Lantern of shadows
| Type | Miscellaneous item |
|---|---|
| Name | lantern of shadows |
| Icon | 
|
| An unholy device which calls on the powers of darkness to assist its user, with a small cost attached. |
Operation
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 or the Darkness spell).
In addition, friendly shadows 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.
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!)
Stealth is set to 0 (extremely unstealthy) if you're wielding a Lantern of Shadows.
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.
History
0.13 makes the spawn rate of shadows 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.
