Editing On a Heist (Guide)

{{GuideFor|Location = Plan a Heist|Pages = On a Heist#Planning a Heist (Hub)#Heists: a Guide|Category = Category:The Burglar's Progress gain}}{{GuideFor|Location=On a Heist}}
{{Audience|EarlyMYN|Evergreen=true}}[[Has icon::File:Sneaky.png|right]]
{{ActivitySummary
|Activity=On a Heist
|Length=Limited
|Starting Actions=1
|Progress Actions=3+
|Ending Actions=1
|Progress Details=Raise {{IL|The Burglar's Progress}} to 5 before {{IL|Cat-Like Tread}} hits 0.
|Output Items=*{{IL|An Identity Uncovered!}}
*{{IL|Sworn Statement}}
*{{IL|Shard of Glim}}
*{{IL|Bottle of Broken Giant 1844}}
*{{IL|Touching Love Story}}
*{{IL|Searing Enigma}}
*{{IL|Bazaar Permit}}
*{{IL|Cryptic Clue}}
*{{IL|Ostentatious Diamond}}
*{{IL|Surface-Silk Scrap}}
*{{IL|Magnificent Diamond}}
*{{IL|Puzzle-Damask Scrap}}
*{{IL|Favour in High Places}}
*{{IL|Live Specimen}}
*{{IL|Puzzling Map}}
*{{IL|Silent Soul}}
*{{IL|Muscaria Brandy}}
*{{IL|Brass Ring}}
*{{IL|Favours: Hell}}
*{{IL|Vital Intelligence}}
*{{IL|Unprovenanced Artefact}}
*{{IL|Memory of Distant Shores}}
*{{IL|Presbyterate Passphrase}}
*{{IL|Ancient Hunting Rifle}}
*{{IL|Antique Mystery}}
*{{IL|Dubious Testimony}}
*{{IL|Stolen Correspondence}}
*{{IL|Justificande Coin}}
*{{IL|Legal Document}}
*{{IL|Map Scrap}}
*{{IL|Discordant Soul}}
*{{IL|Fistful of Surface Currency}}
*{{IL|Piece of Rostygold}}
*{{IL|Brilliant Soul}}
*{{IL|False Hagiotoponym}}
*{{IL|Apostate's Psalm}}
*{{IL|Captivating Ballad}}
*{{IL|Fragment of the Tragedy Procedures}}
*{{IL|Chimerical Archive}}
*{{IL|Nicatorean Relic}}
*{{IL|Relic of the Fourth City}}
*{{IL|Relic of the Second City}}
*{{IL|Relic of the Third City}}
*{{IL|Obsidian Chitin Tail}}
*{{IL|Femur of a Jurassic Beast}}
*{{IL|Femur of a Surface Deer}}
|Boost Items='''{{IL|Casing...}} 10 CP:'''
*{{IL|Escape Route|1 x}}
'''{{IL|Casing...}} 5 CP:'''
*{{IL|Inside Information}}
*{{IL|Intriguing Key}}
'''On the Heist'''
*''{{IL|Set of Kifers}}''
*''{{IL|Set of Intricate Kifers}}''
*''{{IL|Untrained Lyrebird}}''
*{{IL|Appalling Secret}}
*{{IL|Connected: The Duchess}}
|EPA Note = Assumes 1 BP per action. Does not include casing requirements.
|Raw EPA = 4.53
|Locked=Yes
|Starting Items=*{{IL|Casing...}} 5
'''And for some Heists also:'''
*{{IL|Favours: Criminals|5 x}}
*{{IL|Favours: The Docks|3 x}}
*{{IL|A Deviless' Address}}
*{{IL|Hiding Place of a Peculiar Item}}
}}
''See [[On a Heist (Guide)/Cards]] for a breakdown of the cards you encounter during the heist''

This Guide will cover the mechanics behind heists, which are available from the {{IL|Plan a Heist}} area of The Flit. While on a heist, you draw from a unique deck of opportunity cards and attempt to raise {{IL|The Burglar's Progress}} to at least 5 without reducing {{IL|Cat-Like Tread|Image=Blackcat.png}} to 0.

Heists are part of the {{IL|A Name Whispered in Darkness}} section of the [[Making Your Name (Guide)|Making Your Name]] storyline, and are also a means of obtaining a variety of useful items, including some that are much more costly or difficult to obtain elsewhere.

==Preparation==
Preparing for a heist involves choosing a target, raising {{IL|Casing...}}, and purchasing advantages (optional). Depending on the heist, you might also want to equip items to boost certain stats, or have certain qualities.

=== Choose a target ===
You can choose from the available targets at [[Planning a Heist (Hub)|Planning a Heist]]. Depending on the target, you'll encounter different levels of {{IL|Target Security:}}.

