Encumbrance Systems
How ScryMarket handles weight, slots, and bulk for different game systems.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Why Track Encumbrance?
Encumbrance transforms inventory from a shopping list into a meaningful game mechanic. When carrying capacity matters, players make interesting choices about what to bring.
ScryMarket supports multiple encumbrance styles to match your game system.
Encumbrance Styles
| Style | Description | Example Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Track pounds/kilograms | D&D 5e (variant) |
| Slots | Track inventory slots | Knave, OSR games |
| Both | Track weight AND slots | D&D 5e (default) |
| Bulk | Pathfinder 2e system | PF2e |
| None | No encumbrance tracking | Narrative games |
Weight-Based
Items have weight in pounds or kilograms. Characters and containers have maximum weight capacity.
Good for: Realistic simulation, games where strength matters.
Slot-Based
Each item stack uses one slot. Characters and containers have a maximum number of slots.
Good for: Quick play, OSR-style games, simplified tracking.
Both (Default)
ScryMarket tracks BOTH weight AND slots simultaneously. This creates richer gameplay:
| Character Build | Constraint | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Strength Fighter (300 lb, 20 slots) | Hits slots first | Must consolidate items |
| Dexterity Rogue (150 lb, 25 slots) | Hits weight first | Must choose light gear |
Why Both?
Weight alone doesn’t distinguish between “1 plate armor” and “100 tools”. Slots alone doesn’t distinguish between “100 feathers” and “100 anvils”. Together, they create meaningful choices.
Bulk (Pathfinder 2e)
Native PF2e bulk system with special rules:
- Negligible (—) - Coins, tiny items
- Light (L) - Small items, 10 Light = 1 Bulk
- Bulk (1-99) - Standard items
Containers can have special properties:
- Bulk Limit - Maximum bulk capacity
- Bulk Negation - Reduces bulk of contents
- Extradimensional - Special storage rules
None (Narrative)
No encumbrance tracking at all. Perfect for story-focused games where gear management isn’t the point.
Stack Sizes
Stack sizes represent what’s reasonable for one inventory slot, not physical maximum:
| Item Type | Stack Size | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Arrows | 20 | One quiver |
| Potions | 10 | One belt pouch |
| Longsword | 3 | Main + backup |
| Plate Armor | 1 | One suit per slot |
| Currency | 1000 | QoL exception |
Adventuring Units
Stack sizes are designed for characters with 20-30 slots. A stack represents what an adventurer can reasonably access as a unit.
Game System Settings
Party-Level Settings
Parties can configure encumbrance style for all members:
- Encumbrance style (weight, slots, both, bulk, none)
- Encumbered threshold (default: 75%)
- Overencumbered threshold (default: 100%)
- Enforce encumbrance (block actions at cap)
Character Override
When characters are in a party, party settings override personal settings. Solo characters use their own settings.
Encumbrance Thresholds
| Threshold | Status | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-75% | Normal | No restrictions |
| 75-100% | Encumbered | Warning indicators |
| 100%+ | Overencumbered | May be blocked (if enforced) |
Visual indicators (green/yellow/red capacity bars) show status at a glance.
System-Specific Recommendations
| System | Recommended Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| D&D 5e | Both | Weight + slots for full experience |
| Pathfinder 2e | Bulk | Native bulk system |
| Draw Steel | None | Encumbrance abstracted by design |
| OSR/Knave | Slots | Simple slot-based |
| Fate | None | Narrative focus |
Customizable
Stack sizes, encumbrance thresholds, and limits are all configurable per item template and party. Adapt ScryMarket to your table’s preferences.
Learn More
- Inventory Guide - Practical container management
- Templates & Instances - How items work under the hood