#✦ MUSE: LUCANIS DELLAMORTE ✦

[perditus]

-- Open

It’s a shift so subtle Lucanis doesn’t even notice. One moment he’s writing notes down and suddenly he’s gone, a flash of purple emitting from his eyes. Even Spite was blindsided, blinking as he’s suddenly thrust into control of the Crow. The demon looks around for a moment, adjusting to staying in control before checking in the background for Lucanis. Unresponsive. Asleep. 

Standing up slowly, the demon peeks at the journal held in his hands. Using the pen in his hand, he hastily scribbles his own thoughts before tossing it down on the cot for later. Lucanis would surely appreciate that. Maybe not. Either option was good enough for him. Not knowing how much time he had before the Crow collected himself again, Spite quickly made his way through the dining room, slipping out the door as quietly as he could. 

After taking a brief glance around and seeing nobody at first sight, he starts descending the steps, giddy to be in control after so long.

[perditus]

Lucanis closes his eyes for a moment, thinking back on the details of that particular contract. It had been a while ago and Illario had been the one he charged with freeing them. “ Unfortunately I don’t know. They were not in good shape when we found them. We could only offer a chance for their lives not a guarantee” 

That was the difference, he thinks, between him and a genuinely good person. They might have checked on them later, ensuring that everything went to plan. He didn’t. Lucanis chuckles again as he opens his eyes once more, taking another bite of his food. “ You give me too much credit, Rook. But I am thankful for it nonetheless. I suppose you owe me another story about a mission you did now though”

He found himself absolutely fascinated in the story, leaning forward against and bracing himself against the table, fork still in hand. He had so many questions about it now. Red Lyrium to produce wigs? How did that work? What did they look like? Those poor people. Were they okay now?

"I don't think it's hypocritical." He decided on, settling back in his seat and not wanting to seem like an overeager child hearing a story for the first time.

"It just makes you an Antivan Crow with a set of morals." He pointed out. "And a good person, for not leaving them there like that. Do you know what happened to them after?"

[queenmuzz]

That Ring that Caterina uses to alert the Crows she's alive and kicking? The one that she originally gave to Lucanis's mother, in order to show her favour?

What if when attempting to return the ring to her, she insists that Lucanis keeps it, to give to someone he shows favour to?

And Lucanis wants to, he has the exact person in mind (and I suspect Caterina knows exactly who), but he cannot bring himself to do it.

Imagine him sitting on his cot after Tearstone Island, twisting the ring between his fingers, regretting that he kept putting it off.

[nemo-of-house-hamartia]

I am going to take a sick leave today, because I AM UNWELL.

[antivanism]

i have decided Lucanis is incredibly vocal in bed. he whispers his partner's name, moans loudly, and curses (probably the only time he'll utter the word fuck is during sex).

[perditus]

Despite the sincerity in her words, Lucanis grimaces at the thought. 

Even while chained down in the Ossuary the assassin had seen what befell others who had ‘separated’ from their demons. Their demons emerged like butterflies from a cocoon, their former hosts left as empty husks. None he had seen survived the ordeal, eventually reanimated later on to serve in one of Zara’s many other experiments. It was not a pleasant thought, even if he knew Lark would not likely choose that route. 

Spite’s gaze falls on Lucanis for a moment, privy to the assassin’s thoughts whether he likes it or not. He flashes him an eerie grin but doesn’t push further, all too aware of the benefits of their deal. Zara Renata would die by their hands. 

“ I will remember. Do not forget ” He sneers, placated for the time being as he fades away. Lucanis feels his presence still in the back of his head, the demon still tuning in to their conversation even if he wasn’t there anymore. The silence that follows is a relief. 

“ Yes. Your business is yours. Consider it a part of my contract if you are that concerned ” Lucanis offers, hoping that it will clear any lingering concerns over the matter. Adjusting the contract was not entirely out of the norm, especially with a unique one such as this. “ All that I need is the ability to work on tracking Zara as well. Spite and I made a deal in the Ossuary and I must fulfill that as well ”

Nothing would come between him and fulfilling his contract with Lark of course, but Spite was a demon. He did not care that time was of the essence necessarily, only that his wants were also fulfilled in a timely manner. 

