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Thieving/Justice Problems: Shadowy Disguise - No Theft/Unlock Detection - Too Easy

Sabre
Sabre
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The changes made to Shadowy Disguise have made thieving so simple and easy, it seems broken. Shadowy Disguise used to make one invisible for 3 seconds, and needed to be recast every 3 seconds (or whatever the x number of seconds was).

As it is now, one can remain invisible permanently. Where this is a problem is that unlocking doors, chests, stealing things...whatever - can be done while under Shadowy Disguise because these actions do not break stealth. The fun and challenge of thieving...stealth radius, not getting caught, etc. etc. are completely gone now that one can stay in Shadowy Disguise with impunity.

The general changes to how Shadowy Disguise functions are GOOD. It is nice not ruining a finger joint smashing Shadowy Disguise every 2.5 seconds. However, the way Shadowy Disguise now works with respect to thieving etc. seems way to easy, if not broken.

Sneak up to a chest, or whatever you want to steal or unlock...enter shadowy disguise...and steal to your heart's content, because nothing stops you...it doesn't matter if you are right in front of an npc...under Shadowy Disguise, the invisble character is not detected. This completely removes the challenge. (This is easiest on a Breton with light armor and magicka regen...for perpetual invisibility).

What should be done? Please don't increase the cost of Shadowy Disguise, or make any changes to its regular function. The changes are good and ok. The problem is only with how Shadowy Disguise functions with the justice system and stealing, etc.

Suggestion: When one performs an action while invisible under Shadowy Disguise, invisibility is revealed. So, in the same way that one leaves invisibility when attacking, so too perhaps one should leave invisibility when unlocking, stealing, or the like. Otherwise, the challenge around sneaking and avoiding detection etc. is completely ruined and too easy.
**If you as a player have figured out how Shadowy Disguise makes thieving a cakewalk...sorry...not trying to ruin your fun...but the challenge, which should exist, is completely ruined.
Edited by Sabre on September 5, 2025 8:13PM
  • GloatingSwine
    GloatingSwine
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    You can be permanently undetectable to NPCs with the right armour sets, no need to even press skills.
  • loaganb16_ESO
    loaganb16_ESO
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    Yes, stealing has never been difficult. There were sets to give you more stealth and these days you can be pushed around by NPCs without being detected.
  • Aylish
    Aylish
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    If you really want the challenge, then stick to sneaking instead of cloaking.
    It is not unfair though, due to sublassing and the fact that everyone can slot the shadow skill line for thieving activities now.

    And what GloatingSwine said: You could always be undetectable if you used the right sets. At least since Elsweyr and Darloc Brae.
  • DenverRalphy
    DenverRalphy
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    Sneak checks aren't an issue for me. It's the failed pickpocket attempts that burn me. Cuz yes.. it is possible to fail a 100% success rate check for some reason. Not often. But it happens.
  • Sabre
    Sabre
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    The point in the original post is not that Shadowy disguise is unfair because other classes don't have this advantage.
    The point is that one can simply steal any and everything while in Shadowy Disguise with no concern for stealth radius, etc. If you are in shadowy disguise, you can unlock and steal everything. It is a joke.

    Yes, you can find medium armors etc that reduce your stealth radius while sneaking and that make it much easier, etc. However, sneaking and avoiding detection is still somewhat a challenge. This challenge does not exist with Shadowy Disguise. Use light armor, stay in Shadowy Disguise. Unlock and steal everything with impunity. There does not exist even a chance at detection.

    One could simply not use Shadowy Disguise for 'the challenge'. But the game allows it, and it seems like an overlooked and broken mechanic with regard to thieving etc. For some, the justice system is one of the fun elements of pve...it should involve some challenge/risk/reward. The change to Shadowy Disguise has eliminated all of it.

    Whether one thinks thieving etc. is or is not difficult, it is a part of the game. The justice system is a unique, fun part of the pve gameplay and adds a great deal of immersion - that fun and immersion should not be broken by the changes made to Shadowy Disguise.
    Edited by Sabre on September 5, 2025 9:50PM
  • katanagirl1
    katanagirl1
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    You can be permanently undetectable to NPCs with the right armour sets, no need to even press skills.

    Yes, you don’t have to cloak to steal. This has always been the case until now.

    I do use cloak on my stamblade and it is very costly now compared to the way it used to be. I would not like to see further erosion of my core skills.
    Khajiit Stamblade main
    Dark Elf Magsorc
    Redguard Stamina Dragonknight
    Orc Stamplar PVP
    Breton Magsorc PVP
    Dark Elf Magden
    Khajiit Stamblade
    Khajiit Stamina Arcanist

    PS5 NA
  • Gabriel_H
    Gabriel_H
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    You can be permanently undetectable to NPCs with the right armour sets, no need to even press skills.

    That ^^.

    3 Pieces of Night Terror
    4 Pieces of Darloc Brae
    5 Pieces of Night Mother's Embrace

    Swift on Jewellery, Steed's Blessing, Celerity, Fleet Phantom, Out of SIght and Steed Mundus. You move so fast in stealth the animation makes you stand up while moving crouched. Detect radius is effectively zero - you can stand on top of guards and pickpocket without worry.

    Heists and Sacraments take you 3 - 5 minutes. Only the lantern guards spot you if you hit their zone.
    Edited by Gabriel_H on September 6, 2025 7:09AM
  • DenverRalphy
    DenverRalphy
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    Gabriel_H wrote: »
    You can be permanently undetectable to NPCs with the right armour sets, no need to even press skills.

    That ^^.

    3 Pieces of Night Terror
    4 Pieces of Darloc Brae
    5 Pieces of Night Mother's Embrace

    Swift on Jewellery, Steed's Blessing, Celerity, Fleet Phantom, Out of SIght and Steed Mundus. You move so fast in stealth the animation makes you stand up while moving crouched. Detect radius is effectively zero - you can stand on top of guards and pickpocket without worry.

    Heists and Sacraments take you 3 - 5 minutes. Only the lantern guards spot you if you hit their zone.

    And Vamp for the Dark Stalker passive to remove speed penalty of sneak. Removing the need to put CP points into Fleet Phantom. :)
    Edited by DenverRalphy on September 6, 2025 1:11PM
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