Darkness Spells and Non-Magical Light

[legomaster00156]

This spell causes an object to radiate darkness out to a 20-foot radius. This darkness causes the illumination level in the area to drop one step, from bright light to normal light, from normal light to dim light, or from dim light to darkness. This spell has no effect in an area that is already dark. Creatures with light vulnerability or sensitivity take no penalties in normal light. All creatures gain concealment (20% miss chance) in dim light. All creatures gain total concealment (50% miss chance) in darkness. Creatures with darkvision can see in an area of dim light or darkness without penalty. Nonmagical sources of light, such as torches and lanterns, do not increase the light level in an area of darkness. Magical light sources only increase the light level in an area if they are of a higher spell level than darkness.

So, in a room that is illuminated by torches or something, does the spell bring down the light one step but allow the light sources to function otherwise, or does it negate those sources and then bring down the step again? What if the light sources are outside of the spell radius, but their light is not? Can you see a lit torch/sunrod/etc. that is inside the area, or are they put out/somehow invisible? What about larger sources of light, like campfires, or even wildfires?

[Psyren]

So, in a room that is illuminated by torches or something, does the spell bring down the light one step but allow the light sources to function otherwise, or does it negate those sources and then bring down the step again?

It's the latter. Basically, if the light sources are nonmagical, you first get to ambient (i.e. negate nonmagical light sources completely), then you apply whatever the darkness magic is doing.

This FAQ explains the process, and points out that nonmagical light sources like sunrods and campfires do not count as "ambient."