Lucanis’s gaze drifts to the pantry, brows furrowing for a moment before he adds on to his statement. “ Also, I will need to be in charge of the grocery shopping. The state of this pantry makes me shudder at what you may have been eating before I got here ”

𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑺𝑺𝑼𝑹𝑨𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑭𝑳𝑰𝑪𝑲𝑬𝑹𝑬𝑫 𝑰𝑵 𝑯𝑬𝑹 𝑬𝒀𝑬𝑺 𝑨𝑺 𝑯𝑬𝑹 𝑮𝑨𝒁𝑬 𝑺𝑶𝑭𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑬𝑫 𝑱𝑼𝑺𝑻 𝑨 𝑩𝑰𝑻. How unfortunate for Lucanis to be forced to endure a demon who only sought freedom. She couldn't blame Spite for seeking liberation. Though, he needn't take it out on Lucanis. She would need to find a way to separate them safely. There had to be a way. She didn't want to, but she could consult with Solas. He was a god after all, and knew magic beyond measure. Could she trust him, though? 

A low, feral chuckle ebbed at the edge of her mind, and she sighed inwardly. Of course, Hizenfrae would find Lucanis' predicament amusing. Apathetic fool. 

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒔𝒌 𝒎𝒆, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘. 

𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑? 

 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒕, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒔𝒌.

 𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆.

The laughter faded and Lark's brows had narrowed ever so slightly. She looked as if she was having an internal struggle before shifting her attention back to Lucanis. She shifted her weight from one leg to the other as she pondered on the idea. Frowning, she glanced at Spite. 

❝ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞. 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐲, 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫. ❞ She spoke without fear, a new resolve shimmering in those deep blue hues. 

❝ 𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭. ❞ 

How deep did this sanctum run? There was only one way to find out. With Hizenfrae's assistance, perhaps she could uncover all the Dread Wolf's secrets. Her attention returned to Lucanis once more. 

❝ 𝐈 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. ❞ She said in regards to keeping her secret from the Crows.

 ❝ 𝐈𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝, 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬𝐤, 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭.❞ 

[ambrosia-vinca]

As funny as Spite is when he's being a chaotic gremlin who wants to eat candles and is jealous of Curiosity's feet, I'd like to see his dangerous side being explored more, along with the dangers of possession.

Possession is a big deal. We see it in Anders, whose anger and past trauma twists Justice into Vengeance, and their emotions being intertwined creates an endless feedback loop of misery and obsession until Anders can't stop himself from doing something drastic, very similarly to Solas. They have different goals/ideals, but they have similar (near) unstoppable drive to fulfill their perceived purpose no matter what the people around them say, a purpose that sends them hurtling along a road paved with destruction. Anders at the end of DA2 is very similar to a pure spirit/demon in the sense that his purpose is pretty much all that he is, consumed with the need to liberate mages and avenge them against chantry and templar oppression (also a similar flavor to Mythal in a way. Benevolence (help people) -> Retribution (avenge people))

Spite as an emotion can have a positive effect for a person (succeeding/persevering out of spite), but it's not a positive emotion. Spite as a demon is a creature of pettiness/anger/resentment, a cousin or brother to Vengeance pretty much. Spite physically hurts Lucanis (only once that we actually see in the actual game and I would have liked it to be a more recurrent/tangible problem) when he doesn't get his way. He attacks Illario and would have killed him if he had his way. He doesn't process emotions as mortals do, so outside of anger/resentment etc, he doesn't really get genuine affection or love or any positive emotion that isn't motivated by hurting people and/or not doing what they want, because again, he's a being of raw emotion with a specific realm of purpose.

So what about Lucanis and Spite? Does them being intertwined change Lucanis' personality in any way? Enhance his anger? Make him more determined than he already is, but also less able to forgive? Does Spite change because of Lucanis in any way? Does it make his emotions or thought processes more complex? Is the particular way they were bound together, different from Anders' willing possession, make them more separate entities, considering Anders basically absorbed Justice until they were fused together? Does spending time outside of the Fade let Spite learn like it did for Cole, even if their situations were different, without changing his core nature?

The “learning” part is kind of alluded to in the hardened Lucanis path where he wants to find a way to part with Spite once he's done with his contract, and Rook can mention that Spite might have evolved because he's a demon who's “learned to work alongside people” (or something to that effect). I would have liked a bit more of that topic in both paths for Lucanis. Spite likes Rook when they're being vengeful or making dark jokes, because they're acting in a way that pleases his nature, and he does ends up trusting them/being fond of them in his own way. Is he also partly influenced by Lucanis' emotions and fondness for Rook (whether friendship or romance, without truly being able to feel or understand these emotions for himself)?

