This is a page for the Thief specific page for the Newbie Help Guide. Whenever possible, overlap with the general guide should be minimized.

'''Note:''' This guide should strive to minimize the amount of spoilers it contains. While the general mechanical information is not a problem, guild locations, methods of entry, and any quest should be described in the most general sense. The purpose of this guide it to enlighten a brand new person, not spoil the mystery.

For details, rules, and the other pages involved, see [[:Category:Newbie Guide Contest]].

{{RTOC}}
==Start==
===Getting Started===
Let's just say this now: If you don't know how to join the guild, you won't be learning how to do it here.

But if you have already joined, congratulations! You're on your way to taking your first steps into becoming a true Thief of Elanthia. Granted, you may not exactly know what it is we do or what being a Thief means, it's the purpose of this little guide to help you figure that out. So, without any further ado, read on and maybe learn a bit about what you've gotten yourself into.

====Crossing====
There is a guild hall in the Crossing once again! It is being kept a better secret this time around though. It still has an entrance into the hall that newcomers are able to enter through, if you can find it. There is also a man on the street that will let you join and even circle a few times before he directs you to the Guild leader in the guild hall.

====Riverhaven====
There is no way to join the guild in Riverhaven, so you must make your way to Crossing if you started out here.

There is no single guild hall in this city, instead there are a series of boltholes scattered across the city that the co-leaders, Swan and Crow, move between.

===[[Survival Skillset|Survival Skills]]===
Similar to [[Rangers]] and [[Necromancers]], we're survivalists at heart. This means that most of your time in the world will be spent working on those skills which will help you survive all the obstacles you will face within it and furthermore, that it will be easiest to train these skills when compared with skills from other skill groups, such as [[Weapon Skillset|weapons]]. From the very start you will be required to train eight survival skills to varying degrees, though the choice is upon you as to which those will be. [[Scouting]] and [[Thanatology]] cannot be trained by thieves, as they are exclusive to [[Rangers]] and [[Necromancers]] respectively. Despite having this minor amount of freedom, there are two skills which you '''must''' train: [[Stealth]] and [[Stealing|Thievery]]. These may count towards the eight required survival skills and the required ranks per circle are lower or match all but the lowest survival skill requirement.

We'll glaze over some skills here and go more in-depth on the major ones afterwards.

* [[Evasion]] - Simply put, evasion is the skill which determines how well you avoid attacks. Aside from classes in the subject, the only way to learn is to get out there and use it within combat settings.
* [[Athletics]] - The main use of the Athletics skill is to overcome natural obstacles, such as climbing a tree or swimming across a river. Consult the [[Athletics skill|athletics]] page for a list of places to climb and swim. Be careful not to wander into dangerous areas while exploring.
* [[Perception]] - Perception mainly affects a character's ability to detect things that are hidden. This may be other characters, creatures, hidden paths, and more. There are several ways to train perception:
** Collecting rocks is the most common outdoors method to learn perception, while collecting torn cloth inside is helpful. Collecting is done with the {{com|collect}} verb. Remember to {{com|kick}} the piles after they are collected to avoid clutter. It will also teach the [[Outdoorsmanship]] skill. It may require a few ranks in outdoorsmanship before you can {{com|collect}} anything.
** The {{com|hunt}} verb may be used while hunting to train perception. You will learn for both finding and tracking down the target.
** Identifying traps and locks on treasure boxes will also train perception.
** You may {{com|juggle}} certain [[Juggle List|items]] to train perception. Lighter items are easier to {{com|juggle}}.
* [[Outdoorsmanship]] - While it is not essential for a thief, outdoorsmanship is becoming an important gathering skill within the [[Crafting]] system and can be easily trained while training perception. Gathering [[Healing herbs|Herbs]] for [[Remedies|remedies]] with the {{com|forage}} or {{com|collect}} commands is probably the most compelling reason to train [[outdoorsmanship]].
* [[First aid|First Aid]] - [[First aid]] is used to to stop bleeding from more severe [[Damage|injuries]], to remove bolts and arrows from [[Crossbow skill|crossbows]] and [[Bow skill|bows]], and to remove [[Parasite|parasites]] that are found in certain areas. You may also {{com|study}} [[Anatomy chart|anatomy charts]] to train [[First aid|first aid]], as well as [[Scholarship|scholarship]].
*[[Skinning]] - [[Skinning]] is almost universally trained, as many creatures may be {{com|skin}}ed after they are killed. The rewards may be sold to a tannery like [[Falken's Tannery]], used to create [[Tailoring discipline|leather goods]], carved into [[Carving discipline|bone goods]], or other miscellaneous goods like [[Fletching|arrowheads]]. Unfortunately, creatures that you can {{com|backstab}} often cannot be skinned. It is advised that you vary the creatures you hunt so that neither skill falls behind.

====[[Stealth]]====
Stealth is a big part of being a Thief. Indeed, it is one of the two [[Post:New_Circle_Requirements_-_A_Precursor_-_03/07/2012_-_19:00|soft requirements]] for thieves, the other being [[Stealing skill|Thievery]]. A soft requirement means that it may still be used as one of the eight survival skills a thief is required to train to circle.

Being stealthy is part of being a Thief and sneaking around town may seem like a grand Thief mannerism, it may add to your character's background, however its not going to train the skill, here are instead some common manners to train:

{{com|hide}} will attempt to conceal the character from open view. Characters with sufficient skill in [[Perception skill|perception]] compared to your [[Stealth skill|stealth]] will see you slip into hiding. If they do not notice, they may {{com|search}} for where you are hiding. {{com|stalk}} will attempt to follow the target, player or creature, while hidden. {{com|sneak}} will attempt sneak from room-to-room while avoiding being seen.

