#Codex 2

[mysticalblizzardcolor]

HAKAN HISIM ~CODEX 2.0

Page 03 (153) // Navigation: Meta-molecular synthesis of trance states #codex

[lizzybeeee]

DATV Spoilers - The Story We Lost

Posted earlier that I was compiling a list of lore/story threads that have been dropped with DATV's handling of Southern Thedas. The sheer number of things means that I've made this into two parts - this one focusing on all the story threads that have been effectively dropped.

Spoilers for the game ahead, of course.

If you've played the game then you'll know that Southern Thedas - everything from the past three games - was basically swept away by the blight.

A double blight should have catastrophic consequences for the entirety of Thedas, I don’t deny that, it’s nothing short of a mass extinction event – the absolute worst case scenario for all of Thedas.

However, waving away the fact that Southern Thedas - specifically every area you ever traveled to and interacted with in previous games – is gone, devastated by the blight, in a codex entry and line of dialogue makes it abundantly clear that BioWare is attempting to clean the slate so that they can move forwards with the game series with no ties to the previous ones.

The Warden, Hawke, and the Inquisitor effectively accomplished nothing.

As I put it in another post: I never expected them to consider every decision in game outside of the three options they gave us, but I certainly didn’t expect them to go scorched earth on the possibility of ever seeing the results of those decisions either.

How the lore has been handled in this game, summarized to “the elves did it” and “there’s been a shadowy organization in the shadows pulling the strings on everything” is absolutely devastating to the franchise.

The lack of care with which this was treated just bleeds, “There, we’ve answered all questions and finished with this era of Thedas. Moving on now.” At the same time, this destruction absolutely obliterated whatever story threads remained from the first three games.

Could BioWare bring these threads back? Yes, I suppose. But it doesn't change that it was so carelessly thrown aside in the first place.

If they didn't want people to care about their decisions and the impact they made on the world, perhaps they shouldn't have made that a feature of all the previous games.

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Story Threads/ Plot Points that were dropped:

Limited my points to what was in the Dragon Age Keep and what points were brought up frequently in codex entries, conversations, etc...

Edit: I never expected all of these points to be answered in DATV - this is just a list of what was effectively brushed to the side through very bad handling of lore and story.

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Dragon Age: Origins

What is the line of succession in Ferelden?

Things are looking very grim for Ferelden's succession and the Theirin/MacTir line if nothing is done. And nothing was done. The entire plot of DAO literally culminated in resolving this issue, yet no one seems to have learnt a thing from it?

- Anora ruling alone is unmarried with no heir - Alistair ruling alone is unmarried with no heir - Ruling together they have no heir - Alistair and a Cousland Queen have no heir - Anora and a Cousland King-Consort have no heir

The only potential candidate that can fit into several of those world states is Kieran.

Fergus Cousland, according to lore, is the second closest to the throne that is confirmed to be alive in DAI - potentially the brother in-law to the King/Queen of Ferelden.

Ferelden's succession with Alistair as King hinges on whether or not the Warden was able to cure the blight. Alternatively, it is hinted that he may be more resistant since he has dragon blood in him from Calenhad.

The potential implications of Kieran being the bastard son of the King of Ferelden.

Kieran being used as a political pawn to depose Anora using the Theirin bloodline.

DAI took away whatever destiny Kieran had with the Old God soul – that didn’t mean that BioWare had to take away everything else too. Regardless, it doesn't matter. Denerim and Redcliffe have fallen to the Blight - it's unlikely that any of this will ever be brought up again.

2. Did the Warden find a cure?

Unknown. Irrelevant.

Ferelden ended up blighted. Denerim fell. If Ferelden rises from the ashes, it will be without any sign of their influence. Any mention of them will likely be their title alone - no mention of their accomplishments.

3. General Questions about the Landsmeet

What happened to Anora if Alistair is named King? Who rules the teyrnir of Gwaren following the blight?

What happens to Alistair if he's exiled? We know Teagan finds him in DA2 but what happens after?

