TES:V - Specific Gameplay element debate

[bben46]

I had always envisioned the character as carrying some kind of pack. either a backpack or shoulder bag used to carry extra 'stuff'. Then when entering combat would drop the pack to make fighting easier. Then after the fight pick it back up. To increase realism, your agility and speed should decrease with load. So dropping that pack would be necessary for effective combat - or running.

 

My understanding is that most midevil people carried small possessions - such as potions- in pouches attached to their belt or slung over their shoulder. So if you are going to implement a system based on where an object is carried.

 

1 - open on belt - sword in scabbard

2 - in belt pouch - stays with character during fights

3 - in one or more storage bags - backpack, shoulder bag etc. can be dropped easily

4 - in hand - carried weapon such as a spear which cannot be easily carried any other way

5 - pack horse or mule - may also be a person (porter)

 

I could see a character walking with a backpack on his back and carrying a pole across his shoulder with a bag big enough to carry a set of armor swinging on each end of the pole. He could easily drop the pole with two thirds of his encumbrance to allow effective fighting or running. then if desperate drop the backpack and gain even more speed and agility. To implement this you would not carry armor in your belt pouch.

 

Personally, I am glad that Oblivion is a fantasy where we can get away with carrying 300 pounds of extraneous stuff and still fight effectively. When I play I use a bag of holding - anything I put in the bag has no weight.