# '''Shuttered:''' Cards contain Luck challenges and opportunities to use advantages. Experienced players may not need extra preparation. 
# '''Triple-bolted:''' Some no-risk cards are replaced with Luck challenges. It's probably a good idea to bring some Inside Information for everyone, just in case.
# '''Well-Guarded:''' Additional replacement of cards with more difficult ones, including options with challenges above {{IL|Shadowy}} 100. You'll probably want extra preparations.
# '''Perilous:''' More replacement cards, now with challenges requiring [[Advanced Skills (Guide)|advanced (MAGCATS) skills]]. Don't do these heists unprepared.

Certain [[On a Heist (Guide)/Cards|opportunity cards]] will only appear when the target is a particular security level. Additionally, some targets require Favours or other items in order to attempt. If you're after a specific reward, you'll also want to check the [[On a Heist (Guide)#The Loot|Loot]] section below.

{{:On a Heist (Guide)/Security Table}}

=== Build up Casing ===
To embark on any heist, you need to build up {{IL|Casing...}} to at least 5. Building up more Casing will enable you to purchase advantages, which can help you avoid failing the heist or unlock advantageous options.

There are a variety of ways to raise Casing under [[Preparing for a Big Score]], but Casing you raise in other areas can also be applied here. Consult the [[Casing (Guide)|Casing guide]] for a full list of sources.

Ideally, you don't want to build up more Casing than you need, as it will be reset when you start the heist. You only need 15 CP (required to start any heist) + however much you want to spend on advantages. Refer to the Casing guide to determine how best to get the amount of Casing you want without wasting actions.

=== Purchase advantages ===
Once you've raised Casing to 5, you can [[Get ready for your Heist!]], which gives you a chance to purchase various advantages. If purchasing any of these options causes your Casing to drop below 5, you'll need to raise it up again before you can actually embark on the heist.

*{{IL|Escape Route|Appearance=}}[[Purchase Escape Routes]] ({{IL|Casing...|10 CP}}): Lets you escape from the heist at any time without getting caught. However it unlocks the bad card [[A Nosy Caretaker]] which forces you to lose the route (but make 1 Burglar's Progress) or risk a loss of Cat-Like Tread. You might want to purchase one of these the first time you embark on a heist so you have breathing room while you're learning the mechanics, but purchasing them for subsequent heists is suboptimal.
*{{IL|Inside Information|Appearance=}}[[Purchase Inside Information]] ({{IL|Casing...|5 CP}}): Unlocks advantageous options on a number of [[On a Heist (Guide)/Cards|cards]]. This is a good purchase, and 2 should be enough to finish a job successfully unless you draw very unfortunately.
*{{IL|Intriguing Key|Appearance=}}[[Purchase a copy of an Intriguing Key]] ({{IL|Casing...|5 CP}}): Similarly to Inside Information, unlocks advantageous options on some cards. As there are fewer cards that use those, it is generally more useful to purchase Inside Information instead, but purchasing a single key can be worthwhile as some of the card results from using this key result in bonus loot (generally {{IL|Ostentatious Diamond|Appearance=Diamonds}}).

=== How many advantages should I purchase? ===
Generally as many as you feel comfortable with; which for most players is from 3 to 5; as the consequences of {{IL|The skin of your teeth|Appearance=getting caught}} are quite harsh. Another factor to consider is whether or not you're going for {{IL|...Mr Baseborn's Papers}}, if you are then purchasing 5 advantages virtually guarantees that you'll get the 7 Burglar's Progress needed no matter how badly you draw.

All in all, for normal heists the most action optimal option is to purchase 3 advantages; either {{IL|Inside Information|3 x}} or {{IL|Inside Information|2 x}} and {{IL|Intriguing Key|1 x}}.

=== Equipment ===
When you're on a heist, you won't be able to change your outfit. Make sure you're equipped to handle the challenges in the heist you've chosen (by referring to [[On a Heist (Guide)/Cards|the cards]] associated with that level of Target Security). Some general tips:

* For triple-bolted targets, you may want a modified {{IL|Shadowy}} of at least 100, not for challenges, but rather because having {{IL|Shadowy|100}} unlocks options that you otherwise cannot take, for triple-bolted and below your equipment should focus on maximizing {{IL|Dreaded}} instead of {{IL|Shadowy}}. For Well-Guarded and Perilous targets, modified shadowy up to 200 is an advantage as you start to receive actual {{IL|Shadowy}} challenges at this level.
* If you have Dreaded equipment, this can be helpful on the card [[A Burly Night-Watchman]] (you'll need {{IL|Dreaded}} 3 to attempt it, and {{IL|Dreaded}} 10 to 100% the check). If you own an {{IL|Untrained Lyrebird}}, you can deploy that instead (without needing it equipped), so there's no need to worry about your Dreaded.
* Having {{IL|Connected: The Duchess}} 20 opens a good option on [[A Talkative Cat]].
* Having an exit route unlocks a bad card, meaning it's not a good idea to get exit routes if you don't need them.
* On Perilous heists, The [[Sleeping... Dogs?]] card requires either {{Il|Monstrous Anatomy}} 12 to 100%, or {{IL|Shapeling Arts}} 8 and Inside Information.
* Also on Perilous heists, the card [[An Intricate Lock]] has an option to either use up an Intriguing Key, or attempt a Glasswork challenge (needing {{IL|Glasswork}} 12 to 100%).

