galasriniel817

[galasriniel817]

Lucanis Dellamorte™️

[galasriniel817]

not everything is about murder, lucanis.

[galasriniel817]

The dialogue after recruiting Lucanis was a little different before. There are only a few lines of text and animations left of it. Spite was also listed as a participant in this dialogue, but I didn't find his lines.

Rook: That smells delicious. Is that cinnamon?

Lucanis: A little. Just to cut the bitterness.

Rook: So you're skilled and resourceful. I'd love to try some.

Lucanis: Maybe some time I'll take you to Treviso for some good coffee.

Lucanis: You haven't asked about Spite.

Rook: Spite?

Lucanis: That's what the demon calls himself. Spite.

Lucanis: Rook. The Venatori… down in that hole, they talked. They were certain, certain their Old Gods had returned.

Rook: Their Old Gods… the Tevinter Old Gods?

Lucanis: Two of them.

Rook: So… two ancient elven gods escaped from the Fade, and two Tevinter Old Gods have turned up.

Rook: What are the chances that's… just a coincidence?

Lucanis: You chose a good time to hire me, Rook. Faith, magic, and politics… this is going to be bloody.

[galasriniel817]

[galasriniel817]

Prison of Regret cut content

According to the devnotes in the text file, the prison was originally different from what we see in the game. Rook first wandered in the darkness, then along a bloody path among fallen comrades. In the end, the path was supposed to lead to the Demon of Regret who could change its appearance and voice to put pressure on Rook. There was a choice to confront it or give in.

Alone in the Dark Rook awakes in darkness, alone. Chains appear to have attached themselves to Rook. Attempting to gain a bearing, Rook starts to hear a voice. The voice sounds like Solas, but different. A path appears before them. Rook attempts to get answers from the voice while following the trail. Blood Leading the Blind The path resembles blood dripping over the edge of a cliff. The trail disappears after rook moves forward. The Voice returns to inform Rock they have swapped places with Solas. Rook Demands answers, but is taunted in return. A small light appears at the end of the path. Reaching the Light fills the screen with white. A still image of Solas appears when the white fades. He is striding out of a opening in the fade. This scene is identical to the one where Rock was moments ago. Approaching Solas triggers a banter about Solas with the voice. Approaching the Portal triggers a banter about the prison. Reminded of the Lost The set pieces fade away into the darkness, the path continues beyond. Escaped, but the battle has just begun. Figures come into view as Rook travels down the path. They are the fallen followers from the Ghilan'nain's battle, Frozen in their death throes. The scene is frozen in time capturing the moments Rooks followers died along with a scene of Ghilan'nain. Taunted by the Lost The followers that died taunt rook. Banter will play as players fumble around the space and while they progress down the path. Banter line about the First Fallen Follower Banter line about the Second Fallen Follower Another flash of white fills the screen. The mighty have Fallen Rook finds themselves on the walls of Weisshaupt. Similar to earlier, the scene is frozen in time. Rook walks the ramparts with the still battle around them. The voice speaks of moments from the battle. Banter line about Ghilan'nain. Manipulation Manifest The voice asks why Rook is here. Rook responds by mentioning Varric. The scene fades away. Rook finds themselves on another trail, however this time there is a doorway at the end outlined in the darkness. Passing through the doorway leaves Rook inside Varrics room. Suddenly the furniture and the walls will fall away, revealing a pile of rocks. Approaching the rocks triggers the Varric Reveal scene. First/second/third/fourth banter of characters. Get the Characters speaking about Varric. Challenge the Demon of Regret by walking towards it. Regret Changes its appearance and voice to imitate characters Rook has interacted with in an attempt to stop Rook in their tracks. Changes again to another character. Changes to one last character. Within the Conversation there are non-standard game overs depending on which response is chosen. Give-in to Regret Confront Regret Approaching the Demon, Rook overcomes their regret. Triggering the outro cine. Rook emerges from the Prison, where all their followers await them. After the hugs and jubilation, the group sets off to stop Solas and Elgar'nan will new found determination.

The text also contains some lines from the dialogue with the demon.

----------

What is this! Is someone there! Hello! Rook. Solas? Solas, you...! It's like... walking against a wall. Follow the line, I guess. Where does this lead?

What... what am I seeing? It's what you chose. The tipping point. What are you? What's the point of this? This is the truth of your actions. Your tipping point.

