Spectral Lantern of Lost Whispers
Wondrous Item (Lantern), rare (requires attunement)
This lantern is crafted from translucent glass that seems to shimmer with an ethereal glow. Its handle is intricately carved with swirling motifs of spectral figures and ancient runes that pulse softly with a pale light. When lit, it emits a soft, flickering flame that reveals shadows and highlights the unseen around it.
While attuned to the lantern, the wielder gains the ability to illuminate a 30-foot radius of dim light and a 15-foot radius of bright light. However, the true power of the lantern lies within its whispers. When activated, the lantern allows the user to commune with the residual echoes of the past, granting advantage on History checks to uncover lost secrets or information on locations visited by spirits.
Once per long rest, the bearer can choose to cast Speak with Dead without using a spell slot. The lantern communes with the echoes of souls near their resting place, allowing the user to ask up to five questions of a deceased creature. The answers may be cryptic, but the whispers that flow from the lantern guide the user in decoding them.
Additionally, the lantern has a unique feature called the “Echoing Reversal.” If the user is targeted by a charm or fear effect, they can use their reaction to extinguish the lantern, causing a burst of ethereal energy to lash out. The creature that attempted the charm or fear effect must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15) or be frightened for one minute, and the user gains temporary hit points equal to the total number of whispers heard during the effect. The lantern can also be extinguished to silence any ambient sounds within a 20-foot radius for 1 minute, potentially allowing for stealthy maneuvers.
The lantern thrives on whispered secrets, making it essential for those adventurous enough to explore dark tombs, haunted locales, or the intrigues of forgotten history. However, its spectral light can sometimes draw the attention of restless spirits, who may manifest to offer guidance or seek something long lost. It is best wielded by those who are brave enough to navigate the delicate balance between the living and the dead.
