On Locks and Lockpicking
his product is intended for both players
T and Dungeon Masters to lay out the rules
for lockpicking and to provide additional items
such as mundane and magical locks, lockpick-
ing tools, and spell options. The following sec-
tions are included:
 The Rules. This is a summary of the official
rules (Rules as Written), unofficial rules
(Rules as Intended), and a few homebrew
rules related to locks and lockpicking.
 The Art. This summarizes the various ways
to gain proficiency in thieves’ tools.
 The Locks. This provides several mundane
and magical locks.
 The Tools. This is a summary of various
tools used in lockpicking.
 The Spells. Several spells can be used to
either lock or unlock objects.
 Waterdeep. While every city of size likely has
locksmiths, this provides details on the City
of Splendors’ locksmith guild and its most
famous lock merchant.
Sources
This document is a combination of official fifth
edition and homebrew materials. Items, spells,
and rules from official sources have a super-
script which notes their source. These sources
and their superscript codes include:
 DMG. Dungeon Master’s Guide
 EGW. Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount
 ERLW. Eberron: Rising from the Last War
 MTF. Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes
 GGR. Guildmaster’s Guide to Ravnica
 PHB. Player’s Handbook
 SCAG. Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
 TCE. Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
 VRGR. Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
 XGE. Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
Some of the homebrew materials are based on
items in the following legacy publications:
 Dragon Magazine 239 (1997)
 Dragon Magazine 271 (2000)
 Dragon Magazine 304 (2003)
 Dungeon Master’s Guide (AD&D 2nd edition)
 The Complete Thief’s Handbook (AD&D 2nd
edition)
These additional resources were also used:
 City of Splendors (AD&D 2nd edition)
 Volo’s Guide to Waterdeep (AD&D 2nd edi-
tion)
Credits
By: Firbolg Factory
Art: Certain art by Johannes Jacobsz van den
Aveele. Waterdeep map Cartography Stock Art
© by Derek Ruiz / Elven Tower Cartography.
v 1.1
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 The Rules
efore we get into anything else, a review
B of the rules of lockpicking may be benefi-
cial.
The Picker
First, let’s discuss who can pick a lock. Per-
haps the single most important question when
it comes to lockpicking is “can someone with-
out proficiency in thieves’ tools attempt to pick
a lock”? To avoid confusion, it is helpful if the
DM declares at the beginning of a campaign
whether proficiency with thieves’ tools is
required to even attempt a pick.
Rules as Written
The requirement for proficiency in thieves’
tools to attempt to pick a lock is discussed in a
few different places:
 Working Together – Chapter 7 of the
Player’s Handbook. Where it discusses
working together to provide advantage on an
ability check: “For example, trying to open a
lock requires proficiency with thieves'
tools…”
This, in the author’s opinion, is very clear.
 Locked Doors – Chapter 5 of the Dungeon
Master’s Guide. Where it discusses picking
locked doors: “...doing so requires thieves’
tools and proficiency in their use”.
This is also very clear when it comes to
locked doors; although one could make the
feeble argument that it doesn’t really address
the adventuring gear item ‘lock’.
 Lock – Chapter 5 of the Player’s Handbook.
Where it lists the description of a lock “...a
creature proficient with thieves’ tools can
pick this lock…”
Nowhere does it say that a creature with-
out proficiency can pick the lock. Some argue
that assumption is adding to the rules and it
makes the language pointless.
 Tool – Chapter 5 of the Player’s Handbook.
Under the description of a tool (thieves’ tools
are tools): “A tool helps you to do something
you couldn’t otherwise do, such as craft or
repair an item, forge a document, or pick a
lock.”
It doesn’t say that you need proficiency
with the tool to use it...just that the tool is
required.
Based on these points, it is the author’s opinion
that the rules are clear – to pick a lock, not only
does a character need to have thieves’ tools,
but it must also be proficient with them; how-
ever...
Rules as Intended
While the Rules as Written are clear in a few
places, Rules as Intended are in direct opposi-
tion. There’s two unofficial Sage Advice tweets
by prominent D&D staff that state a character
does not need proficiency in thieves’ tools to
use them.
 “Is it necessary to have proficiency in thieves’
tools to use them? nope – you can still use
them, just without the proficiency bonus.”
Mike Mearls, 2014.
 “Proficiency isn't required to use a tool,
unless that tool's description says otherwise.”
Jeremy Crawford, 2018.
Based on this, it brings the author back to the
idea that it just all boils down to however the
DM wants to play it, so long as its a consistent
rule.
The Act of Picking
Typically, attempting to pick a lock is per-
formed when a character uses thieves’ tools
and takes the Use an Object as its action to use
the tools, attempting to pick a lock. At that
point, a Dexterity check is performed and com-
pared to the DC of the lock itself.
Note that the Dexterity check comes from the
lock item description in the Player’s Handbook
and the paragraph on locked doors in the Dun-
geon Master’s Guide – it could well be that
there are locks that don’t allow this bonus or
that require a different ability check, such as
combination locks.
The Math. When attempting to pick a lock
using thieves’ tools, a character typically rolls a
d20 (or two d20’s if it has advantage/disadvan-
tage), then adds:
 The character’s Dexterity modifier (or other
ability if applicable to a specific type of lock).
