Pickpocket

*"This particular card is... below you. Even as it represents a quick means to easy profit."*

This is an Encounter Card in *Hand of Fate 2.*

## Event

If this card's token has not yet been acquired:

*You meet Meric at the square as he instructed.*
*He gestures to a carpet seller at the bazaar. "The Reeve," he explains. "Watch and listen."*
Otherwise:

*As you pass through a busy market plaza, you spy a reeve harassing a rug merchant.*
*"If the Lord got wind you were short on your taxes, there would be trouble," says the Reeve. "Mind you, I do like this rug. Better you hand that over, than all your stock. What do you say?"*

*"I've not... and that's a rare masterpiece from the Eastern Belt!"" says the flustered rug merchant.*

*As the altercation continues, you notice the Reeve's pouch hanging open.*

If this card's token has not yet been acquired:

*"So you see it then," Meric says with a grin. "You know it's only really stealing if you get caught!"*
1) Steal.

If this card's token has not yet been acquired:
*That's the spirit," he says. "Now remember, the trick is to know when to stop, but if you're any good, you won't need to!"*
*You move behind the Reeve while pretending to admire the carpets on display.*
*As he continues to haggle, you slide your hand into his pouch.*
**Chance Cards Gambit** (4 Gold Gain Cards)
Gold Gain
*You draw an item from the reeve's pouch...*
A) Steal more.
**Repeat Chance Cards Gambit with drawn card replaced by a Life Pain Card.**
B) Pocket your spoils and leave.
If this card's token has not yet been acquired:
*"Is that it?" Meric says. "Well, I guess you're not as good as I thought."*
*You pocket your spoils as he disappears into the crowd.*
Otherwise:
*Content with your efforts and not wanting to push your luck, you pocket your spoils and walk away with a smile.*
**The player gains all drawn Gold Gain Cards.**
After stealing all 4 Gold Gain Cards:
*You lift the last of the Reeve's gold from his pouch. He struts away with a rare carpet from the Easter Belt rolled under his arm, none the wiser.*
**The player gains 2 Fame.**
**The player gains all drawn Gold Gain Cards.**
1) Return to Meric.
*The thief's eyes glint at the sight of the gold.*
*"We will make a thief of you yet!" he says as he plucks his share from your hands. "Think of it as an investment!"*
*"Meet me at noon in two days outside the city. We can talk more, then."*
*With that, Meric disappears back into the crowd.*
**The player loses 10 Gold.**
**The player gains this card's token.**
2) Keep all of the gold.
(insert text here)
Life Pain
*As you draw your hand from the bag, the Reeve turns.*
*"How dare you!" he says, drawing a dagger from his robe and thrusting in your direction. You clutch your wounded hand, dropping the spoils.*
**The player loses all Gold Gain Cards and suffers the Life Pain.**
*You stumble back to Meric, but he is nowhere to be found.*
**Encounter ends.**
Huge Success (only possible with Eternal Hope)
*You lift the last of the Reeve's gold from his pouch. He struts away with a rare carpet from the Eastern Belt rolled under his arm, none the wiser.*
**The Dealer draws a Gain 50 Gold Card.**
**The player gains 2 Fame.**
A) Keep all of the gold.
(insert text here)
B) Split the spoils with the merchant.
**The player gains all drawn Gold Gain Cards.**
*You flick the merchant half of the gold. "Bless you, stranger," he says as you walk away.*
**The player loses half of the gained gold.**
**The player gains a Blessing.**
2) Continue on your way.

*You think better of stealing and continue on your way.*
**Encounter ends.**
## Options and rewards (to be deleted when appropriate)

1. Complete the card shuffle 4 times
	* 1. Keep all of the gold
		+ You keep your winnings
	* 2. Split the gold with the merchant
		+ Gain 1 blessing
		+ Lose half of the gained gold (10)

## Token Unlocks

*For successfully stealing all of the Reeve's gold...*

Caravan Robbery