Candle of the Surreptitious Scholar
Candle of the Surreptitious Scholar is a magic item (wondrous item) of uncommon rarity.
Initially crafted by wizard apprentices trying not to irritate their roommates, these candles became extremely popular with the thieves and other ne'er do wells that can afford them (helping some less scrupulous novice mages to afford tuition). The candle has 3 charges and regains 1d3 charges each dawn.
When you speak the command word and use an action to expend 1 charge, the candle’s flame to spring to life. Its bluish flame provides clear illumination within 5 feet and _dim light_ for another 5 feet. The enchantment of the candle is such that the light that it sheds is visible only to you, allowing you to read, write, or engage in other tasks with no penalties from darkness. Each charge is good for 1 hour of illumination, after which the candle winks out.
By expending all 3 charges at once, you can create an effect identical to _light_ except that only you are able to see the light it sheds.
If you expend the last charge, roll a d20\. On a result of 5 or less, the candle loses its magic and becomes a mundane item.
Mechanics
- type:
- Wondrous Item
- rarity:
- Uncommon
- requires attunement:
- false
Related entries
matched by shared tags
item2 shared
Accursed Idol

item2 shared
Aerodite the Autumn Queen’s True Name
item2 shared
Air Charm

item2 shared
Air Seed
item2 shared
Alchemical Lantern
item2 shared
Amber Wings
6 same-category · 0 cross-category
Sources
- Level Up Advanced 5e·OGL-1.0a·© Level Up Advanced 5e. OGL-1.0a. Via Open5e (open5e.com).
Last updated 6/19/2026·Tags: item, wondrous item, uncommon