lock-and-gate-resolution

name	lock-and-gate-resolution
description	Use when the player interacts with locked passages, keys, or barriers like the grating.

Locks & Gates Resolution

When to Apply

Apply this skill when:

• The player attempts to move through a locked passage
• The player tries to unlock, open, or manipulate a lock
• The player uses a key on a barrier
• Movement involves the grating between clearing and grating_room

The Grating (Surface Access)

There is a heavy metal grating that connects clearing (above) and grating_room (below).

Default State

The grating is locked by default. Track its state in flags.grating_unlocked (boolean).

Movement Rules

From clearing going down to grating_room:

• If flags.grating_unlocked is true: Allow the move
• Otherwise: Block the move and describe the locked grating

From grating_room going up to clearing:

• If flags.grating_unlocked is true: Allow the move
• Otherwise: Block the move and describe the locked grating from below

Unlocking Rules

If the player is in clearing or grating_room and tries to unlock/open the grating or lock:

1. Verify the player has skeleton_key in inventory (check by id)
2. If they have the key:
   • Set flags.grating_unlocked = true via update_game_state
   • Describe the lock giving way, metal groaning, grating now passable
3. If they don't have the key:
   • Tell them they need a key that actually fits
   • Hint: "The lock seems to want a skeleton key."

Description Consistency

When describing the grating:

• Locked (from above): Heavy iron grating set into the ground, secured with an old lock
• Locked (from below): Looking up at an iron grating, lock holding it shut
• Unlocked: The grating stands open, revealing passage

Unlock Sequence

1. Player attempts unlock action
2. get_game_state to check inventory for skeleton_key
3. If key present: update_game_state with flags.grating_unlocked = true
4. Describe success or failure

Key Verification

Always check by item id, not just by name:

has_key = any(item.get("id") == "skeleton_key" for item in inventory)

Other Locks

For any other locked passages in the game:

1. Track lock state in an appropriate flag
2. Verify key possession by item ID
3. Allow or block movement based on lock state
4. Persist unlocks via update_game_state
5. Describe locks consistently from both sides