The moment of freedom. A god walks free, because another took his place. Someone who played the role. Solas built a cage that could hold the gods. You trapped him, but were also his way out. You're not Solas. What are you? Another god? I am the lock on this prison.

Keep going, Rook. It's a long way back. Back? To what...? I'm not moving without answers! I deserve answers. You will get what you deserve.

You're more like Solas than you know. It's the blood on your hands. What blood? Show me!

Neve/Bellara? No. You're fake, like Solas.

(Neve banter) I fought for you, Rook. You led me to this. She'd call me Trouble, make some joke to hide how she feels. She wasn't fighting for me. She wouldn't say that.

(Bellara banter) Was this what I fought for, Rook? Was it worth it? She'd never say that. Every moment was worth it. She knew why she was fighting. Didn't need me to tell her.

You're not her. Not real. Live long enough, the only thing that's real is what you've lost.

(Harding banter) I did everything for you, Rook. And then you left me. Lace would blame herself. That would hurt more. Her voice, but she'd never try to hurt someone like that. You don't know her. Not like I did.

(Davrin banter) I saved you, Rook. What was the point? That's not how he'd challenge me. How he'd tease me about it. He'd have saved anyone. Done it for the challenge alone. You don't know him. Not like I did.

If the pain is great enough, appearances can be all that matter.

You're stealing these voices. If this is the Fade, are you a demon? I am Regret. The Regret of a god. And you are a speck that I will consume forever. You feed me regardless.

Wardens, hold the wall! This is our house! Hold that wall, Wardens! Push them back!

A face in the sky. Like no Blight before. The Mother of Monsters.  Like no Blight before.

That's Weishaupt. I saved the Wardens. You saved some of the Wardens. And they're dead, aren't they.

I came to warn them. Their plan wasn't going to work. I tried to warn them. The gods changed everything. They didn't know about the gods. Why were you here? I told you, to warn them. That's what you came to do, not why you were here.

But why you, Rook? Because I trapped Solas. Because Varric—

Why show me this? To make me give up?

Ascend. What? Rise to match the gods. Rise above those who died. See why you lead.

You won't keep me here! Said it yourself, this cage is for gods! I'm not like them! Not like Solas! "A cage built for gods." Or mortals with delusions.

I'll get out, you know. I get out of things. Solas got out. Stubborn. Another thing you and Solas share. Another? What's the first? The regret. The blood on your hands.

You want to know how he swapped places with you? How your regret could match his? Every choice you've made, you owe to this. This is the moment that put lives in your hands. Welcome to your cage. The moment why you lead.

When Varric showed you the cost of leadership. And the god of lies regretfully killed him. He was always...? Always.

The first fight against Solas? Varric is still... Right where you left him. This... is the moment Varric died. But this regret isn't mine.

The god of lies abhors blood magic, but made an exception for you. He had to do it. You made him do it. Varric died at that ritual. You didn't want to face it. And with a little blood magic, you didn't have to. The moment Solas used. When the blood on your hands clouded your mind. Solas was trapped in his own cage, but if your regret grew, he could escape. Only by trading you. Shaping you. Until your regret matched his. So Varric lived on, in your mind, until it could hit you all at once. This is the end. When he traded his regret for yours. This is the very real loss that let Solas swap his regret... for yours.

Regret is the price we pay for acting when no one else will. That's what leaders say. When they get people killed for the greater good. When they toy with lives.

It was lies. The whole time... I was toyed with. Lied to.

This mistake. This failure. And it can never be undone.

Do you see? How everyone says one thing, but you hear another? (Laughs.) Poor "injured" Varric.

(demon shows Rook memories of the companions?) [TEMP] Mementos - Lucanis [TEMP] Mementos - Bellara [TEMP] Mementos - Harding [TEMP] Mementos - Davrin [TEMP] Mementos - Taash [TEMP] Mementos - Neve [TEMP] Mementos – Emmrich

It's just you. Alone. Always alone.

Give up. Lucanis has only spite for you. Give up. Emmrich could never love you. Give up. Die. Taash doesn't care. Give up. Harding deserved better. Give up. Neve deserved better than you. Give up. Bellara needed better than you. Give up. Davrin deserved more than you.

Give up. Your fortune is wasted. End it. Give up. Die. No one will mourn you. Give up. Die behind the Veil. Give up. End this contract. You failed. Give up. You failed your calling. Die. Give up. Fade like the failed shadow you are.

