After finding out I can create my own henchmen, my imagination went into overtime. But before I get carried away, I was wondering what items henchmen can use (using Pausanias's Inventory and AI Mod, of course.)

Weapons and armor are obvious, as well as healing potions and any equippable items that do not have to be activated.

But what about wands and rods?
Or items that have to be activated?

If I gave a henchman an item that could summon an animal, for example, would the henchmen be smart enough to do it themselves? Or if they had a ring that could cast magic missle once a day, would they use it?

I suspect not (since I've never seen them do it), but thought I'd ask...

Thanks,

-D

Actually, I once gave that female drow henchman in HotU the Rod of Thunder & Lighting, which has unlimited uses per day of something that does very minor sonic damage, and she used it with fervor. To little effect, I might add, but she used it nonetheless. Normally though, I won't give them any wands or stuff like that, since they'll use them as ineffectively as they will use any spells

Henchmen will use anything they can use with gusto. My first experience of this was in SoU, when I gave Dorna scrolls to carry and she proceeded to use them all nuking kobolds (the only time I've cursed UMD!). This can be useful, however, if you know how to take advantage of it. Just before a big battle, you can give a henchman a one-shot summoning item (or whatever), and the chances are good they'll deploy it when things kick off. The key is to ration what you give them, so as it's appropriate to the situation.