OK, searched all the PDF manuals for Inquisitor RPG and found nothing on what I need.

Also the Act-1 walkthrough ONLY mentions Magic Boxes, but has no specifics on HOW to use them.

So, here's what I'm requesting:

1) Magic Boxes: requirements (If any) to use them, and specifically HOW to use them

2) Lock-Picking: How? Are there skill requirements? Is there a Lock Pick tool?

No requirements to use magic boxes, the description did say destroying it to open one. Right-click on it to open the description of the box. There should be the option to destroy the box on the bottom-right of the page on the left. Left-click on the Destroy Item option.

Yes, there are skill requirements on lockpicking. No lockpicking tool required. You must be a thief character to have the Thieving skill. Equip that skill on your quickslot by using the Spellbook journal, select the Skills tab on the right of all your schools of magic, select Thieving and drag it to your quickslot. That assigned quickslot ability will use your skill in lockpicking ability.

You're better off with the Pagan "Shatter" spell anyway, as far as unlocking (think 'Knock' in DnD). Too many chests are trapped, usually lethally - though at times you can use this to your advantage by having enemies nearby catch the blast.