#spring’s arcana

[bekah-reading]

44/50

2/5

A modern, urban fantasy retelling of Baba Yaga? Yes. A love interest that’s like Dean Winchester? Yes, please.

That’s what I signed up for in this duology. I really liked the summary and the marketing and I was really looking forward to it. I was hoping so much to get a bit of Supernatural vibes because of the covers and the fact that the LI is inspired by Dean. It ended up being a flop.

The writing was fine. The idea was great, but I feel like this author just bit off more than they could chew. This was definitely a project for a more experienced writer. Don’t read it if you want a Dean Winchester- I didn’t find those vibes here at all. Will not continue to the second/last book.

[a-rogue-tiddy-bot]

I would just like to take this moment to point and laugh at Dorian. Touchstarved demo is better than your entire catalogue of games put together. Suck it, losers.

[torpublishinggroup]

“A powerful fantasy with sharp teeth." —Marie Lu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Skyhunter

Honesty was the best misdirection of all. It often pleased him to wield it like one of his little friends, gleaming blades and bone handles distracting the prey before biting to drink deep, remaining pristine no matter how much gore was splashed.

“Grab your popcorn and settle in for a scintillating ride!” —Jacqueline Carey

THE DEAD GOD’S HEART duology is American Gods vs. Baba Yaga in a contemporary fantasy from #1 New York Times bestseller Lilith Saintcrow.

Order Book 1, Spring’s Arcana, and Book 2, The Salt-Black Tree, now!

[ace--of--swords]

Days getting as bright as her

Mucha Equinox 1/6

I kept dreamily sighing while working on this.

[snobgoblin]

I've been making a stupid amount of charts for the Arcana and I haven't been posting a lot of them but I did map out when the seasons take place if you were curious (based on the fact that Nadia says the winter solstice festival takes place to welcome the new year, and also the fact that we know Vesuvia is south of the equator)

[hallowmoon-art]

Bc I like name meanings 🫠

So here’s what I have for the currently introduced characters from the up and coming game, TouchStarved

Updated with Sen and Elyon's names as well!

Leander ✨ The Heroic Mage

Greek origin, meaning “lion man”

Ais ✨ The Demon Renegade

Irish origin, meaning “dream/vision”

This is actually a name I considered when I was creating my MC for The Arcana!

Vere ✨ The Chained Charlatan

Latin origin, meaning “truth”

Lol the irony

Kuras ✨ The Repentant Angel

Not much found on this name other than it’s a surname with possible Polish and/or Jewish origin.

In Polish, it’s a nickname meaning “big fat rooster”. ‘Kur’ meaning rooster.

Mhin ✨ The Cursed Outsider

No name meaning found for this spelling. The closest I could find was the name Min.

Min - Chinese and Korean origin. From 敏 (mǐn) meaning "quick, clever, sharp", 民 (mín) meaning "people, citizens"

Sen ✨ The Reanimated Warden

Derived from the Japanese kanji 亘 (sen) meaning "span; request" or 仙 (sen) referred to a sage, a hermit or an enlightened person or 千 (sen) meaning "thousand".

Means "lotus flower" in Vietnamese.

Derived from the Chinese character 森 (sēn, shēn) meaning "full of trees; dense" but also "dark; gloomy; cold".

Elyon ✨ The Highborn Owner

Hebrew origin, meaning "God most high"

[n--n]

One last touchstarved theory thingy bc I’ve almost purged my brief obsession!! It’s mentioned by both Leander and Vere that the one running the Senobium- and thus its shady policies- is someone called The Abbess. An Abbess is a nun in charge of the nunnery, so I can only assume she is gonna have some sort of religious symbolism related to her like Kuras and Mhin do. Unfortunately the literal one-sentence blink and you’ll miss it lines are all we have to go off for her, but I’m excited to see what she’s really like in game! (From the attitude both Vere and Leander have in those one-off lines, it’s clear she’s almost certainly a villain).

Some misc, tinfoil-hat theories:

- Elyon, as a powerful noble, likely works with but opposes the Abbess. He owns most of the brothels in Lowtown apparently so he has incentive to keep the divide between hightown and lowtown, but as someone with power he probably chafes at the control the Senobium has over hightown

- Sen, from her one-sentence descriptor, is a revived warden seeking her own death. Almost certainly one of the Senobium’s experiments, not sure what a warden in the context of the touchstarved universe is but probably a Fancy Jailer for the Senobium like the word usually implies. Maybe the experiments left her with such a painful condition she’d rather die? Or it could be more supernatural, in that she can not Rest until her unfinished business in Eridia is Taken Care Of.

