[NobleNick]

Originally posted by Stratos: You can get up to a x5 multiplier. Yes, there's a method to maximize multipliers at level-up. Unfortunately, I don't know it. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Thanks for the info, but... What a tease you are! [img]tongue.gif[/img] Anyone else want to chime in with a simplified explanation of how many of which types of skills to advance in order to get favorable picks at leveling time?

...There's a easier way to solve this quest; simply walk up to the nearest Dwemer ruin (preferably the one Caius Cosades sends you to) and pick up the Dwemer items there...

I appreciate the advice! I think I am going to do this the hard way, for two reasons: 1.) The game intends for you to retrieve them from Rhizid, and I've already spent something like 200 in bribes trying to figure out how; and 2.) I think the dirty scoundrel should cough them up. Hmm... Looks like easily my toughest fight to date. Should I go on a Seyda Neen --> Pelgiad --> Balmora walkabout first: bone up for two levels worth of longsword, blocking, athletics, light armor, strength, endurance, and agility; or maybe just grab some ready-made sujamma and health- and fatigue-restore. Hmm... This is getting to be an expensive quest.