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Chime of Opening

Chime Of Opening
  • Category: Wondrous Item
  • Rarity: Rare

This hollow metal tube measures about 1 foot long and weighs 1 pound. As a Magic action, you can strike the chime to cast Knock. The spell's customary knocking sound is replaced by the clear, ringing tone of the chime, which is audible out to 300 feet.

The chime can be used 10 times. After the tenth time, it cracks and becomes useless.

Tactical Applications​

Combat Strategy: Provides reliable lock and barrier opening for infiltration and exploration. Most effective for bypassing secured areas and obstacles during non-combat situations.

Class Synergies:

  • Rogues: Natural fit for characters specializing in infiltration and lock bypass
  • Any Class: Universal utility for overcoming locked barriers
  • Explorers: Excellent for dungeon delving and accessing restricted areas

Build Considerations: Most valuable for characters who frequently encounter locked doors, chests, and magical barriers. The limited uses require strategic planning.

Acquisition Methods​

Crafting Requirements: Requires rare metals with sonic resonance properties, enchantment expertise, and specialized metalworking. Typically costs 8,000-12,000 gp.

Common Sources:

  • Rewards from infiltration missions or heist scenarios
  • Inheritance from master thieves or locksmiths
  • Commission from enchanters specializing in utility magic
  • Trade agreements with organizations requiring secure access

Alternative Acquisition: Some thieves' guilds and spy organizations create these chimes for high-priority operations.

Value & Trade​

Estimated Value: 10,000-15,000 gp, with higher demand from characters needing reliable lock-opening capabilities.

Trade Considerations: Highly valued by rogues, investigators, and anyone who regularly encounters secured areas.

Character Integration​

Roleplay Elements: Suggests experience with infiltration, investigation, or legitimate locksmith work. The loud chime sound creates interesting tactical decisions.

Character Concepts:

  • Master thief or infiltration specialist
  • Investigator who needs access to restricted areas
  • Legitimate locksmith with magical tools
  • Adventurer who values practical utility items

Adventure Hooks​

The Locked Vault: A critical mission requires accessing a heavily secured area where stealth is less important than reliability.

The Time-Sensitive Entry: Rapid access to locked areas becomes crucial when traditional lock-picking would take too long.

The Investigation: Gathering evidence requires accessing locked rooms, desks, and containers quickly and reliably.

The Emergency Access: Characters need to open locked barriers during emergency evacuations or rescue operations.

Variants & Customization​

Greater Chime of Opening (Very Rare): Provides more uses or affects more powerful magical locks and barriers.

Silent Chime of Opening (Rare): Functions normally but produces no audible sound, maintaining stealth.

Chime of Sealing (Rare): Can both open and magically lock doors and containers with equal reliability.

Specialized Variants:

  • Investigator's Chime: Additional benefits for finding hidden compartments and secret doors
  • Burglar's Chime: Enhanced effectiveness against specific types of locks or security measures
  • Utility Chime: Multiple functions including opening, sealing, and detecting locks

Lore & History​

Origins: Created by practical mages who needed reliable methods for accessing secured areas for research and investigation.

Historical Significance: Several famous investigations and rescue operations succeeded due to the rapid access these chimes provided.

Cultural Impact: In law enforcement and investigation communities, these chimes represent the balance between necessity and respect for privacy.

Sonic Magic: The chimes reflect understanding of how sound and vibration can interact with magical and mechanical locks.

Balancing Notes​

Introduction Timing: Can be introduced at mid-levels (8-12) when lock-opening becomes more challenging and the limited uses create meaningful resource decisions.

Campaign Impact: Provides utility without trivializing security entirely. The loud sound creates tactical considerations about when to use it.

Resource Management: The limited 10 uses create meaningful choices about when the item is worth expending.

Encounter Design​

Recommended Challenges:

  • Exploration scenarios with multiple locked barriers
  • Time-sensitive missions where speed matters more than stealth
  • Situations where traditional lock-picking is insufficient or unavailable
  • Scenarios where the loud sound creates additional complications or opportunities

Tactical Adjustments: Enemies may investigate the distinctive chime sound or prepare for intrusion after hearing it.

Utility Magic: Other items that provide practical solutions to common adventuring challenges.

Lock and Security:

  • Items that enhance lock-picking or provide alternative access methods
  • Equipment that detects or disables security measures
  • Tools that provide stealth benefits for infiltration

Complementary Equipment: Items that work well with infiltration tactics, such as stealth enhancers or distraction tools.

Roleplay Opportunities​

Tactical Decision-Making: Characters must balance the utility of the chime against its loud, attention-drawing sound.

Professional Ethics: Characters may need to consider the moral implications of using magical lock-opening tools.

Resource Management: The limited uses encourage players to think strategically about when to use finite magical resources.