Concrete distances would be a good thing, despite the humor gained by the Microsoft references
Per the
SRD on Light Lowlight effectively doubles the distances given for both Bright and Shadowy Illumination. So an Elf with a candle has 10' of shadowy illumination...
Candles are pretty pointless aren't they?
IMHO there needs to be a finer gradient to the whole light/darkness deal.
I would rule that starlight is treated as shadowy illumination for those with Low Light vision, allowing vision up to the normal ranges based on terrain. Normal vision folks would mechanically be treated as if in full Darkness, but the description would include vague movements and outlines.
I would rule that Moonlight is treated as shadowy illumination for those with normal vision, allowing low light vision to treat is as daylight.
I would also increase the candles stats of 5' of bright and 5' of shadowy. Otherwise there the only point in carrying a cande is to display yourself.
Honestly the candles effect should also be based on the thickness of the darkness.. the darker it is, the more the candle works. I have been caving in absolute pitch black before, and to test whether we could if need be, we navigated back out with the light from a digital watch.. its amazing how much light that little LED provides when there is nothing else around.
Wandering off track, into Poster C territory...
Perhaps a finer gradient would look like:
Blinding Light, those without eye protection are blinded {magical only}
Bright Daylight, darkness effects are hindered, range decreases by 1/4 of normal.
Daylight, as RAW areas of light
Evening/Overcast, Gloom, provides +2 circumstance bonus to hide checks and is treated as Shadows for special abilities
Twilight/bright Starlight, provides 'shadowy illumination' or Gloom for those with Low-Light
NightBlack, Lowlight vision has shadowy illumination to 60'
Deep Black, as RAW areas of darkness
Pitch Black, illumination sources cast light 1/4 farther than normal.
Eldtrich Darkness, Light sources are hindered, range decreased by 1/4 normal {magical only}
Light/Dark spells could be altered so that they move the areas light up or down a stage or two.. or emulate torches/etc.
Anyway...
