Probably Stolen Cartel & Chemist Start: Dream Dust Quotas and Leaving
The Chemist starts with 300 Credits, 200 rent, a worn Evaporator and cartel protection. Every Monday you deliver Dream Dust; each settled week adds 5 items and 5 purity points to the next quota (purity capped at 70%). Delivering nothing ends the run. Leaving needs 100 cartel reputation, raised by 25 up to four times.
On this page
Chemist starting state
| Chemist | |
|---|---|
| Cash | 300 Credits |
| Rent | 200 Credits |
| Kit | Chemistry Manual, worn Evaporator, worn chemical processing gear, measuring tools, chemical scanner, mini smuggling stash, Lease |
| Unlocked | Retired Chemist referral and cartel protection |
| Standing | Cartel reputation established; Security starts at −15 (scaled by difficulty) |
| Intro | Mentor opening skipped |
Cartel protection skips ordinary night theft, but also blocks normal insurance until you leave.
Read next: Evaporator guide · Chem Finisher recipes
Cartel calendar
| When | Visit |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Task introduction |
| Day 2 | Law-enforcement visit |
| Day 3 | Drug dealer visit |
| Every Thursday | Midway check — you can request extra materials |
| Every Monday | Formal Dream Dust delivery and settlement |
| Days 9, 18, 27 | Wounded soldier visits |
Quota and purity rules
The first week’s quota comes from the task record (the “10 portions” in dialogue is not every week). After each settled delivery the next quota rises by 5 items and 5 percentage points of required purity, up to 70% purity.
Each Dream Dust item counts once — a stack is not several items — and everything you hand over is consumed, including extras. Purity is the plain average of all items submitted, so one weak vial drags the batch down.
| Result | Effect |
|---|---|
| 0 items delivered | Chemist retired immediately — the run ends |
| Short on quantity | −4 base cartel reputation per missing item |
| Quota met or beaten | +1 base reputation per item delivered |
| Average purity ≤ ¼ of required | Severe failure: immediate retirement, no stipend |
| Up to 5 points below required | Reputation lost by the shortfall |
| Within −5 to +10 of required | Difference added or deducted; rating +1 |
| More than 10 above required | Bonus = (purity − required) ÷ 4, rounded down; rating +1 |
A chemistry module reward needs the full quantity and an average purity above required − 5.
Stipend and material requests
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Weekly stipend | 150 Credits, paid after the reputation change |
| Increased Stipend perk | +4 × cartel reputation (reputation 25 → 250 Credits) |
| Mid-week material request | Costs 12 cartel reputation (6 with Reliable Chemist) |
How to leave the cartel
- 01
Reach 100 cartel reputation
This is the first retirement threshold.
- 02
Expect delays
Each delaying dialogue raises the bar by 25: 100 → 125 → 150 → 175 → 200.
- 03
Meet it once more
After all four delay stages, meeting the requirement again releases you.
- 04
After release
Cartel reputation and protection are removed, normal insurance unlocks and weekly quotas stop.
Dropping to −100 cartel reputation can trigger forced retirement during a morning visit.
Common questions
What happens if I miss a cartel delivery in Probably Stolen?
Delivering zero Dream Dust retires the Chemist and ends the run. Delivering too few costs 4 base cartel reputation per missing item.
How do I leave the cartel?
Reach 100 cartel reputation. Delay dialogues raise it by 25 up to 200; after the fourth, meeting the bar again releases you.
How much does the cartel pay?
150 Credits a week, plus 4 × cartel reputation with the Increased Stipend perk.
Sources & version notes
Community game-data research (static, not in-game tested). Sources reviewed November 1, 2026. This guide does not claim an independent in-game test.
- Nico Wiki: cartel deliveries
Quota growth, purity bands, stipend and retirement.
- Nico Wiki: cartel contacts
Visit schedule and contact roles.
- Nico Wiki: Chemist occupation
Starting cash, rent and kit.