Looking through the help files recently, i found this little snippet:
QuoteThieves are able to snatch some small items on occasion as well as the ability to quickly tuck away what they manage to grab using small sleights of hand. They are able to approach their targets quietly as well as to escape in a hurry since they often botch their attempts.
Does this mean that thieves aren't really thieves at all, just people who can sneak around? Or does their steal jsut start low?
Any thief (subguild or primary guild) will start with a low steal skill.
Edit: It's the same for any skill, really.
Thieves often botch their attempts because stealing is hard. That doesn't make them not thieves!
Pick_pocketing is always thieving.
Thieving isn't always pick-pocketing.
"Mmm...I want the red pants, but I want the yellow pockets on it. Thank you."
Pickpocketing isn't always thieving.