User blog:MsEmmalee/New to the game and having problems

I am a new player to the game and am so far enjoying it. There are just a few problems that I have ran into. I have looked them up online and in the guide and I am still confused. I would post in the forums but it looks as if they are really inactive. So I figure do it this way that way I know I can get a quick response and also just in case any other newbie or player has the same questions as me.

1) How do I get the quest "Witch Hunt" to start? - I have looked it up and it says I can hear gossip at the fountain square about a witch but it will only happen after I have met the Duke. Here is my problem. I have meet the Duke and have stood in the fountain square all day and haven't heard a darn thing. also I have looked on the notice boards and the quest is there for "Witches Brew". So am I doing something wrong, is there a special time I can hear this, or am I in the wrong spot?

2) What would the next best vocation to do after I max out one? - I am playing as a strider and have maxed it out. Should I keep playing as one or should I switch my vocation? If so which one would be best to do? Also my main Pawn is a mage that is maxed out and I am wondering the same for him.

3) What would be the best party? - Right now I have me (strider), my main pawn (mage), one fighter, and another strider. It is working good for now but I am wondering if there is another good party combo to have?

4) What would be the best way to get Arisen's Bond? - I have seen that is has something to do with Selene and some tablet getting dragonforged but is there another way to get it or not?

5) If I give Arisen's Bond to someone does is secure them in my ending? - I am in the process of trying to get Julien and have him at max affinity and am hoping to get the ending with him in it and not someone else. So if I do get the Bond and give it to him will it secure him in my ending or not?

6) *Possible SPOILER!!!!!!!* What is the best way to defeat the dragon at the end? - I know I have to face the dragon that took my heart at the end. What would be the best equipment and such to use?

That is all of them for now. If I have anymore I will ask them on here. If there are any other tips anyone can offer to a new person or if anyone else has a question please feel free. Thanx in advance.