Give up. You're a poor example of your kind. Give up. You failed what's left of the elves. Give up. Your time in the sun is over.

Give up. You can't fight your way out of failure. Give up. Your magical powers can't help you. Give up. There's no evading this death.

Give up. You're alone in the dark, like you deserve. Give up. You could never match those who came before you. Give up. Death is the only role you deserve. Give up. There's no point in even trying. Give up. Die. Like Solas knew you would. Give up. This is what your failure deserves. Give up. No one believed in you. End it.

You're right. I can't go on. I can't deal with the loss. Lies win in the end. Regret is too much to bear. It's too much... There's nothing...

I give up. I failed Harding/Neve/Bellara/Lucanis/Davrin/Taash/Emmrich.

I give up. I'm no Shadow Dragon/Warden/ Veil Jumper/Mourn Watcher/ Lord of Fortune. I give up. I failed the Crows.

I yield. I failed as a human/elf/qunari/dwarf.

I'm a failure as a mage/warrior/rogue.

I give up. I have no one. I failed the heroes before me.

Delicious.

I'll face regret. Keep going.

Things always seem impossible. Just fight one battle at a time. You're not in this alone. Go on, Rook. It was always you. You got this. You know bullshit when you smell it, and that demon is full of it.

Varric?

How dare you make me lose him twice! Using Varric was a mistake. If you really knew what Varric meant, you wouldn't have used him. You didn't take his voice. You couldn't, could you? Because it's always been a comfort! "Things always seem impossible. Just fight one battle at a time." "I know I can handle this." "It's not a personal failing to be scared!" "I'm not in this alone." What are you doing? Varric knew the risks. Knew what it might cost. I didn't lose him. Solas killed him! Solas did this, and he'll pay! You think you can break me with what I've lost? What Solas took? I don't regret this. But gods be damned, Solas will! He built this prison, not me! Solas lied, made me lie to myself! I won't be caged by what he did! I can see through the regret. I see through you! I can regret, but keep going! That loss might have ended me! But not now! You think you can hold me? That you're the first regret to try? I have friends to fight for! And no regret will keep me from them! I get beat up. Get sad. That's what life does. It hurts, and then I get back up! All I can do is keep going! All I can do is keep trying! Varric chose me. Saw something worthwhile! You're damned right he's why I'm here! I can't regret what he did for me! More time with him was a gift! All you've done is remind me why I try. The value of the friends I have left! Shown me how much I need them! I know they're waiting for me! You think you can keep me from them! You think you can keep me here? Keep me from what matters? All of this hurts, but you're wrong about me! I'm not alone! Not in my heart! I found love! That's my light in the dark! Nothing can keep us apart! Not gods! Not you! I regret nothing about the time we had. Nothing! (Growl!)

[galasriniel817]

I'm blaming @hijennyt for this particular existential crisis I had at around midnight last night

[galasriniel817]

Tuesday Teaser

A Rookanis snippet from a long fic I've been working on for a few months. I plan to upload it to AO3 once completed.

Snippet below the break.

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Rook’s dry, absurd humor was a balm in and of itself. Whenever he began to tread the dark pathways in his mind, she was there with a ridiculous joke or funny observation to pull him back out. She never addressed it, and he had no idea how she knew when he began spiraling, but she was there. Rook calmed him. She never treated him differently despite his being an abomination. She never treated him differently despite his moniker as a mage-killer. She simply treated him like a man. 

That easy acceptance of his struggle, of the inner war with Spite and his newfound freedom, was a revelation in and of itself. He found himself watching her even as she watched him. While he continued flirting with Neve, it was empty and they both knew it. The way she softened around the templar—Rana—was all the evidence he needed that they were just passing time. It was easy, meaningless fun. It asked for little and required nothing. 

Even knowing that, he didn’t miss the little furrow between Rook’s brows or the way her hands tensed at their banter. She never said anything, of course. Whenever she faced them, it was with an easy smile and a lightness that was too practiced to be genuine. 

A small part of him was pleased to know she cared—that the flirtation irked her was all the evidence he needed of that. Even Spite would crow with glee whenever he saw those signs. Of course, the demon would then hound his host to “leave the other” and “talk to Rook. Make Rook laugh. Make Rook’s cheeks burn. Rookrookrookrook…” 

He did neither. 

