So I don't know whether anyone else does this, but whenever I've used variant encumbrance, I've always taken it as a given that armor you're carrying counts toward encumbrance, but armor you're wearing doesn't. (The weight of armor is well distributed over one's whole body; it's less burdensome than a fully loaded backpack.) Might it be possible to add at least a toggle switch for this?
This is the same question I have: what is counted towards variant encumbrance? The whole reason to wear something is to distribute the weight evenly across your body and be able to not be encumbered by it. The variant encumbrance seems to play into the myth that all you had to do was tip a Knight over because the armor was so heavy they could not move or get up. That was completely a lie as the weight of the armor in the game would impede fighting, which armor was NEVER designed to do IRL.
Secondly, a backpack, containers, and pouches are designed in the real would distribute the weight of what you carry so that you can carry more. A backpack that weighs 5 lbs and _then_ still is as heavy on your back? I don't know about you all, but when I pick up my 'pack for work (yes, I'm in my late 30s and use a backpack still) with my computer, files, and books, it can be heavy. Then put it on my back and **Presto!** it is not impeding me or weighing me do as if I was carrying it in my hands.
The encumbrance rules aren't really taking into account RL, or am I missing it?
This is the same question I have: what is counted towards variant encumbrance? The whole reason to wear something is to distribute the weight evenly across your body and be able to not be encumbered by it. The variant encumbrance seems to play into the myth that all you had to do was tip a Knight over because the armor was so heavy they could not move or get up. That was completely a lie as the weight of the armor in the game would impede fighting, which armor was NEVER designed to do IRL.
Secondly, a backpack, containers, and pouches are designed in the real would distribute the weight of what you carry so that you can carry more. A backpack that weighs 5 lbs and _then_ still is as heavy on your back? I don't know about you all, but when I pick up my 'pack for work (yes, I'm in my late 30s and use a backpack still) with my computer, files, and books, it can be heavy. Then put it on my back and **Presto!** it is not impeding me or weighing me do as if I was carrying it in my hands.
The encumbrance rules aren't really taking into account RL, or am I missing it?
Well, can you run at full speed with 150 lb strapped to your back? If not, there might be something realistic to encumbrance after all.
It's not even close to accurate, but for armor that's worn I have it's weight set at 50% of the weight given in the book. I do NOT modify the weight of what is carried on belts, thigh sheaths, or in backpacks.
I do use the variant encumbrance rules, and there's been more than one time where a PC had to unstrap and drop their backpack and all its contents to make a successful retreat.
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So I don't know whether anyone else does this, but whenever I've used variant encumbrance, I've always taken it as a given that armor you're carrying counts toward encumbrance, but armor you're wearing doesn't. (The weight of armor is well distributed over one's whole body; it's less burdensome than a fully loaded backpack.) Might it be possible to add at least a toggle switch for this?
Author of The Monsters Know What They're Doing: Combat Tactics for Dungeon Masters, MOAR! Monsters Know What They're Doing, How to Defend Your Lair and Making Enemies: Monster Design Inspiration for Tabletop Roleplaying Games.
That is not RAW, but if you want to play it that way you can customise the armor you are wearing to change its weight to 0.
This is the same question I have: what is counted towards variant encumbrance?
The whole reason to wear something is to distribute the weight evenly across your body and be able to not be encumbered by it. The variant encumbrance seems to play into the myth that all you had to do was tip a Knight over because the armor was so heavy they could not move or get up. That was completely a lie as the weight of the armor in the game would impede fighting, which armor was NEVER designed to do IRL.
Secondly, a backpack, containers, and pouches are designed in the real would distribute the weight of what you carry so that you can carry more. A backpack that weighs 5 lbs and _then_ still is as heavy on your back?
I don't know about you all, but when I pick up my 'pack for work (yes, I'm in my late 30s and use a backpack still) with my computer, files, and books, it can be heavy. Then put it on my back and **Presto!** it is not impeding me or weighing me do as if I was carrying it in my hands.
The encumbrance rules aren't really taking into account RL, or am I missing it?
Well, can you run at full speed with 150 lb strapped to your back? If not, there might be something realistic to encumbrance after all.
It's not even close to accurate, but for armor that's worn I have it's weight set at 50% of the weight given in the book.
I do NOT modify the weight of what is carried on belts, thigh sheaths, or in backpacks.
I do use the variant encumbrance rules, and there's been more than one time where a PC had to unstrap and drop their backpack and all its contents to make a successful retreat.