<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/99/de/80/99de80dd4fb18a5a2b5229f5fe73ae72.jpg)</div><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Sarana and the Silver Lantern</strong></span><br/><br/>Mayor Uptal observed as Ria attempted to calm the crowd.  Though she was a capable public speaker, the crowd had been slighted, and mollifying them would take more than a few sentences.  Fortunately, Mayor Uptal knew how to sway his people.  He raised his hands, shouted for attention, and then said:<br/><br/>"The people of Kassen have spoken, and your mayor has harkened you," he said.   "Sarana, the people of Kassen have chosen you to be their light-bringer."  This led to an immediate change in the crowd's temper for the better.<br/><br/>From the back of a mule cart, he removed a haversack and handed it to Serana.  Then, on top of the haversack, he placed the silver lantern.   "May the light guide you through the darkness, Serana, and lead you back home."<br/><br/>Everyone else received a haversack, which contained 5 days' worth of rations, a small tent, a winter blanket, a full waterskin, and a trail map.  Additionally, Ria received 50 ft. of hempen rope, Iona received a grappling hook, Bellantha received a potion of cure light wounds, Jilly received a small box containing tinder and three tindertwigs with three torches, and Claire received a small bottle of local brandy.<br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_u"><strong>The Map</strong></span><br/><br/>(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/54/f0/42/54f0428df799fe578b779d7e97dbd031.png)</div><br/>After the haversacks have been distributed, the mayor once again speaks to the townsfolk.<br/><br/>“I present to you the brave heroes who will follow in Kassen’s footsteps to retrieve the Everflame! Some of them may not return, but I say to you that their sacrifice shall not be forgotten. Go, brave heroes, and do not return until you have the eternal fire.” With that, the mayor points to the south, the direction of Kassen’s tomb. The townsfolk begin waving goodbye, their feelings now simmered and turned to grim solemnity.<br/><br/><strong>What's Next:</strong><br/>We will be venturing south from Kassen on a two-day trip to the Serpent Hills.  Before you go, make sure you have everything that you will need.  Although you're expected to go directly forth from the ceremony to the crypt, you can purchase other equipment or pool funds to acquire stuff.<br/><br/><strong>Awards:</strong><br/>-- Serana now has a +3 to diplomacy checks with those loyal to Kassen;<br/>-- Ballantha now has a +2 to diplomacy checks with those loyal to Kassen;<br/>-- Ria now has a +1 to diplomacy checks with those loyal to Kassen;<br/>-- Jilly receives nothing;<br/>-- Iona now receives a -1 to diplomacy checks with those loyal to Kassen; and,<br/>-- Claire now receives a -3 to diplomacy checks with those loyal to Kassen.