Lucanis slowly came to expect Rook’s compassion, her awful jokes, the determination underpinning her optimism. At first he wondered if she was a fool to implicitly trust that they’d win against actual gods. The more he studied her, the more he realized it wasn’t foolishness that drove her. She bolstered them all with her unrelenting good humor. He’d noticed her go from pensive rumination to funny, supportive, and bright in a blink when one of the others approached her. He noticed the way she gathered her cheer like armor when going into their rooms and deflated upon leaving. 

It seemed that she was determined to carry all their burdens in addition to her own. 

He grimly promised to keep an eye on her lest she break.

The first crack in her facade appeared when he wandered into the library late one night (or so he assumed; the others had retired long before and the sky had darkened a bit in some imitation of nighttime), weary and in need of something engaging to read so he could remain awake. He found Rook asleep in an armchair, a book open in her lap and neck at an uncomfortable angle. Lucanis winced in sympathy at the ache she was sure to have upon waking. Several other books were stacked beside her, some with bits of paper sticking out and littered with her notes. 

Curious, he plucked a sheet of her notes from the mess and perused it. She was studying elven legends, her notes laying out what they knew and theorizing the magics intended to rend the Veil once and for all. Blood magic—brutal and far too powerful—paired with the gods’ own powers over the sun and moon and Blight was her main theory, and she had notes detailing her study of that particular art as well. He quietly chuckled at her asides (the one about a particularly nasty ritual making her “regret having eyes to read it with” was particularly amusing) before moving to tidy the clutter. 

He stacked books according to topic and slid her sheets of notes into the top book of each pile before turning to peer at the woman in question. 

What struck him first was how weary she must be to sleep so soundly in a common area. In sleep, a light frown furrowed her brow and turned down the corners of her mouth. She never allowed herself to be less than upbeat while waking—granted, some of her jokes were dry or dark, but she made it a point to project confidence and hope. Now, without the pretense, he could see the toll the war with the gods was taking on her. 

A few strands of silver ran through her mass of dark curls, something that was carefully hidden with her usual ponytail. The fingers holding the book open had scabs and red, torn skin around the nail beds. Signs of anxiety. Rook was not as assured as she tried to seem. 

Spite appeared then, cocking its head as it stared at the sleeping mage. “She dreams. Do you feel it? She fights in her sleep, worries and twists. Feels like me. Driven like you.”

“Leave her be,” Lucanis murmured, not unkindly. “We shouldn’t wake her.” 

“Won’t happen. Deep in the Fade.” He crouched down to peer at her face and Lucanis tensed. “Want to know her dreams?”

‘Yes.’

It lingered on the tip of his tongue, eager and heavy, but every instinct held him back. Don’t get too close, don’t get too attached. It was advice as old as the Crows.

Instead, he said, “That would be rude.” 

“Don’t care about rude or not rude. She dreams of blood and dark. Like Lucanis.” 

“Enough.” 

Rook stirred at his sharp hiss and they both froze until she settled once more. He hoped the hard edge to the word would suffice. Quelling Spite was something he was still learning, especially with so many new people around to interest the demon. “We don’t invade people’s dreams, especially people we like.” 

“Like Rook.”

“Si. She may choose to tell us, but we do not make the choice for her, understand?” 

“No, don’t understand. But we like her. Make her tell.”

“Her choice, Spite, not mine.” With a shake of his head, he crouched by the sleeping mage and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Rook, wake up.”

She came awake at once with a sharp breath, eyes flying open and muscles tensing under his touch. “Lucanis, what—is something wrong?” 

“No, everything is fine,” he said gently, dropping his hand like he’d been burned. His skin was too hot and too tight where he’d touched her. “You fell asleep in the library.” 

“Oh. Right.” Rook winced as she stretched her neck. “Reading esoteric, centuries-old books is officially a better sleep aid than any tea I’ve tried.” 

He huffed a laugh, unsurprised to find her using humor to distract and deflect once more. “You don’t have to pretend, you know.” 

“Pretend what?” She tugged a curl over her shoulder and began wrapping it around her fingers.

Lucanis noted the nervous tic and committed it to memory. It was part of his job, he reasoned. Knowing every tell in the people closest to him was key to living a long life as a Crow. Bellara talked faster and interrupted herself more when nervous; Neve would cross her arms and get defensive; and Harding’s cheeks and ears reddened and fists clenched when needled. Rook picked at her fingers and twisted her hair. It was simple. Calculated. Assessing. Not at all because he liked her.

