Lantern Jack

The lantern jack is a magical plant, similar to a gourd, that serves its grower. It is not found in the wild. It is sentient and lives for only a few days, something that it is not pleased to discover. Indeed it is very likely to attempt to kill its creator unless entirely persuaded that he or she is sparing no effort and no expense in trying to prolong its life. Creation of the entity requires the Craft Wondrous Item feat, Knowledge (nature), the Awaken spell, a pumpkin, and 4,500 gp. Curiously enough the lantern jack was developed in Darkon with the assistence of Professor Abelhous Nicholsi at the University of Il Aluk. Although a renowned botanist and biologist generally, he had no aptitude for magic.

John W. Mangrum's Latern Jack Lore

Characters with ranks in Knowledge (arcana) or Knowledge (nature) can learn more about lantern jacks. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.

DC Result

• 10 This jack-o’-lantern-headed walking plant is a lantern jack. They sprout from magic pumpkins called lantern jack seeds. This result reveals all plant traits. They can only use simple gestures to communicate, but they understand the language of whoever sprouted them.

• 15 Lantern jacks are generally useful for menial labor. They can fight with weapons if so commanded, but are ungainly at it. If using Knowledge (nature), the character also knows the specifics of the rite to create a lantern jack seed.

• 20 Although lantern jack seeds last indefinitely, a sprouted lantern jack only lives for a week before it withers. A lantern jack must plant roots and rest for three hours a night.

• 25 On occasion, a lantern jack may develop free will and the desire to extend its brief life — at any cost.

Data from the Ravenloft Catalogue

		Van Richten's Arsenal
		Van Richten's Arsenal - p48
		Van Richten's Arsenal - p46