 The character’s proficiency bonus if it is profi-
cient with thieves’ tools (or twice the profi-
ciency bonus if it has expertise).
 Any racial/class bonuses (see sidebar below)
 Any item bonuses such as +5 from gloves of
thievery.
 Any magical bonuses such as +1d4 from the
guidance cantrip.
The author has seen a variety of homebrew
rules that prohibit lockpicking in combat, or
disadvantage if the character took damage the
round prior, etc. While definitely not needed, it
may be beneficial if the DM has a response to
these types of scenarios.
There are several racial and class features that
affect skill checks such as a rogue’s Reliable
Talent, artificers Flash of Genius, a bard’s Bardic
Inspiration, or a hobgoblin’s Saving Face.
Repeated Picking Attempts
To avoid confusion, it is helpful if the DM
declares at the beginning of a campaign
whether lockpicking attempts can be repeated.
Can characters just keep trying until they suc-
ceed, and if so, what’s the point of the check at
all? Chapter 8 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide
discusses multiple ability checks; however,
treatment is left to the DM.
On Locks and Lockpicking
Group Picking Attempts
It is also helpful if the DM declares how group
checks are performed in scenarios where multi-
ple party members attempt to pick a lock.
Chapter 7’s “Working Together” of the Player’s
Handbook discusses working together. Is only
one attempt allowed (with advantage if other
characters help)? Is a group check made by all
those attempting and a success occurs if at
least half the group succeeds?
Ones and Twenties
Critical Successes
As there is no official critical success when it
comes to skill checks, what happens when a
player rolls a natural 20 is up to the DM. Treat-
ment for mundane locks is rather simple, a crit
may unlock the lock regardless of DC. More
interesting though is what happens with magi-
cal locks. Does the character manipulate the
lock so deftly with exactly the right pick that the
magic thinks its the actual key? Its up to the
DM.
Critical Failures
Similarly, what happens when a player rolls a
natural 1? This is also up to the DM and ranges
from nothing to whatever the DM chooses. Do
the tumblers seize up or perhaps the pick
breaks off inside the lock, making additional
picking impossible without disassembling the
lock?
Breaking a Lock
So what happens when no one in the group has
thieves’ tools or a magical means to unlock a
lock? You smash. Brute force is an option. For
simplicity, these rules might be used:
 The lock’s DC to pick can also be used as the
DC to break the lock if the character makes a
successful Strength (Athletics) check, by
attempting to smash the lock with an object
such as a hammer, maul, or other device that
causes bludgeoning damage.
 So long as the lock has an exposed shackle, a
character may attempt a brute force attack by
using two customized crowbars in tandem to
break the shackle. By doing so, the character
may have advantage on Strength checks to
break the lock.
3
 The Art
hose who pick call it an art, but how does
T a character learn to pick locks in the first
place? Proficiency in thieves’ tools can be
obtained from a variety of sources.
Classes
Artificers ERLW / TCE
Class Perk. All artificers gain proficiency in
thieves’ tools upon character creation or multi-
classing into artificer.
Rogues PHB
Class Perk. All rogues gain proficiency in
thieves’ tools upon character creation or multi-
classing into rogue. Rogues also have some
additional bonuses when it comes to profi-
ciency with thieves’ tools.
Expertise. At level 1, rogues also have the
choice of choosing two skill proficiencies or
one skill proficiency and their proficiency with
thieves’ tools. Their proficiency bonus is dou-
bled for any check they make with those cho-
sen proficiencies.
Thief’s Fast Hands. At level 3, a thief can
use a bonus action to use its thieves tools to
open a lock.
Arcane Trickster’s Mage Hand Legerde-
main. At 3rd level, an arcane trickster can use
its thieves’ tools at range.
Races
 Githyanki MTF
– Decadent Mastery provides
proficiency in one skill or tool.
 Mark of Warding Dwarves ERLW – Warder’s
Intuition provides a 1d4 bonus to thieves’
tool ability checks.
 Vedalken GGR – Tireless Precision provides
proficiency in a tool and a 1d4 bonus to
checks with that tool.
 Warforged ERLW – Specialized Design pro-
vides one skill and one tool proficiency.
4
On Locks and Lockpicking
Backgrounds
 Criminal PHB
 Grinner EGW
 Investigator VRGR
 Urban Bounty Hunter SCAG
 Urchin PHB
 Customizing a Background PHB – Using this
rule, any character can replace one feature
with any other one, choose any two skills,
and choose a total of two tool proficiencies or
languages from the sample backgrounds.
Origin
The “Customizing Your Origin” rules in
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything can be used to
replace one standard armor, weapon, or tool
proficiency (whether its from their background
or a race/class feature) with proficiency in
thieves’ tools.
Feats
Prodigy XGE
This feat allows humans, half-orcs, and half-elfs
to gain proficiency in one skill, tool, or lan-
guage; and also gain expertise in one skill in
which the character has proficiency with.
Skilled PHB
This feat allows a character to select three
additional tool or skill proficiencies.
Training
The Training downtime activity in Xanathar’s
Guide to Everything allows a character to
receive training in a language or tool; which
gives characters the opportunity to gain profi-
ciency throughout their adventuring careers.
