I am using the eTools for managing my characters. From time to time I will discover a calculation that seems goofy, but time and again, further investigation proves that there was some rule I was overlooking (thus the value of a database program).
This time, however, I am at a loss. Past experience would infer that the program is right, but I need to know why, and I’m hoping you kind people can help me.
I have a 4th level dwarf character (Cleric/Wizard) with no ranks in Swim. His Strength is 10 (no bonus). The skill check penalty shows -15. Again, I don’t doubt it, but I cannot figure out why.
He’s carrying 60.31 lbs of gear. That’s Medium Load. He is wearing Studded Leather and carries a large wooden shield.
I’m not sure what else would effect the Swim skill.
I am unsure how it is getting -15; the 3.0 rules applied a -1 per 5lb of gear... but even if it used that, with 60lb that would only be -12. Unless it then (incorrectly) added in the armour and shield ACP.
I would advise the following -
1. Remove the armour and shield, note down the gear weight and Swim penalty;
2. With just the armour added back, note down the gear weight and Swim penalty;
3. With just the shield added back, note down the gear weight and Swim penalty.
Post the results back up here and we may have a better idea. But it does seem very odd!
Now that you mention the 3.0 rule, I think I may have the answer. He's carrying 60 lbs, but the total weight of his gear is 101 lbs. The program may be figuring weight based on that.
I think what I need to do is install the 3.5 dataset and see if that clears up the problem. It could, in fact, be that (this time) the program actually IS wrong.