It Ain't Heavy, We hand-wave Encumbrance. Weighing in on Carrying Capacity in D&D
Summary
Kr King and Dan Norton discuss encumbrance systems in tabletop RPGs, comparing weight-based, slot-based, and VTT-calculated methods. They explore how tracking items like arrows and rations impacts gameplay, noting that while some players enjoy the strategic tension of limited resources, others find the administrative burden tedious. The hosts share anecdotes about using pack animals to bypass rules and how digital tools automatically enforce limits, ultimately concluding that the best system depends on whether the table values mechanical realism or narrative flow.
Topics discussed
Intro and overview of encumbrance systems
Slot-based encumbrance and common sense limits
Why players carry multiple weapons and damage types
Bulk, VTTs, and the reality of carrying too much
Food, water, and extreme environment provisions
Tracking arrows and ammo in OSR vs modern games
Character art vs equipment lists and VTT automation
The fun of counting arrows and quiver weight
Missile weapon power in OD&D and arrow recovery
Pack handlers, mules, and non-combatant safety rules
Surprise rounds and protecting pack animals
Anecdotes: indestructible animals and the runt donkey
Standard table habits and 5e encumbrance neglect
Justifying ammo limits and high-level play differences
Ration tracking in towns vs wilderness exploration
The Ranger arrow fire incident and GM realization
Player preferences: unlimited power vs resource tension
Tactical decisions with limited arrows vs Eldritch Blast
Ranged combat history and OSR ration tracking fatigue
Campaign anecdotes: boredom, spell limits, and outro
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