Steal Rules
You try to take a small object from another creature without being noticed. Typically, you can Steal only an object of negligible Bulk, you must have a free hand, and you automatically fail if the creature who has the object is in combat or on guard.
Attempt a {Thievery} check to determine if you successfully Steal the object. The DC is usually the Perception DC of the creature wearing the object. It's easiest to steal an object that is worn but not closely guarded (like a loosely carried pouch filled with coins, or an object within such a pouch). The GM might increase the DC if the object is protected or if the nature of the object makes it harder to steal (such as a very small item in a large pack, or a sheet of parchment mixed in with other documents). For instance, the DC is typically 5 higher if the object is in a pocket, held in a creature's hand, or similarly protected.
You might also need to compare your Thievery check result against the Perception DCs of observers other than the person wearing the object. The GM might impose a circumstance penalty to the DCs of observers who are distracted.
Success You steal the item without the bearer noticing, or an observer doesn't see you take or attempt to take the item.
Failure The item's bearer notices your attempt before you can take the object, or an observer sees you take or attempt to take the item. The GM determines the response of any creature that notices your theft.
Source, license, and attribution
Source: Pathfinder Player Core (remaster-core-2026-08-10)
This product is licensed under the ORC License located at the Library of Congress at TX 9-307-067 and available online at various locations. All warranties are disclaimed as set forth therein. Attribution: Pathfinder Player Core (c) 2023, Paizo Inc.; Designers: Logan Bonner, Jason Bulmahn, Stephen Radney-MacFarland, and Mark Seifter. Authors: Alexander Augunas, Kate Baker, Logan Bonner, Jason Bulmahn, Carlos Cabrera, Calder CaDavid, James Case, Eleanor Ferron, Steven Hammond, Joan Hong, Vanessa Hoskins, James Jacobs, Jenny Jarzabski, Erik Keith, Dustin Knight, Lyz Liddell, Luis Loza, Patchen Mortimer, Dennis Muldoon, Stephen Radney-MacFarland, Mikhail Rekun, David N. Ross, Michael Sayre, Mark Seifter, Kendra Leigh Speedling, Mark Thompson, Clark Valentine, Andrew White, Landon Winkler, and Linda Zayas-Palmer. Adaptation: Myth Meister PF2e Remaster Compendium, 2026. If you use this Adapted Licensed Material, please credit Myth Meister. The normalized rules records and rules-reference text in the Myth Meister PF2e Remaster Compendium are Adapted Licensed Material offered under the ORC License. Reserved Material in this product includes the Myth Meister name and logos, application source code, visual design and trade dress, and original campaign content. Pathfinder, Paizo, product logos, artwork, maps, trade dress, setting lore, characters, deities, locations, organizations, events, plots, and other Paizo Reserved Material are not included. Myth Meister is not affiliated with or endorsed by Paizo Inc. Expressly Designated Licensed Material: None.