Question about lightning system in caves

[Delbareth]

Hello everybody!

   David, could you summarize (here or on a Khoras page) the different way to have light in caves. If you remember I'm specially interrested in Uthran and the dwarves, but I can't really see how people (dwarves, but also uthranian humans)  lives underground. The main question deals with the general luminosity of the caves and underground cities. Are the street completely dark (if nobody's present with torches) or are they enlighted. And if they are, how? With torches? With a natural lightning system? With a magical device?  I have a problem with torches because it don't last a lot of time. Do they use oil to extand it?

I found few things about that in the website :
in dwarven description : "...in huge caverns that are lighted through magical means." Could you give some examples of usual "magical means"
in flora section : light moss which glows in the darkness

I will have other questions about undergound way of life, but that's all for the moment.

[avisarr]

Light Moss - Naturally occuring lightmoss is cultivated and positioned to help illuminate subterranean chambers.

Glowstones - Simple glow stones that are charged on the surface and then glow for days beneath the surface. Glowstones are cycled so "charged" glowstones are constantly being brought down to the chambers below.

Torches - Variety of torches. Some use oil soaked rags. Others use elaborate fuels, like the torchfish. Some are small and you carry them. Others are larger and fixed into the architecture.

Fire Fountains - In some areas, the dwarves use fire fountains. These are elaborate stone and iron crafted fountains that use oil to feed a continual flame. Fire fountains usually have a large sealed reservoir which is refilled every few days. Fire fountains are fixed and usually incorporated into the architecture. They are usually found in the center or corners of large and important chambers. A more rare version of the fire fountain takes advantage of natural gas pockets.

Magical Lighting - The dwarven spellcasters have a variety of spells for lighting. Temporary spells of illumination and permanent light generating magic items.

The dwarves have to take special care with burning fuels in small areas. Toxic gases can build up and those light sources which burn fuel have to be used in areas where ventilation is carefully controlled.

[Delbareth]

Thank you David for this summary. And I didn't think about the problems of toxic gases. I keep that in mind for my players 
But, you skip the question about general luminosity of caves and underground cities . Do dwarves like to live in semi-darkness? Are humans quarters more enlightened than dwarven ones?

[avisarr]

It's important to note it's always absolutely dark underground without a light source. There are some natural light sources underground in Khoras - some biological (certain animals and plants emit light) and some are geological - glow stones, certain crystals, etc. But these are generally rare. Most natural caves are absolutely black. The dwarves have to bring in light - magical or otherwise.

Dwarves are better able to see in the dark than humans, so they are accustomed to working and living in conditions that are dimly lit by human standards. Most dwarven cities, streets and chambers are only dimly lit routinely. The dwarves only increase lighting conditions when they need it (certain dwarven rituals are conducted in light, other rituals are conducted in darkness). Also, sometimes the dwarves may need to bring in more light for surface dwelling guests.

Dwarves on Khoras have thermal vision and can work underground in absolute darkness just by seeing minor temperature variations (which allows them to see surfaces, tools, other creatures, etc). However, thermal vision does not let you see color and it's not as detailed as normal vision. Therefore, the dwarves normally keep their living and working areas lit, at least dimly, so that they don't have to rely on thermal vision. For one thing, they can't fully appreciate their jewelry, gems and fine metal craft in total darkness! Also, there is a subtle cultural aversion to absolute darkness. The dwarves consider operating in total darkness to be "rude" or "uncivilized". Conquering the dark with light is a subtle metaphor for dwarven ingenuity and pride. Scurrying about in absolute darkness in for animals. However, dwarves will use absolute darkness if there is an obvious benefit or need - sneaking up on an enemy that needs light, conducting work in an area where it's not possible or practical to bring a light source... etc.

[Delbareth]

Wonderful! It's exactly what I asked for.
Thanks a lot David!