Lockpicks Ain't Bobby Pins

.: Overview :.

This mod disables the chance of finding lockpicks in treasure chests, most NPC (except assassins and thieves) and most merchant inventories (except fences and caravans). The goal is to improve gameplay (as you're required to better manage a resource) and roleplay (as that resource is bound to a specific playstyle).

Beware, though, as playing with this mod will make lockpicks as rare as precious gems and holding multiple exemplars at once won't be as easy as it used to be. So, you'll want to take every single one you can find (as if you didn't do that already) and try to not waste all in the first Expert lock you come across.

For a detailed report on remaining sources of lockpicks, reveal the spoiler below.

Exempt NPC and merchant inventories (assassins, thieves, fences and caravans) have fewer lockpicks than in vanilla.

Bandits carry no lockpicks, because they are amateurs who lack the skill of proficient assassins and thieves.

Only caravans trade lockpicks outside factions. Their stock is limited at first, but will grow once they become fences.

Join the Thieves Guild or the Dark Brotherhood to access their merchandise - the most reliable sources of lockpicks.

In vanilla, there are 122 lockpicks placed around Skyrim and about 33 more to be found in desiccated corpses.

.: Installation :.

It's recommended that you start a new playthrough. Technically, this mod is safe to install or uninstall at any time, but NPC you have already met won't change their inventory. Besides, containers in locations you've already visited will take a week, and vendors two days, to reset.

Regarding load order, place it lower than any mods changing leveled lists to make sure it works. As this mod doesn't touch the containers or actors themselves, it should be compatible with pretty much anything and won't conflict with USSEP.

.: Recommendations :.

Related Mods

Simply Knock + Simply Knock SKSE64 DLL : Ask nicely before breaking in places.

Complete Crafting Overhaul or Ars Metallica : Craft your own lockpicks.

Lock Overhaul : Use weapons or magic to open locks.

Alternative Mods

Merchants and Citizens Have No Lockpicks : Similar mod, but doesn't cover chests.

No Lockpicks in Chests : S