Design Overview
Entry Last Update:
March 28, 2026
Source Doc:
work_in_progress/classes/thief/skills/picking_pockets_system.md
Tier:
wip
Last Synced:
March 28, 2026
Summary: Picking Pockets (pickpocket <target>) is a restricted thief theft action for coinpurse extraction.
Notes:
Success chance scales with skill and DEX/AGI/PER versus target alertness.
Outcomes are success, normal fail, or fumble; fumbles use a longer delay profile.
Baseline timing: 5s on normal attempts, 6s on fumble; target must carry a coinpurse.
Player Overview
Description: The ability to remove coin from NPCs and PCs alike.
Who Can Learn It: Thieves
What It is Supposed to Do: Remove coins from the target, adding it to your own.
What it Does: If successful, you’ll take money. If unsuccessful, you’ll be spotted and possibly attacked (by a player, a guard, or the NPC you attempted to rob). When guards and NPCs attack, try leaving and returning.
Activation: pickpocket (NPC|Playername)
Usefulness (Low Levels): Negative. You will get caught more than you succeed.
Usefulness (Mid Levels): Positive. You will take some money on most attempts, but can still get caught.
Usefulness (High Levels): 50 coin max per attempts. You might get hundreds before being noticed.
How to Practice: Get a pickpocket circle with 3 thieves. Get into a group. A picks B; B picks C; C picks A. Start with a few hundred silver each. When your target runs out of silver, split what you have and keep going.
Tips: Do not pickpocket players unless you are confident with your skills. Players hold grudges. If you can’t get a pickpocket circle, or want to try your skill for real, find non-aggressive townsfolk in areas the guard doesn’t patrol.
Unconfirmed Rumors (May or May Not Be True): Being hidden helps. If I’m looking at you, you can’t pickpocket me.
Notes:
I know you didn’t pickpocket me with your real name showing! Disguise yourself. Also, Psi powers and some spells detect you. Have an escape plan.