Hi guys!

i've recently resubbed to the game and I'm playing an Arcanist. Loving it so far! I've a question about gear. Do I have to buy it from vendors or just grab the gear from quest rewards?

Second question: I'm advancing through the story by doing the scenario quests and sidequests one level below my current level. Is it a viable way to level or do I have to do leves too? I know about mandatory dungeons though

If I think of other q's I'll ask

Thanks