Elemental Forums
I would like to be able to reduce my encumbrance using the strength trait but I am at level 5 and have not seen "strength" as an option when leveling up since I was level two. did i miss the chance to pick it or are trait choices random?
Short answer: The trait choices are random.
Long answer: Each trait is more or less likely to pop up in the list of 5 choices based on it's rarity (common, uncommon, rare) and also your specialization pick (Assassin, Governor, etc). There is a general pool of traits everyone MIGHT see, and a secondary pool of traits added to that once you specialize. You're likely to see the "strength" trait eventually, unless you're a dedicated spell caster (the spell level ranks seem to be VERY COMMON, and if you have 4-5 spell schools they will often take up most of the leveling choices). If you are desperate for that particular trait you could save the game prior to a level up fight. You will get a different random list every save game reload, however, since the game only counts what you have EQUIPPED against your encumbrance... I've found "strength" is nice, but not something I'd resort to save game reloading over.
Now a 0 essence capital city starting location... reload map generation. 
It is kinda random, but also depends on the class you take. Strength pops up quite often for warriors, but will be much rarer for mages (in my experience..). So it is possible it'll show up at a later time for you.
Actually warrior or mage have nothing to do with this in particular, except some classes offer more traits, thereby lowering the chance of "Strength" specifically to show up 
https://forums.elementalgame.com/438139
I can add chance to that table if you need it, although I need my computer back from the workshop first before downloading FE again
PS, don't let the version number frighten you all too much, there have been no changes to traits in 1.10, 1.12, or 1.2.
Sincerely
~ Kongdej
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