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Topic: Theft question

I've been playing around with thieving.  I've gotten myself into a lot of trouble, but I've possibly discovered a bug.  I won't submit it as a bug because there is always the chance it is intentional.

I can steal the cheaper bows from the fletcher in Choctaw.  I get spotted, but it still reports the theft as successful and allows me to keep the bow in my fencing bag.  When I steal the most expensive bow, I get spotted and the theft is reported as not successful.  My question is this:  if I get spotted, how is the theft successful?  My reputation with Choctaw is in the toilet because I've been doing this over and over again trying for a different result. 

How is it that I can get spotted but still keep the stolen item?

(Oh, and if you can fix my reputation with Choctaw because I was experimenting, and not really playing, I'd appreciate it.  The price of arrows is going to kill me smile )

http://www.atomicmonks.com/sig.php?a=av&pname=breckinshire

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Re: Theft question

There are three possible outcomes from a theft attempt:

1. You steal the item, and nobody notices.
2. You steal the item, but somebody sees you.
3. You are caught in the act and fail completely.

What you're describing about stealing the Choctaw Bow is #3. My guess about why you've never seen #2 is that your chance to steal that bow is pretty darned low (you'd have to "case the theft" to know what your chances are).

As an example, say you've got a 25% chance to steal a widget from a particular shop. That's actually two rolls at 25%. The first roll is to determine if you grab the item. The second roll is to determine if somebody spots you. Outcome #2 is more likely to happen the closer your odds are to 50%.

And I'll ponder the reputation thing, you thief. smile

Are you playing?
http://www.atomicmonks.com/sig.php?a=av&pname=Brother%20Erryn

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Re: Theft question

So it is possible to be spotted while stealing something and yet still have the theft be successful?  Wouldn't the store owner (who is the one I'm assuming spots me) confiscate the item I've stolen?  I'm confused.

Also, how do you case the theft?

http://www.atomicmonks.com/sig.php?a=av&pname=breckinshire

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Re: Theft question

It's possible, yes. They spot you as you're running out the door with it. smile

Are you playing?
http://www.atomicmonks.com/sig.php?a=av&pname=Brother%20Erryn

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Re: Theft question

Makes perfect sense now.  Thanks wink

http://www.atomicmonks.com/sig.php?a=av&pname=breckinshire

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Re: Theft question

Ah, I figured out the casing thing.  Wish I had earlier. 

What are the chances to successfully steal based on?

http://www.atomicmonks.com/sig.php?a=av&pname=breckinshire

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Re: Theft question

Mind, Agility, and the price of the item you're trying to steal. And a little Karma.

Are you playing?
http://www.atomicmonks.com/sig.php?a=av&pname=Brother%20Erryn

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Re: Theft question

breckinshire wrote:

Ah, I figured out the casing thing.  Wish I had earlier.

I had no idea that ability even existed until the shifty eyes showed up instead of the "Drag an item here to case it out." text box.  It turns out I was WAY underestimating the chance my PCs had to steal something successfully.

I think I've experienced this deja vu before...
http://www.atomicmonks.com/sig.php?a=av&pname=Todd%20Lope  http://www.atomicmonks.com/sig.php?a=av&pname=sambrookjm http://www.atomicmonks.com/sig.php?a=av&pname=Lisa%20Bailey