Hello again,
Many of the player rewards do indeed come from the storyline. The players may be "low level" in terms of a game system, but they have gained extensive experience and significant influence over time. Their extensive travels have made them a part of a living setting and their actions have influenced the lives of entire nations.
I believe that they are proud of their accomplishments. Just ask them about the "Battle of Rose Quarry" or the horrors of the Mournlands and they'll wax lyrically about narrow escapes from misshapen horrors as big as a house and of arcane eldritch machines most vile.
I make certain that they realise they're special - a number of prophetic encounters have left them aware that they have a destiny concerning the fate of the whole continent. Sinister powers have begun to take an interest in these petty mortals.
So far, playing at low level has helped me to maintain a gritty noir atmosphere in the game setting. It also keeps them on the edge since they're keenly aware of the risks to life and limb that their actions entail. I've had a few character deaths, but not many. Having said that, they are a formidable bunch because they've found ways to bolster their skills and talents without levels or items. This results in innovative and intelligent gameplay. I don't shy away from challenging them to the limit, but I don't do so arbitrarily. It does give me great pleasure as a games master when the party comes up with a way to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. (I'm the first one high-fiving them when this happens!)
As far as magic items go, they have relatively few - the only character who has some decent kit inherited it - and we roleplayed the events leading up to that over some three months of weekly sessions.
In terms of advancing the game, it's all about plot. The characters sense they are involved in something epic and they're hungry to be a part of it. As a DM, this means I don't feel I have to railroad them onto a particular path, I just need to let them glimpse it, subtly dangle the carrot, and off they go.
If we meet, I can sketch my vision and where I see things going. If you are up for the job, it'll become your vision to shape as you see fit. Lastly, being a DM for this lot leaves one feeling like one is playing with the party rather than against them. This is as it should be, but it's good to know.
I work in Town too - perhaps we can meet for a drink at a place of your choosing. Does Friday suit you? I'll see if some of the group can make it.