 The Locks
L one
ocks come in all variety, although only
mundane lock is included in the
Alternate Quality Rating
Player’s Handbook. As suggested in the last sentence of the ‘lock’
item, alternate quality ratings can be assigned
Mundane Items to any lock. This alternate rating system has
been used in various forms through several edi-
Lock PHB tions of D&D.
Type: Adventuring Gear Cost: 10 gp The quality of a lock cannot typically be dis-
Weight: 1 lb cerned just by looking at it. A crafter’s trick is to
disguise the difficulty of the lock by housing it
A key is provided with the lock. Without the
in a cheap-looking housing. A thief can learn
key, a creature proficient with thieves' tools can
the quality of a lock by attempting to pick it.
pick this lock with a successful DC 15 Dexterity
check. Your DM may decide that better locks Lock Quality Rating
are available for higher prices.
d100 Quality DC Adjustment
Enhanced Lock 1-5 Wretched* -10
Type: Adventuring Gear Cost: 25 gp 6-25 Poor* -5
Weight: 1 lb 26-75 Good* 0
This lock is reinforced with hardened steel fit- 76-85 Excellent +5
tings to be exceptionally resilient. Two keys are 96-99 Superior +10
provided with the lock. Without a key, a crea- 100 Masterful +15
ture proficient with thieves' tools can pick this
lock with a successful DC 20 Dexterity check. *If improvised thieves’ tools are allowed, picking attempts
with those tools may be limited to these quality locks.
Premium Lock Star Rating
Type: Adventuring Gear Cost: 100 gp
As a mark of quality, the Splendid Order of
Weight: 1 lb
Armorers, Locksmiths, and Finesmiths typically
This lock is reinforced with adamantine and assigns their locks with a star rating; the number
mithral, to be exceptionally resilient and resis- of stars denotes quality. See the Waterdeep
tant to most corrosion. Two keys are provided section for more details.
with the lock. Without a key, a creature profi-
cient with thieves' tools can pick this lock with
a successful DC 25 Dexterity check.

Masterwork Lock
Type: Adventuring Gear Cost: 250 gp
Weight: 1 lb
This lock is primarily made out of adamantine
and mithral, to be exceptionally resilient and
immune to most corrosion. Two keys are pro-
vided with the lock. Without a key, a creature
proficient with thieves' tools can pick this lock
with a successful DC 30 Dexterity check.

5
On Locks and Lockpicking
Combination Locks
The DM may wish to allow the existence of
combination locks in the campaign world (espe-
cially on safes or perhaps dwarven or gnomish
vault doors). Such locks are typically higher
quality.
Picking. As picking combination locks may
be a significantly different process than key
locks (although some may be designed with a
small pinhole over-ride that can be picked with
traditional tools), alternative picking rules may
be considered. At the DM’s option, picking a
combination lock may rely on perception, both
audio and touch. When using a stethoscope
and physically touching the lock with bare
hands, the noise and vibration of tumblers fall-
ing into place may be detected. A few variant
rules may be used:
 Alternate ability check. The lock requires a
Wisdom (Perception) check instead of a Dex-
terity check.
 Greater-of ability check. The higher of a
character’s Wisdom (Perception) bonus or
Dexterity bonus may be used in the check.
 Additional bonus ability check. A charac-
ter’s Wisdom (Perception) bonus may be
added to the check, in addition to the charac-
ter’s Dexterity bonus (this has the conse-
quence of making combination locks signifi-
cantly easier to open than key locks).
How and when the character obtains a stetho-
scope is up to the DM and player, but it is also
included in masterwork thieves’ tools noted
later in this publication.
6
On Locks and Lockpicking
Embedded Locks
While the mundane ‘lock’ item itself may be the
most common type of security device, there are
other items that can be picked including all
variety of doors, chests, manacles, and perhaps
even locked book bindings.
Manacles PHB
Type: Adventuring Gear Cost: 2 gp
Weight: 6 lb
These metal restraints can bind a Small or
Medium creature. Escaping the manacles
requires a successful DC 20 Dexterity check.
Breaking them requires a successful DC 20
Strength check. Each set of manacles comes
with one key. Without the key, a creature profi-
cient with thieves' tools can pick the manacles'
lock with a successful DC 15 Dexterity check.
Manacles have 15 hit points.
It may be worth determining what actually breaks
on a successful Strength check. Do the cuffs actu-
ally open, or does the chain break, leaving the
actual cuffs on the character? The author typically
rules that the chain breaks, giving characters full
freedom of movement, but the cuffs themselves
must be sawed off or picked at a later time.
Appearance
So what does the lock actually look like? The
answers are only limited to the DM’s imagina-
tion. For some inspiration, the author suggests
the ‘Lock, Stock, and Barrel’ article in Dragon
Magazine 271.
Magic Locks
While only one magical lock currently exists as
a stand-alone item in fifth edition, legacy edi-
tions included numerous types of magical locks
(especially Dragon Magazine 239), several of
which are brought forward to fifth edition
below. Unless otherwise noted for a specific
lock, some general characteristics of magical
locks include:
 A lock can be used with various doors, gates,
chests, boxes, or similar containers.
