DoD 2 types of monster missions?Follow

Hey folks.
Thanks for your time.

Are there two types of "Monster Missions"?

I see the spirit dude in Nek Forest, he claimed he could change my form to complete the mission he had to offer. Though, it appears this is much like a LDoN, as when I attempted to accept the mission, I didn't have enough people in my group.

However, you have the Spiritshroud folks in PoK, who can change your form, I imagine this is for just straight fighting, and gaining xp to level up your shroud? Is this right?

Also, in the new zone off of Nek, sorry forget the name, the one with the little guy that gives the "search here, search there" for the LDoN style gem, there were at least 3 areas that I mapped where there was just rocks blocking the way, and when clicked gave a message to the effect of, "This way is locked, perhaps if you had a reason to be here."
Any thoughts as to where these go, and how or what one must do to get there?

Sorry I know there are a few questions here.
Please feel free to chime in on any that you know.


Thanks again.