Torch rings — 12″ metal rings that are typically used for crafting — let you easily track light source illumination at your real-world ShadowDark table.
The idea is simple. You buy a ring to represent the amount of illumination cast by your light source of choice. At our table, we interpreted “sheds light to ‘Near’ distance” to be the distance from the torch to shadow’s edge, so 30′ radius and 60′ diameter (this equates to a 12″ metal ring). If you take a less liberal interpretation, and assume “near” distance is a diameter centered on the torch, then the radius would be 15′ and the diameter would be 30′ (this equals a 6″ ring).
To use the torch ring:
- Draw the entrance to your dungeon.
- Place the characters on the battle map.
- Place a token to represent the light source.
- Center the ring over the light source token, then place it on the map.
- Draw what the PCs can see, out to the edge of the ring (and maybe a little beyond, to reflect things glimpsed in flickering light).
- As the players move, adjust the torch ring, keeping it centered on the light token. Draw any newly revealed terrain, corridors, rooms, etc.
If the players light a second torch, add a second light token and center a second ring on that token. For light sources that shine further (say lanterns, which illuminate to double near) get bigger rings. For our game, that’d be a 24″ ring, which is a little unwieldy, but should work just fine.
Resources
- 24″ Metal Rings (Amazon)
- 12″ Metal Rings (Amazon)
- 6″ Metal Rings (Amazon)
Watch to the Episode
Watch “Torch Light Rings for ShadowDark” on YouTube.
Featured Image Meta
An example of the torch ring in action.