I think that problem with the lore items was fixed a release or two ago--- at least it doesn't seem to happen anymore on my LAN server.   
 
However, I do agree that using #npcloot is a much better way to do it. 
 
Just click the NPC, type #npcloot add <item number here and ignore the greater than less then signs> 
 
-Sarepean 
		
	
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
	
		
		
	
	
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