Finding lockpicks

I'm having tremendous difficulties in procuring a set of lockpicks. I've been searching SO MANY shops, nulling the black market because I don't have access to it (to gain access, I think, requires a lockpick so I can complete the preliminary mission).

Any ideas? (I've explored virtually the entire map, and am awaiting to be banished to the void. Right now, I just want to finish the Underground quests).

 

There's a set of lockpicks in a barrel outside of Poone's Flophouse in Tarant.

 

Thanks, and there's also one dropped by some hapless thief in Wolf Cave.

 

Do you actually need lockpicks or does it just add to your chance of success?

 

Nah, I just forgot to purchase one aboard the zeppelin.

 

You need them, because you can't use the Pick Lock skill directly like, say, Repair or Disarm Traps. The only way to use the Pick Lick skill is doing so indirectly via using a set of lockpicks.

 

I just use my ogre follower to bash doors down and break open any chests.