Hosts rules. Ask them. I have at one point jumped fully geared into a server of fresh characters, but I set myself the limitation that I would not gather any type of item that the group had not already found for themselves.

The intention was to expedite the early game grind without robbing them of the opportunity to discover how everything works for themselves. I was more like an overpowered butler/bodyguard, while figuring out the next step to progression was entirely up to them.