James Gasik
We don't talk about Pun-Pun
I don't really mind that encumbrance exists- if you don't impose a hard limit somewhere, you'll have characters lugging around the most ridiculous things.
My main issue with the 2e encumbrance was simply how arbitrary it was- carry half your total weight without penalty, and we'll divide the other half into increasing 35-is pound chunks of worsening penalties.
There is another encumbrance system in 2e, as noted, and it seems even worse to me, to the point I've never tried to use it.
I would probably if I had to design a system, make it very simple. Up to X weight you're fine, based on Strength, size, race, whatever (maybe give some classes like Fighters or Thieves a bonus due to being trained to pack properly in the army or how to carry loot more efficiently by their guild).
Then simply say up to Y weight (2X) you are encumbered, moving half speed and suffering whatever penalty seems appropriate- physical checks and such. Then beyond this, if you're able to actually move an object, you can do so, but at 5' per round tops and you can do nothing else.
I don't really ever expect players to enter combat wearing heavy backpacks- I assume you take those off and set them down at first opportunity, to in-combat encumbrance isn't really a thing I worry about. More just "so you picked up the 5,200 copper coins. Where and how are you carrying those, again?".
My main issue with the 2e encumbrance was simply how arbitrary it was- carry half your total weight without penalty, and we'll divide the other half into increasing 35-is pound chunks of worsening penalties.
There is another encumbrance system in 2e, as noted, and it seems even worse to me, to the point I've never tried to use it.
I would probably if I had to design a system, make it very simple. Up to X weight you're fine, based on Strength, size, race, whatever (maybe give some classes like Fighters or Thieves a bonus due to being trained to pack properly in the army or how to carry loot more efficiently by their guild).
Then simply say up to Y weight (2X) you are encumbered, moving half speed and suffering whatever penalty seems appropriate- physical checks and such. Then beyond this, if you're able to actually move an object, you can do so, but at 5' per round tops and you can do nothing else.
I don't really ever expect players to enter combat wearing heavy backpacks- I assume you take those off and set them down at first opportunity, to in-combat encumbrance isn't really a thing I worry about. More just "so you picked up the 5,200 copper coins. Where and how are you carrying those, again?".
