Items

Arete N/A, Quintessence N/A, Background Cost 3 pts.

Despite the modern advances in metalworking, most locks still rely on archaic technology. Lever tumbler locks were invented in 1778. And despite their name, warded locks provide no real protection; thieves first defeated warded locks a millennium ago. Pin tumbler locks are newer and better, but it’s only a matter of time before housebreakers and other scoundrels find a way in. It’s time for the future to stop them in their tracks.

Galvanic Locks combine the security of the new pin tumbler locks with the power of electricity and magnetism. Intruders attempting to pick these locks will find their picks of little use, as the lock mangles their tools and signals the owner or appointed caretaker of the attempt. For particularly high-security installations, Galvanic Locks can even be set to deliver electric shocks to mountebanks, incapacitating would-be thieves.

System

Galvanic Locks consist of two parts: the lock itself and a primary key. While holding the primary key, users can insert any other key (even keys not designed to fit) into the Galvanic Lock and say “Allow” or “Alert.” Afterwards, these keys will open the lock when held by anyone. A Matter 1 Effect ensures that only the keys initially identified will operate the Device. It will reject all copies of the keys, unless they’re precise duplicates created by magickal means. “Allow” keys open the lock without issue, but “alert” keys will also cause the primary key and all “allow” keys to vibrate briefly, notifying those keyholders that the lock has been opened by an authorized but untrusted user. These Effects are elegant.

The primary keyholder can remotely disable the lock, preventing anyone from opening it, potentially trapping someone inside the secured area. Attempting to pick the lock damages the picker’s tools. Lastly, the primary keyholder can put the lock into security mode, which

will shock any non-keyholder attempting access with an uncanny Forces 3 Effect, dealing 3 lethal damage.