The Den was able to pickpocket the ore from the king at skill level 4. So it doesn't have to be that high... just make sure to save early and often, in case you get caught and he gets angry. Didn't happen to the Den, but it could...
And I've not tried to vanish past the beast, Radek. Another good idea from you [img]smile.gif[/img] But a question... when you go there without the dragon armor, there's something else that keeps you back. Does it disappear after you've deactivated the bronze beast?