-The Abbess could be the one that initiated the changes at the Senobium in the first place a generation ago, since immortality is confirmed to exist in-universe (see Vere being chained “Centuries Ago”)

-I think Leander is meant as the sort of “starter LI”, since the demo and supplementary info give us the most info about him while at the same time holding back just enough as to be intriguing (see: the countless Leander-specific theory posts that started this post lmao) I imagine his route will tell us the most about lowtown, fogfall and Eridia at large, whereas Vere/Mhin/Kuras will tell us most about the Senobium, and Ais will tell us most about the overall world, magic (fogfall again), monsters (like the soulless), and of course Ais’s boss/“friend” Ocudeus and the Seaspring

Other thots:

- I’m most excited for Leander’s route for obvious reasons (hot + will get to meat of story + I want to see What’s Really Wrong With Him so bad) but also know that will make me more disappointed if he turns out to be Just Some Asshole. I want him to be a monster bc he commits atrocities like the rest of them, not because he’s a reminder of the shittier guys I’ve met. That being said I know I’ll probably still really like the character if they do go that route, since the overall writing from the demo is super engaging and solid in quality- which bodes well for the final product

-Speaking of writing, I’m loving that different backstories actually have weight in the narrative. I love when the player is actually rewarded with info for making a choice, instead of it just being one or two flavor text things. Choosing different backstories affects your red dialogue options (the romance-y choices) and gives you different attitudes towards events in the story, making replay ability high

-I’m worried by how successful the kickstarter is since I Have Been Burned last times I backed videogame Kickstarters (Blue Omen Operation, Homestuck Game) 😭 The team seems experienced and competent, since most seem to have come from Nix Hydra/other successful otome games that got killed by poor management. But like, still really worries me since it’s their first game and all. The demo was so good but so was Blue Omen Operations and look where that landed me ($15 less in my pocket from backing years ago 🥲)

-On a lighter note, this game is clearly a passion project and I’ve loved what I’ve seen so far- if I have enough money to spare before the Kickstarter is over, maybe I’ll get it just to support the devs

-getting so obsessed w the demo even if only for a week or so has reminded me Oh Yeah, I Forgot I Love Gothic Horror. If by some miracle you’re still reading this drop a recommendation pls

[sweet-milky-tea705]

Im a bit too nosy methinks. I hope the devs dont hate me :’) anyways while i was being nosy i was thinking about the funding for touchstarved and if theyve done any funding rounds yet besides the kickstarter. I havent found any articles about it,,, other related companies like nix hydra and dorian did some seed and series A funding to raise money for their studios and i could find info/articles about that, even how much they raised(dorian approx 16MIL total and NH with about 6MIL back in 2014) Nothing about red spring though besides “touchstarved coming soon from indie studio” i worry about their funding a little. Touchstarved is set to be a big project and with the stretch goals,,, its a lot of money being spent on things that arent.. necessary persay? Dont get me wrong i would love an animated intro and original soundtrack etc etc. idk much about running a gaming studio though. I have zero experience whatsoever with anything like it so take everything i say with a massive grain of salt. I have read up a lot on the nix hydra fiasco though(queue the glassdoor reviews and masterpost and such) and learned they spent a lot of their funding poorly, as expected with bad management and i trust red spring a bit more. I dont see any records of investors and sponsors for red spring and i think they even mentioned in the blerdy interview that they didnt really have any and money was a major obstacle for running the studio. I cant help but worry about the success of the studio with that in mind. But its far too early to tell and unlike nix hydra im pretty sure red spring is mostly remote and doesnt have to worry about funds for the office building. So far, things seem to be going really good minus the lack of investors. The team is full of talented, highly credited people and the kickstarter has gone above and beyond. I have faith that this project will work out and ill keep supporting from the sidelines,, and being nosy

[xxsycamore]

𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐔𝐍. . . (AIS X VERE)

► "Ais."

Sucking on air, Ais does his best to keep his composure as he feels his clothed cock being suddenly grasped and tugged by Vere where people cannot see.

"I said I'm bored."

Or, Ais is about to pick up a fight at the bar again, and Vere figures it would be waaay better if all that energy goes for a something a little more fun instead.

• rating: E (MDNI) • wordcount: 1,538 • tags: Friends With Benefits; Smoking; Alcohol; Alley Blow Jobs; Frottage; Kissing; Making Out; Blow Jobs; Large Cock; Ais is packing; Choking; Glove Kink; Ais plays with Vere's fox ears • masterlist

a/n: ...Ever since Ais and Vere were confirmed friends with benefits ("""but got too attached""") I couldn't stop thinking about them. What do you mean this is the first Touchstarved fic. (We don't even have a release date as of right now. This here compiles everything we know about the two so far, basically.)

Crimson red eyes bore into the distance; ring-adorned fingers tap rhythmically at the side of a half-finished ale mug.

