Drow Crystal Lantern

In the Forbidden Depths of Isolabirre, the dark is so intense that not even the Drow Elvirim can see without a source of light. When the Drow need to venture into the Forbidden Depths, they carry with them lanterns made from the naturally luminescent purple crystals found in the chambers of Far Depths of Isolabirre. They also construct stationary lamps from the crystals that are used to light the Upper, Lower, and Deep Chambers.
The light produced by the lanterns and lamps is not bright, and it distorts colors, bathing everything in a ghastly purple hue - but that's how the Drow like it. For their eyes, bright, white light is painful and makes focusing and vision difficult. Drow eyes are perfectly adapted to the soft, purple glow from their crystal lanterns.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Drow crystal lanterns are very much like any other lantern, with the exception that the light source is a luminescent purple crystal taken from the Far Depths of Isolabirre. The light from the crystals never fades unless the crystal is shattered; even then, the broken pieces continue to glow, though with much less light.

Manufacturing process

The manufacturing process for a Drow crystal lantern depends on the material and design of the lantern, but the key step is inserting the luminescent crystal into the lantern.

Significance

Crystal lanterns and lamps are common household items in Isolabirre. They are used to illuminate streets and building interiors of the upper chambers of the city. However, they are not commonly manufactured, as Isolabirre has all of the lanterns and lamps that it needs. The governing Tygowriat of Isolabirre regulate the mining of the luminescent crystals and manufacture of the lamps and lanterns to prevent the supply of the crystals from being depleted. The light from the crystals never fades, and so few new lanterns or lamps are made. Occasionally, a lantern is dropped and its crystal is shattered, requiring a new lantern to be made, a few are traded, and some new ones are made for younger Drow, gifted to them at significant events, such as Trials of Ascension, promotions, and so on; otherwise, there is no need for new lamps and lanterns. As a consequence, many of the lamps and lanterns in use are ancient; when they were made long forgotten. They are handed down from generation to generation within Drow families and clans.

Drow Crystal Lantern by Peter Nelson (Zero Sum Games)

A Drow Crystal Lantern

Rarity

Drow crystal lanterns and lamps are ubiquitous in Isolabirre. They are uncommon outside of Isolabirre, but are not unknown. They are valuable trade items.

Weight

Varies, but typically about 1 lb. (0.5 kg)

Dimensions

Varies, but usually about 12" (30 cm) tall by about 8" (20 cm) in circumference

Raw materials & Components

The body of a Drow crystal lantern can be constructed of most any suitable material. The cost of a lantern is based on the material and quality of the body, the size of the luminescent crystal, and the purity and color of the light it produces. Cheap lanterns are made from sheet copper or tin. More expensive lanterns may be made from polished silver, gold, or finely crafted exotic wood imported from outside of Yfel.