Final Days on Kickstarter: Portal Playing Cards

Portal Playing Cards marks ARK’s first exploration of uniquely shaped decks. The deck features arch-shaped cards inspired by ancient architecture and sacred geometry. The moment the tuck is turned, the mechanisms of a forgotten ruin appear to awaken, as if ancient totems and dormant powers are stirring back to life. With a whispered incantation, the portal opens... and a new realm unfolds.

Like previous ARK releases, Portal is crafted with exceptional attention to detail. The deck showcases hand-illustrated artwork influenced by Renaissance woodcut engraving. Every line is meticulously drawn using dip pen techniques, preserving the subtle imperfections and tactile authenticity of traditional craftsmanship. The result is a richly textured visual experience that feels both historic and fantastical, as though lifted from the pages of an illuminated medieval tome.

The custom three-dimensional arched tuck box recreates the presence of an ancient ruin in both sealed and unfolded forms. In its closed state, the outer and inner layers reveal shifting portal imagery on the front and back. Insert a Joker to depict the moment a mage opens the gateway, or display any card within the structure to create your own scene. 

When fully unfolded, the tuck transforms into a layered archway passage with dramatic depth and spatial progression, becoming a sculptural display piece in its own right. Holographic foil accents shimmer across the totemic patterns, reminiscent of stained glass windows in a grand cathedral, maintaining clarity and brilliance from every angle.

At the heart of the design lies a magic circle formed from the infinity symbol, representing boundless arcane power. An hourglass embedded within the gate symbolizes the flow and reconstruction of time, while dragon totems stand guard above and below, sustaining the portal’s energy each time it opens. 

The deck’s narrative spans four distinct realms, each aligned with a suit: Spades- Dragon Riders, suspended between cliffs and cloud seas where wind and fire converge. Hearts- Celestial Realm, Clubs inhabit the Elven Forest, and Diamonds- Dwarven Kingdom. Each suit’s flying companion becomes its emblem, carrying travelers across these vivid landscapes.

Pledge starts at $30 on Kickstarter.