That his hand still tingled where he’d touched her was harder to dismiss.

He leveled her with a look that had her deflating and didn’t say a word. 

“I know, being little miss sunshine is a load of shit,” she grumbled, gaze darting away from him and shoulders rounding. “But I have to. If I have any doubts, show any fear, it will infect the team. I can’t give you any more reasons to fret—it’s on me to be there for all of you. No one will rely on a leader who can’t handle her own fears.” 

“Confidence is key,” he agreed. “That doesn’t mean you can’t lean on your team even as they lean on you.” 

Rook slanted a glance at him from beneath her dark lashes, lips quirking with amusement. “I thought you were a Crow, not an owl handing out wisdom.” 

Lucanis shrugged, allowing himself to smile. “A healthy dose of good advice never hurt anyone, even a Crow. Now come, you must rest.” 

He rose then and offered a hand to help her up. It was the gentlemanly thing to do, he reasoned, and had nothing whatsoever to do with stealing another touch. She took the proffered hand and stood with a groan, joints popping with the movement. 

Lucanis blinked when he realized just how tiny she was as they stood close. He wasn’t a tall man, and Rook stood a few inches shorter than him. It was easy enough to miss when she was at full force, laughing or fighting with all the passion and power she contained. Sheer force of personality made her loom large. 

But here in this moment of calm, the thought of the world resting on those slight shoulders was almost too much to bear. 

[galasriniel817]

"Why didn't they just communicate?? They're so stupid!" Have you considered that communicating with someone you love and value and don't want to hurt is scary and that vulnerability takes practice and that perfect characters with perfect words make the most boring stories of all

[galasriniel817]

I know for a goddamn fact that during Veilguard, the more Lucanis and Rook become close, the more Spite starts to get real sick of Rook showering Assan and Manfred with love and affection while he gets fuck all because Lucanis won't let him talk to them

The minute they start officially dating Spite is a clingy jealous cat constantly begging for more attention and kisses

[galasriniel817]

More finds in the cut content. What's interesting is that this is post-game content. I don't know if these are pieces of DLC or an extended epilogue. Rook and Lucanis drink wine in a gondola. In one version, Lucanis refused to be First Talon and left the crows. The Viper arrives to Treviso to hire Lucanis to kill the local Venatori. The lines in the localization file are out of order. I've organized them as best I could, but I'm not sure if everything is correct.

The gondola scene

Rook: What are we celebrating? Revenge? Saving the world? Lucanis: How about a quiet moment? Rook: Is it quiet? Really? Lucanis: If it's not quiet, it's at least clear.

Option: If only the Antaam were gone. Rook: Treviso's beautiful. Too bad it's filled with Antaam.

Option: You're surprisingly romantic. Rook: Who knew you were a romantic? Lucanis: You bring it out in me. Rook: Yeah, yeah. I'm a bad influence.

Option: Let's not go back. Rook: Let's stay here forever. Lucanis: A little. Not forever.

Rook: What? No fancy glasses? Lucanis: That's Caterina's style. I'm more pragmatic. Lucanis: Well, more pragmatic than her anyway.

Option: Learn from your elders. Rook: There's nothing wrong with a bit of class. Lucanis: (Chuckles) I'll remember for next time. Rook: Oh yes. This is so pragmatic. Lucanis: I know.

Option: Casual's better. Rook: Less clean up. Rook: That's why we're having drinks in a gondola instead of the kitchen. Lucanis: Knew you'd understand.

Lucanis: Is it wrong? Enjoying ourselves while the Antaam terrorize our home... (Crow Origin) Lucanis: Is it wrong? Enjoying ourselves while the Antaam terrorize Antiva... Rook: Does it feel wrong?

(apparently Rook moved, causing the boat to rock.) Lucanis: Careful. Gondolas are more fashionable than they are stable. Rook: They're plenty sturdy. Rook: See. Nothing to— Rook: Oops? Lucanis: You were saying? Rook: Sorry. Lucanis: (Chuckles) Classic Rook. Rook: I've made things awkward. Lucanis: I like this side of you. Lucanis: More wine? Rook: I saved the wine? Lucanis: (Laughs)

(Talon's version) Rook: How are you settling in as First Talon? Lucanis: There was some initial... friction with Caterina, but she got over it. Lucanis: She thought I'd do things her way and was surprised when I had my own ideas. Rook: Really? You'd think she'd be the most welcoming. Lucanis: No.