However, one learns nothing trying to hide from nothing. At first, trying to be stealthy around other players will be sufficient to train. However, hiding from creatures, especially in combat is one of the most effective ways to training stealth. Following up a successful attempt to slip from a creature's view with with {{com|backstab}} is the traditional close quarters one-two punch for a thief. Simply attacking from stealth normally will [[ambush]] the target and is also very effective in training stealth.

Ranged attacks with a [[Slings skill|sling]], [[Bows skill|bow]], or [[Crossbows skill|crossbow]] may also be performed from stealth by using the {{com|poach}} command or the {{com|snipe}} command if you wish to attempt to remain hidden. However, creatures not at pole or melee range sometimes tend to wander. This can lead to arrows and bolts going missing if they are lodged in the creature.

Perhaps jarring from reality, hiding repetitively and at close quarters during combat isn't problematic. It trains well and can get a Thief out of a pinch. Practice often, and don't forget to repeat.

====[[Locksmithing]]====
Locksmithing is an important skill for thieves and was the basis for the [[Kalag's_Memoirs,_Part_1_(book)|foundation]] of the Thieves' guild.

This ability lets us get into places others do not want us. The primary use for this skill is opening boxes dropped as loot from creatures. Thieves are hands down the best at opening locked boxes and so are often sought out to open boxes other hunters are not able to open.

Be aware that boxes found on creatures are [[Box Traps|trapped]]. You should {{com|disarm}} them before trying to {{com|pick}} them with a [[Lockpick Carving|lockpick]]. Thieves of sufficient skill may {{com|carve}} their own lockpicks from [[Lockpick Carving|keyblanks]]. They may also be acquired from some shops, such as [[Ragge's Locksmithing]].

====[[Stealing skill|Thievery]]====
[[Stealing skill|Thievery]] is a hallmark skill for the Thieves guild, and, as such, there it is one of the two [[Post:New_Circle_Requirements_-_A_Precursor_-_03/07/2012_-_19:00|soft requirements]] for thieves, the other being [[stealth]]. A soft requirement means that it may still be used as one of the eight survival skills a thief is required to train to circle.

[[Stealing skill|Thievery]] is currently used to {{com|steal}} items and coins. Valid targets to {{com|steal}} from are NPCs, items in shops, other players, and the Throne City Museum. The best way to train [[Stealing skill|thievery]] is to steal from shops. Items that are light and cheap are the easiest to steal. Stealing repetitively from the same target will make it progressively more difficult to steal from that target again. The target will let their guard down again after one hour. You can [[Mark|mark]] items to see if you are able to steal it.

'''WARNING!!!''' Stealing from other players will result in being locked [[Profile command|PvP open]] for 4 hours.

=====Mark=====
This is our ability that lets us assess a mark (person or store item) before you make any actions towards them. You are able to learn it within your first couple of circles from the Crossing Guildleader.

:For more information see [[Mark]]

====[[Backstab]]====
[[Backstab]] is both a [[Backstab skill|skill]] and an [[Backstab|ability]] reserved exclusively for Thieves. The purpose of the skill is to make our attacks from hiding more powerful and accurate. There is no hard requirement for this skill to circle, so it is not required to train. However, a successful {{com|backstab}} is very powerful and greatly enhances a thief's offensive capabilities; [[Backstab skill|backstab]] is essential to maximizing our effectiveness in combat.

To be used to {{com|backstab}}, a weapon must [[Weight|weigh]] under 30 stones, be a [[Small Edged skill|small edge weapon]], and be a thrusting weapon. It is encouraged for younger Thieves to use the lightest and smallest blade due to it's increased accuracy over the larger and heavier weapons. As you grow in [[strength]] and skill, it is easy enough to also grow in blade length and weight until you are using the maximum sized blade to backstab.

Only creatures that stand upright on two legs are valid targets for {{com|backstab}}. To train this skill on beastial opponants you must target your attack to a body part (the chest seems to be the easiest to hit and the head the hardest) this is done by using the command (attack move) (body part), IE: jab chest, thrust abdomen, etc.

Also, thieves can still train [[Backstab skill|backstab]] by using the [[thief ambushes]] on any creature. This will also train the [[debilitation skill]]. Using the [[thief ambushes]] will use some [[concentration]] and may interfere with using [[Khri|khris]] if the [[concentration]] pool is drained completely.

Note that, while simply attacking from hiding will [[ambush]] the target, it will not train the [[backstab skill]].

