Lantern
Lanterns are one of the most used, nonmagical, portable light sources on several areas of Melyria. Among more wealthy or places where magic is more available magical lighting systems are placed, but lanterns in their simplicity are for many just as effective and much more affordable options.
Mechanics & Inner Workings
Lanterns can be made in several materials, including metals, wood and glass. Some lanterns use oil, others use candles to offer light around them. The common design on lanterns is that they cover the flame so it cannot be blown out by small breeze and it is safe from occasional drop water. This kind of enclosing the flame makes them safer than some other typed of lamps available.
The most common types of lanterns available are Bullseye- and hooded lanterns. Hooded lantern is more simple of the two, with open or glass-covered sides that let the light spread evenly, where bullseye lanterns are built so, that all light is visible on only one side of a lamp.
Significance
Lanterns emit light, which is, for most creatures, important for their eyesight. Even those with capabilities seeing in the dark would admit, that presence of some light is preferable to darkness, as things like colours are only observable in it. this makes any type of light source particularly valued commodity.
Culturally, many communities have used the motive of lanterns as symbols of hope, guidance and comfort. Some cultures also use lanterns in ceremonies to dead, to guide the spirits of the dead to the afterlife.
Metal, oil lanterns: 5 to 10 gp
Mark of secrets
Among the Vilen and Freyn people, lanterns with decore dispaying aa single eye are used to indicate secret entrances, hideouts, messages and passages for those that look for hidden knowledge. This association comes from Deneir, the god on knowledge, and his mark that displays candle and an eye.
Eye-lanterns and pictures of them are usually used by clerky of Deneir, scholars and and those keen to the occult.
I really love the idea of lanterns being used as a secret symbol. That makes so much sense and there's so many different ways it can be used. Is coloured glass or something sometimes used to change the colour of the lamplight?