How long does a burning torch last if it has been dropped?
Does it make any difference that it has been dropped, does it go out in x rounds, or is the time left reduced by a factor of n?
Any input welcome
Thanks
I'd say it continues burning as normal, unless it's dropped in something (e.g. a puddle) that would prevent this. There is no difference, after all, in a torch being carried around, one in a sconce on the wall, or one lying on the ground.
I'd think under most circumstances the torch would keep burning until its fuel (the wood the torch is made of) was used up.
Certainly I would think that this is not the type of thing we would normally worry about in modern D&D rounds. They are only six seconds long after all. Now if it was to lie on its side for longer then say two minutes there might be a problem with the fire spreading along the length of the torch making it a real problem for characters to carry around.
If this burning torch is dropped in a sylvan forest and no creatures was there to see it, did it happen?
depends where you dropped it, plus how the DM feels....."What you dropped your torch in the Underdark while surrounded by drow? That baby when out quicker that food at a Jenny Craig meeting!"
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This is a good question and one I've wondered about too. I hate to nitpick and let "realism" destroy the fantasy of the game but there are times when realism must intrude. I don't like the idea that PCs just drop their lit torch to engage in combat and then blithely retrieve it when they're done. I grew up in the Adirondack mountains (we know cold!) and am also a bit of a pyromaniac so I let experience be my guide on this one. I disagree with those who say the torch is going to burn just the same whether it's being held, scounced, or discarded. My simple rule is, if the torch is dropped and left unattended for more than 5 rounds then it is not available for retrieval (you can't pick it back up without special consideration). The fire will spread along the length of the torch making it extremely difficult to pick up or carry. Other than that, I do allow the torch to burn for an equal amount of time regardless of position; although this isn't strictly accurate from a scientific point of view (sorry, Biology teacher here). The exception to this is the aforementioned abandoned torch. I assume it burns for half its normal time (or twice as fast if you prefer) when left prone. Technically this could lead to an out-of-control fire or a draw for wandering monsters,etc but those kinds of details have never really come up. The whole thing comes down to an attempt to discourage my players from dropping and retrieving torches in the same negligent manner that they might a sword or other inanimate object.