Archer had been doing a lot of thinking lately. He was still becoming familiar in the ways of this world, and a lot of what he saw confused, shocked, or disappointed him. Late one night, he wandered into the streets and began a conversation with the first person who would give him the time of day. He hoped that he would find answers this way.

It seems to me that there is something inherently backwards in the way that people going about picking pockets these days. The assumption is that most everyone is okay with having their money stolen, as those that aren't would wear a sandwich board that says as much. Why is it, though, that the burden falls on those that want not to participate? Shouldn't it be left to the willing to make a declaration?

It doesn't make much sense either way to me, as I cannot think of many reasons why someone would want to have their pocket picked. Perhaps these people gain some sort of perverse pleasure from seeing whether or not they will be targeted. Maybe others are helping those new to the criminal world learn a skill set. Still, I doubt these are the driving forces behind this rise in thievery.

I realize that several cities have implemented rules related to this practice. In Chicago and Detroit, those that wish to pick someone's pocket must have express permission from the, for lack of a better term, victim. In New Orleans, pickpocketing is outlawed altogether. What I don't understand is why more people don't see this as a sort of offense though. Granted, it's not nearly as bad as mugging once was in this regard--no one's getting beaten to a pulp--but isn't it still an attack?

Think about it: When you pick a pocket, you are taking money that someone has worked hard to earn. This money should be going to that person's leader. Therefore, it's taking money away from criminal organizations across the country. In my eyes, it's comparable to robbing another family. You may be thinking, "Five thousand dollars is five thousand dollars. I make twenty times as much in my sleep," but is that really your money to give away? I know I'd prefer to kick up the money to my leader where it can be better used.

Sure, many people return the money after it's been taken. I can't make sense of this behavior either. Why take the money only to give it back? There is no benefit to it.

Earlier today, I was approached by someone from another city and asked if I'd mind having my pocket picked and my money. While I declined her offer, I certainly appreciated being asked first. If it can't be that only those proclaiming their desire to be pickpocketed are targeted, then I think asking first should be the standard everywhere. Those that don't want to wear a ridiculous sign shouldn't be forced into it.

What do you think?

"asking first should be the standard everywhere"

No idea what ever gave you the impression that being asked first wasn't the standard? As a person well known around these parts for the practice of which you speak, i'm sure you'll find that many of those whom i've taken money from have either consented to this or have a public display of the fact they have no issue with someone attempting. Seldom should you find people randomly jumping into someones pocket where there has been no prior warning, either that be from a personal request or the fact they have the aforementioned display on them.

I believe those walking around with a show of disapproval for the practice of pickpocketing do so purely because they do not wish to be approached. If someone has this display of disapproval, it also warrants that anyone found to be entering there pockets is acting against their will and can be seen as attacking them. I understand you view the act of Pick Pocketing itself as an attack, I find this view to be somewhat out dated to be honest. Sure, there is a small financial loss on the "victim", but other than that, what real harm is it doing? I'd love to understand why certain people don't permit people to pick their pocket, surely the fact the amount you can lose can be regarding from a handful of post offices that you'll no doubt knock over soon after, shows that it's of no real concern?

Also, there is an upside to allowing it. If you are able to evade the attempt, there is a chance that you'll be able to pick the pocket of the person who tried and there are far greater rewards at this time, much greater than the lowly 5,000 that you could have lost. To use one as an example, after a recent contest in St Louis someone made an attempt for my pocket and due to their misfortune they ended up losing around 8 million. That alone shows you the value of being skilled at such a trait.

Now, I appear to be going off on tangent a little so i'll try and wrap things up. In short, I think Pick Pocketing should be encouraged more so, rather thatn discouraged. Its a trait that our gods put at our disposal and can be fun if you let it be, there are also rewards from the gods if you mange to pilfer certain amounts of pockets in each city, that in itself is a good reason to dabble in it from time to time.

I would like to now pass the ball back into the court of someone, anyone, that doesn't approve of Pick Pocketing and ask for an actual reason as to why. Please, no half hearted complaints of how its an attack on you or the fact you lose a little cash, as most people are more than happy to return the cash so we know there is no issue there. Is anyone able to give a good reason for not allowing it, other than they simply don't like it?