 The lock's powers and defense can be com-
pletely bypassed or avoided if the appropriate
key or command word (if applicable) is used.
As with magic weapons, spells like dispel
magic will typically not negate the lock's
effects or prevent their activation.
Some locks have a Triggered Event:
 Unless otherwise noted, the lock can be
picked, but if a picking attempt fails, or the
lock is subjected to similar forms of tamper-
ing, the lock's effects are triggered.
 A lock's powers extend to the enclosure
which it secures, so tampering with the
enclosure in order to avoid the lock is
regarded as a failed picking attempt, and
automatically triggers the lock's powers.
 Attempting to open or bypass the lock via
magical means (such as the knock spell or a
chime of opening) is considered tampering
and triggers the lock's magic. The magic
used in the bypass attempt fails in any case.
 The lock's magic is continuous; even if trig-
gered, the magic automatically resets itself,
enabling it to be triggered an indefinite num-
ber of times.
Lock of Trickery XGE
Wondrous item, common
This lock appears to be an ordinary lock (of the
type described in chapter 5 of the Player’s
Handbook) and comes with a single key. The
tumblers in this lock magically adjust to thwart
burglars. Dexterity checks made to pick the
lock have disadvantage.
On Locks and Lockpicking
Arcane Masterwork Lock
Wondrous item, very rare
This lock is primarily made out of adamantine
and mithral, to be exceptionally resilient and
immune to most corrosion. A single magical
key is provided with the lock.
Pick Lock. The lock is reinforced with a
modified arcane lock spell, preventing any
mundane attempts to open the lock. While the
key is inserted in the lock, the spell is sup-
pressed and the lock can be opened normally.
Other magical means may suppress the pick
lock feature. If so; without a key, a creature pro-
ficient with thieves' tools can pick this lock with
a successful DC 30 Dexterity check.
For Waterdeep’s nobility and merchants, this is
the gold standard of locks and is typically used to
secure the most valuable of items in containers
which are also often magically warded and
guarded. An object secured with this device is
surely to be valuable.
Crafted by the Splendid Order of Armorers,
Locksmiths, and Finesmiths and enchanted by
the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors,
this lock is only available for purchase by special
ordered from The Golden Key (see Waterdeep
section for additional details).
Lock of Binding
Wondrous item, common
This lock has a false keyhole with the actual
keyhole in a random spot on the side of the
lock, concealed by an illusion (equivalent to the
illusory object function of the minor illusion
spell) to make it appear as plain as the rest of
the lock. Any object inserted into the false key-
hole springs a small clamp which locks the
object in place, causing a lockpick to break if
pulled out. At the same time, an internal mech-
anism trips, permanently locking the tumblers
in place. Once tripped, the lock can only be
opened by magical means, or be destroyed.
7
Lock of Many Faces
Wondrous item, rare
This fanciful lock is fashioned so that its front
surface forms a human face with its mouth as
the locks keyhole. The face functions differ-
ently, depending on the type of lock.
Triggered Event. If anything but the proper
key is inserted into the keyhole, the lock trig-
gers its event; which is unique to the lock:
 The Riddler. There are no tumblers or any
pickable objects inside the keyhole. When
any object is inserted, the locks face ani-
mates and, in a sly but jovial voice, speaks a
riddle (of the DM’s choice). If the riddle is
answered correctly, the magical energy field
vanishes and the lock snaps open. Subse-
quent attempts to bypass the magical field
causes the riddle to be repeated.
 The Shearer. When any object other than the
appropriate key enters its keyhole, the locks
face animates, its mouth clamping down on
the intruding object, shearing off the portion
of the instrument that entered the keyhole.
Immediately thereafter, the “mouth” per-
forms a chewing motion, and shortly after
that, the sheared piece of the object, mangled
and ruined, is spat out onto the floor. Once
this routine has been complete, the locks face
resumes visage until the next object is placed
in its mouth.
 The Screamer. When triggered, the lock’s
“mouth” begins to scream and howl in alarm,
its cries clearly audible to a distance of 100
yards, minus 10 yards for every closed door
or solid barrier it must pass through. The
lock continues to shriek until the command
word is spoken or the appropriate key is
placed in its keyhole. In either case, the
magic is reset, allowing it to be triggered
anew. Note that a screamer can be opened
with a knock spell or picked normally, though
doing so still activates its magic. Dispel
magic has no affect on the locks howling, a
silence, 15' radius spell or similar power is
effective while its duration lasts.
8
On Locks and Lockpicking
Lock of Cages
Wondrous item, very rare
This lock usually appears as a large iron pad-
lock with six one-inch hollow cubes or studs
raised on its front surface that form a ring
around its keyhole.
Triggered Event. Up to six creatures (and
their belongings) within 10 inches of the lock
are instantly reduced and teleported inside the
six raised cubes, one creature per cube (though
each victim receives a save vs. spells to resist
the effect). If there are more than six creatures
within the lock's range, victims are determined
randomly, though the creature who actually
triggered the lock's magic, if in range, is auto-
matically counted as one of the six.
Once inside a cube, victims are held in a form
of suspended animation akin to temporal sta-
sis. As such, victims are unable to escape with-
out help from an outside source. While so
trapped, however, victims do not age or need
nourishment, and they continue to survive
indefinitely.
