galasriniel817

[galasriniel817]

VERY funny to me to imagine that at some point before the double dragon hossberg fight Lucanis or Teia tells Rook about Viago's punny poison names and so afterward Rook is like "so what did you call the ballista bolt poison?" And with a completely straight face Viago says something like Dragon You Down or some shit and Rook has to visibly choke back laughter. Lucanis is like "oh no. oh no why would I pick that one" and Viago is just pleasantly surprised that someone else enjoys his puns and thus always has a soft spot for rook and rook alone

[galasriniel817]

Some facts about Lucanis (and also Spite and the Crows) gathered from the banters

I went through all companion banters on DanaDuchy's channel after playing the game to write down all facts about companions/the world that I haven't seen brought up anywhere in the game as a writing reference (and for funsies).

Note: This list may not be exhaustive. I might have missed some something or didn't write it down because I considered it common knowledge. If you have anything to add, please DM me or send an ask! (do specify what banter the information is coming from, though)

Note 2: Posts from this series (mostly) don't include information from banters specific to quests or between companions and faction members. I plan to do another playthrough to capture more of those and will add any relevant info to the character posts.

Other characters' posts: Bellara, Davrin, Harding, Emmrich, Neve, Taash. I'm also planning a post about just the Lighthouse some time later

About Lucanis: 

Family and the past:

Lucanis learnt to cook while helping the kitchen staff at the villa when he was a little boy. One of his motivations was learning how to make churros

Side note: Lucanis mentions that cioccolata calda was his favourite drink when he was a baby, and he serves churros to a romanced Rook who picks cioccolata calda as their favourite drink. It’s all coming together! 

Lucanis wanted to be a Crow when he was a child (at least most of the time)  

All of Lucanis's relatives were Crows as well, and all of them were killed by a rival Crow house

Lucanis says Caterina would be proud of Illario hiding his plans well, as well as killing her 

Lucanis says that the hard part about setting Illario free would be convincing Caterina 

Lucanis says that nightlife was more of Illario's thing, and he never got out as much

On Crows and Antiva:

Viago still stares daggers at Lucanis for throwing his (Viago's) pet snake out of the window in a dream

Lucanis doesn't like it when people confuse murder and assassination ("Murderers are hobbyists, we are professionals")

Lucanis has taken contracts in Orlais

Lucanis doesn’t know Treviso as well as he once used to 

Heir didn’t train Lucanis

Lucanis says he has never killed an innocent “by his count” (other people may disagree) 

Lucanis doesn’t think of the Crows as a “big organisation” (unlike the Inquisition) because they stab each other too much

Lucanis became a mage-killer at Caterina’s behest (she wanted to tap into new markets)

The nickname “The Demon of Vyrantium” came from Tevinter news-sheets, though Lucanis thinks Viago started it

Lucanis says that there aren't any special tricks to killing mages. Though, if nothing else works, you can try pissing them off, as that could attract a demon that would eat the mage

Lucanis once killed half a dozen venatori while stuck inside an elevator 

Lucanis doesn’t consider himself a gentleman assassin, manners are less important than getting the job done

Lucanis sometimes spares his targets. He mentioned letting go of a servant who killed her master, as well as a 14-year-old boy. He thinks it’s wrong to kill people so young because they still have time to change

Lucanis doesn’t accept contracts without merit, and the merit is decided by the talon of the house

General:

Lucanis can make bread

Lucanis has never been to Ferelden

Lucanis isn’t interested in killing wyverns, just looking at them :)  

Lucanis has a pet snake 

Lucanis stays awake at night by cleaning his gear, exercising, studying Orlesian and knitting ("it’s just another kind of blade work") 

Lucanis doesn’t understand a lot of things people find attractive

(In a conversation with Harding) Thinking about cooking was one of the things that helped Lucanis stay sane in the Ossuary (the other was thinking about killing his enemies) 

(In a conversation with Davrin) Lucanis survived the Ossuary by shutting down and not thinking about anything except escaping

These two points sort of contradict each other. Either an inconsistency or Lucanis describing his experience differently to different people. 

