Minimalist Encumbrance/Slots (B/X)

Abstract

This system replaces the traditional coin-weight encumbrance tracking in B/X D&D (and compatible retroclones like OSE, BFRPG) with a slot-based approach tied to the Strength score. Each character can carry a number of item slots equal to their STR, with simple rules for armor, heavy weapons, light items, and coins. It is a concrete implementation of the "approximate encumbrance" design principle identified in modern OSR rules design.

Core Rules

Carrying Capacity

A PC can carry a number of slots equal to STR.

Alternative: For more uniform capacity across characters, use 10 + STR modifier, or a flat 10 ignoring STR entirely.

Slot Weights

One slot ≈ 3–5 pounds (30–50 coins), roughly equivalent to one weapon or item of similar weight.

Two-handed weapons (2H swords, lances, polearms): 3 slots (author notes 2 slots may be fairer, since these weapons are neither that heavy nor that effective in B/X)
Armor and shields: 2 slots per point of AC provided
Light items (potions, torches, wands, daggers): ignored individually; bundled at ~3–6 per slot (e.g., 6 torches = 1 slot, 3 days rations = 1 slot, 3–5 potions = 1 slot)
Coins: 50 per slot (author prefers 100 per slot with a silver standard)

Movement Rates

Encumbrance-to-movement conversion, adapted from OSE:

Encumbrance	Movement Rate
Up to STR	120' (40')
Up to STR×2	90' (30')
Up to STR×3	60' (20')
Up to STR×4	30' (10')

This is more lenient than RAW B/X. A stricter variant uses STR×1.5 / STR×2 / STR×3 breakpoints for the 90'/60'/30' tiers.

Design Notes

The system requires common sense for edge cases but covers most items on the standard OSE equipment list at one slot each (negligible items like garlic are free).
It achieves the "approximate encumbrance" goal: meaningful resource decisions without detailed weight math.
By tying capacity to STR, the ability score gains mechanical relevance beyond combat modifiers — a frequent criticism of B/X where STR matters little for non-fighters.