Explore everywhere. That's how I've found my gear. All the diagrams that are around my lvl are weaker than what I've found. I've got 20+ hrs in and I'm lvl 8 spent most of that just exploring. Now I'm over leveled for the story quest, Barron lvl 6. Using signs helps so do oils and potions. Also learn about your enemy's weaknesses check the bestiary./[b]//[/b]