Basic Information
Although torch is the UK name for a flashlight this entry is about its much more primitive ancestor - also known as a brand or firebrand.
This is probably the most primal source of portfire and lighting available and consists of a piece of wood (or occasionally a bundle of twigs, grasses or similar material) with one end set on fire. This can be achieved simply by leaving a stick in a fire, but more advanced versions often dip one end in flammable liquid to make them easier to light.
Being fairly primitive, the torch is (normally) one step better than no light source at all - it's vulnerable to most forms of adverse weather, generates relatively little light and plenty of smoke and has a nasty tendency to set things on fire if not closely supervised. Against that it's cheap, really easy to make and can be used to set things on fire. If you're faced with creatures that fear fire - or can only be damaged by it - then a flame on a stick may be just what you need. The flaming torch is a standard weapon for peasants taking part in an angry mob.
Torches are pretty much the default form of lighting for any setting based on medieval Europe (and frequently many that aren't) and are often the standard lighting in a dungeon (assuming that lighting is installed and isn't something supernatural or otherwise wierd). For higher end applications - or Meditteranean settings - candles and oil lamps are more likely.
