i know exotic weapons work like that but armor too? are you sure? no, i don't own the season pass from when the exotic released. i can't find anywhere to confirm that i need the season pass. plus i cant buy previous season passes. do i need the expansion?

Yes they did that for the armor as well. And if you hadn't purchased the season pass last season you will have to buy the deluxe dlc for Witch Queen to get access to that season.