If Leliana becomes divine does that mean that Connor Guerrin is potentially an heir to Redcliffe?

4. Companion Plot Threads

Morrigan's sisters - the many daughters of Flemeth.

Shale's quest to reverse the process of becoming a golem.

Whatever the hell Nathaniel Howe was going on about when you run into him in DA2 in the blighted thaig.

What, if anything, Avernus leaned from spending a literal age or two studying blighted blood.

5. Zevran's Crusade against the Crows

RIP Zevran's one-man crusade against the Crows and their child slavery ring.

DATV messed up immensely by portraying the Crows as more of a ‘found family’ rather than the horrifically abusive organization it was set up to be.

The very same organization that preys on the weak and disenfranchised - honing them to be tools for the nobles/powerful of Thedas - are now the heroic freedom fighters of Antiva.

The literal decade he spent hunting down the Crows and their leaders is up in flames. No mention in DATV whatsoever.

Wasted a perfectly good opportunity to have a schism in the Crows, with Zevran at the helm of kicking out the antaam, taking in Crows who are are sick of what's happening.

6. The Dwarves of Orzammar

The impact of Bhelen/Harrowmont's reign - ruthless progression verses strict traditionalism

The rumours of an uprising of the casteless dwarves in DAI

Will we ever hear of noble House Brosca or Queen/Lady Rica? Nope.

Will we ever hear of the son that Aeducan can have with Mardy? Nope. (RIP Duncan Jnr - I still love you)

The Anvil of the Void and potential links it may have to the Titans.

If Branka lives what happened to her?

No more fine goods direct from Orzammar

The entire caste system has been simplified by Harding in DATV to effectively be: 'surface dwarves' and 'deep roads' dwarves.

7. The Magisters Sidereal / Awakened Darkspawn

According to a codex in the Descent: one went mad, consumed another, and the final magister fled into the Deep Roads.

Corypheous + Codex Magister + the Architect (most likely) = 4/5 magisters remaining? Possibly?

Reminder that it's hinted that there's an eighth Old God that was struck from the records of Tevinter.

The Architect and his Awakened Darkspawn.

No, it was all the elves. They're all dead now anyway. Thanks BioWare.

8. The Guardian and the Urn of Sacred Ashes

"Where did you come from, where did you go? Nobody in Thedas will ever knowwwww."

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Dragon Age 2

Dragon Age 2 was pretty self-contained, with most things being tied up in Trespasser or DAI. The worst of the plot points abandoned relate to the companions in the game and the lack of closure/answers about them.

General Questions:

Kirkwalls, apparently, endless line of 'provisional' viscounts and constant political instability since Varric ran off to go after Solas.

According to DA: Absolution the Red Templars are still in Kirkwall...yet the show is set after Trespasser - when Varric is viscount? When he mentions that they threw a parade when getting Meredith out of the Gallows?

Aveline, Varric, Merrill and whoever remains of the Kirkwall crew apparently just allowing red templars take over the Gallows?

What happened to Petrice if she lived?

What happened to Feynriel if he went to Tevinter?

If Hawke lives following DAI - where are they?

I have a whole list of lore that's also been brushed over: the Sundermount, Corypheous, the Band of Three etc... I decided to put them in Part 2 since I feel they fit in more with 'lore obliterated' rather than 'abandoned plot points'.

2. Companions

Merrill's Eluvian:

Merrill spent years fixing an eluvian with a piece of string, a potato, and some gum - managing to actually do it.

And it meant nothing.

Eluvians are now a fast travel hub - all mysticism and awe at this marvel of magic are completely gone. Whatever sacrifices Merrill went through to save her sliver of elven history is meaningless.

Imagine if Merrill's eluvian aided in the fight against Solas - if having it intact gave you an advantage against him. Imagine Merrill weeping as Bellara fixes every other single eluvian in ten seconds with her magical omnitool.

Fenris and Slavery in Tevinter:

DATV utterly trivializing slavery in Tevinter is abominable.

