Echoing Lantern of Lost Dreams
Wondrous Item (Lantern), rare (requires attunement)
This delicate, silver lantern is adorned with intricate motifs of swirling clouds and ethereal wisps, casting a soft, otherworldly glow. The glass panes are etched with enigmatic symbols that shimmer faintly in the darkness. When lit, the lantern emits a gentle light that dances, flickering like the remnants of forgotten dreams.
While attuned to this item, you gain the following benefits:
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Guiding Light: The lantern can be lit or extinguished as a bonus action. While lit, it sheds bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. Creatures within the bright light cannot be surprised, and you have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
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Echoes of the Past: As an action, you can activate the lantern to project ephemeral images of creatures from your dreams or past experiences. Choose one creature you are familiar with (an ally or even an enemy). The lantern creates a spectral, illusory duplicate of that creature, which lasts for 1 minute and can be commanded on your turn. The duplicate cannot attack or cast spells but can provide disadvantage on attacks against you or grant advantage to your allies on their attack rolls against the target creature.
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Phantom Stroll: Once per long rest, you can use the lantern to telepathically connect with the dreams of a sleeping creature you can see. You can attempt to influence their dream and send a message of up to 25 words. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw against your spell save DC or be influenced by the suggestion conveyed in the dream. The effects wear off once they awaken.
However, the lantern comes with a risk. Each time you use its Echoes of the Past feature, roll a d20. On a roll of 1, the lantern's light flickers ominously, and you must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute as haunting images flow through your mind, temporarily blinding you. You can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of your turns, ending the effect on yourself on a success.
When not in use, the lantern dims but never extinguishes completely, revealing a faint whispering sound that may occasionally be interpreted as echoes of laughter, lament, or distant conversations—an ever-present reminder of the dreams that once were and those yet to come.
