Stealthily remove items from a target’s person without them noticing, whether on a crowded street or in the chaos of battle.
Roll 1d100 + Pick Pockets Skill vs. DR 90 + target’s General Perception
You successfully lift the item without the target noticing.
–10 to –40 DR if target is distracted, impaired, or unaware
+10 to +30 DR if item is well hidden, secured, or under close watch
+20 DR if attempted while moving quickly or under pressure
–10 DR if aided by a diversion or social distraction
–15 DR if the item is exposed (necklace, loose bag, open pouch)
+25 DR if target is actively guarding the item or highly paranoid
Lift a necklace during a crowded celebration: DR = 90 – 20 (distracted crowd) – 15 (necklace exposed) = 55
Roll = 88 → SR = 33 → Necklace stolen
Steal a keycard from a guard’s uniform: DR = 90 + 20 (secured in uniform) + 10 (guard alert) = 120
Roll = 112 → SR = –8 → Fail, guard notices something wrong
Pick Pockets is the art of covert theft in close proximity—typically targeting individuals' personal belongings without drawing attention. It requires precise timing, calm under pressure, and a careful reading of body language. Success relies not only on dexterity but on the ability to spot the perfect moment: when the target is distracted, engaged, or vulnerable.
This skill covers everything from lifting credit chips during a handshake to stealing identification tags while dancing or snatching mission-critical access devices from a distracted officer. Advanced use includes smoothly passing the item to an ally, hiding it instantly, or planting items instead of stealing them (with penalties). It plays well with deception, crowd dynamics, and misdirection.
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