Hi guys,
First-time poster here.
Since most of the Encumbrance rules have frustrated me since I started playing, I finally decided to set up my own.
They were inspired by the general OSR systems.
Feedback is of course very welcome!
Encumbrance
Based on a Constitution-Modifier ranging from -3 to +3
The modifier determines how many additional Encumbrance points you can take before your inventory hampers you.
Each character has a basic point limit of 24 + CON-modifier*3.
Objects:
Objects are divided into the the categories below. Every type gives a different amount of points depending on its size or weigth.
Small/light (rings, vials, ingredients) + 1 Encumbrance
Normal (axe, books) + 3 Encumbrance
Big/Heavy (greatsword) + 6 Encumbrance
Armor:
Leather + 4 Encumbrance
Chain + 10 Encumbrance
Plate + 20 Encumbrance
If you are over your limit and for every 10 points after that, you will receive a -1 penality on all rolls.
For each day segment (6h) you travel heavily overloaded, you will get one point of exhaustion. For each section that you travel extremely overloaded, you get two points of exhaustion.
(Here you can use any Exhaustion rules in your system or something you pulled of the internet. I will post my own rules for that some time later, when I am finished with them.)
Some of you might ask, why just a plain penality on all rolls, wouldn't only the rolls be modified, that had something to do with inventory?
Nah. Firstly, it is just easier like that, while still providing the player an incentiv to think about what they want to bring into the dungeon and secondly, lets take for example charisma. If you want to convince somebody it will probably be harder if you have red face and bulky and clunky bagpack from all the junk you are carying around.
Example:
Warrior with Constitution 16 -> +2 Modifier
Base Limit = 24 + 2*3 = 30 results in
>30 >40 >50 >60 >70 >80 <90
-1 -2 -3 -5 -7 -9 -13
A heavy load would be at -3 and a extreme load at -9
Also, at -2, -5 and -9 you would get an addition movement penality, depending on how your system handels moving charakters of course.
Chain +10
4x Golden Amulets (K) +4
Sword (N) +3
2x Silver Rings (K) +2
Sleeping Bag (N) +3
3x Day's Ration (N) +9
Waterbottle (N) +3
Dagger (K) +1
=> 35 Encumbrance Points => -1 on all dice rolls.