Encumberance

DaveyB · Post by **DaveyB** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 2:51 am

Reading over the encumbrance system as it is in the PHB, I'm not sure whether or not to use it as is or make some adjustments. Some of the values seem a bit off as far as reality goes, like a large chain having an EV of 12. It would have to be one huge chain.

Anyway, the point I'm getting at is, does anyone use the encumbrance rules as they are, and if so, how well do they work; or is it better to just ditch encumbrance all together and let the PCs be able to carry their equipment and what-not, as long as it's within reason?

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 3:57 am

I use the encumbrance system exactly as it is described in the C&C PHB. I thought the system was somewhat realistic and proved to make the players actually manage what items they carried.

I will be the first to admit though that for a game, the encumbrance system as described is "mechanically" quite harsh. the -25%,-50%, -75% movement penalty is the toughest aspect of the system. Just being in light encumbrance gives that darn -25% to the movement rate. Harsh.

That being said, I still use the system exactly as described. Although, I have a simple "feat" system in my game. One of these feats add to the base EV, which is a minor way of tempering the encumbrance penalties.

Still, I use them.

....................................................Omote

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Nifelhein · Post by **Nifelhein** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 10:38 am

Ev in the PHB has some things off but it covers both weight and bulk, so a EV12 chain is truly that because it occupies space and weights moderately. There are some tweaks to encumbrance on a thread around here that make it even better but I have to say i like how simple and well done it is myself.
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erc1971 · Post by **erc1971** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 11:44 am

I am currently in 2 C&C games. In one I am a player, and in the other I am the GM.

In both games, we use the encumbrance rules exactly as written in the 2nd printing with the exception that we have assigned an EV to coins, as there is none in the book (100 coins = 1 EV)

Now, I am the only person in the group who keeps constant, detailed track of my character's encumbrance. Everyone else calculated it on character creation and just kind of forgot about it after that. The rest of the guys call me Obsessive Compulsive, I call the rest of them Lazy Bums, so we are even
Eric

Maliki · Post by **Maliki** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 9:39 pm

We just use the common sense rule.
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cheeplives · Post by **cheeplives** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:05 pm

DaveyB wrote:
Reading over the encumbrance system as it is in the PHB, I'm not sure whether or not to use it as is or make some adjustments. Some of the values seem a bit off as far as reality goes, like a large chain having an EV of 12. It would have to be one huge chain.

Seriously?

Go to the hardware store.

Pick up 20 feet of chain (since that's what has an EV of 12 in the PHB)... make sure it's not made of anything too fancy or modern, just some good metal chain.

Now continue your shopping. Be sure not to put anything in a shopping cart. Let me know if you think it's not that encumbering.

This isn't rocket science... 20 feet of chain is heavy and takes up a lot of space. if nothing else, the 4 lbs. weight is probably off.

Philotomy Jurament · Post by **Philotomy Jurament** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:23 pm

Maliki wrote:
We just use the common sense rule.

Me too. Less bookkeeping.

phadeout · Post by **phadeout** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:35 pm

If your looking for an improved system, that may well appear in the next update of the PHB, look here for the errata on the Encumbrance System:
http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 5:47 pm

I use the common sense approach, and I like parties having bags of holding... especially when they're creative with them (not that I just hand them out like candy, but I don't not let them be found, either.) I also tend to have PCs that carry several "multi-purpose instruments" like a hacksaw and other items, and would be rather displeased if I couldn't MacGuyver my way out.

Heh.

Maliki · Post by **Maliki** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 10:35 pm

serleran wrote:
I use the common sense approach, and I like parties having bags of holding... especially when they're creative with them (not that I just hand them out like candy, but I don't not let them be found, either.) I also tend to have PCs that carry several "multi-purpose instruments" like a hacksaw and other items, and would be rather displeased if I couldn't MacGuyver my way out. Heh.

My group has come to expect at least one of these per campaign.
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Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 1:20 am

Maliki wrote:
We just use the common sense rule.

Yep. I started with this after the first print. And I then read the 2nd print clarifications and all the other subsequent posts with so many interesting and great suggestions and house rules and finally decided to . . . stay with common sense!

[I'm lazy and stupid and love rules lite, so this my best house rule! ]
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