Has something changed with encumbrance in DF2012?
I pick up a stack of 16 wild strawberries (19 urists of weight), and my speed drops 300 points.
This is just an average-sized dwarf, no armor, with superior strength and agility.
What gives? I don't remember it being that bad...
Phase 1:- Note your Current Speed - this is your 'Original' speed
Drop All the Equipment in your Backpack
Drop the Backpack
Reequip the Backpack
Put Berries in your backpack
You shouldn't be losing too much speed at this point. This should show how heavy those berries are
- Put in other essentials like a couple gems for selling, coins, and other stuff you want to keep with you
Look at your speed and decide if you feel it is too low or alright for combat. If too low then your going to have to consider some of your essential items 'non-essential'
When you have an appropriate speed to your liking in Combat, note your Speed - this is your 'Combat' speed
Phase 2:Find a Bag
Put one of the other items you dropped into the bag
Gauge how much your speed drops with the item
If the speed drop for the item isn't much, put it in your backpack
If the speed drop is huge, leave the item in the bag
Repeat above 3 steps until all your items are back in your backpack or bag
Note speed your at now - this is 'Travel' Speed
Compare your current speed to your Original speed and your Combat Speed
Drop the bag, note your speed again to your Original speed and your Combat Speed
At this point you should see differences in speed. Try to use this knowledge to help you out. Keep in mind where you drop your bag as well if you need to do that to get a good Combat Speed.