why wouldn't a character use those potions or that amulet when it seems useful?
Thats entirely up to you, that is the whole point.
There is as many reasons as there is characters.
To me ... its usualy moral implications.
Its one thing to know about something ... another thing to only hear about it from some people who you dont really concider "trustworthy" ... and completely another thing to experience it yourself.
Take that potion for example:
I can say with pure heart that if i would have such option, it would be extremely tempting ... but i would probably get rid of it as soon as possible, rather than drink it myself.
I like to eat meat, mainly beef.
And im quite sure you know where im heading.
I dunno if i would be able to take single bite for the rest of my life if i would talk with animals for a day ... especialy if it would be such conversation as in BG-3 ... phylosophical Ox wondering about his future, Squirrel with music taste similar to mine, extremely depresing Dog that cant fully grasp the concept of loosing someone forewer ...
Right now, ignorance is blessed ...
Druids (feel free to replace with other word starting with V) can spend hours talking to me about how animals have feelings, dreams, hopes, and stuff ... but i can dismiss it as "their twisted way to observe the world" ... and buy another burger ... i wouldnt be able, if i would know ... or even worse, experience it myself.
That said ...
Im sure someone will sooner (or later) point out that some druids cherish nature in its raw, predatory state ... im aware, those are just not the druids im talking about.
So ...
Speaking for myself ... few examples:
My Paladin (Vengeance) wouldnt talk with dead, bcs it feels unnatural and wrong ... nor he would ever talk to animal, bcs he dont think such "lesser being" would have anything interesting, or important to say ... and yes, he do mock Druids for doing it.
My Sorcerer (Wild) wouldnt talk with dead, bcs it simply creeps her out ... but she would have no problem talking to small, cute, herbivore animals (she is a Gnome) ... on the other hand, she wouldnt talk to big Predators, bcs she fears them.
My Rogue would have no problem talking with dead, bcs that spell (unless i remember something wrong) prevents them from lying ... but wouldnt talk to animals, bcs she simply dont thrust them, wich may seem odd, but it ties to her background story.
