Question on Smithing post 188 - first time poster

[Eshelon]

I'm really thinking this shadow scream armor may be the way to go for me but I have some questions that I can't really find answers to yet from the posts I've been reading. I am currently level 46 and I have some good friends who recently started playing EQ that are in their mid 20's.

I know I have to farm swirling shadows, shrieking substances, and wailing substances.. My question is, is any of this farming also exp for someone in their mid 20's or is it much harder than that? Can I even farm them at 46? Also one last question, is there a list of zones / mobs I can find these items? And lastly I apologize if I'm reposting something that get's posted a lot, I just didn't see anything as specific as I am looking for.

[Velurian]

You don't mention what class you are, but depending on class, you should be able to hunt dire sonic wolves in Tenebrous Mountains for wailing substances and experience.

At your level, there's no good place to get shrieking substances and experience, however, and while there is an island in Twilight Sea with mobs that drop swirling shadows and are about your level, it would be suicide for you to try at this point (you would get overrun -- the island is quite crowded, and they proc a 150hp lifetap. Not fun.).

You can farm the shrieking substances on the south islands in Hollowshade when the owlbears are there (and wailing substances there when the wolves have the island), and the swirling shadows from lesser shades in Shadeweavers' Thicket. Your mid-20's friends would be able to fight on the islands with some care, especially if they fight in groups. Probably more safe with the owlbears than the wolves -- the wolves have shaman-type casters that will heal frequently.