Thieving & Stealth

Darklordz Online is a dangerous place, and sometimes the sharpest blade is the one that never leaves its sheath. The Thievery system lets players move in the shadows, bypass obstacles, and take what they need… assuming they don’t get caught.

Stealth is not just a class – it’s a playstyle. One that rewards timing, caution, and creativity.

Sneaking

Use the sneak command to enter a stealth state. While sneaking:

  • Your chance of detection is based on your Agility, Perception of others, and current light level.
  • Movement becomes slower and riskier.
  • Footsteps, scent, or noise may give you away depending on terrain.
  • Some rooms (gravel, broken glass, magical wards) are extremely difficult to sneak through.

Certain gear (like soft boots or hooded cloaks) can improve your chances. NPCs and players will only spot you on a detection check or if you make an obvious mistake (e.g., pickpocketing a guard in broad daylight).

Pickpocketing

If you’re sneaking, and an NPC or player hasn’t detected you, you may attempt a pickpocket:

  • Success depends on Agility, Thievery skill, the target’s awareness, and item weight.
  • Failing may alert the target, causing aggression or loss of favor.
  • Some items are flagged as “protected” (e.g. equipped weapons, bound gear) and cannot be stolen directly.

NPCs may react with escalating consequences:

  • Merchants will ban you from their shops.
  • Guards may fine, imprison, or kill you.
  • Ruthless NPCs might track and hunt you down.

Lockpicking

You’ll often find locked doors, chests, or containers in the world – some hiding treasure, some hiding death.

  • Use the picklock command when facing a locked object.
  • A mini-game or timing-based interaction will determine success.
  • Failed attempts may break your lockpick or trigger a trap.

Locks come in tiers:

  • Simple – Can be picked with basic tools.
  • Reinforced – Require better tools or skills.
  • Magical – Need a key, spell, or puzzle solution.

You can craft or buy lockpicks, and some rare picks improve your chances (e.g., “silken fang” picks from the Ashfang orcs).

Traps & Triggers

High-level thieves can also:

  • Detect traps in suspicious rooms or containers (check traps).
  • Disarm or reset them, or even rearm them behind them to trap pursuers.
  • Place traps of their own, such as pressure plates, caltrops, or rigged bags.

Failure in trap detection can result in injuries, death, or alerting nearby enemies.

Reputation & Notoriety

Stealing has consequences:

  • Every successful or failed crime affects your Notoriety.
  • High Notoriety makes NPCs more suspicious. You may be denied entry to towns or marked for bounty.
  • You can lower Notoriety by:
    • Bribing officials
    • Donating to temples
    • Completing “redemptive” quests
    • Or vanishing into the wild for long enough to be forgotten

Some areas are lawless – what you steal there is yours… if you survive.

Roleplay Ideas

  • Become a freelance rogue who picks locks for hire.
  • Start a bandit crew that raids caravans and player bags.
  • Work as a spy for a major faction, gathering blackmail or secrets.
  • Play a Robin Hood type who steals from the rich, then bribes the poor for protection.

Future Features (Planned or Considered)

  • Fence NPCs to sell stolen items.
  • Thieves’ Guild or secret networks that offer bonuses and unique gear.
  • Wanted posters and bounties for criminal players.
  • Safehouses where thieves can hide and store loot.
  • Legendary heists: one-time server-wide events with unique rewards.