A Tithe in Blood

About

A Tithe in Blood is a narrative-driven visual novel where choices shape a haunting story of love and magic. You play as Honoka, a quiet university student in Hokkaido grappling with personal loss. Her journey takes a surreal turn when she stumbles upon blood magic, unlocking a hidden realm tied to the past. There she meets Yasue, a centuries-old mage trapped in a decaying version of Sapporo. As their bond deepens, Honoka’s actions ripple through both worlds, blurring the line between salvation and ruin. Dialogue and decision trees steer the story, with branching paths altering relationships and outcomes. The game stands out for its emotional weight and atmospheric worldbuilding. Its blend of melancholy and arcane mystery creates a tense, introspective experience, punctuated by moments of tender connection. While the yuri themes are central, the stakes feel earned through Honoka’s raw vulnerability and Yasue’s tragic resolve. Early playtests highlight its pacing and writing as strengths, though some note the bleak tone may not suit all. Studio Élan’s attention to detail, like the stark contrast between modern Hokkaido and the ghostly Meiji-era setting, adds texture to a tale about grief’s cost.

Storyline

As a reserved and unassuming university student in snow-bitten Hokkaido, the personal tragedy which visited Honoka Asakawa would lead to her experimentation in a magical art thought long-lost — blood magic. Unexpectedly able to visit the sealed world of Meiji-era Sapporo, Honoka's quickly taken under the wing of the cheerful and bright Lady Yasue, a powerful mage who's remained in this gilded cage for a century. As their feelings for each other develop, the true repercussions of Honoka's first steps into the secret world of magic and mages are only just starting to play out, eventually leading to catastrophic consequences.