Balance Load (sage ability)

Balance Load is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Physical Balance. Characters trained in balancing themselves are able to increase their strength by 1 point (or by 10% for those with percentile strength) when calculating encumbrance, provided they allow themselves two complete rounds to deposit the extra load before taking any other action, as many of the items will be balanced, and not "held" or otherwise attached to the character's person. The extra equipment is merely hefted and balanced on the character's shoulders.

The load can be dropped quickly, in as little as 1 AP, but then the additional objects carried (which must be specified) must make saving throws for those items against normal blow. Otherwise, it is a helpful increase in the size of the character's potential burden.