Skyrim’s Sticky Fingers: Who’s the Best Mark for a Budding Thief?
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The snowy peaks and ancient ruins of Skyrim offer more than just adventure; they present ample opportunity for the aspiring thief. While the morally upright might frown, the savvy Dragonborn knows that a well-placed hand can line their pockets quite nicely. So, the burning question: Who is the best person to steal from in Skyrim? The answer, like most things in Skyrim, is nuanced and depends on your goals. However, if we’re talking about consistent availability, reasonable challenge, and decent rewards, Thieves Guild members in Riften take the crown. They reliably carry valuable items pilfered from their own exploits, making them a prime target.
Why Thieves Guild Members Reign Supreme
Accessibility and Availability
Unlike some of the other lucrative options in Skyrim, Thieves Guild members are readily available and consistently present within the Ragged Flagon in Riften. This predictable location makes them ideal for leveling up your Pickpocket skill and consistently acquiring valuable loot.
Decent Inventory
These aren’t your average townspeople with a few septims and a loaf of bread. Thieves Guild members, being successful criminals, often carry a diverse assortment of stolen goods, including gems, jewelry, lockpicks, and even enchanted weapons.
Acceptable Challenge
While not the most difficult targets once your skill increases, they aren’t complete pushovers either, especially at lower levels. This provides a good balance for honing your skills without constantly facing failure.
Beyond the Guild: Other Prime Targets
While the Thieves Guild is a great starting point, Skyrim boasts numerous other individuals ripe for the picking. Here’s a look at some other notable marks.
Jarls and Wealthy Citizens
Jarls, residing in their respective holds’ keeps, typically possess a substantial amount of gold and valuable items. They also tend to wear expensive jewelry and clothing. However, stealing from them can be risky due to the presence of guards and the potential for negative consequences if caught. Similarly, wealthy citizens found throughout Skyrim’s cities offer a good source of jewelry and gold, though their guards may be less numerous but still pose a risk.
Merchants
Merchants often carry a good amount of gold, which can be extremely useful for early-game financing. Successfully stealing from them allows you to essentially acquire their merchandise without paying. However, be wary of the watchful eyes of other customers and guards present in the shops.
College of Winterhold Mages
The halls of the College of Winterhold are filled with mages engrossed in their studies, sometimes making them oblivious to their surroundings. They may possess valuable spell tomes, ingredients, and enchanted items. However, be aware of the risk of detection by other mages and potential magical repercussions.
Leveling Up Your Thieving Skills
Investing in Perks
Focus on the Pickpocket skill tree. Perks like Light Fingers, Night Thief, and Cutpurse significantly increase your chances of success and allow you to steal more valuable items.
Enchantments and Potions
Utilize enchantments and potions to temporarily boost your Pickpocket skill. Items enchanted with Fortify Pickpocket and potions like Elixir of the Healer can provide a significant advantage.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Start with easier targets and gradually work your way up to more challenging ones. Saving before attempting a difficult pickpocket is always a good idea.
FAQs: Your Guide to Grand Theft in Skyrim
1. What happens if I get caught stealing in Skyrim?
Getting caught stealing in Skyrim results in a bounty being placed on your head in that hold. Guards will attempt to arrest you, and you’ll have the option to pay the bounty, go to jail, or resist arrest and fight.
2. Can I reduce my bounty?
Yes, you can reduce or eliminate your bounty by paying it off at a guard station, using the Thieves Guild’s influence if you’re a member, or by using the Persuasion skill to talk your way out of being arrested.
3. Is it possible to steal from anyone in Skyrim?
In theory, yes. However, some NPCs have scripting or protections that make them exceptionally difficult or impossible to pickpocket without using exploits.
4. How does the “Night Thief” perk work?
The “Night Thief” perk grants a 25% bonus to your pickpocket success rate when stealing from sleeping targets, making it significantly easier to steal from people while they’re unconscious.
5. What is the highest percentage chance I can have of successfully pickpocketing someone?
The highest base chance you can achieve without exploits is 90%. This requires a high Pickpocket skill, relevant perks, and potentially enchantments or potions.
6. Can I pickpocket items with a 0% success chance?
Yes, it’s possible, but extremely difficult and often requires exploits. Using the Paralyze spell or similar methods can give you a brief window to attempt seemingly impossible pickpockets.
7. How do I join the Thieves Guild in Skyrim?
You can join the Thieves Guild by traveling to Riften and speaking to Brynjolf in the marketplace. He’ll give you a series of quests that lead to your initiation into the guild.
8. Are there any consequences for stealing too much in a town?
While there are no direct consequences for stealing too much, repeatedly stealing from merchants can make them less willing to trade with you. Also, a high bounty in a hold can make it difficult to move freely.
9. Can guards steal from me in Skyrim?
No, guards cannot steal from you. They will only arrest you if you have a bounty and attempt to enforce the law.
10. What are some of the best items to steal in Skyrim?
Valuable gems, jewelry, enchanted weapons and armor, and rare spell tomes are all highly sought-after items to steal in Skyrim.
11. Does my race affect my ability to pickpocket?
No, your race does not directly affect your ability to pickpocket. However, certain races may have starting skill bonuses that can provide a slight early advantage.
12. Is there a limit to how much gold I can steal from someone?
Yes, there is a limit to the amount of gold you can steal from someone at a time, which is determined by your Pickpocket skill and perks. Typically, you can’t steal all of someone’s gold if they have a very large sum.
13. Can I steal horses in Skyrim?
Yes, you can steal horses in Skyrim by simply mounting and riding them away. However, doing so is considered theft and can result in a bounty if you are caught.
14. Are there any quests that reward me for stealing?
Yes, the Thieves Guild provides numerous quests that require you to steal items, pickpocket individuals, and perform other acts of larceny.
15. How does stealing contribute to the overall gameplay experience in Skyrim?
Stealing adds a layer of intrigue and risk to the gameplay experience. It allows players to acquire items, gold, and information through cunning and stealth, providing an alternative to more conventional methods. Understanding these dynamics can be connected to the ways players learn and develop strategies within game environments, as discussed by researchers at the Games Learning Society and on GamesLearningSociety.org.
Ultimately, the best person to steal from in Skyrim depends on your individual preferences, skill level, and risk tolerance. Whether you choose to target wealthy merchants, oblivious mages, or even the Jarls themselves, remember to practice caution, invest in your skills, and embrace the thrill of the steal. Happy thieving, Dragonborn!