I have been playing Skyrim since Christmas. I was struck when I started the game by the games orientation tward theft.I tried stealing once or twice and was successful a few times and unsuccessful other times.When unsuccessful..I've been jailed...and killed resisting arrest..and excaped a few times.

In RL I have a moral code and I would never contemplate stealing...or pickpocketing.....ever.

So here I am in the game and there is temptation everywhere.So far I have carried my RW ethics into the game and neither steal or pickpocket. Now I'm curious .I know some speak of pickpocketing on the forums...and even advocated stealing and pickpocketing in ESOL.

My question...which I took so long to pose.......Do most of you steal and pickpocket in SKYRIM or are many like me and carry my RW principles into their gaming ?

I think part of the beauty of an RPG that allows roleplaying like TES is that you don't have to follow any real life moral code. Wanna be an assassin? Go for it! But then also it's interesting to think "If I were actually in this situation what would I do?" I have done both. Followed real life ideals and also created deliciously evil characters.

I tend to steal more at the beginning of any TES game. you're broke, on your own and poorly equipped for the world. if some fool left a nice blade or piece of armor laying around and no one is looking my character will usually scoop it up. health potions are usually on the steal list early on as well... gotta survive!

when i play this can apply to a good or an evil character. stealing a loaf of bread to feed your starving family or stealing that sword or potion to survive in the wild. though if playing a good character I usually return stolen goods once i can afford or find better gear in the wild...

i've never really bothered pickpocketing other than when RPing a thieves guild member

It depends on my character.
I have a thief who is dedicated to thieving.
I also have a restoration warrior "paladin" who has never stolen anything in his life.

Also, don't quicksave before you steal, it makes it more rewarding and forces you to be clever about how you steal and where you store your thieved loot. It also makes you feel more of that shame when you get caught, same for being a lowlife thief, and shame for being a bad one that got caught.