Why do I have a -1 pickpocket skill?

I just tried to put a point into pickpocket and I had to put in 2 points to get my skill to 1. What could be causing this? I'm playing a male gnome, background Charlatan's Protege. I've gotten blessings from a few of the pagan gods (elves, lizards, dwarves, humans) but no curses. I'm not wearing any magic items.

 

uh...are you wearing gauntlets? i believe anything heavier than gloves will cause a penalty to pickpocketing

 

Yeah, some gloves (machined gauntlets especially) give a penalty to pickpocket...I'm talking 3 ranks with the machined gauntlets...take them off and have a look at your pickpocket skill.

 

are your hands crippled? that could do it...if they can get crippled i mean.

 

Yes, it's the gauntlets. Don't know why I didn't think of that.

 

I don't know of any god-curse that can do this so I guess it's either the item-curse or being injured.

 

charlatan's protege gives you a minus to pickpocket.

 

I see. Its the obvious.