Could be either, really. A bow made for an elf might be contoured and formed in such a way to make it unwieldy in any other hands. Or perhaps since bows are such a strong part of the elven cultural tradition, it may be that the bow has a "sweet spot" that only an elf can sense and use properly, and for all others it is just a normal bow. Since NWN doesn't really allow for such mechanical behavior, this is manifested in such a way that prevents use completely when the restrictions aren't met.However, it could also be that whoever made the weapon/item placed an enchantment upon it that actually prevents anyone but the designated race(s) from using it. Maybe it burns...maybe it slips from the person's grasp. Who knows!There's also class restrictions, which I just attribute to needing training to use properly, or in the case of caster-only restrictions, a need to have the proper magic in order to activate them.Alignment restrictions are probably enchanted, in that they have to look into the person in a way and determine if the wielder is of the right mind set.As far as how they affect NPCs, creatures can and will unequip items that are not usable by them, even if said items are designed into them in the toolset.
...I was looking for the answer rp-wise, say you gave away a item with to high lvl reg or if the NPC was of the wrong race. Would that mean the person/creature can't use it?
As far as how they affect NPCs, creatures can and will unequip items that are not usable by them, even if said items are designed into them in the toolset.
If it's a level-based limitation, then the way I've always thought of it, PC or NPC, is that the "power" of the item is simply too much for the individual to properly wield/use. It may not (in an RP sense) prevent one from holding the item, but maybe due to balance, complexity or some other factor, the individual is simply not able to manage it.
Kind of like anyone can hold a gun. But do they know how to load a shell, run its action and saftey, aim it correctly, fire it, and hit their target.Thats kinda the way I view level or even some type of class restrictions in game.
I can see that working for items that have some sort of activation (spells or the like)But if level-based limitation prevents a person from using an item then doesn't that completely ruin armors, weapons, ability enhancement and the more mundane bonus on items from an rp point of view? Take an army; if level based limitation is IC then they would benefit nothing from getting better gear? After all how many would be above level 5 which is the level requirement for iron. Why would mithril, cobalt or even adamantium be so valuable? In most cases npc's wouldn't be able to use it for anything but paper weights.I fully agree on that there is a difference, but in your example I would say it's the weapon proficiency and not the material the weapon is made off. Wouldn't an npc soldier, who have received training in using a blade, benefit from using a mithril blade over a bronze?
This is the way I've always looked at it. Race restrictions have a lot to do with the make of it. It's too heavy, it's not big enough around to fit, it's not strong enough to handle the strength of... there's a plethora of reasons race restrictions could make RP sense that have to do with the item being premade. They bought it off the shelf, limited number edition maybe!
Wrong, actually. If a half-giant can "Use Magic Device" to defeat a race restriction, it is not due to size, weight, etc. IC reasoning for restrictions should really be considered against UMD.