about artifacts/scrolls etc

hi every 1...im on my second day of playing last BWE for guild wars. I tried out a ranger/necro only to find myself using mainly necro skills. So i made a new character as a necro/monk. so far i am really liking it. i have 1 questions about some of the items i have been finding.

i find items like

fire artifact - +3 energy
scroll - +3 energy +10 energy -1 regen

those r not the only 1's but basically items that display +'s to certain key skills/atributes/life/energy but i have no idea what do do with them. i can equip them only in the place for a shield, but then it has a big red circle around it with a line threw it, and i do not recieve ne benifits from it. Some 1 said u add it to ur equipment somehow...i tried a crafter and weapon smith and such with no luck.

i have searched under "artifact" and 'scroll' without a single topic related to this. i have asked in game in the "all" channel with no luck. Im begging any one who knows how to use these please help a poor newbie.

ty

Are you using a two handed weapon, like a bow or hammer?
The foci are worn like shields, in the off-hand, you have to use a one handed weapon to receive the bonus(es).

Zero, the same thing happened to me but I had no luck figuring it out. I read that all characters can use all weapons, but armor is limited I think, not completly sure. I was able to use an artifact, but after having it equip for so long, I went into my inventory and it was crossed out. I dunno if that helps or confuses you more, but good luck.

as a matter of fact i was using a 2h weapon..which is y i now feel like a moron. ok so then some of the lesser artifacts (ie offhand items) are basically vendor food. i only have 1 id consider using but i have a lack of a good 1h weapon. ty for your help.

PS- i dunt blame ne 1 for closing this topic....but maybe a note of this in the faqs would be cool since i am in high hopes i am not the only newb who didnt know)