Passing Thought: Boolean Encumbrance

It's not news to anyone that most encumbrance systems are too complicated to get much use. Numerous simplifications have been proposed: weight by stone, number of line items, body locations...

Frankly, they're all still a little much for me, so here's what I propose - encumbrance as a simple True/False state.

A number of simple things would make you encumbered:

• Backpack with stuff in it
• Metal Armour
• Exception: Fighters wear chain without penalty, and high Con lets you wear one level higher (i.e. fighter with high con wears plate without penalty)
• Carrying something awkward (chest, five spears, etc.)

The effects would be simple:

• Can't run (jogging only)
• Fight/cast/burgle as one level lower
• Overland movement 2/3 normal
• Double fatigue (if using Spells and Steel)