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How do you use torches and other lights in D&D? I've got a lot of questions about this, so the post is a bit long.
If I'm a human, I have no darkvision, not even low light vision.
Now my first question already is, how far can I see in low light conditions? Apparently, those with low loght vision can see twice as far as a human under these conditions, but that doesn't tell me how far a human can see.
Now, just imagine I can't avoid entering a pitch dark dungeon for some reason (I suppose dungeons are not normally lit, are they?) If I carry a torch/lamp, what do I do with it if I get in a fight and need both hands? (e.g. I want to dual wield, use a two handed weapon, or a shield)(I assume you can't use a shield and a lamp/torch at the same time)
If I drop a torch/lamp, does it go out? And what if I have to move out of its light radius to avoid a foe, can I pick it up again?
Also, can I dual wield a torch? I guess it would count as a non proficient weapon and do fire damage, yes? But how much damage would it do?
Could a lamp also be used in such a way?
There are also spells that create light, but if I'm no spellcaster, what do I do? I guess I can always ask a party member to cast 'light' or something like that on me, but I don't want to always bother them just for some light. I read in the PHB that there is a spell called 'Continual Flame', I was wondering if it would be affected by any dispelling spell.
Please help, I'm really lost and need enlightment.

If you have a certain problem, and you find no rules about it in the PHB, ask your DM to make up his own rules about it (the so-called "house rules").
Try to use common sense. For example, when you're standing in a low-lit room, how far can you see ?
Maybe you can ask your question at the Wizards of the Coast message boards (http://boards.wizards.com/rpg-bin/ultimatebb.cgi).
They will probably be able to help you out.

[ 01-02-2002: Message edited by: Nexus ]

Oh, well, iguess it isn't soo important anyway, just realized I won't be able to play anyway for some time yet. Have to wait for some friends to get back from holiday, completely forgot about that and thought we could start tomorrow. I'll just ask them then. Thanks anyway.

Hey Mysteria

It's been a while since I've played AD&D, but I remember that I usually ask the cleric to cast continual light on a dagger or something. It's a small weapon that you can sheathe, fight with and the spell is - if I remember correctly - only first level and lasts, well continually (always).

As for fighting with a torch, I think it very much depends what you're fighting. If it's small, then sure, but if it's a big ugly nasty one, then maybe not (to any effect anyway). Some creatures might be afraid of the light/fire, so that might even turn out to be an advantage, but remember, that a torch can easily break or get slapped out of your hand.

I personally prefer the dagger. It can be used it a lot of ways. For example, if the floor is wet, then the torch might go out, but the dagger wouldn't, so you can safely throw the dagger behind your enemies, on the floor or even create a deversion.
One thing that it can't though, is of course to make a fire.

-Sylvanerian

I had something like that in mind, but I'll first have to find someone to cast continual light for me, because I'm not going to be a spellcaster. Hopefully one of the others will.