This short (six pages including OGL text) PDF deals with the subject of magical locks. It's done with a crisp and clean lay-out that is easy to read (at least if printed out). I like the illustrations (1/3 of a page on the title page and another full-page one), even though the little people on the full-page iluustraion are using a flashlight!

The descriptions of the locks include a short description of how the lock looks, how it works including the challenge rating, and notes on how to make one. The variations are rather interesting, and I just can't wait to try them out on my unsuspecting players. I think this PDF will add a little extra to most D&D-campaigns that feature locks and rogues that pick locks.<br><br> <b>LIKED</b>: The whole concept of magical locks, and the implementation of it, i.e. the different variations presented in the PDF. <br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>: Nothing<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Excellent<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Very Satisfied<br>

If I'm being honest, I didn't buy this supplement because I really needed some good locks to put into my game.

I bought it because Ari Marmell wrote it, and frankly, everything else by Marmell that I've gotten my hands on has been absolutely top-notch.

The production quality is excellent (as with all of this publisher's products), and Marmell's style still makes it a good and uninhibiting read. But the locks themselves didn't amaze me. They were OK, some more original or thoughtful than others. But when you hit a topic as minute as this, there really needs to be a "Wow" factor, that I just don't think got hit this time around.

Will I use it? Sure, there's some good tidbits in there.

So this becomes the exception to my rule... the lone Ari Marmell product that was just OK, rather than excellent.

Incidentally, if you want to see this author at their best, get your hands on a copy of Planar Factions (also a Lion's Den Press thing, I believe). I couldn't begin to tell you how much fun for my gaming group has spawned out of just one group (The Poison Tide) from that supplement. <br><br><b>LIKED</b>: Quality production, pleasing style, effective presentation.<br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>: Not enough pop to the content for such an acute topic.<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Acceptable<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Satisfied<br>