The Wetlands ruined at least one pair of Lucanis’s boots

(If Rook chooses to save Treviso) Lucanis offers to pay for any supplies the Shadow Dragons may need 

Lucanis doesn't get a better bed because he's afraid of accidentally falling asleep 

Lucanis can identify the killer’s weapon and the height difference between them and the target just through the blood splatter left at the scene

Lucanis considers Grey Wardens dangerous 

Lucanis doesn’t like necromancy, because bringing people back to life is a waste of hard work

Lucanis finds the ice coffee from Minrathous offensive (Harding describes it as “snow, but made of coffee, sweet, and with cream and toffee sauce on top”)

Lucanis had never been in a romantic relationship before Rook/Neve

Relationships with other companions: 

Lucanis gets into reading Bellara’s serials (very passionately - they chat about it a bunch)

Lucanis is outraged that the Veil Jumpers don’t get paid for their work and offers Bellara his contract negotiator

Lucanis made biscuits for Assan

Lucanis is sceptical that the griffons will be safe with the Wardens

Lucanis think that Assan shouldn’t go soft (referring to the time he took care of a halla) because he is a predator at heart

(If Emmrich becomes a lich) Lucanis offers to hold a funeral for Manfred

Lucanis and Harding talk a lot about dreams (mostly silly things like showing up naked for the job, getting chased by someone/something etc.)

Lucanis thinks Harding is deadly with her bow

Lucanis offers to pay Harding for being his lookout/aide at the rate of 6000 gold per contract

Lucanis offers the help of his contract negotiator to Neve after he finds out she doesn't have one

Lucanis made deep-fried peppers for Taash

About Spite: 

Emmrich can hear Spite even when he doesn’t take over Lucanis’s body (at least from a close distance)

Spite is impartial to Emmrich, believing him more than Lucanis

Emmrich says it’s impossible to separate Spite and Lucanis without killing them

Emmrich encourages Lucanis to read to Spite to bring them closer. Lucanis agrees to let Spite pick a book

(If Emmrich becomes a lich) Spite asks if he and Lucanis can get rid of their skin too 

(If Manfred is revived at the Necropolis) Spite asks Emmrich to teach him how to use fire magic. Lucanis isn’t thrilled by the idea

Emmrich sets up wards to prevent Spite from leaving the room when Lucanis is asleep

Spite no longer sleepwalks after “Inner Demons” because he apparently understood the concept of space

By the end of the game, Spite has agreed to stop sleepwalking completely

Spite controls the wings (confirmed in banter with Harding) 

Spite wants to try swinging off the astrolabe at the Lighthouse

Spite is very excited about Manfred having hands and feet (Curiosity. Has. Feet!)

Spite finds the wisps in Neve’s room unnerving (as do Lucanis and Neve)

Spite likes to play with whetstones Bellara got for Lucanis (Bellara got them from the Irelin who supposedly got them from somewhere in Arlathan) 

Spite wants to try eating self-lightning candles at Blackthorne Manor

About the Crows: 

Crows frequently visit Nevarra and have received 20 contacts to assassinate the king. The King has been poisoned 7 times

Crows get a lot of contracts for Divine Victoria

Some seers in Rivain are powerful enough that there are contracts on them as well

Caterina once killed a man with a thimble

When Crows kill someone, most of the time they want others to know it was them (rather than presenting the death as an accident) 

The crows buried six different Eight Talons and rarely take contracts in Ferelden after the Zevran fiasco

[galasriniel817]

Every 21st century piece of writing advice: Make us CARE about the character from page 1! Make us empathize with them! Make them interesting and different but still relatable and likable!

Every piece of classic literature: Hi. It's me. The bland everyman whose only purpose is to tell you this story. I have no actual personality. Here's the story of the time I encountered the worst people I ever met in my life. But first, ten pages of description about the place in which I met them.

