Keys are an important facet of Avalon since they are so regularly used. Keeping track of your keys is very important.
Commands for keys:
KEYLIST - Lists those keys held by you with their code numbers.
UNLOCK <item> - Attempts to unlock an item with a key.
LOCK <item> - Attempts to lock up an item with a key.
UNLOCK DOOR <direction> - Attempts to unlock a door in a specific direction.
LOCK DOOR <direction> - Attempts to lock a door in a specific direction.
There are locksmiths in most major cities of the land and inside these specialist stores you will be able to take advantage of key copying and key reinforcement services:
COPY <key##> - Visit a designated locksmith shop (type GOODS to confirm) and get keys copied.
REINFORCE <key##> - Reinforces the lock on a key to make it harder to pick or blast away.
In general, however, the more complex aspects of working up new keys, interacting with lock mechanisms and the like; this is the province of the specialist. New constructions often come without doors and you should peruse HELP DOORS for info on making and attaching doors to freshly built buildings (per HELP CONSTRUCTION). The Thief and Loremaster classes have various abilities specifically pertaining to working locks and strengthening doors and you should familiarise yourself with HELP LOCKS and the professional abilities for lockworking, lockfitting and special key fashioning.
Avalon gives each key a unique number by which it can be known, and typing KEYLIST will reveal exactly which keys you possess, alongside which will be given its separate key numbers. Keys can be copied for you at one of the locksmiths in the major cities using the COPY <key> command. Mercinae's locksmith is near Traders Way, Thakria's is off the main square while Parrius' can be found in Vergers Parade. Silverfalls (or Springdale, the city from whose ashes it rose) once had a locksmith but gave it up to allow the shop to be used for standard stock and sale of goods.
Cutting new keys is not costly in terms of gold or resources but thieves target the unwary and relieve them of important keys. It is for this reason many guilds do not issue keys to apprentices and instead open access to their tutors without letting the youngster unlock the inner guildhouse locations. It is a good idea if you know a friendly thief to challenge him/her to steal a key from you, after you have done all you can to protect it. Win or lose, the game teaches method and makes real potential vulnerability to less amiable burglars.
