So you are a pickpocket

[Fyermind]

This is for a level 1 NPC, so it doesn't need to be playable. I would like it to have some versatility for when things don't go as planned, but I want to mximize skill as a pickpocket. Race is strongheart halfling or whisper gnome.

How would you make the best pickpocket/thief? (elite array stats or some equivalent point buy, 2 flaws max, devotion to an elder evil optional, severe taint not optional)


Ideas so far
4 ranks in slight of hand
skill focus (SoH)
Deft hands
Lucky fingers

[andromax]

Masterwork skill tool (SoH)
As nice of a +competence bonus item as you can afford. (+2 wouldnt be hard to justify, even though it would be out of WBL, hes a thief afterall)

Having a buddy or two aid him could get him +2 or +4

[nedz]

You might need to cover the down side, for when things go bad.

Escape Artist, Tumble, Hide, Disguise, Sense Motive and Bluff all might come in handy.

[Psyren]

Shape Soulmeld: Theft Gloves will give you an insight bonus to SoH, and you can buff this by investing essentia in them. Expanded Soulmeld Capacity will increase your limit as well.

Rather than take the feat though, you may want to multiclass with Incarnate; This would also give you plenty of other neat tricks to do when lifting purses isn't required, and Incarnate would boost the capacity of your gloves further.

Consider Umbral Disciple as well, which gives you bonus essentia, advances sneak attack, and gives you Hide in Plain Sight for cheap.