Beacons

Nate's been tossing around the idea of "beacons," and I'm sure he'll correct/edit this post if I get the summary wrong:

Beacons would be points on the map (maybe 2-3 on large maps?) where little shriney-looking ancient stone lanterns are. You "light" them with magic or potions or... I dunno, regular fire like a normal boring person. Once lit, they not only provide light to a large area (super convenient in dark dungeons) but probably also do something fun like give out healing energy or buff your fire spells or daze enemies. Hence the different colors.

He also brought up the idea that they can be used as "locks," where you have to light a certain color beacon that opens a corresponding door or breaks a corresponding curse or MacGuffins a corresponding MacGuffin.