Carrying Capacities For Beasts

If a creature’s carrying capacity is not listed in the PHB, assume that most creatures can carry five pounds per point of Strength (see the formula for computing this in Chapter Two); particularly large or sturdy quadrupeds can carry 10 pounds per point of effective Strength. To these numbers add 400 pounds if the creature is Huge and 600 pounds if the creature is Gargantuan.

The resulting number is the creature’s normal load, which allows movement at the creature’s base speed. The creature can carry 150% of its normal load and move at 2/3 speed and it can carry twice its normal load and move at 1/3 speed. A flying creature reduced to 2/3 speed loses one maneuverability class; a flying creature reduced to 1/3 speed cannot fly.

Note that this is intended as a quick method for determining carrying capacities. Where previously published information conflicts with the numbers presented here, choose the one that seems most appropriate. Some sample calculations are provided in the table on the next page.

Note that the size category of the African elephant has been altered from its listing in the Monstrous Manual. It seemed only reasonable that the elephant’s carrying capacity should be equivilant to, if not greater than, the polar bear, a Huge creature as well.

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