==The Heist==
[[File:Cardfan.png|alt=(cards)|thumb|View all the cards available while [[:Category:Cards - On a Heist|On a Heist]]]]

During the heist, you will need to raise {{IL|The Burglar's Progress}} to 5 (or 7, if targeting Baseborn & Fowlingpiece and attempting [[...Mr Baseborn's Papers|Mr Baseborn's Papers)]], without losing all 3 of your initial {{IL|Cat-Like Tread|Image=Blackcat.png}}. You do this by drawing from a unique [[On a Heist (Guide)/Cards|opportunity deck]] of non-discardible cards; consult that guide for a full list of available cards and some strategy tips for what to play when.

There are three ways a heist can end:

*'''Winning''': After acquiring 5 Burglar's Progress, you will draw [[A Prize Achieved!]] with ubiquitous frequency. You usually need to draw around two cards until you get it. This and Fleeing will later send you to [[After the Burglary]] which removes heist-related qualities and items and gives {{IL|Suspicion}} and {{IL|Making Waves}}. Check the page for details.
*'''Fleeing''': Either by using your {{IL|Escape Route}} or certain options on cards, you can end the heist without loot but also without...
*'''Getting Caught''': Without any points of {{IL|Cat-Like Tread}} left all cards and storylets are disabled but one where you try to get [[Up and away!]] Here you will get 4 CP to {{IL|Suspicion}} or instantly gain Suspicion 9 in an either way luck challenge. This usually means you would go to prison, but you can avoid this by having another player accept already sent [[Ask a friend to cover for you|requests to cover for you]] before clicking onwards. Imprisoned or not, you do not gain anything but infamy.

==The Loot==

Options on [[A Prize Achieved!]] depend on what place you decided to burgle. You will always gain 20 CP to {{IL|Shadowy}} plus one of these prizes:

===The records office in Concord Square ===
Once only, as part of {{IL|A Name Whispered in Darkness}}

*[[...the Constables' store of records]]: {{IL|Shadowy|+30 bonus CP}}, {{IL|An Identity Uncovered!|4 x}}, {{IL|Sworn Statement|4 x}}

===The House on Cubit Square===

*[[...Mr Leadbeater's Fortune]]: {{IL|Shard of Glim|1650 x}} '''OR''' {{IL|Shard of Glim|1500 x}}, {{IL|Bottle of Broken Giant 1844|1 x}} (50/50)

===The offices of Baseborn & Fowlingpiece===

*[[...a Sealed Archive]]: {{IL|Touching Love Story|8 x}} '''OR ''' {{IL|Searing Enigma|1 x}} (95/5)
*[[...Mr Baseborn's Papers]] (requires {{IL|The Burglar's Progress|7}}): {{IL|Bazaar Permit|2 x}}, {{IL|Cryptic Clue|100 x}}

Note: Originally, the chance of a Searing Enigma from the Sealed Archive was about 25%, making this the more lucrative option on average (8 x 2.50 x 0.75 + 62.50 x 0.25 = {{e}}30.51). With the odds reduced to 5%, the average value is ~ {{e}}22.13 (8 x 2.50 x 0.95 + 62.50 x 0.05 = 22.125). This makes the Papers (2 x 12.50 + 100 x 0.02 = {{e}}27.00) a better bet even though they require more Progress.

===The Balustraded House in Elderwick===
Both options yield 10 x 0.50 + 25 x 0.10 + 12.50 + 12.50 = {{e}}32.50.
{|class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"
|-
!style="width: 250px" |Option
!style="width: 250px" | Rewards
|-
|[[Keep her secret. It's only fair.]]
|{{IL|Ostentatious Diamond|10 x}}<br />{{IL|Surface-Silk Scrap|25 x}}<br />{{IL|Magnificent Diamond|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Puzzle-Damask Scrap|1 x}}
|-
|[[Expose her]]
|{{IL|Ostentatious Diamond|10 x}}<br />{{IL|Surface-Silk Scrap|25 x}}<br />{{IL|Favour in High Places|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Puzzle-Damask Scrap|1 x}}
|}

