Yeah I've had them at group 3 before. I assume there is a random chance for each group to contain a champion/alpha, weighted so that higher groups have a higher chance.
As far as I know unique items can be found the following ways
- Found while Travelling
- Found while gathering (not sure if this only works in a region where a noble has lost an item)
- Made by a sage
- Taken from a champion/alpha
That seems like the only ways for an Advie to find one aye, though didnt know about point 2 before
Lords can find em by Looting a province or salvaging.
All in all, there is actually a very good chance that anyone can get one with time
