🔮 Random Magic Item Spotlight: The Jack-o’-Lantern of Endless Light 🔮

Behind the Die by Charlie Stayton

Every adventuring party has that one item that becomes more than just a tool—it becomes a tradition. For some it’s a trusty sword, for others a quirky trinket from a goblin’s hoard. But as autumn’s chill creeps in and shadows lengthen, one strange magical gourd finds its way into the hands of wandering heroes: The Jack-o’-Lantern of Endless Light.

Lore & Legend

No one quite agrees on who first carved this peculiar pumpkin. Some say it was the work of a hedge witch who sought to keep vengeful spirits at bay. Others whisper of a mischievous archfey who delighted in sending adventurers stumbling through haunted woods guided by nothing but its flickering grin.

Whatever its origin, the Jack-o’-Lantern never rots. Its eerie green-orange flame never burns out. Its toothy smile seems to shift ever so slightly when left unattended. Some call it a guardian. Others—a trickster.

Item Description

Wondrous Item, uncommon (requires attunement)

This hollowed gourd glows with an eerie, unquenchable flame. While attuned, you can use it in the following ways:

• Endless Light. The Jack-o’-Lantern sheds bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet. The flame can be dimmed to a soft glow or flared bright at will, but it can never be fully extinguished.

• Trick or Treat. Once per long rest, you can invoke the lantern to unleash either:

  • Treat: Friendly creatures within 10 feet regain 1d6 + your proficiency bonus hit points as the flame burns warmly.

  • Trick: Hostile creatures within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened until the end of their next turn, as the lantern’s face warps into a ghastly sneer.

• Festive Mischief. The lantern has a sense of humor. On nights of the new moon, roll a d20 at dawn. On a 1, the Jack-o’-Lantern plays a prank on you—your rations taste like pumpkin spice for the day, your hair glows faintly orange, or your boots leave muddy gourd-shaped tracks. Harmless, but embarrassing.

Using It in Your Game

The Jack-o’-Lantern of Endless Light is perfect for a Halloween one-shot, but it can also become a party mascot in a longer campaign. Maybe it draws the attention of curious fey, or perhaps dark spirits hunt for whoever dares carry its grin.

Drop it into a haunted house crawl, or reward your players with it after fending off pumpkin-headed scarecrows. And remember—half the fun is watching your players argue whether the lantern is a blessing… or a curse.

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🎃 Final Thought:
The Jack-o’-Lantern of Endless Light is a reminder that magic items don’t always need to be serious. Sometimes they should make your players laugh, raise an eyebrow, or nervously glance at their inventory when it smiles back at them.

So this October, light the lantern, embrace the eerie, and let the tricks and treats begin.