Disregarding everything Fenris went through, everything he ever fought for, and making it something barely touched upon in DATV is insanity.

You wouldn't know there was slavery in Tevinter if the Shadow Dragons didn't drop a line or two about it.

Fenris' entire story of going to help free the slaves is diminished because no one wanted to show the ugly, dark side of Tevinter in DATV.

DATV has retroactively made this choice for him to be so unfulfilling.

Where is Anders?

What happened with Sebastian's crusade against Anders? Was he ever captured? Was he executed? Are you telling me that no templars ever pursued this man fanatically after what happened in Kirkwall?

Does his fate vary if Hawke was friends/romanced him?

Varric appointing a new Viscount’s Keep healer called ‘Banders’ who just happens to sleep in the same room as Hawke and their children call him ‘daddy’ lmao

Does his fate vary according to who is Divine? Vivienne hunts him down, Cassandra puts him on trial, while Leliana pardons him?

How does he react to Leliana abolishing the Circles? How much does he weep when the rebellion fails and the mages are destroyed? This man instigated the starting event for DAI and drove most of DA2's major plot and he's just...gone.

The Hawke Siblings:

From DAI we know that Warden Bethany/Carver are safe, but what happened to them if they're in the Circle?

Give us Knight-Commander Carver and First Enchanter Bethany Hawke, you cowards! Have them dismantle the Gallows and be the shining examples of human decency we know they are.

What happens to them after DAI and the Mage/Templar War is concluded? In a world that can embrace or reject them - how do they find their place?

Varric

Trespasser gave him a satisfying conclusion - he's viscount, he's in his shit hole of a city, he's surrounded by the people that he loves and cares about. He has the chance to truly build up Kirkwall after all the shit its gone through.

It just feels so bitter, so meaningless, that they gave him the end that they did in DATV. Varric should never have been the one to go after Solas - the only reason it was him was because he's a popular character in the franchise and was used to draw interest.

Why not Cole?! Who was literally mentioned in Trespasser as being on hand to help his friends - who has the ability to get through to Solas in a way no one else could?

No proper send off - no acknowledgement from those who loved him as to his fate...Varric was reduced to a marketing gimmick to draw people in who wanted to see if he died or not.

Isabela

Isabela's story was brought to a close in DAI - she became an admiral, got a fancy hat, helped the Inquisition, and kept in contact with those she loved/Hawke if defended from the arishok.

Imagine bringing her back in a terrible outfit, having the most sex/gender positive character misgender another person, and making her part of the group that steals cultural artifacts from others.

The tomb of Koslun and Aveline would like a word with you?!

The entire Lords of Fortune group is also extremely bland? No commentary on the ethics/effects of colonialism/cultural appropriation - because confrontational topics/ideas are not allowed in this game. Just like topics of slavery/indoctrination.

Her entire character just seems to have regressed from DA2. Why bother having her cameo in the game if she's not going to meaningfully contribute/comment on whats happening?

Edit - Thanks to bunnyiscthulhu for reminding me that Isabela's mother sold her into marriage...yet she does nothing when Taash's mother is outright forcing them into a life they don't want. Isabela, who believed that everybody should be free - that no one should be forced into a life they don't want, just...lets it happen to another person?

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Dragon Age: Inquisition

What's going to happen to the Red Lyrium that's popped up across all of Thedas?

Ferelden, Orlais, Kirkwall - all areas are reported to have red lyrium on the surface.

What happens to the Red Lyrium in Suledin?

DAI speaks about how they can never stop the spread of red lyrium, only slow it – animals, insects, organisms - whatever life is in the ground is all susceptible to becoming blighted by red lyrium. Suledin Keep in particular was utterly devastated by the Red Templars - what happens to life there?

2. What happened to Corypheous' Inner Circle?

What happened to Samson? How long did he live *if* he’s given the chance to help Cullen? Can something good come from his cooperation?

What happened to Calpernia?

Looking at previous concept art for DATV she was a companion - freeing slaves, gossiping about Samson & Corypheous. Just...what a waste. Any potential insight we could have gotten into Corypheous is gone.

