Lensmoor uses 'soft' level limits, rather than 'hard' limits for many 
items. 
 
Equipment has a level number indicating what level an item is best used at. 
This level helps determine the item's effectiveness. You can use any armor 
or weapon at any level. However, if you are lower level than the object's 
level, your effectiveness with that item is reduced. Weapons will do less 
damage, and armor will protect less than it would at the appropriate level. 
 
New characters (under level 30) get some leeway in what equipment they can 
use without penalty. (10 level leeway initially, tapering off through 
levels;20-30). Additionally, any 'magical' effects that an item has will 
not be gained until the player is high enough level to use the item 
properly. 
 
The 'COMPARE' command will tell you which armor or weapon is better for 
your level, and will let you know if you are too low level to use something 
fully. 
 
Purely magical items, (scrolls, potions, staves, magical;instruments, 
salves, pills, etc.) cannot give their powers to a player until they are 
the appropriate level to use them. Some magical items can be harmful if 
consumed by players of lower level.