I've been switching up browsers and noticed that in Google Chrome, there was no Create Topic button when I try the forum in Google Chroom.
I do not have this issue with Firefox.

You may not have been logged in when trying to create a new topic. I am logged into chrome right now. When I am logged in, and select Forum, New Topic is my second option in the drop down. The only think I can think of, is that you may not have been logged in.

When you are not logged in, your options are limited - including no New Topic option.