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{{Era|Culture}}{{WP-REAL|Pickpocketing}} | {{Era|Culture}}{{WP-REAL|Pickpocketing}} | ||
[[File:AC1 Altair Target Pickpocket.png|thumb|250px|Altaïr pickpocketing a target]] | [[File:AC1 Altair Target Pickpocket.png|thumb|250px|Altaïr pickpocketing a target]] | ||
'''Pickpocketing''' is the act of stealing an item, most commonly [[Economic system|money]], valuables, or secret documents, directly from the person in possession of it. | '''Pickpocketing''' is the act of stealing an item, most commonly [[Economic system|money]], valuables, or secret documents, directly from the person in possession of it. Although it is widely committed illicitly by [[Thief|thieves]] for sheer profit, it is also an important method of [[investigation|acquiring confidential information]] as part of espionage. Accordingly, pickpocketing has been a common, yet invaluable, tactic employed by the [[Assassins]] throughout their centuries-long [[Assassin-Templar War|conflict]] against the [[Templars]]. | ||
Although it is widely committed illicitly by [[Thief|thieves]] for sheer profit, it is also an important method of [[investigation|acquiring confidential information]] as part of espionage. Accordingly, | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Islamic Golden Age=== | |||
=== Islamic Golden Age === | During the 9th century, the thief [[Basim Ibn Ishaq]] was a prolific pickpocket, in part thanks to his [[Eagle Vision]], which allowed him to detect valuable items to steal from unsuspecting people. After joining the Hidden Ones, Basim would put this skill to good use, frequently pickpocketing keys, documents, and other objects of interest from enemy guards.<ref name="ACMir">''[[Assassin's Creed: Mirage]]''</ref> | ||
During the 9th century, the thief [[Basim Ibn Ishaq]] was a prolific pickpocket, in part thanks to his [[Eagle Vision]], which allowed him to detect valuable items to steal from unsuspecting people. After joining the | |||
===Crusades=== | ===Crusades=== | ||
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To pickpocket an informant, usually after [[eavesdropping]] on them and discovering what they had in their possession, [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] approached the target quietly from behind, before reaching out to slip the desired item from their satchel. Should he not move away from the target after they discovered the theft, the victim often called the [[guard]]s to attack Altaïr.<ref name="Altaïr's Chronicles" /><ref name="AC" /> | To pickpocket an informant, usually after [[eavesdropping]] on them and discovering what they had in their possession, [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] approached the target quietly from behind, before reaching out to slip the desired item from their satchel. Should he not move away from the target after they discovered the theft, the victim often called the [[guard]]s to attack Altaïr.<ref name="Altaïr's Chronicles" /><ref name="AC" /> | ||
[[File:AC1 Altair Thug Pickpocket.png|thumb|250px|left|Altaïr pickpocketing a thug]] | |||
Optimally, pickpocketing targets was only viable if they were moving, not facing the one targeting them, and if they were positioned far from a guard. This method was also the only way for Altaïr to gather throwing knives, apart from returning to [[Masyaf]] or visiting an [[Assassin bureau]].<ref name="AC" /> | Optimally, pickpocketing targets was only viable if they were moving, not facing the one targeting them, and if they were positioned far from a guard. This method was also the only way for Altaïr to gather throwing knives, apart from returning to [[Masyaf]] or visiting an [[Assassin bureau]].<ref name="AC" /> | ||
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===Renaissance=== | ===Renaissance=== | ||
[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] learned how to pickpocket from a fellow Assassin, [[Paola]], soon after the execution of his [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|father]] [[Federico Auditore da Firenze|and]] [[Petruccio Auditore da Firenze|brothers]].<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> | In 1476, [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] learned how to pickpocket from a fellow Assassin, [[Paola]], soon after the execution of his [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|father]] [[Federico Auditore da Firenze|and]] [[Petruccio Auditore da Firenze|brothers]].<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> | ||
Unlike Altaïr, Ezio would only pickpocket money from civilians. However, he also looted both money and items, usually [[trade objects|trade items]] or ammunition, from dead or unconscious guards. Doing so in public, though, would usually prompt nearby citizens to reprimand him. Civilians who discovered Ezio's efforts, would engage him in a fight and would usually flee after a single strike.<ref name="AC2" /><ref name="Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref> | Unlike Altaïr, Ezio would only pickpocket money from civilians. However, he also looted both money and items, usually [[trade objects|trade items]] or ammunition, from dead or unconscious guards. Doing so in public, though, would usually prompt nearby citizens to reprimand him. Civilians who discovered Ezio's efforts, would engage him in a fight and would usually flee after a single strike.<ref name="AC2" /><ref name="Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref> | ||