===[[Lore skillset|Lore Skills]]===
You will be required to train three skills of your choice from the [[Lore skillset]]. [[Appraisal]], [[Tactics]], and either [[Scholarship]] or a [[Crafting|craft]] is a good choice.
* [[Appraisal]] will allow you to more accurately {{com|mark}} targets, as well as to {{com|appraise}} weapons, armor, and creatures accurately.
* [[Tactics]] improve your ability to use non-damaging attacks. In addition, you may {{com|analyze}} targets and, after landing attacks in a certain order, gain temporary advantages over your opponent.
* [[Scholarship]] is used to {{com|teach}} and {{com|listen}} to [[Scholarship skill|classes]]. It is also used for other miscellaneous things, such as [[anatomy charts]].
* [[Performance]] is one's ability to play a musical instrument.
* [[Mechanical Lore]] will eventually be eliminated and split into the skills for the crafting skills below. For now, {{com|braid}} is the easiest way to train [[mechanical lore]].
* [[Crafting]] is a set of systems that are still being developed, some of which are complete. There are five skills with three crafting disciplines each.
** [[Forging skill|Forging]] is the most complete crafting skill, with all three disciplines released: [[Blacksmithing]], [[Armorsmithing]], and [[Weaponsmithing]].
** [[Engineering skill|Engineering]] currently allows a character to [[Carving discipline|carve]] bone and stone. [[Tinkering]] and [[Shaping]] are planned for the future.
** [[Outfitting skill|Outfitting]] currently allows the [[Tailoring discipline|tailoring]] of leather and cloth items. [[Jewelry Making|Jewelry making]] and [[Artistry]] are planned for the future.
** [[Alchemy skill|Alchemy]] can be used to create [[Remedies discipline|remedies]] that can be used to heal yourself, though [[Healing herbs|herbs]] may also be used without the need to be processed first. [[Poisons]] and [[Cooking]] are planned for the future.
** [[Enchanting skill|Enchanting]] currently does not have any crafting discipline released, yet. It will eventually encompass [[Artificing]], [[Binding]], and [[Invoking]]. Thieves, however, do not use magic and will likely not be able to make use of [[Enchanting]].

Thieves are, for now, the only ones able to [[Lockpick Carving|carve lockpicks]] and make [[Poison]]. Eventually, these will utilize the [[Tinkering discipline|tinkering]] and [[Poison discipline|poison]] disciplines.

Thieves receive two free [[Carving Techniques|carving techniques]] and will receive one free [[Poison Techniques|poison technique]] when they become available.

===Magic Skills===
As Thieves we only have access to about half of the [[:Category:Supernatural Skillset|Supernatural Skillset]] to train. The [[Primary Magic|Inner Magic]] skill, [[Augmentation]] skill, [[Utility]] skill, and [[Debilitation]] skill.

You will learn the Inner Magic skill by training any of the other Supernatural skills. Augmentation and Utility are both easily trained by starting and letting a khri run for it's duration. This can be done in and out of combat, and is suggested to have a khri going at all times since the Supernatural skillset is tertiary and learns slower than most of your other skills.

The Debilitation skill can only be trained in combat against critters of close to equal stats. Debilitation learning is based on the comparison of stats between you and the target instead of the skill it's self. This means various abilities will train differently depending on their [[Contested Abilities|stat contest]] and how you have trained your stats, so try different ambushes and khri to find the one that teaches best for you in different hunting grounds.

[[Ambush Choke]] is received at second circle, and is the only way we can train debilitation till [[Khri Prowess]] is able to be learned at 20th circle. This ambush trains debilitation poorly compared to other ambushes so it is recommended that you find someone to teach the skill until you can train the skill reliably yourself.

====Khri====
Khri are our main abilities that we use. They are fueled by our [[concentration]] pool and require no preparation to start, unlike spells. You are able to learn your first khri at circle 1 which will be [[Khri Focus]] once you find your way into the Crossing guild hall.

Khri use the Supernatural skillset to determine if you can even start them and how powerful they will be once you can. Khri that use the Debilitation skill are only useful when engaged with an enemy.

:For more information see [[:Category:Khri|Khri]].

====Ambushes====
Thief ambushes are part magic and part combat. They train the [[Debilitation]] skill and, to a minor degree, the [[Backstab]] skill. While some are not damaging, they can offer you a significant advantage over your opponent during combat.

===Combat===
Beyond being a master survivalist, Thieves are also skilled fighters. Because of this, the guild requires that you keep up with not only weapon skills but also armor skills as well. The choice of what weapon and armor to use are purely yours to make, however this guide will give you a little advice in what to choose and how those choices will impact your advancement later on.

====Weapons====
As a member of the Thieves' Guild, you will be required to learn the use of at least two weapon classes in addition to the [[Parry]] skill. In order to facilitate that parry learning, it is encouraged that one of your weapon choices be something that you can use at melee with an opponent.

In order to make full use of our abilities later on, it is also encouraged (but not required) for you to practice use of either a [[Bow]], or [[Crossbow]]. With sufficient skill, a thief will not require extra time to load a [[Slings skill|sling]], [[Bows skill|bow]], or [[Crossbows skill|crossbow]] while hidden as members of other guilds do. In addition, thieves may also [[snipe]] at targets while attempting to remain hidden.

In addition, it is recommended to train [[Small Edged]] for use with backstabbing, [[Light Thrown]] to improve your use of the ambushes that use dirt, and to take advantage of the reduced skill needed to throw multiple throwing blades, and [[Brawling]] to improve your use of [[Ambush Clout]].

=====Snipe=====
Upon achieving your 40th circle within the guild, you will be allowed to learn the [[Snipe]] ability from Guildmaster in [[Crossings]]. This ability will allow you to fire an aimable ranged weapon from hiding with a chance to remain hidden.

It needs to be mentioned that there is strict policy on using Snipe, and the ability can be taken away if the GMs feel it is being abused.

:For more information see [[Snipe]].

====Armor====
Thieves are required to train only one of the armor skills, the choice of which is up to you. It is, however, recommended that you do train your [[Shield skill|shield]] because a number of attacks are easier to block than they are to dodge.

