Yet Another Encumbrance System, Very Simple, Similar BFRPG

[zarathustra]

This is the Encumbrance system I am leaning toward for my next campaign. It borrows from the BFRPG alternatives I have seen around the web, is very quick and very simple, with a couple of little C&C twists. I mainly wanted much faster and simpler than the current EV system.

Simple Encumbrance System

PC can carry as many items as he has strength points without penalty. System is based off # of items, not EV.

Add 2 items for a strength prime. Add 1 item for a constitution prime. Eg. 10 strength + con prime = 11 items without penalty.

Containers still have the same volume listed.
● You can assume your blades have scabbards, baldrics etc or not, as fits your character image at no EV cost. Basic clothes come free.
● Do count all other arms, armour and equipment (quivers, backpacks, pouches, helmets, blankets etc).

In general 1 item counst as 1 item (obviously) BUT....

Objects in the weapons and equipment section with EV's of 1 count as 0.5 items.

Those listed with EV 4 and higher count as 2 items.

Objects listed in equipment and weapons as asterisk* EV get added together. Ten and less make 0.5 items, 11-20 make 1 item and so on.

50 coins equals 0.5 items. 3 sling bullets equals 0.5 items.

Armour of AC 6 and higher counts as 2 items.

Shields count as 1 item.

Large shields as 2 items (IMC large shields give an AC bonus of +2, I run a historical setting without heavy armours so this mediates that somewhat but I wanted a give/take situation for large shields).

Encumbered PC's are 1/2 move, -2 on surprise rolls and all dex checks, trying to keep all that gear in line.

Just 1 encumbrance category but is harshish. Since the iniitial limit is generous enough and mounts are available and I prefer a game where gear choices come into play, I have opted for that scenario.

This is still hypothetical, not playtested. Assessment welcomed.

[Breakdaddy]

Looks like it would work just fine. The only thing I would say is that you might as well not say it is "items-based" because there are so many exceptions to the raw item number that can be carried that it's more of a point-based system with a 12 point starter. I like it though. It's simple and wouldnt require a lot of tweaking to match the tastes of any given group.

[zarathustra]

Yeah I agree. It ended up a simpler version of EV basically, rather than a true "item based" system. I swear I couldn't help myself.

It began VERY simple in my head and migrated to "mostly simple" with designations before I could get pen to paper. I am an inveterate rules tinkerer.
BUT
damn the PHB encumbrance rules made my head hurt and this seems way easier to grasp, in keeping with the simple approach of C&C (admittedly "eyeball" is simpler but hey, I need somewhere solid to land).

Certainly customisable.

I just include it because EV to me is the one sore, complicated thumb that sticks out in C&C tto me (although I am sure there are people out there who love EV and I still like it better than most systems). All I attempted to do basically is dumb it down a bit - maybe the CKG is full of such methods.

[tylermo]

I mentioned my concerns about EV to Stephen at a con earlier this year. I think he told me(paraphrasing)they were tempted to say "just make something up". That would have been an interesting change for the 4th printing of the phb. hahah

[serleran]

5th printing.

Beside that, the basic idea of this is pretty straightforward. I would probably try to simplify it more, perhaps along the lines of something like this:

Metal Armor counts as X items. X is 2 + AC modifier. If worn, reduce it in half.
Non-Metal Armor counts as X items. X is AC modifier. If worn, reduce it in half.
Very heavy items, as deemed by the Castle Keeper, are always at least 6. If they are also bulky, add 3.
Very small or light items, as deemed by the Castle Keeper, require multiples to count as 1 item. This should usually be 6.
Two-handed weapons count as 4.

A character can carry 6 + Strength modifier + Constitution modifier. If either are Prime, add +2. If both are Prime, add +4. These bonuses do not accumulate.

Being too simple causes problems. Being too complicated causes it to be ignored.

[Geleg]

this is very helpful stuff. Consider it stolen ...