Question about Gear

[Gundammeister]

So is gear in this game similar to how it is in Eve, where it is mainly obtained through the purchase from other players who craft it?

I have not seen any gear drop, nor have I received anything as guildleve rewards.

I'm not a gear hound or anything, I'm just wondering how the game works in this fashion.

Is there a central place to purchase gear? Like an Auction house or something? I understand how the bazaar works, but is that the only option, to run around and keep browsing everyone's goods for sale until I find a sword I can afford and use? Seems like there should be a central place to purchase things of that nature. I take it NPCs don't sell that type of stuff either?

Thanks in advance for the info