The bar is packed tonight, a fine selection of Eridia's lowest of the low: there are the drunkards, the gossipers, the weirdos, those who seek fun. Those who deserve a good punch or two in the face.

Ais loves it here. The mist of cigarette smoke casts a veil where the lights fall over the bar rail, and he fails to notice Vere approaching his side. The redhead had run away earlier, seeking entertainment in some shaded corner of the place. He doesn't waste his time around; without asking, Ais is sure he's successfully pried a curios morsel of intel from some stranger's lips with the tip of his cunning, devious tongue. He'd much prefer him by his side, though.

"I'm bored."

Vere's scent is thick in the air when he leans down to outvoice the surrounding chatter with his complaint. It dominates over the other scents at the bar, and Ais pauses his sip just to breathe in. His eyes never leave the table he's been eyeing since before Vere's return.

"This guy over there's been provoking me all night. Do you think I should knock his lights out?"

His voice rises in volume towards the end, aiming to get the thug's attention.

The hand which gripped Ais' tattooed arm now slides lower in a brisk manner.

"Ais."

Sucking on air, Ais does his best to keep his composure as he feels his clothed cock being suddenly grasped and tugged by Vere where people cannot see.

"I said I'm bored."

Something rages inside Ais' blood until it's boiling, and his mug is slammed on the counter before he realizes he himself conducted the movement. In the next second, he's asking for the tab to be settled.

Vere smirks, more to himself, as he rises back up behind the still-seated Ais. Good, even with the distractions he remembered how much Vere hates picking up the bill. It's a good thing that they're leaving here before the hothead can cause another bar brawl and forget all about his companion.

Ais is quiet as he leads the way through the crowd and towards the exit.

Once they step into the alley at the side of the bar, Ais reaches into his pocket for a smoke.

Vere looks at his face as he lights it; the flame reflecting in his deep red eyes and making them gleam in a way he finds quite pleasing.

"Something's got you really worked up, hmm?"

Already standing close to the smoking demon, it's way too easy for Vere to cutely rest his hands on Ais' shoulders; to nudge his knee between his and brush against the raging boner tenting his pants.

Ais exhales while holding Vere's gaze. The fucker.

"You're going to give me a bad name. Looks as if I ran away from that fight."

Motioning for another drag, Ais finds his lips occupied by something much sweeter; plush-soft and warm, yet intoxicating all the same. No, he was too fast at deeming it sweet - there is some bite to it. Just to keep him riled up.

"Don't think about him anymore."

The empty space of the alley is filled by the sound of a belt buckle coming undone. It's dirty here but Vere still falls to his knees, quite the sight. The longed next drag of the cigarette feels divine when enchanted by Vere's kiss that is still lingering in his mouth.

The man on his knees takes out the other's hard cock, losing no time in wrapping his elegant hands around it. Static like that, it's easy to feel the difference between the contact with direct skin on the fingers that Vere's gloves don't cover - and the rougher texture on the ones they do.

Even after all this time, Vere still loves to act impressed with Ais' length, rubbing the tip of his massive cock against his cheek and grinning from ear to ear as he holds eye contact. Ais is sure that the redhead is aiming at stroking his ego. He's sure that he's succeeding at it, too.

"C'mon Vere. I want to be inside your mouth."

Good, honesty is good, and it's Vere's favorite flavor when mixed with a pinch of impatience. He almost tastes it on Ais' cock as he smears the precome on his lips. He knows how obsessed Ais is with his lips; the perfect curled-up shape of them, their softness, the way they wrap around his cock. He riled him up enough, for now at least.

"Yeah…just like that…"

A puff of thick white smoke leaves Ais' mouth along with the praise, the feeling of something tight and wet surrounding his cock almost divine. He should thank him. That does feel better than punching someone in the face back at the bar.

"If you behave, I can get you off before you're done with your smoke."

Ah, he was just about to complain about the sudden pull-out. The cigarette hangs in his mouth as he wonders whether to take another drag as a clear provocation or to slow things down for a bit. He goes with the latter, just because. 

It's not really a matter of time with Vere; he's too good at this anyway. He's got him at the mercy of his wicked tongue as it swirls and rubs the thick vein running at the side of his cock, driving him mad by the second he's taken him in his mouth again. The rhythmic bobbing of his head deprives Ais of staring back at that hypnotizing gaze - eyes almost the color of his own, but lighter and with a little white around the irises. He can search over all of Eridia and not find eyes like these.

But he's satisfied at gazing at the top of his head too, as he takes him deeper and deeper. He doesn't know if Vere is aware that his ears twitch when he takes in too much of him, accompanied by a small gagging noise.

On the next smoke-laden exhale, Ais' mouth stays open, pried by a low groan. He places his hand not occupied by a cigarette on Vere's head.