The typical armor choice for Thieves is using some kind of [[Light Armor]] since it has the lowest stealth hinderance. It is also common to mix armor types to train multiple armor skills. Using [[Chain Armor|chain]] as a secondary armor type will not raise your stealth hinderance much if you make the pieces smaller covering items like hand and head protection.

Two popular choices of Light Armor are cloth and leather. Both have benefits and drawbacks, Cloth being lighter and less hindering while Leather is more protective and readily available from a number of shops. When just starting, it's recommended that you seriously consider cloth armor solutions as they will grant you more freedom of movement and less hindrance on your stealth abilities. The lesser weight of cloth is also promotional towards having a lower burden overall which means more opportunity to carry loot (boxes, gems, skins, coin) without being weighed down.

===Other Information===

====Reputation====
Reputation is how well the guild feels about you.

Some Thieves confuse Reputation and Confidence. It is important to realize they are two separate things and are not intertwined.

Keeping your reputation solid allows you access to Thief areas and certain Thief abilities.

Allowing your reputation to go too low can result in the guild acting against you, even resulting in your character's death.

====Confidence====
Confidence is how well you see yourself.

The verb {{com|smirk}} {{tt|self}} or {{tt|smirk}} while in hiding will access how you feel about yourself, it will also advise if you are in an urban bonus area.

Currently it seems the only manner to improve your confidence is backstabbing.

Confidence can help you with thiefly endeavors: locksmithing, being stealthy, backstabbing, and the like.

====Urban Bonus====
Rooms within DragonRealms are either urban, neutral, or wilderness. Thieves thrive within the city walls, so we have a bonus to our non-combat skills while we are within an urban area. This is checked with using {{com|smirk}} {{tt|self}} or {{tt|smirk}} while in hiding. This will stack with our [[confidence]] bonus to provide a bigger bonus, but having a bad confidence level and being in the wilderness will stack against you and may even subtract levels at the very worst levels.

====Passages====
The guild has hidden passages across the cities of the realms that provides us with a safe haven when the heat gets to be too much, and to make it easier to move in and out of the guilds to other areas of the cities. This ability is learned very early in your career and can make crossing the Segoltha River to the south of Crossing much quicker.

====Contacts====

====Slips====
While most abilities can be learned from a Guildmaster or are granted upon reaching a specific circle within the guild, the use of slips is not. Achieving access to the slip abilities must be taught to you from either a fellow Thief or another who has access to them. Slips do not grant any sort of edge when training, but can offer the Thief who knows them a little bit of versatility when using them while hiding. These abilities automatically grow with you as you gain more circles and Thieves are able to perform the first at 10 circles.

:For more information see [[Slip]].

====Signs====

====Voice Throw====

====Poison Resistance====

====Pretend Guild====
Pretending to be another Guild is strictly a RolePlaying choice, it's not required from any Thief. It's simply a perk that we get to use in order to conceal our actual guild affiliation. Bear in mind that the overall desires of the Thieves Guild is that we not bring too much attention/heat down on the guild as a whole, and a proper use of the Pretend Guild system will help you keep to the guild's desires.

===Closing Statements===


{{Cat|Newbie Guide Contest}}

Thief new player guide

2014-11-01T16:47:24Z

SHADOW7988: /* Stealth */

This is a page for the Thief specific page for the Newbie Help Guide. Whenever possible, overlap with the general guide should be minimized.

'''Note:''' This guide should strive to minimize the amount of spoilers it contains. While the general mechanical information is not a problem, guild locations, methods of entry, and any quest should be described in the most general sense. The purpose of this guide it to enlighten a brand new person, not spoil the mystery.

For details, rules, and the other pages involved, see [[:Category:Newbie Guide Contest]].

{{RTOC}}
==Start==
===Getting Started===
Let's just say this now: If you don't know how to join the guild, you won't be learning how to do it here.

But if you have already joined, congratulations! You're on your way to taking your first steps into becoming a true Thief of Elanthia. Granted, you may not exactly know what it is we do or what being a Thief means, it's the purpose of this little guide to help you figure that out. So, without any further ado, read on and maybe learn a bit about what you've gotten yourself into.

====Crossing====
There is a guild hall in the Crossing once again! It is being kept a better secret this time around though. It still has an entrance into the hall that newcomers are able to enter through, if you can find it. There is also a man on the street that will let you join and even circle a few times before he directs you to the Guild leader in the guild hall.

====Riverhaven====
There is no way to join the guild in Riverhaven, so you must make your way to Crossing if you started out here.

There is no single guild hall in this city, instead there are a series of boltholes scattered across the city that the co-leaders, Swan and Crow, move between.

===[[Survival Skillset|Survival Skills]]===
Similar to [[Rangers]] and [[Necromancers]], we're survivalists at heart. This means that most of your time in the world will be spent working on those skills which will help you survive all the obstacles you will face within it and furthermore, that it will be easiest to train these skills when compared with skills from other skill groups, such as [[Weapon Skillset|weapons]]. From the very start you will be required to train eight survival skills to varying degrees, though the choice is upon you as to which those will be. [[Scouting]] and [[Thanatology]] cannot be trained by thieves, as they are exclusive to [[Rangers]] and [[Necromancers]] respectively. Despite having this minor amount of freedom, there are two skills which you '''must''' train: [[Stealth]] and [[Stealing|Thievery]]. These may count towards the eight required survival skills and the required ranks per circle are lower or match all but the lowest survival skill requirement.

