Those variations sound like perfectly reasonable house rules that would make it easier to play. I might even use something like that myself.
I think the current sheet is closer to the official encumbrance rules, though, which is what I was aiming for. Under those, a person with 16 Strength can carry up to 80 pounds before becoming encumbered. Plate takes up 65 of that, leaving 15 pounds free. Add a 5-pound waterskin, 4-pound traveler's clothes, and a 6-pound greatsword, and you're at the limit. I assume that's why plate armor usually has a 15 Strength requirement (though you can ignore that when you use encumbrance).
It's pretty harsh. Heavy armor is definitely a trade off.
I think the current sheet is closer to the official encumbrance rules, though, which is what I was aiming for. Under those, a person with 16 Strength can carry up to 80 pounds before becoming encumbered. Plate takes up 65 of that, leaving 15 pounds free. Add a 5-pound waterskin, 4-pound traveler's clothes, and a 6-pound greatsword, and you're at the limit. I assume that's why plate armor usually has a 15 Strength requirement (though you can ignore that when you use encumbrance).
It's pretty harsh. Heavy armor is definitely a trade off.
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