Let’s hear it for all thieves, rogues, bards, and other sticky-fingered types! A well-timed pickpocket attempt can turn a boring encounter into one that might get just a bit too exciting.
The problem is coming up with an answer when the player tells you, “I reach into the sheriff’s pouch while he’s distracted by the bard.”
Sure, a successful attempt could net the player a few coins, but they could find something a lot more interesting… with a little prep.
The next time you have a player attempt to snatch something from a pocket, pouch, or purse, consider these one hundred items to present your player. Some are mundane. Some are mysterious. And some are even magical. Peruse the list and write down your favorites, or simply have the list handy for a quick roll and some quick improv.
Should your pickpocket be attempting to steal from a special character, note that every fifth item in this list is somewhat magical or fantastical in some manner or another. Just roll a d20 and multiply by five to roll for only these items.
Have fun!
- A note that says “Run!”
- A set mousetrap
- A broken locket with a picture of a beautiful elf boy inside
- A piece of paper intricately folded into the shape of a wyvern
- A magic ring that turns the wearer into a very combative giant frog. The wearer retains that form until killed or the ring is forcibly removed from one of its rear feet. Grappling rules apply if available. If killed, the wearer is restored—no harm done
- A wooden coin of no particular value
- A simple, but moving love letter
- A single key to an unknown lock
- A rabbit’s foot charm
- A ten-foot pole. The pole is normal. The pocket it came from is not.
- A small bottle of Samwell’s Miracle Hair Tonic
- A preserved human ear
- A small, featureless doll made of red fabric and crushed straw stuffing
- A small pouch of crushed chalk
- An enchanted sphere of marble, about 2 inches across, that, when touched, changes the toucher’s hair and skin to a random bright color (red, orange, magenta, blue, etc) for a full hour.
- A live rat named Mr. Bitey. Yes, he bites.
- A folding knife
- A pouch of smoking tobacco and a small briar pipe
- A bill of sale for a shallow-drafted cargo boat named The Tsarina
- A gem that, when held up to the sun for a full minute, gives the holder an accurate impression of the weather for the next 24 hours.
- An eight-ounce bottle of very strong dwarven liquor
- A folded piece of paper with the pickpocket’s name written on it in a demonic script
- A garrote
- A single silver piece of which one side has been rubbed smooth by years of compulsive habit
- A seashell which, when held up to the ear, reveals dark secrets of the listener in a hushed, diabolical voice
- A hand-written receipt for 12 skulls and an obsidian dagger
- A written message from the wife of a shopkeeper to a smith’s apprentice to come around during temple services… and to burn this note
- A string of brightly colored beads
- A string of brightly colored beads that conceals a message that, with a successful intelligence check to decode, says, “We strike at midnight.”
- A magic coin that, when flipped, offers an advantage (heads) or disadvantage (tails) on their next roll. Works once per day.
- A wooden collapsible cup
- An elven arrowhead
- A round piece of doily. Finely made, approximately 8 inches across
- A blood-soaked rag
- The fingerbone of a long-forgotten, but saintly cleric. Undead within five feet suffer disadvantage.
- A silver fork
- A jade brooch
- A small wooden comb
- A powerful merchant’s calling card
- An eight-ounce cup that can hold a gallon (liquids only)
- A pewter egg cup
- A small carefully painted lead figurine of a human warrior with sword and shield
- A child’s toy top
- A tiny pouch filled with toenail clippings
- A note that says “You can do it!” Once read aloud, the words disappear and the speaker is granted an advantage (GM’s discretion, usable only once)
- A small bottle of ink with a leaky stopper, guaranteed to stain one’s fingers
- A blank piece of paper
- A magnifying glass lens
- A small envelope containing five sewing needles
- A seed which, when planted and watered, sprouts and grows into a full-sized blueberry bush with edible berries with about three minutes
- A vial of the pickpocket’s own blood
- A detailed drawing of a member of the pickpocket’s party
- A child’s toy horse
- Three finger puppets of clerical characters
- An explosive dart which deals 1d10 damage upon a successful hit
- A written summons to appear before the magistrate by noon the next day
- A folded paper fan
- A one-inch thick candle about five inches long
- A handful of dried beans
- A reed straw which purifies unclean or poisoned water (fragile, will break after a few uses at GM’s discretion, works with water only)
- A bloody, severed hand
- A half bar of unused soap
- A shaving brush
- A biscuit shaped like a bone
- An amulet featuring a fly trapped in amber that, when put around the neck of a medium-sized creature or smaller, removes all ability to fly—either physically or magically
- A pair of brass knuckles with the words “Love, Mom” stamped into the side
- A folded piece of paper with a black spot in the center
- A handful of crushed rose petals
- A human tooth, root and all
- A dragon tooth whose possessor suffers only half damage from any dragon bite (other forms of attack do not apply)
- A potato that sort of looks like a goblin head
- A complete, fully cleaned rat skeleton
- A square of crushed velvet
- A thorny rose. Beautiful, but ouch!
- A whistle that can only be heard by those who are lawful good
- A well-used skeleton key
- A four-leafed clover encased in solid glass
- A nicked plectrum
- A license to kill one deer on royal property
- A small crystal bell that when rung summons one minute of light rain. Outdoors only and only twice a day.
- A token for one free ale at “Happy Hiccup’s House of Brew”
- Three pieces of broken crockery
- A fake gemstone
- A small pouch of hard candy
- A sparkling blue brooch that allows the wearer to survive comfortably without food or water for up to one week. Needs a full week to recharge even after a partial use.
- Genealogical notes that reveal that a seventh son of a seventh son resides nearby
- A metal fish hook
- A wooden slat with the words “You may already be a winner!”
- A lightly perfumed handkerchief
- A silver coin upon which a continuous light spell has been cast
- A live, angry beetle about two inches long
- A pocket-sized sundial on a light chain
- A small vial of poison
- An uneaten apple
- A cursed ring which removes any benefit from consuming food or liquid. User slowly suffers starvation and dehydration until the curse is lifted which allows ring to be removed
- A small prayer book appropriate for a widely-worshipped good-aligned deity
- A charm made of a dried frog and three iron nails tied together with red string
- A handful of dried bees
- A hand-drawn map of the local tavern suggesting a possible secret room behind the storeroom
- A magical pouch which converts 1 gold piece to its equivalent value in silver pieces, and vice versa. Only works for values equal to 1 gold piece.
What are some of your favorite pickpocket items or stories? Feel free to share in the comments.
Pingback: Links for DMs – my favourites – D&D&D