Rook: Have you spoken to Caterina or the others? Lucanis: Letters here and there. We haven't met since the party. Lucanis: I don't want to cut ties. Lucanis: But Caterina needs to get used to the fact that I'm no longer her heir. Rook: Are you used to it? Lucanis: I was never comfortable with the role to begin with. Rook: So, no regrets? Lucanis: (Sigh) Rook: It's a yes or no question, Lucanis. Lucanis: It's not. You've enough experience with regret to know that.

Rook: I respect your decision to walk away. Lucanis: It wasn't an easy decision. Lucanis: It was hard. Walking away. Rook: It was hard watching it. Lucanis: Let's not talk about me.

Rook: It's not an interrogation if you care. Lucanis: Why not? I've been thoroughly interrogated. Rook: (Snorts) Is that how it works?

Option: Your priorities have changed. Rook: You've changed your tune. Lucanis: I am. On what's important.

Lucanis: Rook. I owe you. For my life, my freedom.

Option: Consider it paid in full. Rook: That debt was paid when you helped us defeat the elven gods. Lucanis: No. That was a job. What you've done for me...

Option: I needed a mage killer. Rook: I had selfish reasons. Lucanis: Rook. I'm serious. Lucanis: Whatever your reasons...

Lucanis: The Venatori killed the man I was. Lucanis: You put the fight—the life—back into me. Rook: I... Thanks.

Lucanis: If you need someone taken care of... Just say the word. Lucanis: Your enemies are House Dellamorte's enemies. (Talon's line) Lucanis: Your enemies are my enemies.

Option: You make murder sound sweet. Rook: Awww. That's sweet. And scary. Lucanis: Of course those are the same thing to you. Rook: I was only teasing. Lucanis: How am I supposed to argue when you say things like that?

Option: I'll settle for friendship. Rook: Or we could just be friends? No killing required. Rook: I still care about you—as a friend. Lucanis: Didn't want you to get the wrong idea... Lucanis: We're still friends. Lucanis: If that's what you want... Rook: Appreciate it.

(non romance/friendship version?) Rook: Oh, I'm aware. Just haven't figured out what I want in return. Lucanis: (Chuckles) Lucanis: For a price. Rook: And you'll charge me... Lucanis: Like I said—a fair rate. (Talon's line) Lucanis: I'm not a Crow anymore. Rates are negotiable. Rook: Still sounds pretty Crow-y to me.

Rook: It's passed sundown. Lucanis: (Sighs) Rook: Time to go? Lucanis: I've business before we return. Rook: What kind of business? Lucanis: Competitive analysis.

Lucanis: Don't worry. I'll collect. Rook: Fun time over? Lucanis: I've business before we return. Rook: What kind of business? Lucanis: Competitive analysis.

Possibly lines from a subsequent quest.

Rook: Business at a Chantry. Not very Andrastian of you. Lucanis: What in our experience together makes you think I'm a good Andrastian? Rook: (Chuckles) Fair enough.

Rook: You sound like you have a plan. Lucanis: Always another mark. Rook: I take it the Antaam are the subject of this so-called analysis? Rook: Why do I get the feeling there's going to be less "analysis" and more stabby-stab? Lucanis: Keeps Wrath content. (Wrath is Spite's previous name?)

Lucanis: Viago said it'd be a fitting spot. Rook: You've proven it's a good spot for an ambush. Lucanis: And you're loud. Which do you think will attract the Antaam?

Meeting with Ashur. It seems as if Lucanis and the Viper were discussing their business, and then Rook came.

The Viper: If you don't trust my intel— Lucanis: I trust your intel and... Lucanis: Fortunate the Rook is here to save the day. Rook: The Rook can detect sarcasm!

Option: Ashur, you shouldn't be here. Rook: This isn't Minrathous. Rook: Ashur, if the Antaam find out you're here... The Viper: I've paid the right people so that they don't.

Option: You two make quite the pair. Rook: The Viper and the Demon. Sounds like a nursery rhyme to scare children.

The Viper: I was just leaving. Rook: Leaving so soon? Rook: You don't have to. Lucanis and I could show you the sights. Rook: There's wine tasting, Antaam assassinating, gambling— Lucanis: Rook. The Viper: You're ruining Rook's fun. Rook: Think about my offer.

