Keith Mack
Pickpocketing is a divisive topic among players of Dungeons & Dragons, with some finding it to be an irritating menace and others a useful way to push the plot along. While some players argue that stealing is evil and hurts innocents, others believe it is chaotic but not necessarily evil. In addition, some players believe that the alignments are fuzzy and that a character's actions should be descriptive rather than prescriptive. Ultimately, it is up to the GM to determine if pickpocketing is allowed and to manage the consequences that may arise from such actions.
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What You'll Learn
Pickpocketing in a group of Good alignment
Pickpocketing is a form of larceny that involves stealing money or valuables from a victim's pocket without them noticing. It is often carried out in crowded places, where pickpockets can take advantage of distractions to access people's pockets unnoticed. While pickpocketing is typically associated with theft and stage magic, some players in role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) may also engage in pickpocketing as part of their character's skills and interactions with other players or non-player characters (NPCs).
In the context of a "Good alignment" group in a role-playing game, the act of pickpocketing by group members may be considered controversial. While there is no explicit restriction on players pickpocketing each other, it is generally frowned upon and seen as breaking an "unspoken rule." This is especially true for groups with a predominantly "Good alignment", as such actions may lead to a change in alignment and a loss of experience points for the character involved.
However, some players argue that pickpocketing can be justified within the game's moral framework. For example, a player with a Chaotic-Neutral alignment may argue that stealing through pickpocketing is not inherently "evil" but rather falls on the "lawful-chaotic" scale. They might reason that it is done for the greater good of helping their party or saving the world within the game's context.
Ultimately, the decision to allow or discourage pickpocketing within a "Good alignment" group lies with the players themselves. Some groups may choose to establish explicit rules and codes of conduct prohibiting such actions among party members. Others may embrace the complexity it brings to their characters and the game's narrative, as long as it is not done in a way that irritates other players or derails the main plot.
To prevent pickpocketing from becoming a disruptive element, game masters (GMs) or dungeon masters (DMs) can implement consequences for failed attempts, such as having the victim notice and call for help, leading to the arrest of the would-be thief. Additionally, GMs or DMs can provide alternative outlets for players with characters skilled in thievery, creating encounters that allow them to utilize their abilities constructively within the context of the game.
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Pickpocketing as a Chaotic-Neutral rogue
Pickpocketing as a Chaotic Neutral rogue in a game of DND can be a fun way to push the plot along and create interesting situations for the party. Here are some things to consider when playing a Chaotic Neutral rogue who pickpockets:
Alignment: Remember that alignment is not restrictive but descriptive. It should be used to describe your character's actions, not prescribe them. As a Chaotic Neutral character, you follow a more flexible moral code and make decisions based on your own motivations rather than strict adherence to societal rules or laws. You might view Good and Evil as situational, and while you may have morals, you are willing to bend or break the rules to achieve your goals.
Party Dynamics: It is important to respect the boundaries of your fellow players and their characters. While pickpocketing can add an element of intrigue to the game, it should not be done at the expense of the party's goals or cohesion. Avoid stealing from other party members, as this can create conflict and disrupt the collaborative nature of the game. Instead, use your skills to benefit the party, such as stealing items or information that will aid the group's mission.
Consequences: Keep in mind that actions have consequences in the game world. If you are caught pickpocketing, you might face repercussions such as jail time or retaliation from the victim or the authorities. This can create interesting role-playing opportunities, but it is essential to consider the potential impact on the party and the direction of the story. Discuss with your group how they feel about including elements of intra-party conflict and work together to find a balance that is enjoyable for everyone.
Character Development: Use pickpocketing as an opportunity to develop your character's backstory, motivations, and relationships with other characters. Why does your character resort to theft? What led them to this life? How do they justify their actions? By exploring these questions, you can add depth to your character and create a more engaging role-playing experience.
Creativity and Pranks: As a Chaotic Neutral character, you have a creative and unconventional approach to problem-solving. Use your pickpocketing skills to pull off clever pranks or to find unique solutions to challenges. For example, instead of engaging in a direct confrontation, you might stealthily pickpocket an important item or document from an antagonist, changing the course of the encounter.
Remember, while pickpocketing can be a fun aspect of playing a Chaotic Neutral rogue, it should be done in a way that enhances the enjoyment of the game for everyone involved. Communicate with your group, respect boundaries, and don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box!
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Pickpocketing NPCs in Skyrim
Pickpocketing is a skill in Skyrim that falls under the Thief playstyle. It allows players to sneakily steal items from unsuspecting NPCs. While it can be a great way to obtain powerful items and get rich quick, it also comes with risks and consequences. Here are some tips and strategies for pickpocketing NPCs in Skyrim:
Choosing Targets:
Wealthy NPCs, such as Maven Black-Briar and Tolbjorn Shatter-Shield, are often lucrative targets due to their fine clothes and entourage. They are likely to carry keys, gold, and other valuables. Members of the Thieves Guild in Riften are also good targets, as they are likely to possess valuable items from their exploits. Jewelry stand proprietors in Riften and Whiterun markets can be targeted during daylight hours, but a decent sneak level is required.
