Armor question, +differences since beta?

OK, i have played the beta, but it seems many things have changed since i last played. 1st, the town, which is no big deal, but now the map does not zoom in and out like it's supposed to. is that just the role play game? is the map really that limited? and i can't seem to find ANY npc that can craft new armor... in 5 towns i've been in... and people who DO have new armor say they get it from collectors, but i've checked at least 8 collectors and not one has yet to offer me any type of armor besides a shield. i MUST be missing something, but noone in the rp side of the game seems to know either, or they just won't help.

Methinks you're still in the opening area of the game... i.e. Ascalon is very pretty and green, etc. It gets a lot bigger once you leave, and all the other complaints you mentioned are also handled

how do i leave??

i am around ascalon, and i've pretty musch explored the given map... am i missing a primary quest?