[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/UDT4li4.png[/img]
[abbr=Rokkit][img]https://i.imgur.com/BT7IrpQ.png[/img][/abbr][/center]

Rokkit was content to sit and wait for a few minutes. His mind was already stimulated just taking in the sights and devising possible scenarios if he should, hypothetically, raid this place for resources and valuables. Though his attention would also be taken towards the various newcomers who'd arrived. The first, beyond the fiery red-head who was here before him, was a tiefling. He's seen many in his travels and often they're mercenaries of sorts, though what drew Rokkit's eyes was his weapon. A thin long sword of eastern design. Initially Rokkit thought it to be elven, but he does recognize that it belonged to... Some eastern nation. A place he's never been. But heard of their warriors before. It made Rokkit slightly curious as he's never closely examined such a blade and has heard much about them, though he also have heard similar things said of elven and dwarven blades as well, so Rokkit was more curious to dismiss rumor and boasting than cultural fascination.

Next to arrive were a pair of tabaxis. Rokkit didn't recognize them, but apparently one of them knew him. Rokkit wasn't too surprised: Despite being generally unsocial he did go into town either to deliver orders, gathering supplies, or simply shopping. Chances are this tabaxi saw him at a shop or eating at the Grub Pub. And considering Rokkit is the type of orc who considers wearing armor to be casual wear, he would be recognizable for anyone who bothered to be aware of him. [color=firebrick][abbr=I operate a blacksmith shop in town. It's closed.]"Uruk vrapog golnaukfark utotishi. Mubullan."[/abbr][/color] He said in a harsh but clear orcish. Rokkit was aware of the possibility that this tabaxi may actually know what he's saying, so Rokkit figured he should be polite, but continued to speak orcish even if this tabaxi didn't know it simply to show him and the others that Rokkit was not much for casual conversation unless they're willing to navigate his orcish.

After the two catfolk, a goliath arrived. Rokkit remembers fighting goliaths back when he still ran with the Red Suns. Orcs were usually bigger and stronger than most mortal folks, but the goliaths were a reminder that there are always bigger beasts. Indeed Rokkit's first battle against them taught the orc not to always rely on his brute strength, because while it might be enough to overwhelm smaller and weaker creatures, when faced against even bigger enemies his strength was lacking. Had he fought alone Rokkit would've died that day, but fortunately the orcs outnumbered the Golaiths and Rokkit was able to escape with his head. Though if there was one consistency with the goliaths that Rokkit noticed it's that the goliaths seemed downright primitive at times. And this one was no exception: his attire was simply tribal and instead of guns he carried axes. A younger Rokkit would've scoffed at a barbarian like him, but it was those same axes that nearly decapitated the younger Rokkit, so he knew better than to underestimate this goliath just because he lacked the same tech as Rokkit did. Did bring to question what such a creature was doing here however. As far as Rokkit knew, goliaths aren't prone to mercenary work despite their strength. But then again Rokkit never met many goliaths to know what they do and don't normally do.

The last to arrive was an elf. Rokkit's eyes narrowed upon seeing her. She walked with the sort of grace and arrogance that Rokkit was all too familiar with. That cocksure attitude of superiority that, even with some merit, is often overblown. But at the same time had that strange fey aura that almost made a lesser man desire being underneath such an elf, and Rokkit had to advert his eyes less he too end up strangely fascinated with her. If his time with the elves taught him anything it was to never indulge one. Their aloof yet haughty attitude hide a devious cunning that made arrogant men think less of them, and weaker ones overestimate them. Rokkit hoped to never have to interact with her less he lose his composure and do something foolish. From the way she spoke to the redhead, the elf was indeed trouble.

Having never moved from his seat or really do much beyond looking at the others and responding to the tabaxi, it wasn't long before their host arrived. Abraham Garrick looked much like what Rokkit expected a man like him to look like: old, well dressed, white hair, and human. He offered refreshments however Rokkit didn't bother to ask for any, as he had already eaten his fill before coming here. Instead the orc went straight to questions. [color=firebrick]"What threats do you anticipate that you needed me specifically, and how will these threats target the phoenix I am transporting? Who else will be traveling with any others, such as handlers, caravaneers, et cetera? And to whom exactly is these creatures suppose to go to, in the event that for whatever reason I have to delivery the phoenix personally?"[/color]

"I invited you less for your fighting skills and more so for your prowess with gunsmithing, though undoubtedly your fighting expertise will be needed as well. I imagine you'll encounter any number of threats. The phoenix is a very rare and valuable creature, and anyone from my competitors to lowly bandits might try their hand at snatching it from you. More practically the majority of you use guns of some sort, with some exceptions, and on such a long journey with so many dangers I imagine they'll get a fair amount of use. It'd be best to have an expert on hand who can repair them efficiently. There will be a few others coming along the journey with you. Two expert handlers to make sure everything is handled correctly, along with a chuck wagon, and another wagon for supplies, both of which will be driven by two more of my men. The person I'm sending the pheonix to will meet you in Sasarka, as will the buyer of the hippogriffs. Both will have signed and sealed letters by me identifying them, and the seal will match the one on all of your letters. If they cannot produce these letters, then they are not the people you are looking for. I would tell you their names but you must understand that anyone in this room could easily send someone ahead to obtain the sealed letters from these individuals, and then where would we be?" The man chuckled. 

