So, as you all may already know, I built a life out of thieving and sneaking and enjoyed that life for quite some time. I moved onto adventuring when I realized that was more profitable, plus one of our more honorable friends (Balamar) may have threatened to cut off a very important body part of mine if I were to return to a life of crime. All that to say, I don’t often pickpocket, but if I still did I have a few tricks to share with you guys.
- The art of misdirection
Most people can only focus on a few things at a time, unless they’re using a duplication spell of course…but most people don’t know how to do that. That’s why if you were so bold as to pickpocket someone who knew you were there, you need to find a way to distract them long enough for you to find a clean opening. That means investing in your sleight of hand skills. I learned most of what I know from the leader of the thieves guild in my hometown, but now a days you could practice with most street performers. - Invest in quality tools
The next thing to consider is that there is an arsenal of magical items out there that make our job much easier…I mean pickpocket jobs much easier…because I don’t pickpocket anymore. One of the best things I found was a bag of holding, since you can get away with stealing larger items without looking suspicious. Scrolls of mage hand are helpful too, since you can control it while providing a clear distraction to your mark. - Look for a the right moment
Many people will find it difficult to keep track of their things in a crowd, so one of the best times to swoop in and steal something would be during a raid or monster attack. Anything with a crowd running in a particular direction really. Just blend in and grab as much as you can, then sneak out. Most people will assume they dropped their items in the panic.
Now, I’m going to be real with you guys…Balamar just walked in and he wants me to put this bit in here. “Pickpocketing is wrong, not only is it illegal but it hurts people even if you can’t see them suffering. Be smart and don’t pickpocket.”
Well, I guess I hope these tips help you NOT pickpocket then!