Trapped victims can be freed in one of sev-
eral ways, as follows:
 If the command word is spoken and the
appropriate cube or stud is touched (which
does not trigger the locks magic), the victim
held within that particular cube is freed and
returned to its actual size. Since there is no
way to determine which cube holds a victim,
several attempts may be necessary to free the
desired captive, and there is no guarantee
that, once freed, an unknown captive will be
on friendly terms with its rescuer.
 If the lock is destroyed, all creatures trapped
in the cubes are freed and returned to their
true size. However, each captive must make a
successful DC 10 Constitution saving throw
or be reduced to 0 hit points in the process.
Furthermore, an attack directed against the
lock that fails to destroy it triggers its magic
and possibly traps the attacker as well.
 If all of the cubes are occupied when the
magic is triggered, a current occupant is
freed (and returned to normal size) in order
to make room for the new captive. Freed vic-
tims are determined randomly, so several
activations may be needed in order to free
the desired captive. But again, a freed crea-
ture might be hostile.
Lock of Curses
Wondrous item, rare
Contrary to what its name suggests, this lock is
not itself cursed.
Triggered Event. A curse is bestowed upon
the creature that triggers its magic. The lock
does not have a predetermined curse; instead,
when the lock is triggered, the curse is person-
alized according to the situation that triggered
it. For example, a thief who triggers the curse
while trying to pick the lock may find that sub-
sequent picking attempts are at reduced
chances; or a mage who uses a knock spell on
the lock may be cursed so that future castings
of that spell always fail. The exact nature of the
curse is left up to the DM, but it can be
removed by the usual means such as the
remove curse spell.
A lock of curses can be opened or bypassed
as a standard nonmagical lock. Thus, the usual
magical or mundane methods used to open
locks are effective against it. The curse, how-
ever, is simply bestowed upon those who would
use such methods. Opening the lock with the
appropriate key is the only way to avoid the
curse completely.
Lock of Elemental
Guardians
Wondrous item, very rare
Unlike other locks, a lock of elemental
guardians is a charged item which is attuned to
an elemental plane (chosen at random between
air, earth, fire, or water), possessing 5-20
charges when encountered (20 charges when
first manufactured). When all of its charges are
used, it becomes a normal lock.
Triggered Event. A charge is expended and
an elemental of the appropriate sort appears
within, and is confined to within 20 feet of the
lock. The elemental proceeds to attack any
creature who enters that radius (choosing the
creature closest to the lock over all others),
save for the bearer of the lock’s key. The ele-
mental remains for 1d10+1 rounds, even if all
other creatures are dead or have left the area.
Additional elementals appear if the lock is trig-
gered on subsequent turns.
On Locks and Lockpicking
Lock of Etherealness
Wondrous item, very rare
This lock is specifically designed to be used on
a box, chest, coffer, or similar container, as the
nature of its magic makes it impractical for use
as a door lock.
Triggered Event. The lock, the container,
and anything held therein immediately become
ethereal, spirited away from the would-be thief.
The container can be followed to the Ethereal
plane (if the means to do so are available), but if
the lock is triggered there, it returns to its for-
mer resting place on the Prime Material plane.
This shifting back and forth between planes
continues until the lock is successfully opened
or the looter gives up.
In addition to enabling the lock to be opened
without triggering its magic, the appropriate
key can be used to recall a container that was
previously transported to the Ethereal plane, or
to draw it into the Ethereal plane if the key-
holder is already there. In both cases, the con-
tainer appears near enough to the key-holder to
allow immediate access to it.
Lock of Exploding
Wondrous item, very rare
This lock often looks larger than a typical lock,
sometimes with elaborate metal decorations.
Triggered Event. This metal lock explodes
with great force, spraying the area in front of it
with shrapnel. Each creature in a 10-foot-radius
sphere centered on that point must make a
Dexterity saving throw. A target takes 4d4
piercing damage on a failed save, or half as
much damage on a successful one.
The explosion always blows away from the
lock’s face, thus preventing damage to the
enclosure that it secures. Upon exploding, the
lock is destroyed.
9

Lock of Petrification
Wondrous item, very rare
Unique among locks, this item is constructed
entirely of stone, though enchantments used in
its construction make it as hard as steel.
Triggered Event. The offender must make a
DC 15 Constitution saving throw vs. petrifica-
tion. Failure results in the offender’s dominant
hand turning to stone over a period of 1d4+1
rounds. During this period, the offender experi-
ences excruciating pain, suffering 1d4 psychic
damage each round until the transformation is
complete.
The victim is incapable of performing any
actions that require the use of the hand.
Because the connection between the victim’s
stone hands and flesh and bone wrists is tenu-
ous at best, exposing the hands to forceful
blows can cause them to break off or shatter.
Spells such as greater restoration can
remove the effect.
Lock of Shadow
Wondrous item, rare
This lock differs from most other locks, for
once secured in place and a command word is
spoken, it loses its solidity, becoming noncorpo-
real shadow matter. Once it assumes its
shadow form, picks and pry bars simply pass
through it, yet it continues firmly to secure the
enclosure to which it is affixed. However, while
a knock spell or similar effect is useless against
the lock, the enclosure itself is not so protected,
and can be broken open as usual. On the other
hand, the proper command word causes the
lock to become solid, as does an antimagic field
if the lock is within its area of effect.
