Encumbrance

Encumbrance represents both the mass and bulk of an item. The greater the encumbrance value, the more difficult it is to carry it.

Correlating ENC with SIZ can be a challenge: light but bulky items often impose just as much of a burden as small but heavy ones. As a rule of thumb, 3 ENC is equivalent to 1 SIZ, but depending on the item, the GM may want to adjust the ratio.

Items that have a zero ENC value are, on the own, inconsequential; however consider that 20 zero ENC items equal 1 ENC.

Encumbrance Capacity

Characters can carry a total ENC equal to their STR x2 with relative ease. Everyday clothing does not contribute to this capacity but armor does -- see the notes on armor ENC below.

If the total ENC borne exceeds STR x2 then the character is considered to be Burdened. While burdened all skills involving STR or DEX become one grade harder. Base Movement Rate drops by 2m, and the character can no longer sprint. Carrying the load counts as a Medium activity for Fatigue.

If the total ENC borne exceeds STR x3 then the character is considered to be Overloaded. While Overloaded all skills involving STR or DEX become two grades harder. Base Movement Rate drops to half of normal, and the character cannot move faster than a walk. Carrying the load counts as a Strenuous activity for Fatigue purposes.

Characters cannot carry a total ENC more than their STR x4, either mass or unwieldy bulk of the objects provign to be too much to bear more than a short distance.

Armor ENC

When considering its encumbering nature, armor has a number of different effects: it not only hinders Initiative (see Armor Penalty), and slows gaits faster than a walk, but also burdens its bearer with its bulky weight.

When worn only apply half of the armor's listed ENC towards a character's Encumbrance Capacity, if carried apply its complete ENC.