We'll glaze over some skills here and go more in-depth on the major ones afterwards.

* [[Evasion]] - Simply put, evasion is the skill which determines how well you avoid attacks. Aside from classes in the subject, the only way to learn is to get out there and use it within combat settings.
* [[Athletics]] - The main use of the Athletics skill is to overcome natural obstacles, such as climbing a tree or swimming across a river. Consult the [[Athletics skill|athletics]] page for a list of places to climb and swim. Be careful not to wander into dangerous areas while exploring.
* [[Perception]] - Perception mainly affects a character's ability to detect things that are hidden. This may be other characters, creatures, hidden paths, and more. There are several ways to train perception:
** Collecting rocks is the most common outdoors method to learn perception, while collecting torn cloth inside is helpful. Collecting is done with the {{com|collect}} verb. Remember to {{com|kick}} the piles after they are collected to avoid clutter. It will also teach the [[Outdoorsmanship]] skill. It may require a few ranks in outdoorsmanship before you can {{com|collect}} anything.
** The {{com|hunt}} verb may be used while hunting to train perception. You will learn for both finding and tracking down the target.
** Identifying traps and locks on treasure boxes will also train perception.
** You may {{com|juggle}} certain [[Juggle List|items]] to train perception. Lighter items are easier to {{com|juggle}}.
* [[Outdoorsmanship]] - While it is not essential for a thief, outdoorsmanship is becoming an important gathering skill within the [[Crafting]] system and can be easily trained while training perception. Gathering [[Healing herbs|Herbs]] for [[Remedies|remedies]] with the {{com|forage}} or {{com|collect}} commands is probably the most compelling reason to train [[outdoorsmanship]].
* [[First aid|First Aid]] - [[First aid]] is used to to stop bleeding from more severe [[Damage|injuries]], to remove bolts and arrows from [[Crossbow skill|crossbows]] and [[Bow skill|bows]], and to remove [[Parasite|parasites]] that are found in certain areas. You may also {{com|study}} [[Anatomy chart|anatomy charts]] to train [[First aid|first aid]], as well as [[Scholarship|scholarship]].
*[[Skinning]] - [[Skinning]] is almost universally trained, as many creatures may be {{com|skin}}ed after they are killed. The rewards may be sold to a tannery like [[Falken's Tannery]], used to create [[Tailoring discipline|leather goods]], carved into [[Carving discipline|bone goods]], or other miscellaneous goods like [[Fletching|arrowheads]]. Unfortunately, creatures that you can {{com|backstab}} often cannot be skinned. It is advised that you vary the creatures you hunt so that neither skill falls behind.

====[[Stealth]]====
Stealth is a part part of being a Thief. Indeed, it is one of the two [[Post:New_Circle_Requirements_-_A_Precursor_-_03/07/2012_-_19:00|soft requirements]] for thieves, the other being [[Stealing skill|Thievery]]. A soft requirement means that it may still be used as one of the eight survival skills a thief is required to train to circle.

Being stealthy is part of being a Thief and sneaking around town may seem like a grand Thief mannerism, it may add to your character's background, however its not going to train the skill, here are instead some common manners to train:

{{com|hide}} will attempt to conceal the character from open view. Characters with sufficient skill in [[Perception skill|perception]] compared to your [[Stealth skill|stealth]] will see you slip into hiding. If they do not notice, they may {{com|search}} for where you are hiding. {{com|stalk}} will attempt to follow the target, player or creature, while hidden. {{com|sneak}} will attempt sneak from room-to-room while avoiding being seen.

However, one learns nothing trying to hide from nothing. At first, trying to be stealthy around other players will be sufficient to train. However, hiding from creatures, especially in combat is one of the most effective ways to training stealth. Following up a successful attempt to slip from a creature's view with with {{com|backstab}} is the traditional close quarters one-two punch for a thief. Simply attacking from stealth normally will [[ambush]] the target and is also very effective in training stealth.

Ranged attacks with a [[Slings skill|sling]], [[Bows skill|bow]], or [[Crossbows skill|crossbow]] may also be performed from stealth by using the {{com|poach}} command or the {{com|snipe}} command if you wish to attempt to remain hidden. However, creatures not at pole or melee range sometimes tend to wander. This can lead to arrows and bolts going missing if they are lodged in the creature.

Perhaps jarring from reality, hiding repetitively and at close quarters during combat isn't problematic. It trains well and can get a Thief out of a pinch. Practice often, and don't forget to repeat.

====[[Locksmithing]]====
Locksmithing is an important skill for thieves and was the basis for the [[Kalag's_Memoirs,_Part_1_(book)|foundation]] of the Thieves' guild.

This ability lets us get into places others do not want us. The primary use for this skill is opening boxes dropped as loot from creatures. Thieves are hands down the best at opening locked boxes and so are often sought out to open boxes other hunters are not able to open.

Be aware that boxes found on creatures are [[Box Traps|trapped]]. You should {{com|disarm}} them before trying to {{com|pick}} them with a [[Lockpick Carving|lockpick]]. Thieves of sufficient skill may {{com|carve}} their own lockpicks from [[Lockpick Carving|keyblanks]]. They may also be acquired from some shops, such as [[Ragge's Locksmithing]].

====[[Stealing skill|Thievery]]====
[[Stealing skill|Thievery]] is a hallmark skill for the Thieves guild, and, as such, there it is one of the two [[Post:New_Circle_Requirements_-_A_Precursor_-_03/07/2012_-_19:00|soft requirements]] for thieves, the other being [[stealth]]. A soft requirement means that it may still be used as one of the eight survival skills a thief is required to train to circle.

