I have reached level 18 from 15 in three days, I have found that you get a lot of loot from killing brigands, apprentice scroll cases, armor, i have even got a sword that does +2 damage to orc-kind, and two hammers and a club, one of which does extra damage to beasts. I have done the racial deed Enmity of the Dourhands (rank 1) and got the skill head-butt. As well as various other quests. I have also done some of the Vol. I, Book I quests.