In the BGB version, a character could lift STR x6 in ENC 50% of the time (each ENC = 1/6 SIZ equivalent).
In the new version, it seems to be limited to STR (or Average of STR and CON). Seems much more restrictive and not very realistic. Assuming no armour at all, if I have a 15 STR and 15 CON and I carry a heavy crossbow (8 ENC), 20 bolts (.5 ENC), a short spear (2 ENC) and a full shield (5 ENC) I am now over encumbered despite being absolutely naked and with no other equipment at all (backpack, rope, food and water, bedroll, et al). So, even if armour does not count towards ENC, the system does not seem properly calibrated. In BGB, ENC was optional and not very well-developed. In this version, I don't see it labelled as optional (for example, Hit Locations are clearly labelled optional in this version), so it should probably be rejiggered to work better.
Also, shouldn't there be some table or indication as to how non-weapons/armour/shields weigh?
For now, I am going to change ENC capacity to STR plus CON plus SIZ, so a 13 STR, 13 CON, SIZ 13 character can carry 39 ENC with no penalty, which works out to about 6.5 SIZ points of stuff carried. A decently physically capable character like that can then outfit themselves with chain armor (20 ENC), a light helmet (1.5 ENC), a full shield (5 ENC), a long sword (1.5 ENC), a longbow (0.5 ENC) and 20 arrows (0.5 ENC) and still have 10 ENC left over for other equipment.
As far as the penalties for over encumbrance, I am going to change them to:
Every 5 points of ENC (or fraction thereof) your character carries over their maximum ENC causes them to suffer the following modifiers:
-1 to MOV
-5% to the Agility characteristic roll
-5% to all Physical and Combat skills
Additionally, your character loses 1 additional fatigue point per 5 points of ENC (or fraction thereof) when exerting themselves.
(Note: there is no need to specify a time period for this exertion because the normal fatigue rules already provide for that. This is just an add on to the points lost at whatever rate is already prescribed)