[[Stealing skill|Thievery]] is currently used to {{com|steal}} items and coins. Valid targets to {{com|steal}} from are NPCs, items in shops, other players, and the Throne City Museum. The best way to train [[Stealing skill|thievery]] is to steal from shops. Items that are light and cheap are the easiest to steal. Stealing repetitively from the same target will make it progressively more difficult to steal from that target again. The target will let their guard down again after one hour. You can [[Mark|mark]] items to see if you are able to steal it.

'''WARNING!!!''' Stealing from other players will result in being locked [[Profile command|PvP open]] for 4 hours.

=====Mark=====
This is our ability that lets us assess a mark (person or store item) before you make any actions towards them. You are able to learn it within your first couple of circles from the Crossing Guildleader.

:For more information see [[Mark]]

====[[Backstab]]====
[[Backstab]] is both a [[Backstab skill|skill]] and an [[Backstab|ability]] reserved exclusively for Thieves. The purpose of the skill is to make our attacks from hiding more powerful and accurate. There is no hard requirement for this skill to circle, so it is not required to train. However, a successful {{com|backstab}} is very powerful and greatly enhances a thief's offensive capabilities; [[Backstab skill|backstab]] is essential to maximizing our effectiveness in combat.

To be used to {{com|backstab}}, a weapon must [[Weight|weigh]] under 30 stones, be a [[Small Edged skill|small edge weapon]], and be a thrusting weapon. It is encouraged for younger Thieves to use the lightest and smallest blade due to it's increased accuracy over the larger and heavier weapons. As you grow in [[strength]] and skill, it is easy enough to also grow in blade length and weight until you are using the maximum sized blade to backstab.

Only creatures that stand upright on two legs are valid targets for {{com|backstab}}. To train this skill on beastial opponants you must target your attack to a body part (the chest seems to be the easiest to hit and the head the hardest) this is done by using the command (attack move) (body part), IE: jab chest, thrust abdomen, etc.

Also, thieves can still train [[Backstab skill|backstab]] by using the [[thief ambushes]] on any creature. This will also train the [[debilitation skill]]. Using the [[thief ambushes]] will use some [[concentration]] and may interfere with using [[Khri|khris]] if the [[concentration]] pool is drained completely.

Note that, while simply attacking from hiding will [[ambush]] the target, it will not train the [[backstab skill]].

===[[Lore skillset|Lore Skills]]===
You will be required to train three skills of your choice from the [[Lore skillset]]. [[Appraisal]], [[Tactics]], and either [[Scholarship]] or a [[Crafting|craft]] is a good choice.
* [[Appraisal]] will allow you to more accurately {{com|mark}} targets, as well as to {{com|appraise}} weapons, armor, and creatures accurately.
* [[Tactics]] improve your ability to use non-damaging attacks. In addition, you may {{com|analyze}} targets and, after landing attacks in a certain order, gain temporary advantages over your opponent.
* [[Scholarship]] is used to {{com|teach}} and {{com|listen}} to [[Scholarship skill|classes]]. It is also used for other miscellaneous things, such as [[anatomy charts]].
* [[Performance]] is one's ability to play a musical instrument.
* [[Mechanical Lore]] will eventually be eliminated and split into the skills for the crafting skills below. For now, {{com|braid}} is the easiest way to train [[mechanical lore]].
* [[Crafting]] is a set of systems that are still being developed, some of which are complete. There are five skills with three crafting disciplines each.
** [[Forging skill|Forging]] is the most complete crafting skill, with all three disciplines released: [[Blacksmithing]], [[Armorsmithing]], and [[Weaponsmithing]].
** [[Engineering skill|Engineering]] currently allows a character to [[Carving discipline|carve]] bone and stone. [[Tinkering]] and [[Shaping]] are planned for the future.
** [[Outfitting skill|Outfitting]] currently allows the [[Tailoring discipline|tailoring]] of leather and cloth items. [[Jewelry Making|Jewelry making]] and [[Artistry]] are planned for the future.
** [[Alchemy skill|Alchemy]] can be used to create [[Remedies discipline|remedies]] that can be used to heal yourself, though [[Healing herbs|herbs]] may also be used without the need to be processed first. [[Poisons]] and [[Cooking]] are planned for the future.
** [[Enchanting skill|Enchanting]] currently does not have any crafting discipline released, yet. It will eventually encompass [[Artificing]], [[Binding]], and [[Invoking]]. Thieves, however, do not use magic and will likely not be able to make use of [[Enchanting]].

Thieves are, for now, the only ones able to [[Lockpick Carving|carve lockpicks]] and make [[Poison]]. Eventually, these will utilize the [[Tinkering discipline|tinkering]] and [[Poison discipline|poison]] disciplines.

Thieves receive two free [[Carving Techniques|carving techniques]] and will receive one free [[Poison Techniques|poison technique]] when they become available.

===Magic Skills===
As Thieves we only have access to about half of the [[:Category:Supernatural Skillset|Supernatural Skillset]] to train. The [[Primary Magic|Inner Magic]] skill, [[Augmentation]] skill, [[Utility]] skill, and [[Debilitation]] skill.

