Shrewd eyes studied the men and women that entered the room, each as interesting as the last; the next to arrive after Sampson was a nubile redhead, her shapely figure barely covered by an uncomfortable-looking chain bikini, her very gaze seeming to fortify Sampson's heart. The next to arrive was an ebony-haired woman, her drab attire doing little to hide her inhuman beauty as an ash-gray cat rested in a pouch on her hip. After that was a maiden, her ultramarine hair framing a face of innocence and purity. Following her was a man strong of body and outfitted with a wide assortment of weapons,<em><strong>a man after my own heart</strong></em>, the Mercenary thought with a grin. The next to follow was a wild-looking sort, the kind of man you'd want watching your back in the thick of things, as much fun off the battlefield as he'll be on.<br/><br/>The next to arrive was a tad... Different, but curious nonetheless. Although she bore the same fiery hair as the rural-looking lass, that's where the similarities ended. She was a girl who knew what she wanted, and if her talk about nobility and being amongst the movers and shakers of the Sword Coast was to be believed, she certainly had the ability. When all was said and done, eight men and women stood in that room, eight who will be working towards the same goal; head to Soubar, seek out Our Benefactor's Journal, and return it to her. Quick, simple and lucrative, too easy.<br/><br/>Once the chest came out Sampson took to peeling off the leather glove on his right hand, the material a dark tan and supple with constant use. The hand underneath large and tan, Sampson reached down to pick up a gold piece. Bringing it up to his face, Sampson admired the lustrous yellow of the piece,<em><strong>looks like gold</strong></em>he thought as he flipped it into the palm of his hand, weighing the cool metal,<em><strong>feels like gold</strong></em>, putting it between thumb and forefinger, Sampson brought it to his mouth and gave a light bite, feeling the coin dent slightly between his teeth,<em><strong>yup, this is the real article. Lady Kara, you've got your man.</strong></em>Finished with his quick appraisal of the gold, the Mercenary unceremoniously tosses it back into the pile with a light<em>clink.</em><br/><br/>"<strong>Sampson Grimrock will retrieve this journal for you, ma'am</strong>" the Mercenary stated, his deep voice iron with confidence and resolve, "<strong>although I believe I won't be traveling alone...</strong>" Sampson gave a quick glance at the others in the room as he thought,<em><strong>and with this kind of company, I won't mind at all.</strong></em><br/><br/>Looking down at Aberik as he asked for easier transport, Sampson gave an amused smirk before replying, "<strong>leave luggin' that thing around to me, mage, it wouldn't be the first time I've had to carry a chest full of valuables. We'll buy what we can in the markets and haul the rest, we can get a cart if need be.</strong>"