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===American Colonies=== | ===American Colonies=== | ||
The Colonial Assassins could pickpocket both civilians and guards to steal a variety of items or to simply take their money. The Assassin would stand next to their target and search their pockets or pouches for items. Searching for a longer time yielded more money and items, but the target and all nearby guards would get suspicious of them.<ref name="AC3">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref> | The [[American Brotherhood of Assassins|Colonial Assassins]] could pickpocket both civilians and guards to steal a variety of items or to simply take their money. The Assassin would stand next to their target and search their pockets or pouches for items. Searching for a longer time yielded more money and items, but the target and all nearby guards would get suspicious of them.<ref name="AC3">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref> | ||
==Pickpockets== | ==Pickpockets== | ||
[[File:Easy go 2.png|thumb | [[File:Easy go 2.png|thumb|250px|A pickpocket stealing from Ezio in [[Rome]]]] | ||
Like [[Borgia messenger]]s, several thieves roamed the streets and rooftops, and would often seek out Ezio to steal from him. One such [[Ugo|pickpocket]] was successfully able to take his money in [[Florence]], though the [[thief]] had only intended to lead him to [[La Volpe]].<ref name="AC2" /> | Like [[Borgia messenger]]s, several thieves roamed the streets and rooftops, and would often seek out Ezio to steal from him. One such [[Ugo|pickpocket]] was successfully able to take his money in [[Florence]], though the [[thief]] had only intended to lead him to [[La Volpe]].<ref name="AC2" /> | ||
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Alternatively, should Ezio or a guard kill the pickpocket, the Assassin could simply loot the body to take back his money.<ref name="AC2" /><ref name="Brotherhood" /> | Alternatively, should Ezio or a guard kill the pickpocket, the Assassin could simply loot the body to take back his money.<ref name="AC2" /><ref name="Brotherhood" /> | ||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
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*In ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', '''The Hands of a Thief''' [[Assassin's Creed achievements|achievement]] can be earned by pickpocketing 200 throwing knives from thugs. | *In ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', '''The Hands of a Thief''' [[Assassin's Creed achievements|achievement]] can be earned by pickpocketing 200 throwing knives from thugs. | ||
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', the '''Kleptomaniac''' [[Assassin's Creed II achievements|achievement]] can be earned by pickpocketing 1000 [[florin]]s. | *In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', the '''Kleptomaniac''' [[Assassin's Creed II achievements|achievement]] can be earned by pickpocketing 1000 [[florin]]s. | ||
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'', the '''Easy Come, Easy Go''' [[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood achievements|achievement]] can be earned by paying 500 florins to an [[Heralds|orator]], and then pickpocketing him afterwards. [[The Da Vinci Disappearance | *In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'', the '''Easy Come, Easy Go''' [[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood achievements|achievement]] can be earned by paying 500 florins to an [[Heralds|orator]], and then pickpocketing him afterwards. ''[[The Da Vinci Disappearance]]'' expansion is needed for this achievement to be available. | ||
**This achievement has been known to be glitched and not trigger. | **This achievement has been known to be glitched and not trigger. | ||
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed III: Liberation]]'', the '''Thief''' [[Assassin's Creed III: Liberation achievements|achievement]] can be earned by pickpocketing 5000 écu. | *In ''[[Assassin's Creed III: Liberation]]'', the '''Thief''' [[Assassin's Creed III: Liberation achievements|achievement]] can be earned by pickpocketing 5000 écu. | ||
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==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" | <gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180"> | ||
ACAC - Pickpocketing.jpg|Pickpocketing in ''Altaïr's Chronicles'' | ACAC - Pickpocketing.jpg|Pickpocketing in ''Altaïr's Chronicles'' | ||
AC1 Altair Pickpocket Observation.png|Altaïr observing a target to pickpocket | AC1 Altair Pickpocket Observation.png|Altaïr observing a target to pickpocket | ||
Key to the Problem 6.png|[[Aveline de Grandpré|Aveline]] pickpocketing a civilian | Key to the Problem 6.png|[[Aveline de Grandpré|Aveline]] pickpocketing a civilian | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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{{AC3}} | {{AC3}} | ||
{{AC3L}} | {{AC3L}} | ||
{{ACMir}} | |||
[[Category:Criminal practices]] | [[Category:Criminal practices]] | ||
[[Category:Skills]] | |||
[[Category:Assassin skills]] | |||
Revision as of 23:08, 29 March 2025
Pickpocketing is the act of stealing an item, most commonly money, valuables, or secret documents, directly from the person in possession of it. Although it is widely committed illicitly by thieves for sheer profit, it is also an important method of acquiring confidential information as part of espionage. Accordingly, pickpocketing has been a common, yet invaluable, tactic employed by the Assassins throughout their centuries-long conflict against the Templars.
