distract <character name>
The art of distraction is used by thieves in a variety of ways. The distract skill differs from more overt means of misdirection used in combat such as feinting, dirt throwing and flourishing.
This skill is used outside of combat, while hidden. The thief manipulates his environment to attract the attention of a single creature, such as lightly tossing a stone or shaking tree branches. A creature that is successfully distracted is more susceptible to being pickpocketed or shoplifted.
This skill is not without risks - a thief may expose himself or make the mark alert during the act of distracting. While some creatures are likely to flee in face of such harassment, guards, shopkeepers and generally anyone that's armed (and many that aren't!) will retaliate against such treatment. Even a highly charismatic thief gifted at fast-talking would find it supremely difficult to convince a victim of such a ploy of their innocence.
A thief's dexterity comes strongly into play with distracting, with intelligence as a lesser component. Creatures that have recently been fighting are too alert to distract. Entities with truly alien mindsets, such as elementals or undead, cannot be distracted, either, nor can mindless creatures like most golems.
Creatures that are especially wise are more difficult to distract, and it can be extremely difficult to distract covetous creatures, such as dragons or dwarves, away from their treasure.
You can see how distracted an opponent is with the 'case' skill.