This time the movement is more apparent as if they're asking for his attention. He can't not pet the place between.

It's Vere who makes a mewling sound at the touch, though with the way it sends vibrations up Ais' length, it's the latter who should be making noises of pleasure.

He's glad Vere is content with having his fluffy, pointy ears played with. It's a different story with his tail though, as the demon would spend ages brushing his tail, not appreciating Ais ruining its looks for the sake of his fun. Though, he suspects there might be something more to it…

Moving the cigarette to his mouth, Ais now uses both hands on Vere; tugging his ears lightly as Vere picks up the speed of bobbing his head. He always thought the sensation might be identical to having his own horns touched, at least to some extent. Illicit images of Vere hanging into them as he rides on his girth come to mind, in a haze.

He feels his cock swelling even more, ready to burst. He tries to warn Vere, even if all he truly wants is to push his head as close as he can, fuck his mouth, and cum down his throat.

Vere appreciates the thought but does little about taking caution, hollowing out his cheeks, and putting in extra effort to make Ais see stars.

It's no surprise he feels the thick globs of come shooting down his throat just a second after.

He cums a lot as always, leaving Vere with almost no room to breathe. He's a bit of a mess when he meets Ais' gaze again. He smirks as he sees the still-lit cigarette in his hand.

Still not gained control over his hard pants, Ais throws it at the pavement, stomping his heavy foot over it unceremoniously. In the next second, he's got his finger hooked in the hook of Vere's chain that sprawls over his naked chest, pulling him up and close.

They get into this irregular tango for a good couple of minutes, grasping and clawing there and there, biting and nipping, friction of body pressed against body, Ais spilling dirty promises in languages he's picked up around the place. Vere knows just enough not to get lost in translation about Ais destroying his ass in a little bit.

When rough hands reach under the layers of Vere's clothing with the intention of dragging down whatever gets in his way, Vere clicks his tongue a couple of times and turns around in Ais' hands.

"You're not fucking me in some dirty alley. Take me somewhere nice first."

Ais stares back bewildered. The previous actions of the man before him don't quite match the words he's speaking now. And suddenly, Ais feels his blood running hot again, hotter than it ever ran that night.

"You sly fox. Shut up before I hoist you over my shoulder and drag you all the way to my place like that."

Tagging some mutuals who might be into Touchstarved 👁👁: @ultraflorence @m-mmiy @batteryrose @queengiuliettafirstlady

[sketchwretch]

I will be taking commissions for Arcana Spring Wedding for anyone who's interested!

DM me to request a commission of whoever you'd like to see drawn into the Arcana Universe!

$15, PayPal

Examples include:

[knight-engale]

Wedding charm commission for @sweetestlittledarling! Thank you for introducing me to Sparrow, she was fun to draw!

[a-rogue-tiddy-bot]

fuck dorian, red spring studio is my god now

[torpublishinggroup]

“Vividly atmospheric, with fascinating worldbuilding and compelling characters, Spring’s Arcana is an accomplished novel by a writer in peak form.” —Tor.com

Nat Drozdova is desperate to save her mother’s life. She makes her plea to a hungry winter goddess who has the power to cure her mother and is whisked into a terrifying new world. But what happens when the price to save a loved one is just too high?

Order SPRING’S ARCANA by Lilith Saintcrow!

[burningartwork]

🖌8 of Wands

8 of wands is about hyper focused, fast paced energy. The ability to move unwavered towards your goal. Everything is minimized and only the essential energies remain. Madarame only started to truly gain recognition after using his students, tapping their wells of creativity to enable the fast-paced movement in his career. Focusing on getting the essentials out of his students. The "Infinite Spring" of artistic creativity.

All the Wands/Rods suits will be themed to 🖌Madarame's Palace🖌

🃏UPRIGHT: Movement, fast paced change, action, progress, flow of energy

🃏REVERSED: Delays, frustration, resisting change, losing momentum, being unprepared

🌟 Major Arcana here

🃏 Wands:

Ace of Wands

2 of Wands

3 of Wands

4 of Wands

5 of Wands

6 of Wands

7 of Wands

8 of Wands

9 of Wands

10 of Wands

Page of Wands

Knight of Wands

Queen of Wands

King of Wands

🃏 Other Suits :

Cups (Ace)

Pentacles (Ace)

Swords (Ace)

🃏 Bonus cards:

04 - Constellation (Jose)

00R - Faith Reversed

01R - Councillor Reversed

09R - Hermit Reversed

20R - Judgement Reversed

? - Shido - Hunger

[echdhu]

I'm currently reading Lilith Saintcrow's 'Spring's Arcana' and well,this is Dmitri Konets. .....

[hallowmoon-art]

✨Vere and Ais✨