Pickpocketing (sage study)
.jpg)
Pickpocketing is a sage study in the field of Theft, which grants skill in removing, placing or manipulating objects carried upon another person without drawing notice. This includes any act performed by touch in close proximity, where the character alters what another person bears upon their body or clothing without attracting attention. The study applies in ordinary movement and contact between persons, whether passing, brushing or standing near enough to act without being observed.
This work presupposes a knack for misdirection, drawing attention away from the act itself so that contact passes without notice. For most practitioners at the lower levels, this is best carried out in public places, where movement, noise and the press of bodies provide cover, allowing the character to jostle or brush against others while acting. As skill increases, the character becomes capable of more deliberate acts of contact, extending beyond incidental movement to such actions as reaching into clothing or loosening worn items, though these are dependent upon greater refinement of the study.
Items taken by means of pickpocketing are not considered treasure for the purpose of awarding experience, being incidental gains obtained through proximity rather than the overcoming of obstacles or the securing of guarded wealth. Generally, characters who pickpocket must locate a fence to safely rid themselves of the objects, to gain their wealth if not their experience, because it is not safe to sell these objects directly to local merchants.
Sage Abilities
The sage abilities below are those acquired by a character through the study, according to status.
Amateur Status
- Appraisal I: enables the character to correctly identify the approximate value of items according to their workmanship and innate value. The skill assigns a precise monetary cost for each item according to its local value.
- Meddling: permits the character to adjust, shift or reposition objects within reach without drawing notice at the moment of contact. Objects can be safely moved up to ¾-inch, and weigh up to 1 oz., per knowledge point of the character. The movement is done without sound and will be unnoticed, provided the character has the opportunity to stand next to the object for two rounds (24 seconds), during which time the move can be made. An object cannot be moved to the character's person without it being noticed. Thus a thing may be moved slightly out of sight, therefore to be supposed missing, or merely to induce a person to become distracted looking for it, allowing the character to take some other action.
- Snatch & Grab: allows the character to steal so brazenly from a person that they have a 4 in 6 chance of being surprised, and will thus be unable to react or take action, so that the thief will have one full round to escape before initiative can be rolled.
Authority Status
- Cutpurse: allows the character to take objects weighing no more than ¼ ounces per knowledge point, from a person engaged in conversation with another, where attention is directed away from the act. The object must be hung or loosely carried, such as from a belt, sash or outer garment, and not held in the hand. Items that are worn upon the body, fixed against the skin or stowed within a pocket cannot be taken with this ability. The act is performed without drawing notice, provided the stated conditions are met. No roll necessary.
- Place Item: Allows the character to put an object weighing no more than ¼ ounce per 2 knowledge points upon another person without drawing notice, provided the target is engaged in conversation or otherwise distracted. The object must be small and easily borne, and may be slipped into a fold, pouch, sash or similar place not fixed tightly against the body. The act is performed in close proximity and requires the character to remain beside the target for one round.
