It was decided quite early on in concept that I would focus on lighting for the group, So I experimented with different torch designs and lighting options in blender.
I tested out how the torch holder would look in the dungeon first looking at using a base plate or having it straight onto the wall and decided to opt out with the base plate after communicating with the group
Using the offset value to delay the beginning of the torch and keyframing light points power I was able to have the torches light up as the party approaches them mimicking the dnd spell prestidigitation. To reduce stress on peoples files the animations will only run for 200 frames from their start points which should be enough for all shots, however if it needs tweaked I created a guide on how to set up the flames here!
and a guide on how to get the flames going in the file if its disconnected due to file sharing (the process is very similar to linking up textures)
Using light points I can cast shadows by putting them behind my flame mesh for the far shadows on the wall and then in front for the shadows on the close wall to create more dynamic lighting.
along with the torches I also set up the ambient lighting in the dungeon trying to match the orange blue tones created in the concept reducing the ambient lighting to almost 0 and adding replacing it with a blue ish tint sun to mimic light refracting in the dungeon and then a plane light and spotlights to create the more open lighting before the party enter the dungeon, I also use a lot of low powered spot lights to mimic how light refracts and create more interesting lighting.
Original environment concepts (Sketches with pink background were created by Chloe)
Testing Adding Torch Flicker
Using Noise and a step limit I created a flicker for the torch in a separate file
I liked the idea of this but after attempting to implement it I thought it was too much and removed it from the file
Quick test within the file, I felt the flashing was too much and slightly headache inducing, however I do plan on using this technique again but in a full fire loop which isnt the purpose of the animation
Torch Render