Ascension: A few questions

Hello all,

After frustrating myself thoroughly for the past few days trying to figure out Ascension, I thought I'd try asking a few questions:

Firstly, I understand one apparantly has to embark upon three missions from Augury Rock first; Elona Reach, Thirsty River, and Dunes of Despair, correct? Are these quests supposed to show up in one's Quest Log, and do you get the handy little green arrows for them? Or do you need to find them manually?

Secondly, are these three missions towns/outposts in and of themselves, or must I grind my way through the wilderness from Augury Rock every time?

Is it true one can change secondary professions at some point during the Ascension process?

Do any of these missions require multiple actual players to complete (as some bonus missions do)? I prefer doing everything with henchmen as, sadly enough, they are more intelligent than the average player.

Responses much appreciated.

Yes, those are the three missions you must complete.

The three missions are like any other ones you've gone on so far. They are all three towns which say cooperative mission when you enter them.

You can change your profession after completing the ascension process if you return to the crystal desert after taking the quest Hero's Journey.

The missions are possible to beat with only henchman but I suspect that a good team would make it much easier. Anyway, once you get into the next area and the one after that it will be almost impossible to play solo. It's a good idea to get to know some good teammates because it will pay off a lot after you ascend.