Lockpicking Chests and Coffers

[Eue]

Hello !

I read somewhere that thieves can actually skip obtaining keys, and attempt to pick the locks on chests and coffers. Is this true ? If so, what level THF do you have to be in order to be successful ? Because I would be willing to level THF for that ability. Is it realistic to say, a lvl 20 THF can start picking locks ? Or does that skill depend more on other factors ?

My intention was to possibly level THF as high as 35, sub BLM, pick locks and coffers in various dungeons, then Warp out.

It is my understanding that you are cursed if you fail to pick a lock. Can anyone detail this ? Do you die, or what ? Please discuss.

[Aeolus]

Re: Lockpicking Chests and Coffers

If you open it with a lockpick theres always a chance youll just get cursed. Lasts forever and sucks. The lowest you can pick a lock is lv1 but the chance of actually succeeding is ridiculous. The higher lv the more chance you have. Heard its like 80% at 70 or something. INT does seem to effect the lockpicking as well, I was told this and tried it at 50 while doing my coffers and loading up on INT+ did help. At 35 you next to no chance at opening a coffer successfully. You need to be 50 at least unless you very lucky.

[Ryddr]

Re: Lockpicking Chests and Coffers

A little information here to start with: http://www.ffxionline.com/forums/lite/t-34879.html.

They mention mimics in the third post on that page. Assuming you may not know what that is I'll explain. Mimics are fake treasure coffers (coffers only; not chests), that attack when you attempt to pick the lock. They are insanely difficult to solo and I'm not sure if you can even really kill them (never tried). If you see one, use perfect dodge and warp, otherwise you're toast. They have the ability Draw-In(pulls you back to them), so no amount of running/flee can help.


As your success rate with picking locks is based directly off of your level, you should probably take the level of the enemies around you into account. The level of the enemies most likely determines how good of chances you have. If you're surrounded by ITs, you could probably expect a failure. If you're surrounded by Too Weaks, you can expect success.

There are other factors that players consider, though none of them are really 'proven'.

Critical successes and critical failures-
A critical success would result in the best possible yield; the most expensive item that the chest/coffer has to offer..
A critical failure would result in the worst possible yield; on a chest no key return; a coffer no key return and a mimic.
Those factors make sense, and pretty much mold the pattern, so they can't be proven right or wrong.

Other theories involve stats such as INT and DEX. Some people believe that the higher your stats are in these areas, the better your chances at success/critical success.
I personally don't believe in the DEX stat helping, but perhaps INT, though it is doubtful.
The INT factor would explain the +5 INT on the Thf AF hat.

Hope that was helpful.

[Eue]

Re: Lockpicking Chests and Coffers

If you open it with a lockpick theres always a chance youll just get cursed. Lasts forever and sucks. The lowest you can pick a lock is lv1 but the chance of actually succeeding is ridiculous. The higher lv the more chance you have. Heard its like 80% at 70 or something. INT does seem to effect the lockpicking as well, I was told this and tried it at 50 while doing my coffers and loading up on INT+ did help. At 35 you next to no chance at opening a coffer successfully. You need to be 50 at least unless you very lucky.

I see... so my plan, as stated above, will likely fail, but if I level to 50, my chances are decent - at level 70, even better ? Wow.... I must be totally committed to the way of the thief in order for my plan to work !

Double Post Edited:

A little information here to start with: http://www.ffxionline.com/forums/lite/t-34879.html.

-snip-

As your success rate with picking locks is based directly off of your level, you should probably take the level of the enemies around you into account. The level of the enemies most likely determines how good of chances you have. If you're surrounded by ITs, you could probably expect a failure. If you're surrounded by Too Weaks, you can expect success.

-snip-

k - after reading the thread, I noticed that a Mithra thief had gotten her RSE by lockpicking the chests.... that is a worthwhile goal, it seems. I was not too clear on exactly what level she was.... but if I understand you correctly, I can /check the mobs in the dungeon and have a fairly reliable indicator of how things will go ? If so, that would be very nice, indeed.

[Ryddr]

Re: Lockpicking Chests and Coffers

Yes, and the mithra was successful in obtaining her RSE because those chests are simply Treasure chests, therefore no chance for a mimic. Worst possible outcome is 1 key breaks. Also, because it was a quest, any success (critical or not) could only yield the quest item. In her case, the magical pattern for her RSE. Oh yea, you can also be cursed by a trapped chest >,> forgot. but if you're down there pickin away at a chest, you should have escape plans covered before hand anyhow. Always have a warp ready, and save your perfect dodge just in case the worst occurs.

[Eue]

Re: Lockpicking Chests and Coffers

k - great info - thanks ! One final question, if I may : Do I have to have THF as my main job in order to lockpick/use the Thief Tools ?

[Maju]

Re: Lockpicking Chests and Coffers

k - great info - thanks ! One final question, if I may : Do I have to have THF as my main job in order to lockpick/use the Thief Tools ?

Yes.

[Elrik666]

Re: Lockpicking Chests and Coffers

Also bear in mind that as thf/blm you have no way to avoid aggro without spending bucketloads on silent oils and prism powders (and waste all the gil you may or may not gain from picking the lock)

AF Coffers must be opened by the job that needs the item, or you will get regular Coffer items. The one exception to this is the key item for the AF Hands.

50-54 fails and mimics were still somewhat common for me on AF level coffers. I have rarely if ever failed, and haven't spawned a mimic since that level range (even when trying to force one to get key for friends ;( )

When in a party, any item you get from picking a chest will go into the treasure pool with the exception of AF items and Key items, so decide accordingly if you see one while partying.

I always keep the keyring belt on me whenever I am thief... never know when you are going to spot a coffer or chest begging to be picked
Hope this helps your nefarious plans.

[Myaku]

Re: Lockpicking Chests and Coffers

When in a party, any item you get from picking a chest will go into the treasure pool with the exception of AF items and Key items, so decide accordingly if you see one while partying.

Never pick a chest/coffer while in an XP party. The chance of getting a Mimic or a trapped chest/coffer is not worth whatever the chest/coffer might have. You have more than yourself to think about while in an XP Party. If it is some other kind of party, i.e. Mission/Quest, etc, then just make sure it is ok with everyone in your Party before you pick it.