Yep. When I've ever come across such an issue, I congratulate myself for destroying my enemy. Sure, if everyone had surgical ability to slay their opponent, you may always find the item you seek, but many of us are swinging madly in hopes of not being slain ourselves. The bear's paws are mained beyond use, the thexian's pants blew off when I tore him a new one... Hey, I play an ogre bruiser, I do that kind of thing, don't look at me like that.
Keep in mind too, that you may be looking for a quality item for that quest's use, not simply any old bear paw will do. Sometimes the paw may be too small or the thexian may be wearing hotpants that day instead of the breeches you're seeking... If that's the case, then no quest item for you!
But then, trying to tie logic into a fantasy game where you fight for goods and sling magic isn't always the best course of action, or then you're wondering where that skeleton hid those coins... ::shiver::
~Gnobrin!
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