I feel like Lucanis' possession is simultaneously presented as a big deal but also doesn't end up having much of an effect in the grand scheme of things. Spite was introduced as a threat and treated as one in the scene with Illario, but he's written as a very lukewarm demon otherwise and he doesn't feel very dangerous at all. I would have liked more from him, more details, more possible negative consequences, more actual danger to Lucanis' wellbeing if Spite gets his way.

Is there a possibility in an alternate universe where Lucanis could have gone down a darker path similar to Anders', considering he wasn't in the best mental state when Rook gets him out of the Ossuary (an understatement)? Maybe if Rook lets Treviso get blighted? Could Lucanis' caring nature lose against Spite because of the despair and resentment he feels in that route? Spite would feed off his anger and also fan its flames, creating the same kind of endless negative loop that Anders was stuck in, until Lucanis was changed as a person. Angrier. Pettier with any perceived slights. More Vengeful even towards less deserving targets.

Again, we kind of get that in the sense that we can't choose what to do with Illario at the end of his quest but he just... gets imprisoned. (which is the choice I made in my first playthrough with unhardened Lucanis anyway because I just can't see in what world what Illario did would be forgivable with just a slap on the wrist. Maybe I'm also a demon of Spite, who knows)

It's a very lukewarm vengeance at best because in the canon hardened path, even if we get *told* Lucanis is more depressed and less trusting, he doesn't actually change much as a person and retains his love for his family and his caring nature, so it doesn't seem like Spite has influenced him in any way.

So yeah. Maybe in an AU. Or maybe I just like angst a lot, don't look at me I'm just bouncing ideas off the tumblr wall!

[perditus]

@theredconqueror  || cont.

“ Of course, I am aware. One of the many reasons I chose to reside in the pantry so that they might have some space from me if they felt unsafe” 

Frustration slowly fades into resignation, his concerns already something Lucanis had considered prior to arriving at the Lighthouse. At another point in his life this would have been perceived as offensive - a slight against his honor and skill as a Crow. He might have even been angry, but not now. Not with Spite lingering in the background, his unusually strong anger still burning in the back of his mind. 

He reaches to the side, carefully picking up his coffee to take a sip from it. Lucanis keeps it held in his hand this time, sighing a bit. 

      “ My reputation as a mage-killer is solely based on the contracts I’ve taken, not my personal feelings towards them.  Zara and her Ventatori have committed a personal offense against me and the Crows ” He takes another sip from his coffee, the slight thudding in his head reminded him of his ‘guest’s’ feelings.

      “ Spite does not like mages in any capacity however. I will be honest with you, he has been unhappy with the presence of mages here. But Zara has also committed a personal offense against him, so he desires her death more than anything else. He will cooperate for the sake of achieving that goal as it is in his nature. Tell me, is there something you would like from me that might ease your concerns if only a little? ”

[3gremlins]

i saw a post about spirits being twisted against their purpose into demons and had another thought about why spite/lucanis work where other spirit bonds don't. since spite is determination twisted that would make it more unique than one of the more straightforward realms - i feel like spite might retain some amount of will even in demon form and want to stay more independent OUT OF SPITE. like the nature of that sort of "demon" would make it more likely to form a bond/not fully possess its host. like i'm not doing that b/c i know you want me to do it and therefore- so that would give them the unique opportunity to meet in the middle where other more binary spirits might not be able to. For example, justice and vengeance are both very strong, all consuming ideals that perpetually push you forward- whereas spite and determination make you stubborn/more likely to stop what you're doing.

idk just a passing thought i had about the nature of spirits/demons and why lucanis/spite work where anders/justice ultimately failed as far as we know. (i do wish/hope we get more investigation into the nature of spirits and hopefully it doesn't get collapsed into the resolution of veilguard with the evanuris and such. like there's more meaty weirdness w/the fade and demons beyond the ancient elf stuff. maybe they'll eventually also get into the forbidden ones lore if we ever get another da game in teh future. I was reading around the fandom wiki and there's been a forbidden one in every single dragon age game so maybe? plus the secret ending implies it a little. hard to say what's "we needed another thing to fight, here's this lore breadcrumb for world building" and what's "we for sure have a plan" tho)

[perditus]

Lucanis remains silent as Rook speaks, ignoring Spite for the moment despite the urge to chuckle at Spite’s rudimentary solution. His gaze remains on them, expression softening slightly before he nods. “ Being a leader is one of the most challenging tasks one can take. I would not wish it on my worst enemies…except for Zara of course ” The corners of his lips tug slightly, a smile threatening to break his composure once again. “ and perhaps Solas, since he is the cause of this ”

He slowly pulls his hands back to give Rook a little space, reaching into his pocket to pull out a small cloth. Lucanis offers it out to them so they could clean their face, canting his head to the side slightly. “ You do not need to be a leader here, Rook. You can be just another Crow completely in over their head with a Contract against gods... I do not think even Viago could handle something like that gracefully” This time he does smile, leaning back in his chair slightly before his eyes drift back towards the kitchen. 

