General Rules on PickPocketing on Arkaz

[terryrayc]

Note: These rules are generally the same as those on other CoPaP Worlds. However, there ARE distinct differences and players who have their characters pickpocket on Arkaz are expected to know and abide by Arkaz's rules. Ignorance of these rules is not a defense.

These rules have been put in place to help ensure that ALL players have an enjoyable time on Arkaz. Any questions or concerns regarding these rules should be directed to the Arkaz Team.

General Rules on PickPocketing on Arkaz

1. Do not repeatedly target the same PC, ESPECIALLY NEWBIES! Repeatedly picking the pocket of the same person is unrealistic. Regardless of how the engine treats it, a person would eventually notice if you steal everything in their bags! This will be considered griefing, and can get you VJed or worse.

2. Do NOT use pickpocket on a PC engaged in crafting. That is, a PC using one of the crafting apparatus like the Anvil, Forge, Loom, Bolts of Cloth, any alterations item (Sewing Machine, Model), etc. may not be pickpocketed. This is an OOC rule because the crafting menus cause the PC to not be able to react as they would normally. This is the same idea as the "do not attack PCs who are crafting" rule.

3. Do not attempt to pickpocket a character that is interacting with a merchant. This is an OOC rule because items may be bought and sold while the attempt is made; the player might miss the server message that a pickpocket was attempted even if the PC may not.

4. Do not attempt to pickpocket a character if the player appears to be AFK. This is an OOC rule because an AFK player has no chance of responding, even if the pickpocket fails. It is the responsibility of the pickpocket's player to make sure that the other player is NOT AFK!

5. When using pickpocket on a PC, you must set Hostile before the attempt. Yes, the Team understands that this makes it more difficult to pickpocket, but the alternative of requiring the target to set Hostile before attacking the thief (should the target spot the attempt) is even worse. Please note that the target only Spots the attempt if he/she receives the corresponding message in the chat window.

Rules on Items Taken

6. You may not, EVER, pickpocket Plot, Player Housing, Guild-related items, or any item exceeding a certain power/value level. If you do happen to obtain something like this via pickpocket, you MUST return the item in an OOC fashion immediately!

6a. Any item +3 or more is not allowed; this includes a +2 item that also has additional abilities beyond the +2. (I.e.: A +2 dagger is acceptable. A +2 dagger with acid damage is ineligible.) Being able to steal rare, highly valuable items is unrealistic. Such items would be well-watched by their owners. Since the game engine does not allow for the level of difficulty for pickpocketing to increase in response to the value of an item, rare and valuable items are deemed ineligible and must be returned OOCly regardless of their size. If there are any questions regarding the eligibility of an item, players should email the Arkaz Team or contact a DM. (If a Team ruling is not immediately available the item in question must be returned to the original owner. If the item is later ruled eligible, the owner must then surrender the item to the thief.)

Do note that the Arkaz Team recognizes that mistakes can happen. If a pickpocket inadvertently takes an ineligible item and doesn't return it immediately, they can contact an Arkaz Team member or DM to have it returned. Player honesty is noted and appreciated.

6b. Neither PC may use information gained via the OOC theft or return of ineligible items. Example: "Thief" pickpockets the "Ring of Sneaky Guild Membership" from "Regular Joe". When Thief returns the item OOCly, Regular Joe does not ICly know that Thief took it. Additionally, Thief does not ICly know that Regular Joe has such an item.

7. It is considered poor form (and unrealistic) to pickpocket an item larger than 2 "inventory squares", such as a tower shield, full plate armor, greatsword, etc. Items larger than two squares must also be returned OOCly, as by Rule 6. Rule 6b applies, of course. If you believe the item could be something that would be PPable (maybe a book that is 4 squares), you may send the victim a Tell asking if you can keep the item. If he/she agrees, you may keep it, provided it doesn't fall under Rule 6 above.

8. If you steal a player/guild housing key (including inn room and house keys), and then use that key to break into the house, you will be banned. No ifs, ands, or buts about it, the Team will ban you.

Gentlemen's Agreement:
Like CvC, pickpocketing can be a fun or terrible experience. In order to keep things as positive as possible amongst players, the following is strongly recommended:

1. If a stolen item appears to be one customized for the character (i.e.: PC's name is in the description, etc.), it would be good form to send the victim a Tell inquiring whether you can keep the item. Many of these items are of great personal value, if not monetary value. If the victim does wish it back, discuss whether a "ransom" of the item is an acceptable RP option for them. If not, return the item OOCly. Rule 6b applying to both players in the latter case. Whatever you do, DON'T bring it to the nearest trash can! How would you like it if someone just tossed one of your DM reward items into the nearest trash can without a second thought? Yes, it may be metagaming, but it's the good sort of metagaming that helps EVERYONE have fun!

2. If in doubt of a player's OOC reaction, do not pickpocket that player's character. You do not force someone to CvC with you; do not force them to engage in this type of RP either.

3. If choosing to sell or otherwise dispose of valuable stolen goods, be aware that most merchants will not buy it. Again, rather than dumping in the nearest trashcan, your best (and most profitable) option is to ransom the items.

4. Warning: A caught pickpocket may endure "citizen justice." A captured thief should be prepared to have the tables turned on them. Note, however, that the Team will not tolerate griefing of the thief by, or on behalf of, the victim. An appropriate level of retaliation is allowed. If a player has a devious plan of revenge but is unsure whether it's appropriate, please contact the Arkaz Team or a DM. These sorts of encounters can be fun for all involved, so be creative!

5. Save ALL logs regarding any pickpocketing attempts in case any questions are raised. Players of outraged victims engaging in any "citizen justice" should also save their logs. Players should make sure that NWN is set to log all messages, including server messages.