Thank you, first of all, for gracing us with your presence. I hope I don't come across as rude when I say that I disagree with you to an extent.

I did not come out here to discourage anyone from picking pockets. I came out here to discourage people to do so carelessly, as I know I don't stand alone when it comes to considering the practice to be an attack of sorts. It's simply wrong to take for granted that someone is okay with having their wallet taken. People need to ask.

As for what gave me the impression that asking first wasn't the standard, it was my own personal experience. Not to sound like I'm complaining, but I have been pickpocketed multiple times without being asked. I know of people who have had this happen so consistently that they begrudgingly began to wear a sign. To those that find the event as an attack, it is rather frustrating to have to resort to such measures to keep the vultures at bay--this is especially the case because of such rewards granted by the gods.

My view may be "outdated," but I believe it's more in line with what people should expect of those in the Mafia. Screwing with people in another family just seems like playing with fire. That's how I perceive it.

Rude? Not at all. Apologies if I gave off the impression you had spoke out of turn at all. If anything your points were raised very well. Now, back to the topic at hand.

I'll agree with on the point you make regarding those who dip into pockets without permission. I am not alone in the art of Pick Pocketing, I know many others that hone their skill in it and I am aware that not all of them are respectful of others wishes and may occassionally steal from those that would rather not have their pockets picked. I'd like to join you in encouraging people to be respectful and only attempt to steal from those that you know allow you to do so, or ask permission when unsure.

Strangely, though, its these unprovoked and unwanted attacks that first set my ancestors onto the path of being a good theif. So annoyed with the constant loss of earnings was my Grand mother that she decided to teach those people a lesson and she trained night and day to better those people and steal back all of those lost earnings. Eventually she learned to enjoy the art of picking pockets because of this and made many MANY friends along the way, something I failed to add as a plus in my earlier points. Though often we may come across those that do not wish to have their pocket picked, more often than not we come across those that are non plussed with it and sometimes even happy to oblige, its then that we find new people to talk and new connections to make. So.. back on point - you mention earlier and attacks against other crime familigia, how about the fact you also get the chance to trade wits with people from other cities and become friends, make connections? Surely thats a major flip side on this perception?

To emphasise that last point even more, my Father JosiahGordonScurlock became the Right Hand man to a woman named Killer_Jane, if not for my Grandmothers skills in the art of picking pockets, Killer_Jane would likely have neither met nor ever known much about my father, certainly not enough to trust him with such a high position. This again shows that the people you meet on your travels in and out of pockets can help establish strong connections not only for you, but for your entire bloodline as you will often form a friendship with these people.

Well, I speak from experience when I say 2 things...

1: It's only 5 grand you anti-pp greedy peoples.

2: Just bank your cash if you want to keep all of the green moniez.

The debate of pickpocketing is always one that sparks interest, especially with me. I like bama have met many people from different cities who enjoy the fine art. If I had No Pickpocketing on my suit then I wouldn't of met these people, but we have a common ground I read my father's journals and he spoke about a friendship he built with Vector and our bloodlines have now become good friends since.

In terms of pickpocketing and permission I am one who asks to pick someones pockets unless it quite clearly says that they are friendly to it, then I won't ask I will just pick their pockets. If someone is against it I won't bother asking. Although it is polite to ask at the same time I have spoke with many who almost get offended that you ask, as they think that someone should not be asked to get pickpocketed the act should just be done.

Everyone has different opinions especially in regards to pickpocketing and I think that should continue as if everyone thought the same it would not spark debates and speeches like this. Although at the same time I think pickpocketing should be embraced by all but I respect that some people are against it and if that is their wish it has be respected. If someone is that against it I would advised them to bank their money often so they don't lose their money.

Pickpocketing, I remember a time that not all are into this sport , ( well it still isn't ) . But as 'Bama said there are loads of gains on it , same as having new friends. I wouldn't meet my bloodline boyf if it weren't for the plucking of each other's wallets when me meet at the same city.

