Since you are halfling, hover over people doing the Rogue epic in Kithicor. Lots of DRU +wis items out of there, mostly no-drop too (so they rot often):
http://wiki.project1999.org/Ruined_B...n_Morning_Star
http://wiki.project1999.org/Tainted_...n_Morning_Star
And some not no-drop:
http://wiki.project1999.org/Enchante...l_Morning_Star
http://wiki.project1999.org/Gem-Encrusted_Scepter
They aren't fantastic ratios, but they are magic and +wis and better than the newbie club.
As far as where to EXP, the common comment is "go to EC, get buffs from tunnel, slaughter everything" but I really enjoy Faydwer as a starting continent as Steamfont, Butcherblock and Greater Faydark are amazing newbie zones. I also leveled a character out of Qeynos and Blackburrow for the first time and found out that is also a FANTASTIC newbie area. I've never leveled a halfling, so I don't have any tips for Rivervale area.