Trapmaker's Spectacles

Is there a way to pry open the trap doors in Caladon? Even with max picklocks they won't open. I heard that if I can get into the disarm trap masters basement (somehow) I can obtain the trapmakers spectacles--I think, maybe, because it counts as a quest completion, even though I don't have any points in disarm traps? Anyone know how to obtain these from McPherson without being an expert in disarm traps?

 

Just did that on my last character, with Master in lockpicks plus Auto Skeleton Key I could open the door after a few tries. Not sure if it's possible to open with any lower skill. Once you're in, just click on the passage right ahead, and talk to the trap master saying you managed and want to be a master, and he'll give you the spectacles. Another way is to cast a Body of... spell on him, then the spectacles will appear in his inventory, so you can simply steal them.