MNblockhead
A Title Much Cooler Than Anything on the Old Site
I was recently inspired by an excellent video by Lindeybeige that described an ancient door lock technique and locked chest he created using that technique for a LARP challenge he created.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWCU2aF1TL0
It is a longish video, but I encourage watching it. It inspired me to do two things for my games.
(1) Come up with better descriptions for secret doors and locks.
(2) Stop assuming that thieves tools are a panacea for all locks.
For #1, there are a number of threads where people discuss this, but I could always use more. I'm especially interested in detailed descriptions that have thought through the mechanisms. I'm thinking of something like the Grimtooth trap books, but for locks and secret doors. Also, I'm interested in actual historical examples. I've never come across a lock like the one Lindeybeige describes in any of the gaming lists and threads I've read, even though these kinds of locks were apparently fairly common in Greek and Roman times.
For #2, it Lindeybeige makes an interesting point of how this lock poses a challenge for modern people with access to better tools. The technology is so old and unused that it is lost to all but for a few historians and enthusiasts. Why do we assume that someone proficient with thieves tools is going to be able to use them on locks in even the most ancient of dungeons. You can argue that the rogue would have some knowledge of these old locks, but wouldn't it be fun to occasionally have locks that require a bit more work and time to figure out. Maybe the investigation check on the lock indicates that the thieves tools are not going to help. You need a create a small tube with a notch and some cord -- something someone with proficiency with tinkers tools would be especially able to help with.
I wouldn't do this often. But on rare occasion, it is nice to throw in something more challenging. Of course, after the party figures it out, it is assumed that the rogue as some needed items to his thieves tools, so next time it is a normal lock-picking situation. I helps build up the sense of progression and experience.
So please share you (1) detailed descriptions of different locks and secret doors and (2) examples of special skill challenges beyond the routine lock-picking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWCU2aF1TL0
It is a longish video, but I encourage watching it. It inspired me to do two things for my games.
(1) Come up with better descriptions for secret doors and locks.
(2) Stop assuming that thieves tools are a panacea for all locks.
For #1, there are a number of threads where people discuss this, but I could always use more. I'm especially interested in detailed descriptions that have thought through the mechanisms. I'm thinking of something like the Grimtooth trap books, but for locks and secret doors. Also, I'm interested in actual historical examples. I've never come across a lock like the one Lindeybeige describes in any of the gaming lists and threads I've read, even though these kinds of locks were apparently fairly common in Greek and Roman times.
For #2, it Lindeybeige makes an interesting point of how this lock poses a challenge for modern people with access to better tools. The technology is so old and unused that it is lost to all but for a few historians and enthusiasts. Why do we assume that someone proficient with thieves tools is going to be able to use them on locks in even the most ancient of dungeons. You can argue that the rogue would have some knowledge of these old locks, but wouldn't it be fun to occasionally have locks that require a bit more work and time to figure out. Maybe the investigation check on the lock indicates that the thieves tools are not going to help. You need a create a small tube with a notch and some cord -- something someone with proficiency with tinkers tools would be especially able to help with.
I wouldn't do this often. But on rare occasion, it is nice to throw in something more challenging. Of course, after the party figures it out, it is assumed that the rogue as some needed items to his thieves tools, so next time it is a normal lock-picking situation. I helps build up the sense of progression and experience.
So please share you (1) detailed descriptions of different locks and secret doors and (2) examples of special skill challenges beyond the routine lock-picking.