You will learn the Inner Magic skill by training any of the other Supernatural skills. Augmentation and Utility are both easily trained by starting and letting a khri run for it's duration. This can be done in and out of combat, and is suggested to have a khri going at all times since the Supernatural skillset is tertiary and learns slower than most of your other skills.

The Debilitation skill can only be trained in combat against critters of close to equal stats. Debilitation learning is based on the comparison of stats between you and the target instead of the skill it's self. This means various abilities will train differently depending on their [[Contested Abilities|stat contest]] and how you have trained your stats, so try different ambushes and khri to find the one that teaches best for you in different hunting grounds.

[[Ambush Choke]] is received at second circle, and is the only way we can train debilitation till [[Khri Prowess]] is able to be learned at 20th circle. This ambush trains debilitation poorly compared to other ambushes so it is recommended that you find someone to teach the skill until you can train the skill reliably yourself.

====Khri====
Khri are our main abilities that we use. They are fueled by our [[concentration]] pool and require no preparation to start, unlike spells. You are able to learn your first khri at circle 1 which will be [[Khri Focus]] once you find your way into the Crossing guild hall.

Khri use the Supernatural skillset to determine if you can even start them and how powerful they will be once you can. Khri that use the Debilitation skill are only useful when engaged with an enemy.

:For more information see [[:Category:Khri|Khri]].

====Ambushes====
Thief ambushes are part magic and part combat. They train the [[Debilitation]] skill and, to a minor degree, the [[Backstab]] skill. While some are not damaging, they can offer you a significant advantage over your opponent during combat.

===Combat===
Beyond being a master survivalist, Thieves are also skilled fighters. Because of this, the guild requires that you keep up with not only weapon skills but also armor skills as well. The choice of what weapon and armor to use are purely yours to make, however this guide will give you a little advice in what to choose and how those choices will impact your advancement later on.

====Weapons====
As a member of the Thieves' Guild, you will be required to learn the use of at least two weapon classes in addition to the [[Parry]] skill. In order to facilitate that parry learning, it is encouraged that one of your weapon choices be something that you can use at melee with an opponent.

In order to make full use of our abilities later on, it is also encouraged (but not required) for you to practice use of either a [[Bow]], or [[Crossbow]]. With sufficient skill, a thief will not require extra time to load a [[Slings skill|sling]], [[Bows skill|bow]], or [[Crossbows skill|crossbow]] while hidden as members of other guilds do. In addition, thieves may also [[snipe]] at targets while attempting to remain hidden.

In addition, it is recommended to train [[Small Edged]] for use with backstabbing, [[Light Thrown]] to improve your use of the ambushes that use dirt, and to take advantage of the reduced skill needed to throw multiple throwing blades, and [[Brawling]] to improve your use of [[Ambush Clout]].

=====Snipe=====
Upon achieving your 40th circle within the guild, you will be allowed to learn the [[Snipe]] ability from Guildmaster in [[Crossings]]. This ability will allow you to fire an aimable ranged weapon from hiding with a chance to remain hidden.

It needs to be mentioned that there is strict policy on using Snipe, and the ability can be taken away if the GMs feel it is being abused.

:For more information see [[Snipe]].

====Armor====
Thieves are required to train only one of the armor skills, the choice of which is up to you. It is, however, recommended that you do train your [[Shield skill|shield]] because a number of attacks are easier to block than they are to dodge.

The typical armor choice for Thieves is using some kind of [[Light Armor]] since it has the lowest stealth hinderance. It is also common to mix armor types to train multiple armor skills. Using [[Chain Armor|chain]] as a secondary armor type will not raise your stealth hinderance much if you make the pieces smaller covering items like hand and head protection.

Two popular choices of Light Armor are cloth and leather. Both have benefits and drawbacks, Cloth being lighter and less hindering while Leather is more protective and readily available from a number of shops. When just starting, it's recommended that you seriously consider cloth armor solutions as they will grant you more freedom of movement and less hindrance on your stealth abilities. The lesser weight of cloth is also promotional towards having a lower burden overall which means more opportunity to carry loot (boxes, gems, skins, coin) without being weighed down.

===Other Information===

====Reputation====
Reputation is how well the guild feels about you.

Some Thieves confuse Reputation and Confidence. It is important to realize they are two separate things and are not intertwined.

Keeping your reputation solid allows you access to Thief areas and certain Thief abilities.

Allowing your reputation to go too low can result in the guild acting against you, even resulting in your character's death.

====Confidence====
Confidence is how well you see yourself.

The verb {{com|smirk}} {{tt|self}} or {{tt|smirk}} while in hiding will access how you feel about yourself, it will also advise if you are in an urban bonus area.

Currently it seems the only manner to improve your confidence is backstabbing.

Confidence can help you with thiefly endeavors: locksmithing, being stealthy, backstabbing, and the like.

====Urban Bonus====
Rooms within DragonRealms are either urban, neutral, or wilderness. Thieves thrive within the city walls, so we have a bonus to our non-combat skills while we are within an urban area. This is checked with using {{com|smirk}} {{tt|self}} or {{tt|smirk}} while in hiding. This will stack with our [[confidence]] bonus to provide a bigger bonus, but having a bad confidence level and being in the wilderness will stack against you and may even subtract levels at the very worst levels.

====Passages====
The guild has hidden passages across the cities of the realms that provides us with a safe haven when the heat gets to be too much, and to make it easier to move in and out of the guilds to other areas of the cities. This ability is learned very early in your career and can make crossing the Segoltha River to the south of Crossing much quicker.