Lock of Spell Holding
Wondrous item, rare
As its name suggests, this lock can store up to
5 levels worth of spells at a time. When found,
it contains 1d6−1 levels of stored spells chosen
by the DM (minimum of 1).
Any creature can cast a spell of 1st through
5th level into the lock by touching the lock as
the spell is cast. The spell has no effect, other
than to be stored in the lock. If the lock can't
hold the spell, the spell is expended without
effect. The level of the slot used to cast the spell
determines how much space it uses.
10
On Locks and Lockpicking
Triggered Event. A stored spell is cast, with
the type and level determined by the DM,
affecting anyone in the spell’s area of effect.
Area spells (such as fireball) are centered on
the lock itself, while ranged spells (such as
magic missile) strike a random target (or tar-
gets, if applicable) within the spell’s range.
Touch spells affect only those creatures who
are actually in contact with the lock (or its
enclosure) when it is triggered. The spell uses
the slot level, spell save DC, spell attack bonus,
and spellcasting ability of the original caster
(determined by the DM if not a player charac-
ter). The spell cast from the lock is no longer
stored in it, freeing up space.
The enclosure to which the lock is affixed is
not immune and may well be destroyed by the
very spell intended to protect it. For this rea-
son, a lock of spell holding is typically used
with enclosures that can withstand any damag-
ing effects the spell may produce.
Finally, knock spells and similar effects, as
well as lockpicking can open the lock, but such
methods do not prevent the lock from releasing
its spell. Only the proper key can open the lock
without causing the spell to discharge.
Lock of Transference
Wondrous item, rare
This lock is typically used on doors, gates, and
similar portals.
Triggered Event. When used on a door, gate
or similar portal, the lock’s magic instantly tele-
ports all of the offenders belongings, both car-
ried and worn, to the opposite side of the bar-
rier, leaving the offender completely naked.
When used on chests, boxes, and the like, the
items are teleported into the container,
although the container must be large enough to
hold all of the offenders belongings; items that
are too large to fit are not affected. Excess
items are not affected, and DMs must randomly
determine which items remain behind.
 The Tools
Mundane Items
he Player’s Handbook lists the only offi-
T cial set of thieves’ tools and Xanathar’s
Guide to Everything has additional rules for
that item. At character creation, rogues are
given a set of thieves’ tools as starting equip-
ment; all other characters must purchase or
otherwise acquire them.
Thieves' Tools PHB
Type: Tool Cost: 25 gp Weight: 1 lb
This set of tools includes a small file, a set of
lock picks, a small mirror mounted on a metal
handle, a set of narrow-bladed scissors, and a
pair of pliers. Proficiency with these tools lets
you add your proficiency bonus to any ability
checks you make to disarm traps or open locks.
Thieves’ Tools XGE
Perhaps the most common tools used by
adventurers, thieves’ tools are designed for
picking locks and foiling traps. Proficiency with
the tools also grants you a general knowledge
of traps and locks.
Components. Thieves’ tools include a small
file, a set of lock picks, a small mirror mounted
on a metal handle, a set of narrow-bladed scis-
sors, and a pair of pliers.
History. Your knowledge of traps grants you
insight when answering questions about loca-
tions that are renowned for their traps.
Investigation and Perception. You gain
additional insight when looking for traps,
because you have learned a variety of common
signs that betray their presence.
Set a Trap. Just as you can disable traps, you
can also set them. As part of a short rest, you
can create a trap using items you have on hand.
The total of your check becomes the DC for
someone else’s attempt to discover or disable
the trap. The trap deals damage appropriate to
the materials used in crafting it (such as poison
or a weapon) or damage equal to half the total
of your check, whichever the DM deems appro-
priate.
On Locks and Lockpicking
Thieves’ Tools
Activity DC
Pick a lock Varies
Disable a trap Varies
The following are items designed to add some
additional flavor to thieves’ tools.
Masterwork Thieves' Tools
Type: Tool Cost: 150 gp Weight: 15 lbs
This expanded set of tools is for serious pick-
ers. The kit contains extra tools and tools of
better make, granting you a +2 bonus to lock-
picking attempts. In addition to the items
included in a standard set of thieves’ tools, it
also includes:
 Stethoscope. This may be useful for picking
combination locks.
 A vial of acid and an application dropper.
When a mundane lock’s tumblers are
exposed to acid for at least 1 minute, the
picker may have advantage on lockpicking
attempts. If the picker then fails the lockpick-
ing attempt, the lock is ruined and can not be
unlocked, even with the proper key. If a
picker had previously attempted to pick the
lock without acid and failed, it may then
apply acid and reattempt the pick.
 Two crowbars specifically designed to assist
in brute force attacks on exposed lock shack-
les. Characters have advantage on Strength
checks to break a lock using this method.
 A monocle.
 A vial of oil and an application dropper.
 A large variety of highly customized picks.
