Topic: Help me understand Encumbrance

Hi, I'm new to these rules and while I think I have a handle on this, I'd appreciate some clarification.

I take it you buy your gear then add up the number of different items to see what your move rates are. Some are light and can be stacked in a group as 1 item, such as arrows.  Others count as 1 item by themselves. Some count as 1 item, but are also Oversized so count as 1 additional item. Then some are not counted as 1 item, but due to their nature (Chainmail & Platemail) add 1 item to the total.  Is this correct?

So if my character has a suit of Chainmail (not counted but adds +1), a Sword (counts as 1) and a Shield (Counts as 1, and is Oversized for +1 additional) his total number of items carried would be 4. Is that right?

Thanks,

Bob

Re: Help me understand Encumbrance

The character sheet helps a lot with this.  Every five regular items adds up to on Encumbrance Point.  One oversized item equals one Encumbrance Point.  Armor adds its own amount depending on type.  So in your example:

wearing chainmail = +1 point
Shield (oversized item) = +1 point
Sword (regular item) = +1/5 point

So this character would have 2 Encumbrance Points, and be able to carry 4 more regular items before getting their third point.  (They are currently Lightly Encumbered.)

Here is a link to a random LotFP character sheet I found to show you an example:

https://31.media.tumblr.com/e835f8447cf … 1_1280.jpg

Note that the shield and armor are not counted twice (they are not on the list of items, but are placed elsewhere on the character sheet...)

I believe that torches and rations are technically each an individual item as shown on this sheet, but as you can see, the PC is quickly encumbered when doing this.  I play a little less hardcore and allow players to group a set of torches and a week's worth of rations into one slot.  Also, the sword isn't listed under items, so in this case it doesn't seem to count as part of this character's encumbrance.  (I'm not sure if that's just an exception this Referee is making - I can't find anything excepting handheld weapons in the rulebook.)

I think it's the best encumbrance system I've seen in a published book.

Re: Help me understand Encumbrance

It's a critical part of the game, and LOTFP makes it so easy and great.  This system dictates behavior-- most fighters with plate and shield know that when they get into a fight they MUST win because there is no escape from most enemies by running. Once they commit, that's it.    The rest of the party may load up on stuff but it's all about who is the slowest runner as to who gets eaten first.  Wizards and Specialists may stay as light as possible for the sole reason of being able to run away the fastest.  It's not only critical for choices in play, but party dynamics as well.  Fighters are nearly always 'all in' in my experience so can demand more loot or other special privileges if they survive...

Re: Help me understand Encumbrance

Not sure I see the point in having a Shield not count for Encumbrance to only have it be an Oversized item adding 1 to the Enc amount. Why not just have it as a normal item?

Re: Help me understand Encumbrance

Faust23 wrote:

Not sure I see the point in having a Shield not count for Encumbrance to only have it be an Oversized item adding 1 to the Enc amount. Why not just have it as a normal item?

Because 1 oversized item = 5 normal items.  So if you count a shield as a normal item, you're counting it as 1/5 an Encumbrance Point instead of as 1 Encumbrance Point.  Look over the character sheet carefully and it should click.  Encumbrance Points are not the same as item slots.

Re: Help me understand Encumbrance

Ah! Now that makes sense! Thanks Crunk!