. The shadows will remain (and stay friendly) for a while after the Lantern is unwielded. The shadows follow you around levels, making this item ideal for exploring new stairs.
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==Useful Info==
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When [[wield]]ed in the weapon slot, the lantern of shadows does the following:
  
The lantern also works as a double negative spell enhancer ("extremely numb sensation" if unenhanced). That is to say, it would cancel the effects of ''two'' rings of fire if you tried to cast a fire spell while wielding it. (Obviously, you can't combine it with a staff!)
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*Reduces your LOS by 2 tiles (from 8 to 6). This stacks with other source of LOS reduction.
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*Creates neutral [[shadow]]s, who are attracted to the lantern and will flutter around it. The shadows will remain (and stay friendly) for a while after the lantern is unwielded. The shadows follow you around levels.
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*Greatly reduces your [[spell power]]. It acts as a two negative [[spell enhancer]]s, i.e. it is equal to losing 2 sources of [[Archmagi]].
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*[[Stealth]] score is reduced to 0.
  
[[Stealth]] is set to 0 (extremely unstealthy) if you're wielding a Lantern of Shadows. While in use your MP are drained with every shadow appearing until you run dry.
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While wielding the lantern, [[MP]] is drained over time, as shadows are produced.
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The lantern is not a proper weapon; attacking in melee causes you to "clumsily bash", as if you tried to melee with a [[scroll]], [[ranged weapon]], etc.
  
 
==Strategy==
 
==Strategy==
This item is finnicky, to say the least. In exchange for reduced LOS and friendly shadows constantly surrounding you, you will have impeded melee combat, impeded spellcasting, and no ability to sneak up on monsters. Mostly these lanterns can be useful for escape: the reduced LOS will help you leave monsters behind (remember, they can't see you if they're beyond your LOS), while the shadows can help cover your retreat. Don't expect the shadows to kill much - they're outclassed by the later levels of Lair.
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This item is most useful for escapes. Monsters cannot attack when outside ''your'' LOS, so the LOS reduction is helpful when covering your retreat. However, it is finnicky, to say the least. With no weapon, no stealth, and reduced spell power, it weakens your combat. It's a niche swapout, at best.
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The shadows can be strong for the early Dungeon, but they are outclassed by late [[Lair]].
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
The lantern of shadows was removed in [[0.18]].
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*The lantern of shadows was removed in [[0.18]].
 
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*Prior to [[0.16]], lantern of shadows didn't drain MP while in use, and didn't cease to function once its wielder runs dry.  
Prior to [[0.16]], lantern of shadows didn't drain MP while in use, and didn't cease to function once its wielder runs dry.  
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*Prior to [[0.13]], the spawn rate of shadows did not scale with [[Evocations]]. Also, summoned shadows were friendly instead of neutral.
 
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*Prior [[0.9]], an unidentified lantern of shadows always appeared as a '''bone lantern'''.
[[0.13]] makes the spawn rate of [[shadow]]s scale with [[Evocations]] skill. Also, summoned shadows will be neutral instead of friendly.
 
 
 
Prior [[0.9]], an unidentified lantern of shadows always appeared as a '''bone lantern'''.
 

Revision as of 22:10, 5 October 2023

Obsolete: This article refers to an aspect of the game which has been removed. It is retained for historical reference only.
Type Miscellaneous item
Name lantern of shadows
Icon Lantern of shadows.png
An unholy device which calls forth flickering shadows to assist its wielder. It shrouds the wielder in unnatural darkness, making them unstealthy and significantly reducing the power of their spells.

The lantern of shadows is a "weapon" which reduces your line of sight, but with a number of penalties.

Useful Info

When wielded in the weapon slot, the lantern of shadows does the following:

  • Reduces your LOS by 2 tiles (from 8 to 6). This stacks with other source of LOS reduction.
  • Creates neutral shadows, who are attracted to the lantern and will flutter around it. The shadows will remain (and stay friendly) for a while after the lantern is unwielded. The shadows follow you around levels.
  • Greatly reduces your spell power. It acts as a two negative spell enhancers, i.e. it is equal to losing 2 sources of Archmagi.
  • Stealth score is reduced to 0.

While wielding the lantern, MP is drained over time, as shadows are produced.

The lantern is not a proper weapon; attacking in melee causes you to "clumsily bash", as if you tried to melee with a scroll, ranged weapon, etc.

Strategy

This item is most useful for escapes. Monsters cannot attack when outside your LOS, so the LOS reduction is helpful when covering your retreat. However, it is finnicky, to say the least. With no weapon, no stealth, and reduced spell power, it weakens your combat. It's a niche swapout, at best.

The shadows can be strong for the early Dungeon, but they are outclassed by late Lair.

History

  • The lantern of shadows was removed in 0.18.
  • Prior to 0.16, lantern of shadows didn't drain MP while in use, and didn't cease to function once its wielder runs dry.
  • Prior to 0.13, the spawn rate of shadows did not scale with Evocations. Also, summoned shadows were friendly instead of neutral.
  • Prior 0.9, an unidentified lantern of shadows always appeared as a bone lantern.