Quantum Keys

Unlock the power through locks and keys

He let himself go, clearing his mind, and felt the energy that radiated from the the key in his hand. He was afraid, as he should be. He has no way of knowing what would happen. The keymaker warned him to be careful when dealing with these strange devices. He looked at the keyring on the keymakers belt. It was packed with 20 to 30 keys, some of them attached to locks that weighed down his trousers.
There was a sudden flash of green light followed by a deep male voice, distorted and firm.
"Jutyl, poligh ger?
... Protocol: Babel...
Active/...
(English)
Do you hear me?... Good. I am The Valor of Yore... and you are?"

Quantum keys are literal keys that are found in The Cities of Blue. Artificial Keys have been made from materials gathered from the blue cities as well. What makes the keys so important in the world is that they bestow unique abilities on those who can attune to them. Attunement is something anyone can learn fairly easily but the actual process of activation is something that requires more skill. Quantum keys require a Keymaker's hand to activate. Only then can the various abilities they grant be used by the wielder. Following a series of highly detailed and complex steps, a key maker using ether can activate a dormant key.

Quantum keys are uncommon but to call them rare is not quite right. Almost anyone who is somewhat traveled has seen the effects these keys have at least once. Even the most illiterate and uncultured know of their existence and what they can do. Despite this one will likely strike fear and wonder into the hearts of those around them upon use.

Perceptions

Most people see the quantum Keys as a tool, something that can be used for both good and bad. There are some places in the world that directly oppose the use of quantum keys. In the British Empire it is illegal to even possess a Quantum key much less use it. The only exceptions are members of law enforcement military and the aristocracy. In the Far East including Russia, keys are often seen as a sign of wisdom for those who possess it. The powers they grant are seen as a responsibility upon the user, and misuse will be dealt with extreme prejudice.

Impact

Since the keys were first discovered they became a method for those in power to stay in power or for those below to rise up and take it from them. This has led to a Black Market of sorts surrounding the creation and monetization of quantum Keys. People from all over the world travel to The Workshop in hopes of selling their discoveries. Others attempt to smuggle quantum keys to assist in revolutionary efforts against the British Empire in their various places of influence.
In the Americas, The Pauper Kings pay handsomely for any Quantum keys you can give to them as well as the locks that increase the power they bestow. With the creation of lock based engines, even The Sky Barrons of The Twelve Skies have an extreme interest in acquiring these magnificent creations. Many fear the power of the keys and some have even developed a habit of wearing keys in full View as a method of intimidation. Some even consider it necessary to wear ordinary keys as a bluff in hopes that it will protect them from unnecessary fights.

With all this demand weighing down on them, key makers have a distinctive problem in meeting it with their supply. Even artificial Keys take considerable amounts of time to create due to their complexity. They are believed to be in abundance within the blue cities, if you are brave or stupid enough to venture Into the depths where they are kept.

He clutched the key in hand and asked it to grace him with its phenomenal power. The key responded, glowing a vibrant red and manifesting a mote of hot white light before him. He reached out and held the mote. He sought to change it, to shape it into something else, a hammer, a rifle...
"No," the key said in a low and dominant tone. "...a spear."
The mote elongated, sharpening at its tip, and awaiting him to throw it at his target. He did so with ease, the weightless light shot with surprising speed at the airship, teaing a hole in the hull...

by Daniel Ljunggren

Attunement

Attunement is a special moment. It involves a link between the inner working of the key and the mind of the user. The key will "introduce" itself in an exceptionally polite manner. The user must respond with a calm and empty mind. This meditative state connects the two, allow the thought of one to bring action from the other. While it is easy to assume that the keys are sentient, and they could be, but most see it in a different way. To some, the keys run through a list of commands and protocols similar to automatons. They are remarkably convincing, displaying preferences and personality.

Locks and Lock Engines

The Locksmith and The Watchmaker developed the first lock. Through careful craftsmanship, the two found a way to amplify a keys effects and refine them. They can even alter them, randomizing their powers. This lead to the development of a Lock Engine, an engine that runs on either that can activate keys on a massive scale.

Aesthetics

Keys come in all shapes and sizes. Some more modern, others antique. They come in many colors as well, and each is often embellished with designs and additions. Keymakers have turned their craft into fine art with the intricate designs of their artificial keys.