There are several ways to steal something from another character. Say you’re trying to steal from Mean Ol’ Stig. Just using your Stealing skill, then clicking on Stig will (if you are successful) transfer a random object from Stig’s inventory to yours.
If, however, you are after a specific possession of Stig’s, you have to double-click on his character onscreen. This will open a Character Window showing a close-up view of your victim. Double-click on his Backpack to open it. At this point the game will check your Snooping skill to see if you’ve managed to check the back pack without getting caught. If you are caught, Stig will know you’re trying to steal from him and take appropriate action. If you do succeed in Snooping, but find Stig has nothing you want, you can break off without further risk by right-clicking on the Backpack.
Once his Backpack is safely open, you can try to use your Stealing skill and transfer his possessions to your inventory. If the stolen item makes it into your inventory without incident, the crime was committed successfully.
Stealing has a third use. If you try to pick up something that belongs to an NPC, the game will inform you of that fact and ask if you wish to steal the object. If you do, the game will check against your Stealing skill. If your skill check fails, the guards may be called if there are any witnesses to your action.
If you’re caught stealing in a town, the guards will probably be called and will kill you. If you’re caught stealing in the wilderness, you’re flagged as a criminal and, for the next several minutes, your would-be victim can attack you with impunity.