[galasriniel817]

Veilguard Gothic

you have endangered thedas by unleasing blighted gods upon the world. you are rewarded with a promotion.

a demon-possessed assassin joins the veilguard. he is on cooking duty.

you feel a sudden urge to leap from the top of the lighthouse. as if you will be rewarded.

taash gives a flat, one-word answer after your careful attempt to flirt. they will soon pin you to a wall.

a grey warden joins the veilguard. he would like it if you punched his boss.

someone let harding cook again.

the grey warden brought his pet griffin. he always has one ear up. he is perfect.

you arrive in the lighthouse to find someone changed all the decor to giant skeletons. emmrich feels less homesick.

you gather the veilguard together for a mission debrief. instead, you all gossip about Solas before he was corporeal.

bellara is already writing fan fiction of your adventures.

someone let neve make coffee again.

manfred is undefeated at rock, paper, scissors. It brings him almost as much joy as tea. he is perfect.

you finally leap from the top of the lighthouse. nothing happens. yet you can't shake the feeling of achievement.

[galasriniel817]

If you bring Lucanis on the Davrin recruitment quest Rook will touch him as they go to check the noise. Rook does this for all the companions so it isn’t specific to Lucanis. However, it is really interesting to think about in context of Lucanis. This might have been the first kind touch he has had in a year+, just a hand to the back as Rook walks past him, something Rook does without thinking about. It is probably pretty jarring feeling, this simple act, but then a real life griffon appears out of nowhere and the moment is mostly forgotten.

However, when you combine it with the touch in the pantry, it gets even more interesting. Rook has touched him before and it was just a touch, nothing special. Lucanis thinks he knows what to expect, but he has feelings for Rook now and things are very different. Then Rook strokes down his chest and it is a spark and desire and all things he read about. It is not at all what he was expecting and he panics.

[galasriniel817]

Hi! Can I have 21 and 26 for the spicy Rook asks ?

Absolutely!

21. Morning or evening?

During the game events, morning since they can usually have a full session without feeling rushed.

After the game, evening.

26. What do they usually do after? Are they a couple that likes to cuddle?

Yeah, they are big on cuddling and cleaning up together. It’s sweet. She helps him straighten his hair and gives kisses as he comes back to himself; he gets a cloth to clean up the mess between her legs and makes sure she’s hydrated and fed.

[galasriniel817]

Meanwhile, at the Cobbled Swan.

Inquisitor: things are terrible. We are Not doing well. We are persisting alongside the horrors, but make no mistake. The cost is high.

Rook: *furiously taking notes* mm hmm got it. Just one more thing before you go?

Inquisitor: ?

Rook: You can come out, Lucanis

Lucanis, sprinting in from the shadows: I heard you fought a wyvern.

Inquisitor: ??

Lucanis: *please* tell me about the wyvern

Inquisitor: Well...are you asking about the Hissing Wastes or Crestwood?

Lucanis: 🫨

[galasriniel817]

Eugene gets me

[galasriniel817]

6 and 8 for the spicy Rook asks!

Ooo yay! Here we go! Answers for my F!Mage!Shadow Dragon Rook:

6. Is Rook attracted to anyone (specific person or just negative qualities) they shouldn’t be and why? (bonus points if it's not their love interest)

Lilya Mercar had a situationship with Elek Tavor for a while after she left the Minrathous Circle. He was there and helped her forget for a while everything that was going wrong in her life. Their falling out was a nasty one (in my HC, she gave him the scar on his cheek). He was exciting and dangerous, but made her feel safe? seen? amongst the danger and uncertainty when she didn’t have anyone else.

8. What's Rook's favorite thing their partner can do for them in bed (hair-pulling, pinned wrists, etc.)? Is there something they don't like at all?

She likes it when Lucanis takes control and basically acts like a soft dom—it’s nice to not be in charge for a change. But what she really loves most is when they’re going at it and he gets intensely gentle. When they’re moving together and their fingers twine together and their eyes lock… It’s beautiful. It makes her feel so seen and safe and cherished because she knows he’s there for her.

[galasriniel817]

🩷 Spicy questions for your Rook + their romanced partner 🩷

What is Rook's sexual orientation and identity? What are their pronouns?

Is Rook dominant, submissive or a switch?

How often does Rook spend "alone time"?

Does Rook have any sensitive spots?

Is Rook down for casual one-night stands?

