Ok, this line of thought started with having another argument on the look command for being able to look at objects in other mobile's inventory, be it worn or carried.
look <target> at <object>
It would be sneaky to have a few clones of an object where they have different descriptions on them, whereby you have to look at them to determine which is which. This would also give better incentives to do a FULL restring on objects that players get, as the description would be viewable by other players.
To view the objects in a mobile's inventory, one would need peek. Though, the more I thought about it, the more it seemed rather illogical that the carried inventory even needs peek to see the list of them. Well this led to the idea of looking in the containers of other mobiles.
look in <object> on <target>
Now, THAT I could see requiring peek, otherwise, you could possibly make the mob mad by doing so and failing. It looks like you're trying to steal. Of course, players wouldn't have this reaction automatically. They get to decide for themselves. Mobs would need a trigger (PEEK?) to have them respond to such actions.
Of course, the led to the concept of stealing from other mobile's containers. Stealing from that deep in the inventory of a mobile would be vastly more difficult then trying to swipe something from main inventory. You take more time in doing so. There would need to be added restrictions on that as well. For instance, a closed container would require that you open it first. Oh, if you're down right sneaky and skilled at theft, you could do it, but why bother? The risk of getting caught is higher than if the container was already open.
steal <object> from <object> <target>
Well… that's all fine and dandy with normal theft. But that has no flair to it. No style. What about distraction? You know the thieves. They come up to you, shake your hand and are almost out of ear shot when you find out they took your watch. Thieves should be able to do something like this. Do something to take the attention of the victim away from the act of theft.
steal <object> <target> by <distraction>
That would require a skill "distraction", which would be something I could see in theft skill tree. Obviously, there would be restrictions and limitations on what can be taken. Trying to steal equipment worn ought to be possible, but damned difficult for different limbs. I can see taking something off someone's wrist or fingers easily enough, but taking something from their FEET or TORSO and the like would be damned conspicuous not to mention BLATANTLY OBVIOUS! Someone trying to take your shirt off would get your attention pretty quick, wouldn't you say? Also, unstealable items, DEATH GRIPPED items, noloot items and those otherwise marked to prevent theft would cause immediate failure.
Well, what about objects in other containers? What about using distractions to steal from those? You know about that scenario right? Guy bumps into you in a crowd, slipping away with your wallet. You tend to focus on the bump at first before thinking about if anything was taken from your pocket.
steal <object> from <object> <target> by <distraction>
Lastly… what about those that steal in groups? One person distracts the victim while the quick-fingered-one swipes the goods, leaving the victim unaware most of the time if they were good. Using the distraction skill again, a thief could use it to lock the focus of a victim where almost every other command will break the focus, akin to holdup but less restrictive. I should be able to do ooc stuff while distracting someone! (well, holdup as well, but yeah...)
distract <target><distraction></distraction></target>
But what's a distraction? Anything you could normally do that wouldn't otherwise change your state, ie, nothing that initiates combat. Casting spells is a good example of something that can be used in the last form, where you are the distractor. Using emotes could be useful for DIY theft. Hugging someone could become suspect now! :D The Serial Hugger!
Anyways… comments? Any holes that I haven't pointed out to be filled?</distraction></target></object></object>
````</distraction></target></object>
````</target></object></object>
````</target></object>
````</object></target>
