I have been exhaustively trying to figure out how to convert my main POE1 party for POE2, carefully considering their respective roles in the party and what potential multiclass pairings not only synergize best with their previous class but also fit the backstories I had created for them. Screw it, now everybody is a barbarian. And it works. My main character in POE1 was a melee wizard, an explorer and former conquer who got jaded by the lack of accomplishment that came with endless pillaging. Well, now he is right back at it, because he gets to be a Warlock. His right hand man, Zobek, once a ruthless but fanatically loyal Bleak Walker Paladin: he is now a (Corpse Eater) Fanatic. His top agent, Kattri, a reformed raider turned monk whose main job in life was to rush naked at enemy mages and interrupt their casting while giving them death by 1,000 rapid-fire straight-jabs: he is now a (Shattered Pillar / Mage Slayer) Ravager. His sister...well...she was already a rapier wielding Barbarian, but now she is a (Streetfighter) Marauder, so not much will have changed. Okay, so not everybody is a barbarian. I really can't justify making his pet priest--whom he tolerates only for the usefulness of healing--a barbarian. So I guess I will have to decide what I want to do with that character.
And finally, my 6th party member, the merchant wizard, Ormander, who was not metal enough to convert to the groups new barbarian ethos, was strangled, baked, and consumed by Zobek in between POE1 and the sequel.
I am clearly very excited for this game.
I know we are starting off as level 1 characters with basic gear. That is not what I am asking about. I am just wondering if anything has been said about some items returning and being able to be found again during the adventure. I really like my Grey Sleeper. I sort of think of it as an essential part of my main character's identity at this point. Like Elric and Stormbringer.