Is Rook attracted to anyone (specific person or just negative qualities) they shouldn’t be and why? (bonus points if it's not their love interest)

Does Rook have any kinks? Do they act on it or just think about it?

What's Rook's favorite thing their partner can do for them in bed (hair-pulling, pinned wrists, etc.)? Is there something they don't like at all?

What does Rook like to wear and what do they like seeing their partner in (e.g. lingerie)?

What is Rook's favorite part of their partner’s body?

What is Rook's favorite intimate non-sexual thing to do with their partner?

What gets them both in the mood?

Do they prefer foreplay or are they impatient?

Who is usually on top? Do they switch?

Do they have names for each other in bed?

Are they adventurous in bed?

Do they have a favorite place?

Are they into (consensual) pain?

What is the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to them in bed?

Have they ever had a threesome? If not, would they? With whom?

Morning or evening?

Have they ever been caught?

Are they into dirty talk?

Are they loud or quiet together?

Do they have a safe word?

What do they usually do after? Are they a couple that likes to cuddle?

Feel free to reblog and ask each other about your Rooks! 🩷

I tried to keep them "tame", not sure if tumblr will like this.

[galasriniel817]

He's just my type 😭❤️

[galasriniel817]

One more crumb of Lucanis cut content. They definitely planned for some difference in the romance depending on whether Lucanis accepted the demon or not. But the thing is in the game he wants to separate from Spite only if the player saved Minrathous. Either not all the content was locked behind the city choice before, or you could romance him even if his personal quest wasn't completed idk. Anyway, there's not much left in the files.

This scene is before the battle with Ghilan'nain. Alas, I couldn't extract the audio, but the lines can still be found in the text. Lucanis mentions himself and Spite in both options, but with different attitudes.

In the next romance scene there is exactly the same difference with exactly the same conditions. I was more lucky with this one. The audio of the alternative lines can be heard here.

[galasriniel817]

Thinking about how Illario expects his cousin to be the silent, brooding killer. About how Lucanis has never had a serious friendship outside House Dellamorte, and he's also just spent a year imprisoned, so of course Illario would assume Lucanis is still unsociable and awkward. He's always been that way. Thinking about what if Illario asks the other companions about Lucanis when they stop by the Cantori Diamond, and has to do a double take when someone says, "Oh yeah, Lucanis is hilarious. Always has something funny to say."

And Illario is like??? Lucanis? My cousin Lucanis? Is making people laugh? On purpose?

Bellara goes on a tangent about the book she's reading, and how Lucanis had such a good interpretation of the villain's motivations and it made the ending so much sadder! She's never been in a book club before, she's so happy Lucanis suggested it.

And Illario quietly mouths the words "book club" to himself because, aside from contracts, when has Lucanis ever joined any kind of club?

Of course Taash thinks Lucanis is just the coolest. Antivan Crows are already pretty cool, but a Crow with wings? Who's teaching her how to say good one-liners? Fuck yeah, Lucanis is awesome!

Then if an unromanced Emmerich starts dating Strife, he nearly gives Illario whiplash with the comment "Lucanis gives excellent romantic advice, especially with gifts." Because surely we can't be talking about the same Lucanis. The same Lucanis who has never been in a relationship, and the one (1) time he tried to flirt with Viago -- by *sending a gift* specifically -- Viago either ignored it or took it as a threat. Did the demon do this? Can demons make their hosts charismatic?

Davrin calls Lucanis a "fun drinking buddy." Harding appreciates how concerned Lucanis is that she's being fairly compensated for her services. Offers to lend her his contract negotiator, show her what other people are charging for the same services, he's really so sweet.

And a romanced Rook. Most people make insanely hot Rooks, so Illario watches, completely baffled, as Lucanis manages to pull that. Or if not that, Neve Gallus. Just. how?? Lucanis made one step out of the Ossuary and fell into a Pit Of Friends. All it took was like one month away from Caterina's influence (and the prison) to turn Lucanis into a guy everyone likes being around. How did this happen. When. How the hell is Illario suppose to defeat his cousin if his cousin is armed with the power of friendship? (He can't. Illario is very much defeated by Lucanis' power of friendship.)

[galasriniel817]

Veilguard Spoiler (Cute!)

