A lot of doors and chests can be opened by using a key that is found nearby. Press "ALT" often to see the keys that could be hidden behind or under objects on the ground. But I would recommend investing at least 3 skillpoints in lockpicks, since you get a lot more treasure this way, and skillpoints are literally a dime-a-dozen, especially later on for a mage. I maxed out Elemental Hail before I was 20th level (which wouldn't be possible normally) through buying spellbooks from a merchant (Blake in Ars Magicana). Anyway, even if you choose not to invest in any skillpoints outside of the mage path now, you'll sooner or later be tempted anyway. Trust me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