Plus its good fun to know on what extent one can filter through those bodyguards. And also when they get reverse pickpocket, the look on their face and their mails on you when it happens.

Plus in future, being good in pickpocketing will benefit us ( when the Gods fix this new addition in our world ) in our day to day work .

Trevor had been lingering around listening to the conversation. Having had his attention caught by Aldo he turns to him.

On one of your points I have a curiousity. You called people greedy because they didn't want to lose the small chunk change of 5k. Would it really be greedy if they were saving to make a large tribute to their crewleader? or they were saving up maybe to host a competition of some sort? Would it then be okay to be "greedy"?

My point is there could be many reasons someone may not want to be pickpocketed besides viewing it as an attack of some sort. I think people's wishes should be respected regardless of your own opinion.

Listening to the discussion, Crawford chimes in.

Personally, I've always seen pickpocketing as harmless bit of fun between members of Our Thing who want a friendly way to one-up the other. Any financial loss is almost certainly mitigated by the fact that any money you lose will most likely be pickpocketed back from that city before long.

So in my eyes, and I think in the eyes of most... a harmless bit of fun.

Now here's the question for you... how long is it going to stay that way?

As Jade mentioned, it is expected that soon the act of pickpocketing will also increase one's ability to be unseen or stealthy. Will this result in a more stringent crackdown on pickpocketing someone from a different family? The benefits of a successful pickpocketing attempt are about to skyrocket.

How do you think this will change the act of pickpocketing, if at all?

Crawford, as yet the changes being made to our world by the Gods are not entirely known. While Jade, and myself, previously believed that the art of Pick Pocketing will help to enhance one's stealthyness, it is apparently not the case. Apparently the idea being put in place right now is more in the lines of a training station, much like that of the shooting range that people use, as opposed to using the means of PPing to enhance your stealth. That being the case, your previous point is unfortunately removed as there will be no change in the outcome of PPing, it will be no more harmful or beneficial than it currently is.

I must stress, though, the above is all just word of mouth and i've not heard any talk from Gods to confirm any of it.

Well, interesting to here that update. For some reason I'd thought I'd read that pickpocketing would be a factor, as you'd previously believed as well. Learn something new every day, I suppose. Thank you, Don Worley, for that important knowledge!

Same here, just found out about it. It would have been of a good use when pickpocketing will be help to improve stealthness in the mere future.

But there are still loads of benefits pickpocketing is, and I know Godfathers and crewleaders knew of this. I won't state it but it is very informative.

True a person's wish should be considered for its an act of respect on to that person where it all came down to it. But as we stress out it is harmless fun, and its a benefit for each individual to finish those achievements.

It might just me, but it seems pickingpocketing these days doesn't seem to be that popular or widely done on the streets.  I remember back in the father's day people would just pickpocket each other, there was a certain etiquette of course but most people didn't mind.  If you didn't have a "signboard", that was pretty much meant you were fair game. These days it's seem like more a hassle, and asking before pickpocketing just seems to defeat the whole purpose of pickpocketing. Pickpocking is almost becoming as unpopular as graverobbing, two aspects that most people neglect.

Graverobbing isn't just neglected, its simply not a job many of us are able to do.

As far as I know, once you've been given your Made button, it is then beneath you to take part in the robbing of graves and so this could be why many folk seem to forget about it.

I remember fondly my days as a young associate, pinching pockets here, robbing graves there. Easy money if you can find the right people.

It is true, however, that picking pockets has become a hassle for those that enjoyed it as a bit of sport. I'll never understand those that feel so offended by it, just like they'll never understand why I enjoy it, I guess.

You enjoy it so much as you love putting your hands in pockets to find surprises Alabama.

As for those who dont like being on the end of it, one would hazard a guess at they feel violated, or even attacked, so frown on the very act so much. In fact, the art of pick pocketing and graverobbing is actually deemed as an attack, perhaps if it was measure a different way. maybe people would feel less threatened by the act.

That's a point for another area though.

I have one thing to ask. Are we girl scouts, or hardened criminals?

If someone has the balls to reach into my pocket, that is perfectly fine with me. Have at it. However, don't be surprised if I catch you in the process and tax you for your poor decision.

