Countering bulk

[D Pliss]

Is there a way to counter the bulky item penalty?

[Alorael at Large]

That depends on the penalty you're talking about. If you are losing AP, add more strength until you're not encumbered by the gear being carried. If the problem is having a lowered chance to hit, add more strenght, dexterity, or melee weapons. (I'm not sure if both of the first two help.) If you want to cast mage spells in heavy armor, the only thing that helps is the Natural Mage trait. Unlike A1-3, you can't cast spells while dressed in a tank.

 

—Alorael, who actually never dressed his mages in tanks. There were too many wonderful non-tank mage armors.

[Drayk Armitage]

Dex doesn't help with melee to-hit in A4, regardless of encumbrance.

[Nioca]

And if you're talking about the attack penalty that comes naturally from heavier armor, such as breastplates and metal helmets, then boost your defense skill. This will counter the penalty.

[D Pliss]

thanks.