Sleight of Hand on Spell Component Pouches

[Zaruthustran]

Stealing spell component pouches are fun, but try also:

1. Stealing the cleric's divine focus/holy symbol.
2. Stealing the wizard's familiar (this'd be a grapple check, I think).
3. Stealing wands and potions.
4. Stealing amulets and other stat-boosters.

I've got a shadowdancer with Hide in Plain Sight, plus max ranks in Sleight of Hand. So long as there's some sort of shadow within 10 feet (like, say, the target's shadow) he can walk up and start lifting items. Against animals and fighter-types this ability isn't too powerful, but against casters it can be devastating.

-z

 

[TarionzCousin]

There is a feat in one of the recent WotC books that allows a character to steal things off of someone during combat.

No, I don't remember what it's called. I'll email the guy who knows and let y'all know when I find out.

 

[TarionzCousin]

There is a feat in one of the recent WotC books that allows a character to steal things off of someone during combat.

No, I don't remember what it's called. I'll email the guy who knows and let y'all know when I find out.

Cutpurse, from Dragon Magazine #322. However, the guy never actually saw the feat, just read a description of it. It seemed too easy, he said. DC20 to succeed.

 

[Kahuna Burger]

Is there somewhere in the rules that says you cannot use sleight of hand in combat to lift small objects (like a spell component pouch) from a person?

The rules say:

"You can use a disarm action to snatch an item worn by the target. "

It does not say it is the ONLY way to do this. Can anyone point out a specific section of the RAW that says sleight of hand can only be used outside of combat?

That would be the part quoted earlier that says "To attempt to snatch away an item worn by a defender rather than damage it, see Disarm." Not "see disarm or use Slight of Hand".

I notice that there are no modifiers for "lifting an object" for how much the target is moving, or other circumstances. This is a pretty big hole in the rules even if you don't allow it in combat, and I would have to add houserules to even consider it in combat. I would assume the DC 20 check to be in optimum conditions of the target sitting or standing and circumstances allowing you to stand very close to them without arousing suspicion (a crowded bar, a marketplace, etc) Picking the pocket of someone doing the jitterbug on a dance floor where folks are staying a few feet away from each other to observe and applaud each other's moves is not the same DC, nor is trying to steal something in combat (even if we assume its allowed).

 

[cmanos]

What about using sleight of hand to take a divine focus. Is the rule the same?

I prefer using the Shatter spell....granted spellcasters usually have a high Will save, but on the chance it works...priceless....

 

[takasi]

That would be the part quoted earlier that says "To attempt to snatch away an item worn by a defender rather than damage it, see Disarm." Not "see disarm or use Slight of Hand".

I did see Disarm. Here is what disarm says:

""You can use a disarm action to snatch an item worn by the target. "

It does not say that it's the only way to lift an item from a person.

The combat actions section is a list of actions that all or most players can do. Sleight of Hand is a skill that requires training, so it would not belong in this section.

For example, under grapple the following statement is made:

"You can hold your opponent immobile for 1 round by winning an opposed grapple check (made in place of an attack)."

Does this mean that you cannot use spells in combat that hold your opponent immobile? Is a grapple check the only way to hold your opponent immobile? No.

Nothing in the rules say Sleight of Hand cannot be used in combat. And if that was the intention then it really should say it somewhere, as I don't believe any skills are restricted to 'non-combat only'.

 

[takasi]

There is a feat in one of the recent WotC books that allows a character to steal things off of someone during combat.

Yes, it's in the Dragon Compendium and proves that you can use Sleight of Hand in combat.

Benefit: While engaged in combat, you may attempt to use the Sleight of Hand skill to pickpocket an enemy without provoking an attack of opportunity...

Normal: Using Sleight of Hand in melee provokes an attack of opportunity.

So yes, Sleight of Combat works just fine in combat. If you are playing a spellcaster I suggest bringing backup pouches and divine foci.

 

[wildstarsreach]

Yes, it's in the Dragon Compendium and proves that you can use Sleight of Hand in combat.

Benefit: While engaged in combat, you may attempt to use the Sleight of Hand skill to pickpocket an enemy without provoking an attack of opportunity...

Normal: Using Sleight of Hand in melee provokes an attack of opportunity.

So yes, Sleight of Combat works just fine in combat. If you are playing a spellcaster I suggest bringing backup pouches and divine foci.

What if I'm an invisible rogue. No AoO and I get to swipe whatever I want basically.

This makes Sleight of hand now worthwhile instead of an almost never taken skill.

 

[TarionzCousin]

This makes Sleight of hand now worthwhile instead of an almost never taken skill.

I always take Sleight of Hand *cough* for my NPC's.

 

[wildstarsreach]

I always take Sleight of Hand *cough* for my NPC's.

I almost always take it but very low ranks compared to other skills of higher priority.