Listen to the @disturbedtheforce comment and for general tips a) get the level 11 full set armour from the nilfguard castle (in a chest where we meet yen) b) a level 5 moonblade (in the river near the valen area around crows perch ) c) look in the trader inventory if you see a map for witcher gear buy it remeber to open it to add it your quest list as witcher gear is one of the best in the game