3. The Mage / Templar War:

How does the world vary if you conscripted vs allied with either?

How do the remnants of what faction was not chosen fit into this new world?

How does the world deal with abominations and weird magic shit now? Is an alternative to the Order made if it's wiped out in DAI?

How is Cullen's templar clinic doing? If the templars still exist, how is Divine Victoria changing/adapting the Order to better support mages/templars?

4. Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts:

How do Orlesian politics reflect who was made ruler?

Is Gaspard looking to expand into Ferelden once more? Are the elves being brutalized under his rule like they were by his chevaliers? Does he do away with the grand game like he threatened in DAI?

How does this differ if Briala has collared him? How do his supporters feel that Briala has his balls in a vice?

Do Celene and Briala stay together? Do things improve for the elves and for the culture of Orlais at large?

Do improvements for the elves mean that Solas' arguments to his elven agents are less persuasive?

If Florianne is alive what the hell is going to happen to her? How quickly does she fall on her blade after being forced to wear flat shoes for the rest of her life?

How quickly does shit fall apart if you get all three to cooperate lmao

Friendly reminder that DATV sets up that all of Orlais, except for the Winter Palace has been overrun by the Blight - and that a coup from the Venatori is inevitable, likely resulting in any ruler dying.

5. What is the line of succession in Orlais?!

Why does every noble family in Thedas have no contingency plans for if their head of government dies?!

Part of why we needed to resolve the leadership problem in DAI was because there was no clear, direct heir if Celene died!

Celene has no heir Gaspard has no heir

Florianne planned to frame Gaspard, murdering Celene herself, leaving no clear heir to the throne - Orlais was already in a civil war, the council of heralds/nobles would have all campaigned in their own interests...that was why this was so important!

Orlais shortsightedness and pride in their nation being the greatest in Thedas led to them almost falling in a single night!

6. Here Lies the Abyss:

What are the ramifications of having the Warden's exiled verses remaining in the south?

Trespasser literally states that there's a schism in the Order because some Warden's believe they should touch grass more often and not listen to some bloke up in Weisshaupt for what they do down in the south.

Perfect opportunity to have the wardens remaining in the south mean something! Greater numbers in the south means that there's a greater chance of holding against the blight - while greater numbers in the north can effect if Antiva/Tevinter end up blighted in the first attack!

How does public perception towards the Wardens/King of Ferelden change when they learn they were exiled for committing human sacrifice to demons?!

Give us a warden coup and First Warden Alistair / Blackwall, you cowards!

7. The Well of Sorrows:

What was the point of drinking Mythal's bathwater?!

It's been set up as something that changes you. Bound to Mythal forever?!

Retroactively, Solas feels like he's going mental about nothing! One of the few times he ever breaks - he begs you not to - and...for what? Nothing.

DATV does not acknowledge that in the slightest. Such a waste and disappointment of what was made out to be an impactful decision in DAI.

Imagine if the Inquisitor drinking from the well made us forced to fight against them during the fight with Solas - imagine if Solas, in a world state who hated the Inquisitor, used them as a puppet! Just like the envy demon in DAI - and no one notices until its too late. Imagine Mythal herself, wanting Solas to go through with his plan - (or one of the other evanuris) using an Inquisitor/Lavellan he loved as a puppet - imagine the horror he feels as another one of his friends is reduced to nothing more than a mindless slave of the evanuris once more. Imagine the devastation as he watches Lavellan lose all sense of self - perhaps swaying him to, maybe, not go through with his plan?! Imagine having Cole come back to help save the Inquisitor - or Solas begging Rook to save them.

8. DLC Implications:

What happens if Hakkon is not slain? What happens to Southern Ferelden and the Avaar?

How does the rest of Thedas react to the truth of what happened at Red Crossing and the Dales? How do they react to learning that Inquisitor Ameridan - First Inquisitor and leader of the Seekers - was a dalish, elven mage?

