Pseudo-containers

[paulblay]

Going over you inventory weight allowance is a bit of a pain. I don't suggest getting rid of item weights (that would be too unbalancing) but I do think that 'weight mitigating' items could be available.

Real containers (I don't think there are any now, are there?) would be rather code heavy so I was thinking of 'pseudo-containers' with a weight-mitigating factor that cancels out some, or all of the inventory weight. Rather like having a 'negative weight'. (NOT cancelling weight of equipped items). To avoid exploitation it would probably be best to allow only one such pseudo-container to be used at a time.

Non-magical containers could be bought in the General Store.

Coinbelt (-2lb) 30 gold
Handbag (-3lb) 50 gold
Belt Pouch (-4lb) 60 gold
Shoulder bag (-10lb) 120 gold
Backpack (-20lb) 200 gold

Magic containers could be found in the magic shop, black market and/or dropped in dungeons. I suggest making relatively rare and expensive.

Magic bag (-40lb) 2000 gold
Bag of holding (-60lb) 5000 gold

Obviously actual figures would be adjusted based on gameplay experience.

[EDIT: Changed kb to lb in line with game (we're metric where I live ;-)]

[Gando]

Jan 25, 2009 6:01:27 GMT -5 paulblay said:

Going over you inventory weight allowance is a bit of a pain. I don't suggest getting rid of item weights (that would be too unbalancing) but I do think that 'weight mitigating' items could be available.

Real containers (I don't think there are any now, are there?) would be rather code heavy so I was thinking of 'pseudo-containers' with a weight-mitigating factor that cancels out some, or all of the inventory weight. Rather like having a 'negative weight'. (NOT cancelling weight of equipped items). To avoid exploitation it would probably be best to allow only one such pseudo-container to be used at a time.

Non-magical containers could be bought in the General Store.

Coinbelt (-2kg) 30 gold
Handbag (-3kg) 50 gold
Belt Pouch (-4kg) 60 gold
Shoulder bag (-10kg) 120 gold
Backpack (-20kg) 200 gold

Magic containers could be found in the magic shop, black market and/or dropped in dungeons. I suggest making relatively rare and expensive.

Magic bag (-40kg) 2000 gold
Bag of holding (-60kg) 5000 gold

Obviously actual figures would be adjusted based on gameplay experience.

One of the challenges of this game is figuring out how to deal with issues like this. If you are having problems with weight, adjust your strength upward.

[paulblay]

Jan 25, 2009 8:43:57 GMT -5 Gando said:

If you are having problems with weight, adjust your strength upward.

I do, but this is an issue that affects the efficiency of the different classes. Classes that make heavy use of strength (Warrior, Paladin, etc.) are at an advantage over those that have good reason to put their stat points elsewhere.

This is a matter of game balance. I don't intend to 'break' the encumbrance system, but I do think that it's currently a little too hard on some character builds compared to others.

If my rough calculations are correct then the most powerful magical container I suggested (-60lb) would be equivalent to having put about 23 stat points in strength. Note that that would not provide any of the other bonuses you get with high strength (e.g. doing more damage in melee attacks, etc.) The most powerful non-magical container would (I think) be about equivalent to 7 stat points added to strength.

[Variaz]

I agree with Gando on this one. Weight management is part of the game, and easy management is one of the advantages of strength-based characters.

If you play a low strength character, just carry lighter items for the purpose of making money. Plus, you'll come across items that gives strength bonus soon enough, so just wear one of these then and that will do it. You don't even need that much strength to have a confortable weight management. (10-15 is enough if you avoid really heavy stuff like warhammers).