Inventory Capacity
Instead of tracking pounds, characters have inventory slots based on their physical capabilities. This simplified system makes encumbrance intuitive while maintaining meaningful resource management.
Creature Inventory Slots
| Creature Size | Inventory Slots Formula | Minimum Bulk |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny | 6 + STR | 5 |
| Small | 14 + STR | 10 |
| Medium | 18 + STR | 20 |
| Large | 22 + (STR × 2) | 40 |
| Huge | 30 + (STR × 4) | 80 |
| Gargantuan | 46 + (STR × 8) | 160 |
Examples
- A Small kobold wizard with −1 STR: 14 + (−1) = 13 inventory slots
- A Large draft horse with +4 STR: 22 + (4 × 2) = 30 inventory slots
Larger creatures multiply their STR modifier instead of just adding it. Your character's strength directly affects how much they can carry — a character with +2 STR has 20 slots, while one with -1 STR has only 17.
Item Bulk
Items occupy slots based on their size and weight:
| Size | Bulk | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny | 0.2 | Coins, rings, gems, small jewelry |
| Small | 1 | Daggers, potions, scrolls, torches |
| Medium | 2 | Longswords, books, rope, armor pieces |
| Large | 3 | Greatswords, bows, shields, helmets |
| X-Large | 6 | Polearms, chests, heavy armor sets |
Vanya's Haversack
This magical haversack provides access to common adventuring supplies without occupying inventory slots. The haversack can only contain the specific mundane items listed below and will never accept anything else.
Fire & Light
- Torch, Flint and steel, Tinderbox, Lantern, Oil Flask, Candles, Matches
Tools & Equipment
- Rope (50 feet), Grappling Hook, Crowbar, Hammer, Nails, Pitons, Shovel, Whetstone, Small knife
Containers & Storage
- Backpack, Belt pouch, Hempen Sack, Waterskin, Oil Flask
Investigation & Communication
- Magnifying Glass, Spyglass, Bell, Mirror (steel), Ink and Quill, Paper/parchment, Charcoal/pencil, Chalk
Survival & Comfort
- Rations (3 days), Water, Bedroll, Blanket, Soap, Needle and thread, Bandages/cloth strips, Cloth/rags, Salt
Tactical & Combat
- Caltrops, Net, Chain (10 feet), Manacles, Ball bearings (bag of 1,000)
Personal Items
- Comb, String/twine, Small mirror, Fishing hook and line
Overencumbrance
Exceeding your capacity results in:
- Speed reduced by half
- Disadvantage on all physical ability checks (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution)
Design Notes
This system encourages meaningful choices about what to carry while avoiding tedious pound-by-pound accounting. Players can quickly assess their capacity at a glance and make strategic decisions about loot, supplies, and equipment.