To the first question as far as I know there is not a universal setting that changes it like you can the experience rate so the answer would be learn C++ and program the rates you want or program it to parse the server.ini file to apply the appropriate multiplier.
To the second question there is a table called starting_items you have to add the items you want players to start with there.
The first is complex and beyond what I am willing to type out and the second you should have the skills to do or you shouldn't be running a server.
Good luck.
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