Dragon's Dogma Walkthrough Part 3: Basic Vocations

After creating a character and watching a short cinematic, you get your first quest:

Harbinger of Destruction
Challenge the Dragon

Your character had picked up a sword. Draw your primary weapon and attack the Red Dragon. Don't expect to kill it, as it has tons of health, and your strikes do little but scratch it. There will be another cutscene. This completes the quest, Harbinger of Destruction

You wake up at Chief Adaro's House.  It is time for you to begin your journey as Arisen. But before you can win your heart back from the dragon, you'll need to prepare.

Your next quest is:

Newly Arisen
Take a weapon

Examine the weapons leaning against the wall. It is time to choose a vocation. Your vocation determines your basic attributes, wieldable equipment, and skills.

Here you will be able to choose from three basic vocations (Classes):

Fighter
Weapons: Swords, Shields
Basic Vocation - A melee specialist with attacks and counterattacks able to cut through any resistance
Primary Weapon: Sword
Secondary Weapon: Shield
Roles: Melee, DPS, Fighter, Tank
Equivalent Classes: Knight, Barbarian

Strider
Weapons: Daggers, Bows
Basic Vocation - This nimble warrior can both mount and attack foes, and use a bow to strike from afar.
Primary Weapon: Dagger
Secondary Weapon: Bow
Roles: Ranged, DPS
Equivalent Classes: Ranger, Thief. Rogue. Assassin

Mage
Weapons: Staves
Basic Vocation - A conjurer of magicks too heal wounds and target elemental weaknesses
Primary Weapon: Staff
Secondary Weapon: None
Roles: Healing, Support, DPS
Equivalent Classes: Wizard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Enchanter, Priest

Choose the class you want based on your preferred playstyle. If you like to tank and deal damage from colose range, choose fighter. If you like to use bows and ranged attacks, as well as quick attacks from close, choose Strider. If you like magic and to cast spells, choose mage. If this is your first time playing an RPG, it is recommended you start with a fighter. Note that you will be able to change your class later, and also gain access to advanced vocations.

Depending on the class you choose, you can equip yourself with a primary and secondary weapon.

Your next objective is to exit the room. Locate the exit and head out, to trigger another cutscene. This completes the quest, Newly Arisen.