I have seen some theories about Larian doing this to actualy prevent us to steal Lae'zel or Shadowheart starting gear ...
Even if we put aside the fact that we still can and quite easily ...
Wouldnt be easier to simply implement "Equipable by Lae'zel only" condition? O_o
I still dont understand why cant we change Race for our hirelings.

Lets us play Githyanki as racist as they trully are!