Posted September 11, 2012
I'm confused about lockpicking npc chests too. I eventually managed to pick the lock and steal it's contents but I'm not sure if it was a skill based reason or what. At first I thought it might be that I had higher perception and noticed the chest was trapped, but thinking back to the first time I tried to pick the lock I wasn't getting attacked for unlocking it or even opening it. It was only when I took something. I keep changing my mind about this. But I think it may have something to do with your steal skill? As in your effectively pickpocketing the chest? Dunno.