Cut-me-own-purse Dibbler

CUTPURSE (#25/30, #177/365) [POT]

SKILL: 8

STAMINA: 5

ATTACKS: 1

WEAPON: Dagger

ARMOUR: None

DAMAGE MODIFIER: None

HABITAT: Towns, Dungeons, Ruins

NUMBER ENCOUNTERED: 1-3

TYPE: Humanoid

REACTION: Unfriendly-Hostile

INTELLIGENCE: High

Similar to the Pickpocket, the Cutpurse is a street-thief specializing in absconding with the valuables of townsfolk as they amble about a settlement. Unlike Pickpockets, however, who favour their dextrous agility to remove individual gold pieces and other trinkets directly from the pockets and pouches of the unwary, the Cutpurse uses a dagger to swiftly cut a purse free from its strap, hence their name. They then make a fast getaway, but it is advised to be cautious in following the Cutpurse as they are equally happy turning on their pursuers to give a practical demonstration of their excellent knife skills with said dagger. They have little else in the way of possessions, other than the clothes they wear; any treasure they may have, has been likely taken from their last victim.

Cutpurses operate in cities and larger towns either individually or in a small team, with one as the cutter, one as the lookout, and any others as backup. These roles may be varied to keep a team sharp, or chosen, or designated, based on skills and experience. The activities of a Cutpurse are almost always sanctioned under the auspices of the local Thieves' Guild; freelancers are given short and often violent shrift. In particular, the Cutpurse will target wealthy merchants and rich strangers, especially those without bodyguards or other protective measures. Note that this may include wandering adventurers, returning into town from a profitable expedition down the local dungeon, now heavily-laden with treasure and sundry sparkling objects - easy prey for a skilled team of Cutpurses!