Cassi stands there listening to the speech being made. Furrowing her brow, she begins looking up and down the street, making sure she is still standing in a crime city and not inside an amish community. She cleared her throat as she stepped forward to speak.

It seems that some of those that have spoken have forgotten to mention one important detail here. We are mobsters. Criminals. Liars. Cheats. That is our profession. You don't see me walking up to some little old lady and saying... 'I beg your pardon ma'am, but may I please steal your purse from you? Oh what's that? No I may not? Okay, thank you for your time.' You do not see me going into one of the shops on my route saying... 'Good day sir, I'm here to collect your weekly dues. Oh you don't have them? Oh well not a problem, I'll catch you next week!' I do not go into a bank and ask permission to rob them. And I highly doubt you entertain such foolishness.

We are crooks by nature. It is in our blood to lie, cheat and steal. That is why we are here. We are not here to hold hands and sing Kumbaya. For me personally, if you don't advertise whether you are for or against it, I, as a thieving, no good, dirty rotten scoundrel, will assume you don't have a preference either way and that you are not adverse to a criminal like me picking your pockets. It is for those reasons that the burden falls on those who do not participate to declare that fact. Because you choose to put yourself in the middle of a bunch of criminals. But you're wanting them to behave as if we're in the middle of Sunday morning service at the local parish.

I honestly cannot understand why people are so offended by this practice. It doesn't really matter if you're not okay with having your pockets gone through, that is the risk you take in choosing to live this life. I'm not really okay with the thought of being shot at, but I'm not going to cry about it, because it's a risk I take in choosing this life. What do you lose by being pickpocketed? Other than at the most a mere five thousand dollars? You don't lose your dignity. You don't lose any sort of experience you have gained along your way. You don't lose out on an opportunity to do anything. In fact, in an ideal world, the Gods would make it so that we were not even aware of the fact that our pockets had been invaded, for most people that would choose to participate in pickpocketing would more than likely be so good at their job, no one would even notice something was missing until we got home or went to the bank and found our loads a little lighter.

So to bring this little rant of mine to a close. I can understand and respect the fact that you do not wish to be pickpocketed. I cannot understand wanting to be asked. We don't ask in any other crime we commit, why in the world should that be any different?

Honestly, Cassi, I completely agree with you. Unlike mobsters, however, we have accepted allowing anyone and everyone to rummage through our stuff, take our cash, and skip away laughing. The most common manner of recourse is to whine to your leader and then have that leader contact the leader of the offending party, tip-toe through some niceties, and then ask for a "tax" from the thief. This is ridiculous.

Aside from the fact that Mafiosi should be targeting civilians, any Mafioso worth his salt shouldn't just bend over and take it. I truly think it should be acceptable for someone to defend his property, especially if that person has been Made and is respected. No, thieves shouldn't ask to steal, but the "victim" should be able to retaliate without resulting in a huge fall-out.

Oh, and you may notice that I've succumbed and am now wearing a sign stating my opinion on the matter, but I've found--as recently as earlier today even--that it deters very few.

I do not see anything wrong with a retaliation of sorts. Though it depends on what you deem proper punishment for the offense. Do I believe that anyone should die over any pickpocketing offense. Never. That is my strict stance. I've seen people do far more and receive far less punishment. To be killed over sticking your hand in someone's pocket is just a bit extreme in my opinion. But if one can think of a retaliation that is of equal measure to a pickpocket, by all means enforce it!

I did notice and unfortunately there are always going to be those that just can't bring themselves to respect others or rules. I cannot tell you how many times I've been pickpocketed in a city that was very anti-pickpocketing by members who are stealthy enough to get away with it. All we can do is put it there and hope that others will be respectful of it and of ourselves.

There aren't many options in terms of punishment. Demotion's considered a favor, as you're able to load up on bodyguards. There is an ever-increasing amount of money in circulation. Guns can easily be earned again and would be returned early if a threat arose. I don't believe people fear any of these punishments. The only thing that people care about--especially with the average lifespan lengthening--is death.

I would be interested to hear what people consider to be a reasonable alternative.