Hey guys, I just need a little help slipping into this new character. He's roughly based on Tuco from the good the bad and the ugly...

So how should I play as him? I always find myself pushing toward more of an assassin, but I want to be a thief damn it! So... What are some general rules, habits' and rituals I should adopt?

And, one last thing... Is Has-No-Name a good name? Alright, night folks.

If you really wanna stick to Thief over Assassin, restrain from killing anyone. Instead of stabbing that bandit, wait for him to look the other way and then slip by. Illusion will make this more fun. Also that name is great and very fitting

Yeah I was thinking a flight over fight principle... But where do I draw the line?

Quest Targets are the only thing you need to worry about. You will still level up with Sneak but you wont have a good combat skill increase. Usually Thieves stick to bows for killing anything not humanoid (monsters and animals) so that could work. Also a bow will allow you to shoot walls which distracts enemies who have not seen you

when a dragon makes an attempt at eating you.

Excellent point.

Only fight back if forced into a corner, and only carry small, concealable weapons. If you have the money or the alchemy skill, keep your blade poisioned with paralyse or slow potions, and use it to incapacitate, not kill.

RP-wise a Shiv is something to keep

Instead of stabbing that Bandit, pickpocket him and take all his belongings* Fixed it for you!

You have to think like a Thief. Only take on jobs that are worthwhile. Plan heists out, and I don't just mean Thieve's Guild. Before you put yourself in danger by going into random caves or dungeons, consider whether the treasures within are worth risking your life for. Everything's about getting rich for you. Avoid exploits or easy gold like enchanting iron daggers. Most thieves will avoid murder or killing unless it absolute necessary, or just an act of self-defense.

yea what he said

Even better. Turn the difficulty up to Master. Wear really bad armour.

That way, you'll svck in combat and die. You'll HAVE to sneak past them. It's the only way to 'force' yourself into doing it

i may be wrong, but i think a pure thief with 0 combat experience/points can't even handle fights on adept. as long as you don't smith up your gear or weapons....

i have to add... you should keep in mind that this is a game after all, it's hard to not kill if you meet one of this random encounters on the road. i would get some illusion skills. put all your points in stamina and magicka to make it even harder.

OR instead of making it harder in order to make you want to avoid combat, find entertainment in the Alt method of dealing with a situation:
Option A: Charge head first and stab them
Option B: Shoot them with an arrow and hope it kills em in 1 shot
Option C: Hit them with a frenzy spell and watch the enemies deal with each other
Option D: Quietly place some Frenzy Poison in their pocket and slip away as they kill their comrade
Option E: Fire a non-hostile spell (frenzy, calm, etc) at the opposite wall, when they go to check it out roll past them and keep moving

Now which seems like more fun? Do this for every situation. Find a better way. My inspiration is the Alpha Legion who choose to stealthily manipulate the situation in bizarre ways even if direct combat would be easier

If I was to play an Argonian thief Id never steal from my brethren, instead Id do everything to take advantage on the Dunmers from Windhelm, but they are already poor... anyway Id spare the Argonians skooma dealers as well and also beat the argonians thieves close to death and run away before they get up if no intimidate/persuade options.