Okay, so I started a NewGame+ and got through half of it when I realise "Witch Hunt" (the pre-requisite quest for 'Dragon Tongue' which leads to getting the Arisen's Bond ring) is not popping up on my quest list. Turns out I had to go to Witchwood before going to Gran Soren. UGH. So, yeah, I missed out on it...

My question therefore is: Is there any other way to trigger that Dragon Tongue quest? Or any other way to get the Arisen's Bond in a NG+ file?

@Libertin said:

Okay, so I started a NewGame+ and got through half of it when I realise "Witch Hunt" (the pre-requisite quest for 'Dragon Tongue' which leads to getting the Arisen's Bond ring) is not popping up on my quest list. Turns out I had to go to Witchwood before going to Gran Soren. UGH. So, yeah, I missed out on it...

My question therefore is: Is there any other way to trigger that Dragon Tongue quest? Or any other way to get the Arisen's Bond in a NG+ file?

As far as I know the "Witch Hunt" quest is indeed a pre-requisite to the " The Dragon's Tongue" quest as well as the only way to unlock that area of the Witchwood in the first place.

From what I understand the Arisen's Bond can be crafted, but for that you need an item ("Love-In-The-Rough") that is (only) obtainable as reward for the "Duchess in Distress" quest. For that you need to have done "Arousing Suspicion" (possibly before you finish the first 2 quests from Aldous). Duchess in Distress needs to be done before "Seeking Denying Salvation".

Note that the Arisen's Bond is not necessary to max out affinity with people and doesn't guarantee locking your favourite npc as your 'love interest'. It also can be duplicated, so if you're out of luck and really think you want/need it, let me know (your Online ID/Gamertag and I can gift it to your pawn on either system. I still have my originals plus a few copies I made out of curiosity on PS3 and I'll have one on 360 as soon as I make the trip to Hilfigure Knoll, probably later today.

Ha, I was wondering why I never came across this "Arisen's bond" people were mentioning, so it too was tied to the Witch Hunt quest I missed out on in the beginning. That whole thing was so bullshit. Oh well, if I ever start up New Game+ I'll be sure to get it then.

@d0rks I have private messaged you the details. Thanks so much! :)