I have just taken oon a job from the thievs guild in Balmora whre I'm suposed to get this key from a noble or his servant. anyway I can't figure out how to pickpocket. I have an aprentices probe, which I assumed was for picking pockets but when I equip it and try to use it on someone nothing really happens. It just looks like I'm trying to hit the guy with it. Can someone help me out here>

Thanks.

to pickpocket you will need to hold the 'sneak' key (usually control) and then right click on the person. warning, you will need a high sneak skill to pickpocket without pissing the the person off.

Thank you so much

Probes are used to disarm traps, just incase you were wondering. I didn't know either, until a NPC mentioned them, or was it a book? Ah well, now you know.

I've also heard mention that pickpocketing might be dependant on your security skill as well, but i cannont confirm this.

If you're having problems stealing from him you could either:
1) Try to knock him out with bare fists first - makes stealing much easier

2) 'Do an Asphyxiate', sneak up and whack him in a manner that would make the mob proud. Being the singularly pathetic thief I am I ended up just killing him, looting the house, selling the goods and then giving the key back to Ol' suga Lips.

He wasn't very happy to find out that I'd killed the guy but hell, I'm 'Phyxie! This is what I do!

ive done all the theives guild quests there is no key to get off of actual people. the quest you are doing requires you to ask his servant which is in the southwall cornerclub(odd same place as the theives). bump up his disposition by way of bribe to like 70 and he will give you the key.that is the proper way to do that quest

you will find that alot of characters have to be bribed to get anything outta them but hey with a little money you to can bump up your speechcraft. get speechcraft up to about 40 then try admire.

Or get the mask that gives 150 in armor class and +30 to personality south of dagon fel.