What happens if you do not save the mines in the Descent DLC? How badly is Orzammars economy crippled? There are already rumours of riots occurring within Orzammar - it this enough to push the caste system over the edge?

9. Elven Uprising and the War with the Qun:

The elven uprising that was implied to be occuring all over Thedas as a result of years of oppression, systematic abuse, and Solas’ influence? What happened to it?

Where are the agents of fen'harel?!

It was set up that Solas was planning to use this rebellion as a smokescreen for his plans - the elves, all rebelling for good reason, rallying to his cause while Solas planned to restore the world that once was. The rest of Thedas would only see an elven uprising, not knowing the true face behind it until it was too late!

The war between Tevinter and the Qun?!

Everyone conveniently forgetting that the Qun literally attempted to assassinate every noble family in Thedas? Why was there no exalted march because of this? This should have destroyed any accord between the chantry and the qun. There would absolutely be blood for this – Tevinter could have attacked the Qun and all of Southern Thedas would have applauded - no one would have differentiated between extremist qunari and the normal qun, especially not after Kirkwall.

The implication at the end of Trespasser that we could convince Solas to abandon his plans? Him saying that he welcomed giving us the chance?!

The difference that the Inquisitors friendship, love, or hatred could have in either convincing Solas to take another path or damning him to go ahaead with his plan, no matter the cost?

Have our decisions in previous games matter! How we treated the elves - if we worked to better their lives or 'put them in their place' - can be used to convince him that the world can change! Have the ripple effects of these decisions be seen when the elven gods return, blighted - does the world turn against the elves, hardening Solas, or does the world defend the elves from those who would blame them?

Why was Sandal in the Crossroads?! Where is Bodahn?!

10. Divine Victoria!

How does the world of Thedas change with Leliana, Cassandra, or Vivienne at the head of the chantry?

How does Tevinter react to having a mage divine?!

Do relations change between both nations because of this?

Leliana allowing elves, dwarves, and even qunari to join the Chantry! Leliana also allowing members of the chantry to get married if she's romanced by the warden.

What happened to the Seekers? Are they being rebuilt?

Does the chantry inform the masses, the rest of the mages, that they can CURE tranquility?!

If either Leliana or Cassandra was romanced - what are the implications that may have on the chantry?

-------------------------------------------

No wonder the writers insisted that none of the past choices would have an impact on Veilguard - they literally went scorched earth on everything we ever did.

Ferelden is blighted - any legacy of the warden is gone.

Kirkwall is destroyed - any impact Hawke had is gone.

The hard won peace/order of the Inquisition was rendered meaningless since every single place that you went to and helped is now destroyed by the blight.

Orlais' ruler will likely be assassinated by the venatori who are plotting a coup with the nobles - making whomever you chose obsolete.

AND IT WAS ALL THE WORK OF THE MAGICAL ILLUMINATI FROM ACROSS THE SEA???

[art-bloob]

i am a warden romancer first and a person second

[perplexingly]

I kinda genuinely don't understand this fandom tendency of interpreting things a Certain Way and believing that all else is incorrect

You guys really need to get into some 500 year old theatre play, watch 50 different performances and understand that even the "set in stone 100% acknowledged by scholars" interpretations can be disputed

[emmavakarian-theirin]

FELLOW BLACKWALL ROMANCERS, I BRING YOU FOOD

[delaish]

Day 7: ⚔️ Happy ending ⚔️

A knight in battle attire

got into bed with his squire.

Instead of conquering forts,

they played with each others swords.

I feel the ending of KCD2 is a pretty good happy ending for the boys (if you romance Hans, of course 😎). The last dialogue options between them are lovely 🩷

To wrap up the challenge, I wanted to try out a different drawing style. So, I based this one on an illustration from the Codex Manesse, but adapted it to the boys. It’s kind of sad that this Hansry Week is coming to an end. It’s been amazing seeing so many artists pouring their heart into this, and I’m really happy I got to be part of it too. Thanks to everyone! 🥰🥰🥰

[brokenphoenix99]

A Kiss To Make It Better

For @codex-week Day 1 - Tending Wounds

After ensuring that his and Rex's injured men were seen safely into the care of the medics, and giving comfort where he could, Cody finally let Rex take care of his own wounds.