History
Islamic Golden Age
During the 9th century, the thief Basim Ibn Ishaq was a prolific pickpocket, in part thanks to his Eagle Vision, which allowed him to detect valuable items to steal from unsuspecting people. After joining the Hidden Ones, Basim would put this skill to good use, frequently pickpocketing keys, documents, and other objects of interest from enemy guards.[1]
Crusades
For Assassins during the Third Crusade, pickpocketing was used for gathering letters or other items from informants, as well as for restocking on throwing knives.[2][3]
To pickpocket an informant, usually after eavesdropping on them and discovering what they had in their possession, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad approached the target quietly from behind, before reaching out to slip the desired item from their satchel. Should he not move away from the target after they discovered the theft, the victim often called the guards to attack Altaïr.[2][3]
Optimally, pickpocketing targets was only viable if they were moving, not facing the one targeting them, and if they were positioned far from a guard. This method was also the only way for Altaïr to gather throwing knives, apart from returning to Masyaf or visiting an Assassin bureau.[3]
To do this, Altaïr would acquire knives from certain thugs, who – unlike regular citizens – would engage Altaïr in a fistfight if they discovered his attempt to steal from them. Should they be nearby, other thugs would also join in and assist the target. Each thug carried around five knives, all of which could be stolen. However, upon being discovered and defeating them in a brawl, Altaïr would only be able to take one knife from the beaten thug.[3]
Renaissance
In 1476, Ezio Auditore da Firenze learned how to pickpocket from a fellow Assassin, Paola, soon after the execution of his father and brothers.[4]
Unlike Altaïr, Ezio would only pickpocket money from civilians. However, he also looted both money and items, usually trade items or ammunition, from dead or unconscious guards. Doing so in public, though, would usually prompt nearby citizens to reprimand him. Civilians who discovered Ezio's efforts, would engage him in a fight and would usually flee after a single strike.[4][5]
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Assassins created the hookblade, which came in useful during conflicts to perform a counter-steal: an Assassin could simply rip a purse off a guard, enraging them.[6]
American Colonies
The Colonial Assassins could pickpocket both civilians and guards to steal a variety of items or to simply take their money. The Assassin would stand next to their target and search their pockets or pouches for items. Searching for a longer time yielded more money and items, but the target and all nearby guards would get suspicious of them.[7]
Pickpockets
Like Borgia messengers, several thieves roamed the streets and rooftops, and would often seek out Ezio to steal from him. One such pickpocket was successfully able to take his money in Florence, though the thief had only intended to lead him to La Volpe.[4]
As well as this, pickpockets would only approach Ezio if he was not looking at them, and would flee immediately should he notice them. If pickpockets took his money, Ezio could chase after them – with the help of any nearby guards – and tackle or grab them to reclaim his money, as well as taking the money the pickpocket had obtained from other marks.[4][5]
Alternatively, should Ezio or a guard kill the pickpocket, the Assassin could simply loot the body to take back his money.[4][5]
Trivia
- Achievements
- In Assassin's Creed, The Hands of a Thief achievement can be earned by pickpocketing 200 throwing knives from thugs.
- In Assassin's Creed II, the Kleptomaniac achievement can be earned by pickpocketing 1000 florins.
- In Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, the Easy Come, Easy Go achievement can be earned by paying 500 florins to an orator, and then pickpocketing him afterwards. The Da Vinci Disappearance expansion is needed for this achievement to be available.
- This achievement has been known to be glitched and not trigger.
- In Assassin's Creed III: Liberation, the Thief achievement can be earned by pickpocketing 5000 écu.
- In Assassin's Creed: Mirage, The Hands of a Thief achievement can be earned by pickpocketing 50 people. The achievement's name is identical to the one from the original Assassin's Creed.
- Gameplay
- In Assassin's Creed II, pickpockets will always steal 5% of Ezio's total florins.
- In Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, it is possible for pickpockets to steal more than 44,000 of Ezio's florins depending on the amount of money he has by rebuilding Rome.
- Arquebusiers and crossbowmen are the only guards who will actively shoot a pickpocket should he be on the rooftops. Pickpockets take a single shot to die from an arquebusier and multiple shots to die from a crossbowman.
- In Assassin's Creed II, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, and Assassin's Creed: Revelations, after bribing a herald, the money can be stolen back from him. Alternatively, the herald can be killed and the corpse looted to recover the money.
- After completing five Thieves Guild challenges, hired thieves would automatically pickpocket money for Ezio.
- As well as this, thieves in Constantinople could loot the bodies of dead guards for Ezio, once he had completed a specific challenge set.
- Certain guards held more florins than others when looted, with certain Borgia Captains carrying more than 900 florins. In Constantinople, the Janissaries could be looted for up to 84 akçe.
- Like Borgia messengers, pickpockets in Assassin's Creed II will drop their florins if they are struck with a throwing knife.
- In Assassin's Creed: Unity, when Arno Dorian catches pickpockets the money is added to his pockets, rather than needing to return the money to the victim.
Gallery
-
Pickpocketing in Altaïr's Chronicles -
Altaïr observing a target to pickpocket -
Aveline pickpocketing a civilian
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed (first appearance)
- Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles
- Assassin's Creed II
- Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
- Assassin's Creed: Revelations
- Assassin's Creed III
- Assassin's Creed III: Liberation
- Assassin's Creed: Mirage
References
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