“ My offer from before still stands. You must be tired ”

there was no resistance from rook, they followed the guide and felt the hands rest on both cheeks. he's warm - well anyone was warm to rook when they are always cold to the touch. blinking a few times to try and ignore the tears, more just stayed clinging to their face. trying to just look at lucanis, rook knew their gaze still wanted to avert out of guilt for being vulnerable.

but they sat there, looking at the other crow and listened. their heart was out of control, and their hand shook as lucanis spoke about the truth. it's true, rook did everything for everyone to the best of their ability, and it is exhausting being selfless. "..you're right.." they finally speak after gaining some control of their voice from outright crying... but then a chuckle left them when they heard spite's ever useful comment - of course that's the only thing they hear during this from him.

"sure, we'll kill him one day spite. just for you." they smirk a bit before looking properly at lucanis despite tears still forming naturally. "...thank you, lucanis... i guess i just... hit a breaking point. it's stressful being a leader." they remark before trying to liven up the mood

"never recommend me to replace viago, ever."

[queenmuzz]

Post Tearstone Island, Lucanis falls asleep in the pantry...

But keeps waking up in Rook's room.

It happens over and over and over again.

He eventually gives up and just sleeps in Rook's room. Strangely, his sleep is much more peaceful after that.

[faultyconscience]

I think the funniest thing about lucanis saying “don’t flirt with my colleague” (in a very flirty way I might add) is u don’t even have to have done any romance options with him lmfao

[immortalmuses]

I'm gonna have to update my muse lists, oof. this is what happens when I exhibit no chill

[forallofthedas]

Lucanis Tag Drop

👿

Lucanis is a Master Assassin in the Antivan Crows. He is a companion and romance interest in The Veilguard.

Default World State: Treviso Saved, Illario was executed for his betrayal

IRL FC: TBD

👿 gets paid to deliver death like a letter: about lucanis dellamorte 👿 believes himself a true monster now: lucanis dellamorte headcanons 👿 i don't have illario's gift for flirting: lucanis dellamorte relationships 👿 the demon of vyrantium: lucanis dellamorte visage 👿 gods magic politics things are going to get very bloody: lucanis dellamorte musings 👿 a crow flying on a demon's wings: lucanis dellamorte interactions 👿 the crows send their regards: lucanis dellamorte asks 👿 surviving on coffee and spite: lucanis dellamorte aesthetics 👿 i was afraid of wanting you: lucanis dellamorte smut 👿 my demon says to stab you and i agree with him: lucanis dellamorte crack

[antivanism]

i love that there's a growing portion of the community that have collectively decided that Iris by Goo Goo Dolls is so Lucanis-coded.

[perditus]

“ It is amazing you could taste the coffee with the sugar diluting the flavor” To his credit he’s polite, even if he abhorred the thought. Lucanis takes a moment to savor the coffee in his hand as he sips, chuckling a bit as he pulls the cup away.

“ I assume it was the bitterness that you were not fond of? Perhaps you would like to try a lighter roast some day? ” Darker roasts were his preference as their flavors were often richer, but a few lighter blends had been okay. He taps his finger against the porcelain, considering.

“ Truthfully, the first time I tried coffee I did not like it. But I was a child, stealing a sip while my Father looked away ”

"y'know, i had to train myself to like coffee," rook states, a cup in hand as they savor the scent. "didn't like it at first but needed it to stay awake for long hours when i was training. eventually, i managed to cut out the four spoons of sugar by getting rid of one spoon at a time ... over far too many weeks." rook didn't ever imagine when they were young that they'd be able to have the luxury of drinking coffee, never mind with the option of sugar, but that was before they joined the crows. the archer lets out an absent-minded sigh before they bring the cup to their lips—just a dash of milk, no sugar in sight. "now it's a comfort." @perditus