Just visited Holden and his daughter Mila in Hossberg and you know what banter I just got?

Holden asks his daughter if they’ve earned a treat that day, she of course agrees and the dad essentially says “Good, cause Rook’s Crow friend brought me some cioccolata calda.”

Lucanis went out of his way to purchase, package and hand deliver luxury coco (you know it’s not cheap, he’s Rockefeller level rich) to a child he met exactly one time in the middle of a battle to thank her for saving their lives. What a sweetheart. What an angel. Pookie bird. Love of Rook’s life.

I can’t not marry this caffeine-addicted bird man.

[galasriniel817]

Imagine MW Rook getting drunk and rambling one night on their last name

“I don’t really like it y’know? Like it’s not really mine”

Only for Lucanis to follow up (he is equally as drunk) with

“You can have mine then if you like”

[galasriniel817]

- Walk It Off -

The relationship between Lucanis and Taash is one of an extremely patient mentor and an eager and willing student. If Taash was injured, Lucanis would have the utmost faith in their ability to push through the discomfort and get back to what they do best.

Of course, Spite would interject but everyone ignores him anyway.

The Spanish phrase “Sana, sana, colita de rana” is a common saying used by parents in Latino communities to comfort children who have been hurt or fallen.

I love the fact that Lucanis interjects Spanish into his conversations with various companions. As someone who deeply understands 'code-switching,' it's extremely endearing to see him 'slip.'

[galasriniel817]

Lucanis X Flirtatious Purple Rook is so delicious and it "solves" all the "problems" (in quotes bc personally i love his romance regardless) people have with it. In this essay I will--

*spoilers for Veilguard below the cut*

Walk with me:

Lucanis seeing Rook flirting with the team, always joking and playing around, rarely serious. Lucanis not knowing how to respond when those flirtations are directed his way, so he brushes them off or outright ignores them (while internally blushing bc he's flustered)

Rook, regardless of whether they were genuine in their interest before, seeing that Lucanis is the only one who doesn't seem disarmed by their flirting and redoubling their efforts

Lucanis lowkey getting frustrated because he's got real feelings for Rook but he can't fathom that the interest is returned beyond these superficial winks and nudges

(Not to mention I firmly believe Lucanis is constantly assuming his feelings for Rook are just Spite's obsession with Rook trickling into his own perception of reality but that's a post for another time)

Lucanis finally calling Rook's "bluff" after Spite takes him over the second time, making a move on them while fully expecting them to back down and laugh it off

"This isn't a good idea." Am I talking to you or to myself? "You like to walk a little too close to the edge." You might be playing a game here, but I'm not. "At least I know I'm doing it." I know what I'm risking with these feelings, but do you?

But Rook DOESN'T back down. They're not bluffing. So he freaks out, pulls back, runs off.

Now Lucanis is the one reckoning with the idea that, uh, maybe Rook wasn't joking?? His relatively sparse romantic content in Act 2 fits, because in many ways he's having to figure out how Rook actually feels and how his feelings do or don't change as a result of that (not to mention all the family drama he's going through simultaneously)

Story continues, Lucanis realizing that Rook actually cares about him, reflected in the flirtation options being more tender and less flippant/suggestive. Rook being there for him in his darkest moments, pulling him from the prison in his own mind, etc

Fade prison happens. Lucanis agonizing for WEEKS thinking he's lost this person who brightened his life, feeling like he failed them. Then they get them out, and in the purple option there, Rook jokes again. They're trying to hold it together, but there's this little glance down, their smile falls just a bit, the mask of this unserious jokester dropping for a moment. And this time, Lucanis clocks it immediately.

"Impossible," he calls them, because despite everything, they're still trying to make him feel better, to pretend they aren't scared, that they aren't as devastated as they are. But they understand each other now, and Lucanis kisses them as this silent confirmation that he sees them, that Rook is loved, safe, here.

From that point on, Lucanis is so protective it hurts. He knows Rook is capable and strong, but he sees right past this unserious mask they wear now and knows how scared they are. He's going to war for them, and when he says he'll kill every god if it means they'll be safe, he means it.