Improvised Thieves’ Tools
Type: Tool Cost: - Weight: -
At DM discretion, other items may be used as
thieves tools such as a thin wire, nail, or hair
pin. Whether this item comes with a penalty is
also at DM discretion but the author recom-
mends improvised thieves’ tools be allowed
based on character creativity, although at a dis-
advantage and unable to unlock higher quality
locks.
11
Magic Items
There are several official magic items that
assist with opening locks, the more common of
which are included in this section.
Chime of Opening PHB
Wondrous item, rare
This hollow metal tube measures about 1 foot
long and weighs 1 pound. You can strike it as
an action, pointing it at an object within 120
feet of you that can be opened, such as a door,
lid, or lock. The chime issues a clear tone, and
one lock or latch on the object opens unless the
sound can't reach the object. If no locks or
latches remain, the object itself opens.
The chime can be used ten times. After the
tenth time, it cracks and becomes useless.
Gloves of Thievery DMG
Wondrous item, uncommon
These gloves are invisible while worn. While
wearing them, you gain a +5 bonus to Dexterity
(Sleight of Hand) checks and Dexterity checks
made to pick locks.
Blessings
Chapter 7 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide
discusses blessings as a reward, which typically
mimic the properties of a wondrous item. Gloves
of thievery could easily be used to base a blessing
of thievery on; bestowed by Mask, Brandobaris, or
some other god partial to thieves or other lock
pickers.
Infiltrator’s Key EGW
Wondrous item, legendary (requires attunement)
This mithral skeleton key was forged using the
blood of twelve master thieves executed for try-
ing to steal magic items during the Age of
Arcanum.
Dormant. The infiltrator's key grants the fol-
lowing benefits in its dormant state:
 The key can be used as thieves' tools for the
purpose of opening locks. When using the
key, you are considered proficient in thieves'
tools and you have advantage on ability
checks made to open locks.
12
On Locks and Lockpicking
 While holding the key, your steps are muffled,
giving you advantage on Dexterity (Stealth)
checks made to move silently.
Awakened. When the infiltrator's key reaches
an awakened state, it gains the following prop-
erties:
 While holding the key, you can use a bonus
action to transform the key into a magic dag-
ger or back into a key. While the key is in the
form of a dagger, you gain a +l bonus to
attack and damage rolls made with it, and it
returns to your hand immediately after it is
used to make a ranged attack.
 While holding the key, you can use an action
to cast one of the following spells from it:
alter self, invisibility, knock, or pass without
trace. Once a spell has been cast using the
key, it can't be used to cast that spell again
until the next dawn.
Exalted. When the infiltrator's key reaches an
exalted state, it gains the following properties:
 As a bonus action, you can touch the key to a
floor, wall, or ceiling that is no more than 5
feet thick and cause a magical opening to
appear in the surface. When you create the
opening, you choose its length and width, up
to 10 feet for each dimension. The opening
lasts until the key passes through it to the
other side, at which point it disappears (if a
creature is in the opening when the doorway
closes, the creature is safely shunted to the
nearest unoccupied space). The key can't be
used to create another opening until the next
dawn.
 While holding the key, you can use an action
to cast one of the following spells from it:
dimension door, gaseous form, or mislead.
Once a spell has been cast using the key, it
can't be used to cast that spell again until the
next dawn.
This magic item evolves with its wielder. Over
time, it might unlock facets of its other capabili-
ties to enter an awakened state, eventually
reaching its exalted state. The properties and
features gained at each new state are cumulative
unless otherwise noted.
Ioun Stone of Mastery PHB
Wondrous item, legendary (requires attunement)
An Ioun stone is named after Ioun, a god of
knowledge and prophecy revered on some
worlds. Many types of Ioun stone exist, each
type a distinct combination of shape and color.
When you use an action to toss one of these
stones into the air, the stone orbits your head at
a distance of 1d3 feet and confers a benefit to
you. Thereafter, another creature must use an
action to grasp or net the stone to separate it
from you, either by making a successful attack
roll against AC 24 or a successful DC 24 Dex-
terity (Acrobatics) check. You can use an action
to seize and stow the stone, ending its effect.
A stone has AC 24, 10 hit points, and resis-
tance to all damage. It is considered to be an
object that is being worn while it orbits your
head.
Mastery. Your proficiency bonus increases by
1 while this pale green prism orbits your head.
Master Key
Wondrous item, very rare
This wand has 3 charges. While holding it, you
can use an action to expend 1 of its charges to
open most mundane standard locks on contact,
if they are not trapped. If it encounters mechan-
ical or magical traps on a lock, it reveals this to
the wielder without triggering them, but does
not open the lock or deactivate the traps.
The key regains all expended charges daily at
midnight.
Mystery Key XGE
Wondrous item, common
A question mark is worked into the head of this
key. The key has a 5 percent chance of unlock-
ing any lock into which it’s inserted. Once it
unlocks something, the key disappears.

Living Gloves ERLW

Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
These symbiotic gloves-made of thin chitin and
sinew-pulse with a life of their own. To attune
to them, you must wear them for the entire
attunement period, during which the gloves Stone of Good Luck
bond with your skin.
While attuned to these gloves, you gain one of (Luckstone) PHB
the following proficiencies (your choice when Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
you attune to the gloves): While this polished agate is on your person,
 Sleight of Hand you gain a +1 bonus to ability checks and sav-
 Thieves' tools ing throws.