The Viper: Should I pay now or— Lucanis: Just go.

Rook: What did he want? Lucanis: Some of us have work to do. Lucanis: It's about time I take care of things at home.

Rook: Who's the mark? Lucanis: Venatori who fled Minrathous after Elgar'nan's fall. Rook: That's why Ashur was here. Lucanis: He's the one who hired me to dismantle the Venatori in the first place. Lucanis: Might as well finish the job.

The most unclear part. Maybe it's related to the quest to kill the Venatori that Viper pointed out.

Rook: Can't take the huge door. Lucanis: The Venatori are inside. Strike from above and we'll take them by surprise. Rook: Above, eh? Rook: Good thing I'm not afraid of heights.

Rook: Not sure why Antivans even build doors. Rook: We never use them. (Crow Origin) Rook: You never use them. Lucanis: We're the Antivan-fucking-Crows.

Rook: We need to be cautious. Rook: If we're not careful, he'll kill the girl. Lucanis: Not if he's dead.

Lucanis: Focus on the self-important bastard. I'll take care of the rest. Rook: They're all self-important—and why do you get so many? Lucanis: Their predictability makes them easy targets.

Venatori: Two, four, six piggies come to slaughter. Venatori: Be grateful. Your meager existence will serve a higher cause. Rook: I'll show you a higher cause right up your— Venatori: (Grunts!) Venatori: Uh—God killer! Right he— Lucanis: Mage killer. Venatori: (Yells in pain) Rook: Lucanis! That's cheating! Lucanis!

Lucanis: Fucking Venatori. Rook: (Sigh) You can take the blood mages out of Minrathous, but…

[galasriniel817]

It’s stated that the Lighthouse bends to the needs of the dwellers isn’t it?

What if on rough nights, when they need comfort but are trying to slink away on their own, the lighthouse makes Rook’s room so cold and uninviting that it forces them to seek out the fire place in the dining hall and thus, Lucanis.

[galasriniel817]

(During The Last Gambit, if Rook romances Lucanis)

Lucanis (Spite): Pride. Feels old. Cracked. Disparate.

Lucanis: Enough, Spite. Now is not the time.

Lucanis (Spite): He. Hurt. Rook!

Solas: Your spirit companion is restless, Antivan. I suggest you corral him before you face Elgar’nan, lest he be used against you.

Lucanis: Consider yourself lucky I am not unleashing him on you. Spite is by his very nature spiteful. And spirits do not forgive easily.

Lucanis (Spite): He. Hurt. Our. Rook!

Rook: Spite, it’s okay.

Lucanis (Spite): (grumbles)

[galasriniel817]

Spite: Bad. Bad! Stupid. Mean. Dumb! Stupid... ugly! Mean, stupid, ugly. Eat shit. We hate you! Dumb, ugly... stupid egg!

Solas: ...

Rook: Spite, it's okay. I'm fine.

Solas: Yes. Your friend was never in any dang—

Spite: You. Hurt. Rook. You are. Stupid. Ugly! Should be... stomped on! Bad spirit. Bad man! Ugly, stupid, rotten egg!

Solas: ...He's going to do this the entire trip, isn't he?

Lucanis: Yes, and I'm not going to stop him.

[galasriniel817]

Lucanis: then I leaned in... and didn't kiss her.

Davrin: You didn't kiss her?

Lucanis: I didn't kiss her.

Davrin: Why not?

Lucanis: Because that's not what usually happens in those situations. At least not when I'm involved.

Davrin: Then what does usually happen?

Lucanis: I whisper "The Crows send their regards" against their lips, wait for the moment their eyes widen in understanding and then I stab them between the fourth and fifth rib.

Davrin: So, in other words you choked.

Lucanis: Mierda, I choked!

[galasriniel817]

Oof. 🥺

[galasriniel817]

He’s been told his whole life he’s not worthy and has internalized it so deeply that he actually believes it. He can’t bring himself to accept the most base thimbleful of compassion. He sees himself as nothing more than a weapon. No one worries about weapons beyond their utility, so why should anyone offer him more?

Lucanis "don't worry about me" Dellamorte

[galasriniel817]

Rook: [Fumbles and does something dumb] Spite: They're so stupid. We have to fuck them. Lucanis: What do you mean WE!?