Rokkit listened to Garrick, still not totally convinced. Rokkit had pride in his smithing skills but he knew he was far from the best, even in town. But with a bit more thinking, that's also likely why Rokkit was hired. Even if there were more skilled gunsmith they may ask for more, or would need to bring their entourage. Not to mention Rokkit may be the oddity of being a gunsmith who [i]does[/i] know how to fight, professionally even, as oppose to simply shooting for self-defense. So Rokkit wasn't just going to be the camp gunsmith but also a mercenary as well, which something Garrick likely considered when choosing Rokkit. So the orc didn't question him about it any further. As for second half of his question, Garrick didn't really say anything specifically. Of course bandits and even other mercenaries may waylay their caravan, that was a given. But Rokkit wanted to know [i]who[/i] exactly might be, who the competition is, and what sort of bandits might be between here and Sasarka. As much as Rokkit tries he's not omniscient and isn't all too aware of Garrick's affair or the dangers on the road, and Rokkit hoped the old man did his research. 

As for his second question, Rokkit was somewhat pleased to hear that this ragtag band of mercs aren't expected to handle the hippogriffs and transportation on their own. Rokkit has no particular affinity towards beasts, let alone mythical ones, so better to leave that in the hands of the experts. Additionally there's be two more to operate the wagons, for a total of four extra hands. Saves Rokkit from having to remember how to lead horses again. Presumably the supplies in the wagon will be enough for the group to survive off for a month, though that did make Rokkit think of something else important. Finally Garrick explained that the people buying the beasts will have letters similar to the one Rokkit received from the man himself. It's for that same reason Garrick can't disclosed their names in the event anyone here decides to leave the job for some treachery. Made sense.

[color=firebrick]"Who are your competitors? And do you know of any gangs that we might run into? I assume you have already got a path mapped out for us specifically to avoid the most trouble, and taking into account what trouble we might run into regardless."[/color] Rokkit didn't have any more questions but he did have a request and spoke it plainly. [color=firebrick]"I will need payment in advance for my own supplies. There are resources in town that will be a valuable asset to ensure the safety of your cargo. And by accepting this down payment you can guarantee that I will not default on this job short of my demise."[/color] While Rokkit doubts he has the time to work on anything big, if he could get some extra coin in his pocket he could buy important material components for his infusions and personal projects. Namely Soul Gems, Spell Components, and some extra equipment. All for the sake of the mission of course.

"My friend, I have many competitors in this business. To name them all would take longer than I think we have, but you are right in assuming that I've mapped out a course for you that will hopefully minimize any interaction with unseemly folk. As for any specific gangs, I don't know of any who specifically have it out for me so your guess is as good as mine as far as which ones might try their hand." Mr. Garrick reached into a drawer and produced a rolled up map, setting it on the desk for any of them to take.

"I'm willing to give each of you a third of your earnings in down payment. That will give you 5,000 gold up front that you can use on whatever you'd like for the journey. Normally I would give half, but you must understand that it is a rather large sum and I'd rather not encourage any of you to run off without upholding your end of the bargain."

Rokkit was unsatisfied with Garrik's response, but didn't feel the need to press any further. Suffice to say Rokkit was right that this job wasn't going to be as simple as he thought it might, and not knowing who might be after them meant Rokkit needed to be extra careful for treachery and tricks while they travel. Rokkit was no strange to skullduggery in business, so there was no telling what Garrick's competition might try to do to deprave them of their cargo. As for the down payment, 5000 gold was more than what Rokkit had anticipated so he simply nods his head. That was more than enough for Rokkit to buy what he needs for the road. Indeed, Rokkit could very well revitalize his business with just that much money. But he couldn't let greed get the better of him. By accepting this money Rokkit had to finish the job. Not for any personal honor, but simply out of contractual obligation. Garrick was a powerful man and if he finds out Rokkit fled with the money, the orc knew his business would be over. And Rokkit had no interest in a life of petty banditry and certainly not groveling back at Redsun for safety. No, if Rokkit takes this money he will complete the mission.

Satisfied with the answers Rokkit silently look to the others to see what they had to ask. He was sure they might have more important things that Rokkit might've missed, or they could ask dumb questions that Garrick would have no reason to know or answer. It'll just give Rokkit more insight on the people he'll have to work with, and likely fight alongside of. He wasn't too sure who among them was going to be a reliable fighter. The Goliath was no doubt a warrior but Rokkit was doubtful of his abilities fending off cowardly bandits who'll just run and gun him. The tiefling may be a skilled swordsman but a single sword can't cut down a hail of bullets. The cats didn't look much like warriors but then again he doesn't know anything about them at all. The elf was an elf, probably had magic, but she doesn't seem like the type who would want to get involved in a fight even if she was capable. And finally the fiery redhead who, if Rokkit had to guess, likely had literal firepower in her finger tips and also the dragon that was oddly docile. These were just his first impressions of them but with any luck they'll change. And if he's luckier still, they'll change for the better.