I was just messing around with a halfling fighter/thief. He had a 19 DEX and I maxxed out the open locks skill.

This guy opened a chest in the upstairs of the inn (that I've never been able to open before) and I found a gem that could be sold for $1000! Holy crapoli, that's a fine way to start a career!

Yep. Any 19 DEX halfling thief can open it at level 1. However most (evil or chaotic) thieves will be level 3-4 when they leave Candlekeep so there is plenty of oppotunity to pick it up.

Ok, I have to ask. Where are you getting 2400 exp (let alone 4800). in Candlekeep? Elvenhair is not worth that much.

Elvenhair is worth 2700.

BTW, you can also pick pocket that guy in the barracks (the one who wants x-bow bolts) for a dagger +1!

BTW, he gives the dagger as reward if your charisma is 18

Yeah, I knew that. If you have <18 Charisma, then you can get the money reward and XP, and pick his pocket! ;)

I have collected more than 5k's killing off wardens , the gatekeeper and Elvenhair. Just be careful to boost your rep now and then and don't get every outdoor character angry.

Would this work with a Dwarven Thief on 1st level? They have a better OL racial modifier than Halflings, but a much lower (17) maximum DEX.

AFAIK no. It won't work with elves either in spite of their 19DEX, as they get penalty to open locks, nor with any other class.

So cheesey [img]tongue.gif[/img]

It is fine to leave CK at only level 2. I never fight off any one in CK before leaving. It is basically abusing the fact that the characters will automatically reappear in chapter 7 (or is it chapter 6?).