Uh that's all I was able to find, feat wise.
Spinemeld Warrior 2 PrC uncaps the limit, via a
Gather Information versus Caster Level check.
Gather Info and Divinations "ought" to be able
to let you find out where bigger towns are.
The DM could railroad away from there, immediately after.
edit --- and NPCs have whatever gear they want (meaning the DM)
NPCs are totally separate from Town Size based people and classes.