===The Circumspect Envoy's Townhouse ===
Sets {{IL|Purloined Paperwork}} quality to 1, 2, 3 or 4 depending on [[The Envoy's Study (Storylet)|the chosen prize]], which can be traded in at [[After a Heist: The Trade in Secrets]] for one of several varieties of items, each totaling {{e}}30 Echoes (or {{e}}27.5 Echoes and a Favour):
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0"
|-
!style="width: 250px" |Option
!style="width: 250px" |Rewards
|-
|[[Deliver the documents to the Glass|Deliver to the Glass]]: any Paperwork
|{{IL|Live Specimen|2 x}}<br />{{IL|Puzzling Map|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Silent Soul|1 x}}
|-
|[[Deliver the documents to the Brass Embassy|Deliver to the Brass Embassy]]: Paperwork 1–3 
|{{IL|Muscaria Brandy|6 x}}<br />{{IL|Brass Ring|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Favours: Hell|1 x}}
|-
|[[Trade your documents with London's Ambassador 1|Trade with the Ambassador]]: Paperwork 1 ([[Take a collection of scrolls about the Kingdom of Vesture|scrolls about the Kingdom of Vesture]])
|{{IL|Vital Intelligence|2 x}}<br />{{IL|Unprovenanced Artefact|2 x}}
|-
|[[Trade your documents with London's Ambassador 2|Trade with the Ambassador]]: Paperwork 2 ([[Take a series on the succession laws of Arbor|a series on the succession laws of Arbor]])
|{{IL|Favour in High Places|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Magnificent Diamond|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Memory of Distant Shores|10 x}}
|-
|[[Trade your documents with London's Ambassador 3|Trade with the Ambassador]]: Paperwork 3 ([[Take the vellum book on the Rosers|the vellum book on the Rosers]])
|{{IL|Presbyterate Passphrase|2 x}}<br />{{IL|Favour in High Places|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}
|-
|[[Trade your documents with London's Ambassador 4|Trade with the Ambassador]]: Paperwork 4 ([[Take a set of wax tablets, inscribed with ancient treaties|a set of wax tablets, inscribed with ancient treaties]])
|{{IL|Ancient Hunting Rifle|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Antique Mystery|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Dubious Testimony|5 x}}<br />{{IL|Unprovenanced Artefact|1 x}}
|}

===The Vault of Impounded Contraband in Concord Square ===

*{{IL|Cryptic Clue|100 x}}, sets {{IL|Procuring Cantigaster Venom}} to 3

===The home of an Admiral's Widow===

One {{IL|Justificande Coin}} is needed to [[Buy your way in]] to [[University Laboratory|your own Lab]] (along with other requirements) at {{IL|The University}}. Certain other endgame content requires them as well. The total sale value of the items for this heist, minus the coins, is {{e}}25.60 Echoes. This Heist requires {{IL|Favours: The Docks|3 x}}.

*[[The Widow's Bedchamber]]: {{IL|Stolen Correspondence|1 x}}, {{IL|Justificande Coin|3 x}}, {{IL|Legal Document|2 x}}, {{IL|Map Scrap|5 x}}

===The townhouse of a Discerning Deviless, where she keeps her souls===

*[[The Deviless' Vitrine]]: {{IL|Discordant Soul}}, sets {{IL|Shadowy Gains}} to 6

===The mansion of an Unsympathetic Landlord===
*[[The Landlord's Safe]]: {{IL|Fistful of Surface Currency|340 x}}, {{IL|Piece of Rostygold|1200 x}}, {{IL|Brilliant Soul|6-38 x}}, {{IL|Shadowy|35-70 CP}} for a total of about 31.7 {{E}}

===The hiding-place of a precious treasure===
*[[A Treasure Uncovered]]: A choice between: 
**{{IL|False Hagiotoponym|1 x}}, {{IL|Apostate's Psalm|16 x}}
**{{IL|Captivating Ballad|1 x}}, {{IL|Touching Love Story|16 x}}
**{{IL|Fragment of the Tragedy Procedures|1 x}}, {{IL|Sworn Statement|16 x}}
**{{IL|Chimerical Archive|1 x}}, {{IL|Nicatorean Relic|16 x}}

===The Museum of Prelapsarian History===
*[[...the Archaeology Wing]]: {{IL|Relic of the Fourth City|110 x}}, {{IL|Relic of the Second City|60 x}}, {{IL|Relic of the Third City|35 x}}, {{IL|Unprovenanced Artefact|2 x}} For a total of 23 {{E}}
*[[...the Osteology Wing]]: {{IL|Obsidian Chitin Tail|5 x}}, {{IL|Femur of a Jurassic Beast|4 x}}, {{IL| Femur of a Surface Deer|5 x}} 

[[Category:Guides]]