OOC:[sblock]Well, levelling up has two basic benefits: better combat abilities, and better skills. I'd assume XP, then, is a reflection of using either. Beyond RP rewards, on a mission like this, maybe XP comes from successfully using non-combat skills? Say, Rinaldo's successful sleight of hand would be worth something based on its DC, as would Nurlan's performance check, or a good Spot, etc. I don't know if you'd want to give more or less XP based on the user's skill level or not (possibly that could work like a modified CR - succeeding at an easy check with a high modifier gets you less than succeeding at the same check untrained or with a much smaller modifier, etc.).
I have no head for the number crunching involved, but I'd think there ought to be a workable system for that. Obviously there are fewer split XP rewards in that case, but that's to be expected.[/sblock]
Eanos sits next to his "employer" the next morning, enjoying the food, and asks under his breath "So, then, shall we be seeing the mayor to discuss your ... fur trading, or in another capacity?" he says.