Alternative Storage Systems for Table Top RPGs : Slot Storage
I have never had much love for calculating weights or dealing with encumbrance. It sucks in Skyrim and its a slog to track with pen and paper. So, I finally sat down and designed an in game storage system that I believe provides satisfying inventory management, while hopefully not breaking immersion too much for the players. As well as providing players with satisfying and easily measurable character progression. Also, I think bags of holding are sort of lame..
This system obviously isn’t for every table. Please feel free to comment, critique, adopt, or ignore!
This system also requires a bit of extra DM engagement when ruling on whether or not a character could carry something. If you plan on implementing this system, make sure your players are clear that the DM has final say.
I encourage anyone who uses this to have a page of their character sheet entirely dedicated to inventory.
A slot system, like what exists in countless RPGs, is my solution. With an extra wrinkle which is aimed at keeping the system somewhat grounded in the world, distinction between slot types:
Regular Slots (s) = General storage for most in game items
Large Slots (S) = Used for general storage as well as being the only slots able to hold “large items” within reason, such as armor sets or weapons.
Utility Slots (u) = items kept on the character’s person. In pockets, or in belt pouches which are easily accessible and available for instant use.
There are three methods for determining the number of slots available to a character that I have come up with.
Method 1: SUPER SIMPLE VERSION
The DM determines how many slots a given bag might have. That’s it. Just tell the player that their backpack has X number of slots. Throw slot types out the window, or don’t.
Method 2: SIMPLE ARITHMETIC
Employ the following simple formula to Method 1, assuming you have already determined how many slots a characters bag would have.
+The HIGHER between a character’s Int. or Wis. mods
= the total slots available (the sum of Str and Con = No. of Large Slots)
Int and Wis are utilized to reflect a character’s ability to pack efficiently and could even be used in determining utility slots, however I felt utility slots should be more static.
Method 3: LESS SIMPLE ARITHMETIC
The final method is a more complicated formula which can be applied to any and all bags in the game. This is my favorite method. It makes the most sense has GREATLY simplified disputes with storage at my table. This formula requires a few variables:
X = Total Slots Available to a character
STR/CON = the modifier associated with each stat
WINT = The greater of either your wisdom or Intelligence Mod
s = No. of Regular Sized Pouches (which produce Regular Slots)
S = No. of Large Sized Pouches (which produce Large Slots)
u = No. of Utility Pouches (component pouches, pockets, etc..)
X = (s * [WINT + 5]) + (S * [STR + 5]) + Con + u
So, let’s now apply this to a character that has just purchased a backpack with 3 Regular Sized Pouches 1 large pouch, and 2 utility pouches on the big leather coat they happen to wear.
Glar Hornraven — Level 1 Human Ranger
Ability scores:
CON: 13 (+1) INT: 12 (+1)
WIS: 16 (+3) CHA: 10 (+0)
APPLY STATS AND POUCHES TO THE FORMULA AND SOLVE FOR X
X = (3 * [3 + 5]) + (1 * [-2 + 5]) + 1 + 2
X = 30 total Slots (24 regular, 3 Large, 1 extra regular, 2 utility)
It’s a lot of numbers, but once it’s in place it feels simple and my players have loved it so far. Thanks for reading.
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