 One kind of artisan's tools of your choice
 One kind of musical instrument of your
choice
When you make an ability check using the cho-
sen proficiency, you add double your profi-
ciency bonus to the check, instead of your nor-
mal proficiency bonus.
Symbiotic Nature. The gloves can't be
removed from you while you're attuned to
them, and you can't voluntarily end your attune-
ment to them. If you're targeted by a spell that
ends a curse, your attunement to the gloves
ends, and they can be removed.

13
On Locks and Lockpicking
 The Spells
variety of spells directly affect locks or
A lockpicking attempts. A few are summa-
rized in this section. There are also other spells
like enhance ability that provide advantage on
any Dexterity check.
Arcane Lock PHB
2nd-level abjuration
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (gold dust worth at least
25 gp, which the spell consumes)
Duration: Until dispelled
Classes: Artificer, Wizard
You touch a closed door, window, gate, chest,
or other entryway, and it becomes locked for
the duration. You and the creatures you desig-
nate when you cast this spell can open the
object normally. You can also set a password
that, when spoken within 5 feet of the object,
suppresses this spell for 1 minute. Otherwise, it
is impassable until it is broken or the spell is
dispelled or suppressed. Casting knock on the
object suppresses arcane lock for 10 minutes.
While affected by this spell, the object is
more difficult to break or force open; the DC to
break it or pick any locks on it increases by 10.
Guards and Wards. This 6th-level spell allows
the caster to apply arcane lock to all doors within
the protected area.
Dispel Magic PHB
3rd-level abjuration
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 120 ft
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
Classes: Artificer, Bard, Cleric (arcana and
trickery domains), Druid, Paladin (oath of
devotion), Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
Choose one creature, object, or magical effect
within range. Any spell of 3rd level or lower on
the target ends. For each spell of 4th level or
higher on the target, make an ability check
using your spellcasting ability. The DC equals
14
On Locks and Lockpicking
10 + the spell's level. On a successful check,
the spell ends.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell
using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, you
automatically end the effects of a spell on the
target if the spell's level is equal to or less than
the level of the spell slot you used.
Guidance PHB
Cantrip divination
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 minute (concentration)
Classes: Artificer, Cleric, Druid
You touch one willing creature. Once before the
spell ends, the target can roll a d4 and add the
number rolled to one ability check of its choice.
It can roll the die before or after making the
ability check. The spell then ends.
Knock PHB
2nd-level transmutation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 ft
Components: V
Duration: Instantaneous
Classes: Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard
Choose an object that you can see within range.
The object can be a door, a box, a chest, a set of
manacles, a padlock, or another object that
contains a mundane or magical means that pre-
vents access.
A target that is held shut by a mundane lock
or that is stuck or barred becomes unlocked,
unstuck, or unbarred. If the object has multiple
locks, only one of them is unlocked.
If you choose a target that is held shut with
arcane lock, that spell is suppressed for 10 min-
utes, during which time the target can be
opened and shut normally.
When you cast the spell, a loud knock, audi-
ble from as far away as 300 feet, emanates
from the target object.
 Waterdeep
Locksmith’s Stores Locksmith’s Guilds
Every good locksmith’s store not only sells a Most cities and large towns have some sort of
wide variety of locks (and typically a few magi- locksmith’s guild that caters to the area nobles,
cal ones), but also has a variety of lockpicking merchants, and anyone else interested in secur-
devices. While thieves’ tools and some of the ing precious items. Whether this is a stand-
rarer locks are not typically on display, these alone guild or just represented by a few individ-
may be purchased under certain scenarios. uals within another smith’s guild is up to the
Even respected locksmiths have the need to DM.
pick locks for those owners who have lost their
keys. 2. The Splendid Order of Armorers,
Locksmiths, and Finesmiths
1. The Golden Key
Headquartered in The Metal House of Wonders
While not the only locksmith’s store in Water- at Belnimbra’s Street and Gut Alley in Dock
deep, The Golden Key is a renowned store that Ward, guild members are most often identified by
has stood the test of time and has been in busi- their gray cloaks with a single blue star on the left
ness for well over a century. Located in Castle shoulder.
Ward, it is on the east side of Warrior’s Way, just
south of the The Hawk Man statue. Owned by the This guild represents the most skilled smiths:
Ansilver family, it is the most reputable lockmith’s those able to craft weapons, shields, and armor
store in the City of Splendors. superbly matched to the wielder and of lasting
quality; the ‘finest quality’ that mages enchanting
There are at least four gargoyle guardians in weapons seek to find. Members of this guild also
the shop to prevent thefts. The shop typically has fashion signet rings and stamps for the guilds,
1-3 star rated locks for sale. 4-star rated locks can noble families, and the Palace.
be made on special order.
The Ansilver Family. While not included in the
ranks of nobility, the Ansilver family is a well
known and highly regarded family within the City
of Splendors. The family has several wealthy
landowners with many holdings in South Ward
and in the farmland east of Waterdeep. Several
family members are active worshipers of Gond
and a few hold Master rank in the city’s guild
focused on lock manufacturing: the Splendid
Order of Armorers, Locksmiths, and Finesmiths.

15
On Locks and Lockpicking