Encumbrance

Whatever you select to carry will have both weight and volume (or bulk). Equipment for adventuring is necessary, but too much is deadly. In order to be able to move with reasonable rapidity and freedom, the number of items carried and apparel worn must suit encumbrance restrictions (Remember that the volume of something can be as critical as its weight, i.e. 20 pounds of feathers in a sack are cumbersome). 

To be useful, items generally must be readily accessible, so this consideration must also be borne in mind. Lastly, as the main purpose of adventuring is to bring back treasure, provision for carrying out a considerable amount of material must also be made. The table below gives you a guideline respecting weight and bulk carried and how movement is affected:

Strength penalties or bonuses will modify these guidelines. Weight is usually stated in gold pieces, 10 gold pieces equaling 1# (pound). Volume can only be calculated from known comparisons, as the size and shape of objects varies from individual to individual, i.e. how big is a tapestry?

Certain items are not included when figuring encumbrance. These include:

• • material components (unless large and bulky).

  • any helm but great helm, if the character has any armor.

  • one set of clothing.

  • thieves’ picks and tools.

The encumbrance of most items not on this list may be inferred by comparison with objects similar to them; thus a decanter of endless water will encumber as much as a bottle or flagon. In some cases no equivalent may be found; such instances require the judge to decide.

Many people looking at the equipment tables will say, “But a scroll doesn’t weigh two pounds!” The encumbrance figure should not be taken as the weight of the object—it is the combined weight and relative bulkiness of the item. These factors together will determine how much a figure can carry.

EXAMPLE OF ENCUMBRANCE

As an example, Dimwall the magic-user and Drudge the fighter have prepared for a dungeon expedition. Dimwall, besides his normal clothing, has strapped on a belt with a large pouch on it. Into this and his robe, he tucks his material components (minimal encumbrance). He also places in his pouch a potion bottle, a mirror, some garlic and belladonna, and his tinderbox. At his right side hangs a dagger and sheath and four more daggers are on a bandolier slung across his chest. Over all these belts, he puts his backpack. In his pack goes a hand axe (for chopping, not fighting), three flasks of oil, a candle, three small sacks, one large sack, and seven torches. Lashed in a bundle to the pack is 50 ft. of rope. At his left side, hanging from his belt, are a leather scroll case and his purse, filled with 20 gold pieces. He holds a staff in his right hand and a torch in his left. He is now ready to travel, with a total encumbrance of 689 g.p.

Meanwhile, his companion, Drudge, has strapped on his splint armor. He wears two belts around his waist; his longsword hangs from one. On the other belt he places his quiver with 40 bolts, a cocking hook, and a dagger. He slips on his backpack, already loaded with 10 spikes, one week’s iron rations, and a flask of oil. To the bottom of the pack he has strapped 50 ft. of rope. Hanging on the rear of the pack is his heavy crossbow. Around his neck he wears a holy symbol. Finally, he straps his large shield on his left arm, fits his helmet, and takes his lantern, ready to go with a total encumbrance of 1,117 g.p.

During their adventures, Dimwall and Drudge find 800 gold pieces in a troll’s treasure horde. Dimwall can carry 400 gold pieces in his large sack and another 300 gold pieces in his small sacks. Dimwall leaves his torches and staff, since he must have his hands free. Then he fastens a small sack to his belt and, using two hands, carries the large sack over his shoulder. Drudge eats part of his iron rations and throws the rest away, along with his spikes and oil. He places the remaining bags in the bottom of his pack and then pours the loose coins on top of them. Encumbrance for Dimwall is now 889 gold pieces and 1,222 gold pieces for Drudge. 

As they leave, Dimwall and Drudge meet the troll. There is little time to react, so Drudge must quickly drop his lantern (possibly putting it out) and attack. As he does this, Dimwall must drop the large sack (probably scattering coins about), unsling his pack, and start digging for his oil. By the time he finds it, the troll may have killed them both!