Woo! I'm back after a hefty break, finally caught up expansion wise and quickly getting back in the swing of things.

I have a mix of laughable gear and some respectable components, and would love some guidance on solo/groupable upgrades (including augs where applicable).

Any help is extremely appreciated!

Liayn Treewrath, 70 Druid
http://eq.magelo.com/profile/1345314 (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:viewProfile%281345314%29)

There are some decent items that drop in Dragonscale Hills that have level 80 focii. These, primarily, have type 7 aug slots, while the more rare versions have a type 3 as well. Most of these items can be bought in the bazaar for very little plat as they are extremely common, even the 2 slot items. The Tier 1 armor drops from various NPC's scattered throughout the SoF expansion, with the exception of Dragonscale Hills.

Type 3 augments can be bought from various faction vendors (with appropriate faction), but cost a good bit of plat. Most of these modify the damage and healing of the new spells. As for any other augments, it's pretty much the same as ever....zonewide rare drops, some from particular nameds, etc. If you're really hurting for augs you can solo trash in the hot zones, both old and new, and they will sometimes drops them, though they aren't spectacular.

Edited some spelling errors. :D

Are the slot 7 and the slot 7/3 version lore linked? I know they have different names but I wonder if they are linked. I'm asking in the context of earrings and rings.

Are the slot 7 and the slot 7/3 version lore linked? I know they have different names but I wonder if they are linked. I'm asking in the context of earrings and rings.

I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think they are linked.

Also the Devs have adapted a style so now Cultural + augs within your level range will give you exceptional gear... tradeskillers are making decent wages now as the gap between cultural and best groupable is almost even ..

I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think they are linked.
Confirmed now that they aren't linked. My warrior was able to loot the two Crystallos shields off Tectoran.

scratched hide gear is good if you can get it. check it out