Strategies:
Paralyzing your target first, either through spells or reverse pickpocketed paralysis poison, allows you to take any item without being caught as they are getting back up. Using the Ice Form shout and pickpocketing just before they defrost also achieves the same effect. Training a skill with a trainer and then pickpocketing the gold back is another effective strategy. Fishing jobs, which target high-value and low-weight items, are also excellent for leveling up pickpocketing.
Perks and Abilities:
As you gain perks in the Pickpocket skill tree, you'll unlock abilities that increase your success rate, silently kill with poisons, increase carrying capacity, and steal equipped items. Joining the guild grants access to trainers in Sneak and Pickpocket, as well as useful artifacts. Becoming the Guild Master ensures no negative repercussions for stealing from other members, even if caught.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Pickpocketing children is not possible, regardless of skill level or perks. Additionally, certain NPCs wearing unobtainable clothing or marked as essential cannot be affected by the Perfect Touch perk. Unsuccessful attempts will raise your bounty and may cause the victim to become hostile.
Remember, while pickpocketing can be a fun and profitable activity in Skyrim, it requires careful planning and execution to minimize risks and maximize rewards.
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Using Paralysis poisons to pickpocket NPCs in Skyrim
Paralysis poisons are a great tool in Skyrim for any player who wants to pickpocket NPCs. Reverse pickpocketing a paralysis poison into an NPC's inventory does not count as a crime, even if the magical effect of the poison would otherwise be considered a criminal act. This makes it possible to weaken or kill NPCs without incurring a bounty (unless you get caught).
Reverse pickpocketing a paralysis poison into an NPC's inventory and then pickpocketing them as soon as the effect starts to wear off allows you to take any item without being caught, no matter the chance of success. If you are hidden when you do it, you can do it without getting a bounty, and the NPC will typically get up and act like nothing happened if they didn't see you when you paralyzed them.
You can also use paralysis poisons to get gold back from trainers. Even if you have spent so much gold that it says you have a 0% chance to pickpocket, that won't matter if you paralyze them and then take it. If your pickpocket skill is high enough, you can also simply try to place the potion into their inventory to apply the effect to them, assuming you have that perk unlocked.
You can also use paralysis poisons to take away weapons and armour from nearly any humanoid enemy in the middle of a battle. This is a fun way to play as a light-armoured thief/assassin going into a fight with a strong, heavily-armoured two-handed warrior. You can dip your dagger in paralysis poison, take the opponent's armour, and kill them with their own weapon as they get up, naked.
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Pickpocketing other players in Elder Scrolls Online
Pickpocketing is a skill in Skyrim and one of the six skills that fall under The Thief play-style in The Elder Scrolls Online. Pickpocketing other players is not possible in the game. However, players can pickpocket non-player characters (NPCs) in the game.
NPCs come in three difficulties: Easy, Medium, and Hard. Harder difficulty NPCs have a lower chance of a successful pickpocket. Consecutive attempts on the same NPC will also lower the chance of success. The default chance can be improved by putting points in the Light Fingers perk in the Legerdemain skill tree, for a bonus of 10, 20, 35, or 50%. Additionally, the Khajiit racial passive Cutpurse increases your chance to successfully pickpocket by 5%.
To pickpocket an NPC, crouch behind them and wait until you are completely hidden. The NPC difficulty and the chance of success will be displayed in white. Waiting a few moments will cause the chance to increase by 20%; this is the "sweet spot" that players should wait for before pressing the pickpocket button. You will hear a tone, and the number will turn green to show when you are in the sweet spot. Ensure that no other witnesses are looking at you when you pickpocket; otherwise, you may get a bounty even if you are successful. After you successfully pickpocket an item, you will be unable to try again on the same NPC for a few seconds, as they will be "suspicious". If you fail an attempt, the NPC will be "suspicious" for far longer.
Some good targets for pickpocketing are bandits, as they always carry gold, and guards, as they are the only reliable way to acquire Polished Shillings, which are the crafting material for the Abah's Watch Style motif. Solitude, Whiterun, and Windhelm also have higher numbers of wealthy people who carry gold, arrows, gems, jewelry, and other valuable items.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a lawful good character can pickpocket other players, but it may result in a change of alignment and a loss of experience points. It is generally frowned upon to steal from other party members, but it is possible.
If the NPC is unaware of the thief, you can use the player's passive perception. If the player is actively watching the NPC, it becomes an active contest of the NPC's sleight of hand against the player's perception.
You can impose consequences for failed pickpocket attempts, such as having the victim notice and call for help, resulting in the thief being arrested. Alternatively, you can make the player roll for pickpocketing attempts, and only give them small amounts of money or useless items.
