So, after fiddling around with wax and vegetable shortening(If you want pictures of the E.M candle, I can post them) this afternoon, I thought of something that is probably neglected in writing. Lights.

So what sort of lighting does your races/countries use? Candles, lanterns?

Ooh, good question!

In my world, until electricity becomes widely available (a little less than halfway through my Outline of History), candles and lanterns are the most common. But most mages use metaphysical workings to create light for their families, since even though that's somewhat more expensive and inefficient than the available alternatives, its far less troublesome than messing with candles and such, and produces a better light.

Oh, and natural light: buildings are often designed to maximize their exposure to sunlight, moonlight, and starlight.

In my world people believe that there is a reason for the sun to rise and set when I does. So they wake with the sun and sleep with the moon. (in winter they may all sit around the fire for a while though.)

My stories (both fantasy and historical) have typically used torches, lanterns, and candles.

~Calen

This is definitely an element that we as writers can capitalize on. My favorite world building element from The Narn The Children of Hurin, by Tolkien was a certain kind of lantern the elves used. The lanterns' one appearance in the tale made a profound impact on me and help keep the story a favorite.