Encumbrance question

What exactly does encumbrance do?
I bought my 2 characters a nice new Helmet, but it seems to have negative effects on both of them. While equipped on the elementalist, it seems to be blocking the use of magic (well, in combat, anyway); and I might be imagining it, but while equipped on the amazon, it seems to put a penalty on her special abilities/talents too?

I thought it might be the encumbrance aspect of the helmet? Or have I got the wrong end of the stick here?

Definitely encumbrance. But also, mages lose their ability to cast spells if they wear metal (some special, magical armors can be exceptions).

Ah, yes, I suspected certain classes/types of armour would block magical abilities, like it does in so many other games. So it's metal here, eh?
Thanks.

The encumbrance related passive talent is a must for every character.
The skill to ignore wounds also.

And these are available where?

Originally Posted by Corwin
And these are available where?

The skill to ignore wounds is Willpower, which all characters have.

The skill to help with armor encumbrance is trained from a combat trainer; Armor Use I, II, and III.

Ah, I knew about raising Willpower; I thought Gorath was referring to a special skill called 'Ignore Wounds'.