Stealing gives a character the ability to 'pick the pockets' of most Dragon Age NPCs (some of whom yield exceptional results). There can be consequences to failed attempts. In the Brecilian Forest or Denerim, for example, they can lead to attacks (by hunters and guards respectively) while the party travels between maps; some NPCs may refuse to interact with the party, making some merchants and side quests inaccessible.
The Dwarf Commoner automatically starts with one rank in this skill.
Stealing is improved by additional ranks, raising the character's Cunning, and making an attempt while Stealthed. (See here for details.)
Prior to game version 1.04, it was possible to assign Stealing as an action through certain Combat Tactics configurations (which was only viable for a character with Master Stealing). This functionality was removed (without documentation) in the 1.04 patch.
Tiers
 |
|
The character is quick enough to pilfer small items from others, whether friendly or hostile, so long as they are not too alert. | ||
 |
|
The character has become a subtler thief, making attempts at stealing more likely to succeed. | ||
 |
|
The character is so quick-fingered that victims almost never notice the theft until it's too late. | ||
 |
|
The character is a world-class thief, able to distract and mislead the poor mark, even during combat. |
Notable thefts
- For a full list, see Stealing: Profitable Targets.
- Hardy's Belt from Quartermaster in Ostagar.
- Imperium Crossbow from The Unscrupulous Merchant.
- The Notes of Arl Foreshadow from an 'easter egg' in Summoning Sciences.
- Thorn of the Dead Gods from Lord Anwer Dace in either Aeducan Thaig or Diamond Quarter.
- Headband from Sanga, madam of The Pearl in Denerim.
- Tiara from Habren in Denerim Market District.
Notes
- One of two 'mission paths' in Crime Wave is unavailable if The Warden has no ranks in Stealing.
- The relevant file is skill_stealing.nss (which can be read/adjusted using the Toolset).
- Most characters can be stolen from only once, but some multiple times, if they either relocate or remain in an area which changes in some way. Examples: Murdock is a valid target in the village square before The Attack at Nightfall and (if he survives) in the chantry afterwards; Ostagar's Quartermaster can be stolen once by day and once by night (and reportedly a third time After the Joining in older game versions).
- Some consequences to failed attempts:
- A soldier at Ostagar will complain to Duncan, who then rebukes his recruit.
- Knights of Redcliffe Castle and guards of Orzammar may become hostile.
- Greagoir will scold The Warden if he witnesses a failed attempt.
- The Dalish in the Brecilian Forest may cease trading (and speaking) with the party, and even send a party of hunters (led by Melora) to ambush them. (This will be a random encounter in 'Wooded Hills', often between Denerim and the forest.)
- Several large parties of guards (up to three) will accost the party in random Denerim encounters if failed attempts take place in the market district.
- Stealing while Stealthed adds the equivalent of 5 Cunning per Stealth rank
Bugs
|
Bug! Stealing may sometimes yield no items or money, while still displaying the success message. Patch 1.04 fixes this bug. |