Lock Policy

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llywelyn

Artisan
This is a statement of current policy. It is designed to be slightly restrictive at first, with the marshals deciding things more narrowly in the beginning, with the ability to increase the complexity of the locks in the chapter as the base level of competency grows and as we see how things develop. We will also be developing a list of “approved locks” as people bring them to us that can be used without consultation.

Diary locks (which are a simple version of a warded lock) and single pin pin-tumbler locks are generally allowed. At this time both older-style and modern warded locks (at least when they aren't made out of plastic) and antique-style lever locks are generally allowed but must be demonstrated as pickable to a marshal, who will make a judgement call on speed, tools, and apparent complexity (you should be able to pick it in under 30 seconds as a necessary but not sufficient condition). 2-4 pin pin-tumbler locks will usually be disallowed by the marshals except for very simple cases (or cases where there's a bypass other than directly picking the pins, e.g., openable with a nail file), though may be allowed more as the chapter grows or may appear for special purposes under plot control. Most other designs (e.g., wafer-tumbler locks, disc-tumbler locks), modern lever locks, and 5+ pin pin-tumbler locks are generally disallowed at this time, though you can ask a marshal about a specific design. Security pins, e.g., serrated pins, are always disallowed. Attempting to open a lock with a key other than the one that came with that specific IG lock requires legerdemain.

Modern-looking padlocks (esp. those that look particularly modern) are discouraged since, even in cases where they are simple to pick, they reduce immersion (at least remove the bumper). “Antique-looking” locks are encouraged. It is encouraged to label the keys and locks with identical numbers/symbols to reduce any confusion about which keys go to which locks.

As before, you need blacksmithing level 2 or trapmaking level 2 in order to create the tag for a lock. The policy for this is as follows:

Blacksmith Level 2 can create a lock for 10 production.
OR a Trapmaker level 2 can create a lock for 10 production.

This will give you an item tag for a lock.​

Locks may be strengthened with Blacksmithing using the standard strengthening rules found on ARB 1.2 pg 58.

As always, locks should not be used to lock anything but should be attached to the object they are locking.

To break off a lock you need monster strength (an endow by itself is not generally sufficient). They must be opened with a key, picked, shattered, or destroyed with spells. Chopping down doors/breaking open boxes/other forms of bypass may be situationally allowed by a marshal for story purposes: You might be able to do it in an old barn, but not in a dungeon. You cannot do it to bypass building doors in New Acarthia that are occupied by players. There are no official rules here, so whether it works is entirely of the hands of the marshal/plot.

Allowed Locks

The following locks are generally allowed and do not need specific demonstration to a marshal.

"Diary" Locks
Warded Locks
Pin and Tumbler Locks
  • Office Works "Heavy Duty" 40mm Padlock (Added 28 July 2015, these are available at most King Soopers I've been to for about $5) (This is a 4 pin lock that is easy to rake even with improvised tools and makes a good intro to pin-and-tumbler locks, it can also be opened using a nail file and no additional tools).

Failed Locks

These are locks that have been brought to us that are currently deemed unsuitable. They may be reevaluated at a later point, particularly if you can find a way to pick them with standard tools within time constraints, but we haven't seen such a demonstration to our satisfaction at this time.
  • Small Cast Iron Lever Lock Padlock with Keys These look really cool, but there's a huge degree of variation in the purchased examples seen so far—making them too inconsistent to recommend as a group—and picking them has only been demonstrated using tools that are customized per-lock. (Added 17 April 2015)
  • Masterlock #22. This is a warded lock, but it is too difficult to pick for us to approve it at this time.
Suggested Tools

Links go to one specific set of tools that I (llywelyn) use, but shouldn't be considered the end-all, be-all or even a particular endorsement beyond that I like them.
  • Diary locks are generally pickable with a variety of tools from dental picks to wax carving tools to safety pins. I keep the six basic tension wrenches provided by the Sparrows Quick Start for a variety of options and widths.
  • Warded locks are easiest with some variety of warded picks. They can frequently be picked with other tools, but warded picks are the most straightforward.
  • Pin-and-tumbler locks are generally easiest with what most people think of when they think of "lockpicks." The only pin-tumbler locks you are likely to see at this time are basic enough to be picked without them without too much trouble, but it might be good to start practicing!
As a general rule, we are going to deny locks that require custom tools that are made on-the-spot for a given lock at this time.

Changelog

  • Links, clarifications on creating locks, clarifications on rules for locks (25 March 2015).
  • Added additional context around general rules of locks that were previously true, but now consolidating in one place (25 March 2015).
  • Added note on hardening locks (2 April 2015).
  • Added "allowed locks" section (8 April 2015).
  • 16 April 2015: Added a Tools Section.
  • 17 April 2015: Added a Failed Locks section.
  • 22 July 2015: Minor clarifications and added the Masterlock #22 to the "Failed Lock" section.
 
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David, I was previously unaware that PCs were capable of producing tags for locks at all. I can't find a reference to this in the ARB. Could you post full production/cost information for creating this item, please?

Thanks,
Trace
 
So my question is, where does one buy these locks? As in real life resource? And on the other side where does one buy lockpicks for these, both in and out of character?
 
So my question is, where does one buy these locks? As in real life resource?

Amazon and ebay are both pretty decent resources. I've seen them in hobby shops as well.

And on the other side where does one buy lockpicks for these, both in and out of character?

Lockpicks do not require a tag, so whatever you happen to be carrying are your "lockpicks." Sparrows makes a decent beginner set that work well for most pin-tumbler locks—along with some pin-tumbler practice locks that are more difficult than most things you are likely to encounter in-game—and a warded pick set that is sometimes effective. TOOOL and others do as well that are suited to newbies, but I am less familiar with their options. For some old lever and warded locks people have had good luck with everything from paperclips, to dental tools, to wax carving tools, to bent bike spokes, and more.
 
Just to clarify David, I thought lock picking tools did require a tag. I know that was an issue for thieves earlier last season. Was that a miss communication or do you need tools for thieves tools?
 
Just to clarify David, I thought lock picking tools did require a tag. I know that was an issue for thieves earlier last season. Was that a miss communication or do you need tools for thieves tools?

There are no tags for lockpicks or "thieves tools" in the game.
 
Interesting, I wonder where that confusion came from. I had a number of Rogues tell me they weren't carrying Thieves tools because they couldn't buy the tags, and that someone on staff had told them they needed them. Odd=)
 
Here is a link to the locks that I like -- ugly, but functional, inexpensive, and eligible for free shipping with Amazon Prime!

http://www.amazon.com/heart-shaped-...id=1427829923&sr=1-1&keywords=red+heart+locks

Lockpicks are slightly more complex in sourcing. You can Google lockpicks, and find sets easily and inexpensively, even on LARP supply sites. Real lockpicks are not wholly necessary, however, and many people like to use other tools such as: a dental pick, the metal part of a binder clip when you break off the plastic, a safety pin (paperclip is too soft), or a really cheap Bic pen! So long as it's a very small piece of sufficiently rigid metal, that should do the trick for 1-tumbler locks, like those I have linked above -- what David calls "diary locks." My favorite lockpick is a homemade piece of cut sheet metal which is basically a skeleton key with a tip in the shape of a plus sign. It's always worked great!
 
Updated to include links to some options that I have vetted so far.
 
Added a lock and suggested tools.
 
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Added a pin-and-tumbler lock.
 
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