Sleight of hand: Thievery

Your reputation preceded you on this one, but you would name it regardless: your sleight of hand had become one of your greatest skills. You’d already privately taken stock of everything in the man’s office that could better serve you on your quest, rather than gathering dust here. If only the man wasn’t so damnably wary of you, you’d make off with a bit of it.

The recruit commander frowned deeper. “Geod will not judge you for your thievery, squire, as long as it is done in service of his mission. The ability to lift a blade or key from the belt of a demon or demon-friend may serve you well on the road. I hope that your endless days of spoiling yourself on extra rations from the kitchen, and mine of turning a blind eye to the practice, will all pay off.”

You gave a cheeky grin in response, which fell from your face as the man’s countenance, somehow, soured further.

“But understand the limitations. This skill will serve you off the battlefield, to avoid confrontation, build a war chest, and Geod knows how else, but it will avail you naught on the battlefield. You will find the demons keep a steady grip upon their wicked blades. You will find that hands filled with golden coins on the battlefield are little use in defending oneself. A time and a place for everything.”

You didn’t need to be told twice. You loved loot, but the first rule of thievery: a thief values his neck most of all.