====Contacts====

====Slips====
While most abilities can be learned from a Guildmaster or are granted upon reaching a specific circle within the guild, the use of slips is not. Achieving access to the slip abilities must be taught to you from either a fellow Thief or another who has access to them. Slips do not grant any sort of edge when training, but can offer the Thief who knows them a little bit of versatility when using them while hiding. These abilities automatically grow with you as you gain more circles and Thieves are able to perform the first at 10 circles.

:For more information see [[Slip]].

====Signs====

====Voice Throw====

====Poison Resistance====

====Pretend Guild====
Pretending to be another Guild is strictly a RolePlaying choice, it's not required from any Thief. It's simply a perk that we get to use in order to conceal our actual guild affiliation. Bear in mind that the overall desires of the Thieves Guild is that we not bring too much attention/heat down on the guild as a whole, and a proper use of the Pretend Guild system will help you keep to the guild's desires.

===Closing Statements===


{{Cat|Newbie Guide Contest}}

Thief new player guide

2014-10-29T05:01:33Z

SHADOW7988: /* Confidence */

Thief new player guide

2014-10-29T04:56:47Z

SHADOW7988: /* Reputation */

Thief new player guide

2014-10-29T04:52:33Z

SHADOW7988: /* Stealth */

2009-12-27T20:53:32Z

SHADOW7988:

{{NPC
|name=Arandrowse
|status=y
|guild=
|race=Elf
|gender=Male
|location=-
|map=-
|type=Expert Treasure Hunter in Training, Weaponmaster in Training
|type2=alterer
|assoc=Silvyr
}}
Arandrowse is a Wind Elf of the Horse Clan, who is in search of the truth of his past, he does not know his own background to much extents, such as who is his father, and who is his mother, and in fact who is his tribe. He goes throughout the Provinces of Kermoria in search of this and Treasure, and to gain prestige by learning weapons, to become the Weaponmaster he seeks to become.

He is also a worshipper of Phelim, who he considers himself an Honorable Assassin of, who wisks the undead into their deserved eternal slumber. As well as Rutilor, who he believes has stepped in on his behalf more times then a God should, though Rutilor he deems has reasons for this Guiding of his fate, after all they share at least the same appearance in height, both are small for their respective races.

==Appearance==
You see Arandrowse, an Elf. 
He has an angular face, pointed ears and deep-set dark eyes. Your dark brown hair is short and thick, and is worn loose. You have weathered skin and a wiry build. 
You are short for an Elf. 
He is young for an Elf. 
He is in good shape. 

You are wearing a platinum jadeite gwethdesuan, a pitch black hooded cloak with a panther emblazoned on the back, a grossly oversized pewter pin reading "ILITHI'S STRONGEST" in big block letters, a midnight black buckler, a Nisha short bow, an enameled green parrot, an oilcloth rucksack, a grey wool poncho woven with images of raccoons, a golden mongoose charm, a cambrinth welkin armband, a midnight black sheath, a midnight black sheath, a gold whorled albredine ring, a cambrinth ring, a plain war belt crafted from dark brown leather, a black felt hawking pouch beaded with a sunburst of cinnabar and amber, a midnight blue fletching pouch beaded with snowflake obsidian and laced with silvery horsehair, a dark velvet reticule with soft satin ties, a dark steel belt knife, a pair of midnight blue fitted trousers of soft brushed linen, a thigh quiver dyed in a brown and green camouflage pattern, some charcoal woolen socks and some ankle-high Elven stalking boots.

==Short Description==
You see a wiry elf, that seems covered in shadows and shade, his eyes are deep and dark like a tunnel, though seeming to end with a brilliant light, the only light that emits from him. All his movements seem measured, timed, graceful, and with a fluid calm.

==Background==
Arandrowse was Born in the tribe of the Webbed Woods, to his mother Vaelkrya a Barbarian Horse Clan, Wind Elf of the Matron Line of Ilu'daan, his father is Devtoin a Mountain Clan Elf of the Matron line of Aylindaar.

While still very young he was within a group of riders seeking suitable grounds to forage vitals and herbs to return to the tribe. When a group of Orks and Goblins ambushed the Horse Riders, and though many of the Orks and Goblins were brought to their deaths by the Horse Clan warriors, including Vaelkrya. However the ambushers were to great in both quantity and skill, and the Horse Clan warriors fell one by one.

The battle slowed, and the wary were captured and enslaved, the pour horses were used as food by the Goblin overmasters. Which devastated the already hopeless feel of the downtroddin slaves, that were once proud and free members of the Horse Clan.

Arandrowse perhaps by some twisting by some a generous God, or perhaps by a cruel God shifted paths so that Arandrowse would become a magically enslaved assassin and sabotuer for the Goblins. His tutor in much of this subject was the Elothean Thewonmisral Mathelirir.

Thewonmisral taught Arandrowse to the best of his abilities, and being a tutor on shadowy tactics, and disciplines his tutoring had a degree of sabotaging of the Goblins plans.

Thus Arandrowse was able to escape after years of training, torture, and cruel works performed on the behalf of his Goblin overseers. He was able to set up explosives and using mind tricks that Thewonmisral taught him, as well as the breaking of his manacles by a Dwarven Priest of Divyaush, named Hreothgar Anvilsk.

Thus he made his escape, and after traveling staunchly through wildland, and through streams, and other harsh terrain, he was found by members of the Aldamus House, who provided him with shelter, food, and clothing, as well as a no interest loan, to start his adventuring.