🥺🥺🥺🥺

Tiny art tag list: @loverboy-havocboy

[sky--phantom]

Solas' regret mementos

[achromatophoric]

[Edit: For a vastly better translation that actually makes sense, please see @illiteratehusky’s work in this reblog. It’s worth the read!]

Behold! Here’s my garbage Google translation of the other Codex Umbrarum page. It’s brimming with errors, but seems to indicate extensive warnings about whatever spell Wednesday was casting. 😬

The enchanter's agenda is to look at you and admire your intelligence, your image, like a hammer, to strike a broken appearance, to inspire.

🌞 🌛

Note well. Beware of another fake and false traces of life that will soon lead you to another path, through whatever you choose. Therefore, two is not always better than one.

Fixation, a doubtful direction, a magical attack of varying force, which harms the enemy as much as the enchanter, is among the most powerful secrets of the saga. Indeed, the fear of fixation is more powerful than the fixation itself, therefore the saga wise only threatens in battle.

🔥 The eyes see everything. ✋🪾

All spells, wherever they aim, always rebound on the enchanter and often bring pain and damage to the unseemly health. Spells break nature and despise storms. Therefore, spells must be balanced. Although the saga will gladly cast spells against anyone or anything. They cannot control the lament how they repay the world. The most skilled spells can bend the force of revement. They can catch and thus reduce their losses. However, no spell completely eludes events and even the most learned do not often cast spells. A victim must be chosen, an event must be prescribed, and the blood of an exile who honors the prophet must be offered to cast the spell.

The words of the spell must be chosen very carefully because what is said will be done. A true enchanter will immediately see the results, but his debt to the world will be paid back of its own accord.

— Transcribed Latin —

Agenda incantatori te inspeculo admirare te intelligentia imaginem tui sicut malleator incute speciem fractam inspira.

—

nota bene. cave alterum fictum falsaque vestigia vitae quod mox alteram viam abilla, per quamiter fecisli deligat. Igitur, duo non semper melior uno est.

Defixio anceps derixio impetus magicus vis variae, quae quantum hostem tantum incantatorem laedat inter secreta potentissima sagae est. quidem timor defixionis defixione ipsa potentior est ergo saga sapiens primum in pugna tantum minatur.

—

oculi omnia luftrant

—

Omnes defixiones quocumque intendunt, semper in incantatorem resiliunt et saepe dolorem damnague invisa salutis ferunt. Defixio naturam dirumpit tempestatosque contemnat. Itaque defixio libranda est. licet saga libenter contra quemcumque aut quidcumque defixiones incantet. lamen moderari quomodo debitum orbi reddant non possunt. sagae peritissimae flectere vim revementem. capereve possunt sic damna sua minuunt. nulla tamen saga omnino eventa eludet atque doctissimae etiam non saepius defixiones incantant. victima electenda eventum praescribendum et sanguis exulis, qui vatem honoret. offerendus est ut defixinem incantet.

verba defixionis diligentissime eligenda sunt quia quod dicitur fiat incantator verus eventa statim videbit sed debitum orbi sponte sua reddatur.

— Additional stuff —

I tried identifying the symbols, but gave up after giving myself a headache. 😅 Here’s what I managed to identify.

Alchemical symbol for elemental earth

Planetary symbols for Mercury, the Sun, Pluto, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus

Norse Inguz rune (awareness?)

Symbol for the constellation Vega (symbol of protection against evil?)

Inverted Leviathan Cross

[dragonageconfessions]

CONFESSION:

I find the sheer number of codex entries in Dragon Age II written by Genitivi somehow endearing. The man loved his research, I'll give him that!

