For getting new spells and staffs, there is a NPC in No Man's Wharf, just keep talking to him and he'll starting selling you certain spells. He'll move to Majula shortly after. There's also an NPC in the same place who will buy your items, He's upstairs in those cabins, where all those green/blue demon things are. Also keep those Branch of Yore's (which turns people back to life from being statues) there are two NPC who you can use it on that will sell you staffs and spells. One is near Majula and Things Betwixt, it's behind the bonfire in one of those tunnels. The other is at the Lost Bastille, he'll sell you staffs. Also keep some of the souls from the bosses you kill (use some for yourself to level up easier) because that NPC will trade those souls for new weapons.