[bad-system]

before you speculate on the next KCD sequel don't forget to read the entire codexes of both games! that is the bare minimum btw

[mysticalblizzardcolor]

Hakan Hisim~Universal Transmission ~Codex 2 Visionary Art

[mid13s]

can anyone confirm if this is real? i found it on twitter

[locria-writes]

FMFTBS Character List

i updated the demos for this, but in case you just wanna see the insanity and the reason I was this 🤏close to screaming. no, this is not everyone pertinent to the overarching story or even directly related to it, but everyone who matters in this microcosm. the idea of having to flesh out families beyond a couple generations and work on the lesser mentioned clans makes me faint of heart.

gyx, qls, and mc are excluded for obvious reasons. i don't think they need more background for now

Great Sōng

Qílián Xūn | King Fù of Sōng | b.5833 - d.5890 | A lascivious and frivolous man who cared more for pleasure than statecraft. Father of Qílián Shèng, and died of a stroke after being bedridden for several years.

Gāoyáng Qiū | Queen Consort Gāoyáng of Sōng; Princess of Shǎng | b.5845 - d.5881 | A woman of a mournful disposition who longed to return to Shǎng, and wished for her son and brother to be close. Mother of Qílián Shèng, and older half-sister to Gāoyáng Xiǎo. Died after a long illness.

Ruǎn Chéngjuān | Queen Dowager Ruǎn of Song | b.5849 | A dancer who became a favoured concubine and eventually rose to become a queen. Mother of Qílián Píng (b.5863), Qílián Jìng (b.5863), Qílián Lì (b.5866), Qílián Zhēng (b.5869), Qílián Huà (b.5874), Qílián Róng (b.5880), and Qílián Jī (b.5882).

Mèng Zhēnzhū | Consort Dowager Mèng | b.5836 | A proud woman who clawed her way to power, and guards her surviving children with her life. Mother of Qílián Yīng (b.5855 - d.5874), Qílián Yuè (b.5857 - d.5888), and Qílián Xīn (b.5875).

Shū Yànfēi | Consort Shū | b.5870 | A gentle woman who embodies the virtues of a noblewoman, and was once expected to become Qílián Shèng's legal wife. Mother of Qílián Yè (b.5893) and Qílián Lín (b.5897), and younger sister to Shū Chóngrán.

Shū Chóngrán | Marquis of Yánjǐng; Grand Chancellor of Sōng | b.5867 | A clever and sharp-tongued man who climbed the ranks with his own wiles. A close friend of Qílián Shèng, older brother to Shū Yànfēi, and husband of Qílián Xīn.

Qílián Xīn | Princess Yánjǐng of Sōng | b.5875 | A spirited and haughty woman who was shielded from the worst of world by her older brother and mother. The favourite younger half-sister of Qílián Shèng, and wife of Shū Chóngrán.

Qílián Yè | First Prince of Sōng | b.5893 | The son and heir presumptive to Great Sōng. Son of Qílián Shèng and Shū Yànfēi.

Qílián Lín | First Princess of Sōng | b.5897 | The only daughter of Qílián Shèng and Shū Yànfēi.

Kuàng Liánghuā | Consort Kuàng | b.5833 - d.5856 | A concubine of Qílián Xūn; mother of Qílián Yuàn (b.5850 - d.5883) and Qílián Fú (b.5855). Died of illness.

Jiāng Yīnuò | Concubine Dowager Jiāng | b.5841 | A reclusive and solitary concubine of Qílián Xūn.

Qílián Fú | Prince Míngyǔ of Sōng | b.5855 | A brother who was once a contender for the Sōng throne, but he bowed out as he didn't wish to fight with his brothers. Son of Kuàng Liánghuā.

Qílián Zhēng | Prince Lìyǔ of Sōng | b.5869 | A brother who was once a contender for the Sōng throne, and still considered a possible heir for Qílián Shèng. The brothers have never gotten along. Son of Ruǎn Chéngjuān.

Xiāo Měiyù | b.5873 | Your dowry maid who's been with you since childhood. She's the youngest child of an impoverished scholarly family.

Lǐ Wéntài | b.5866 | Qílián Shèng's trusted eunuch who's accompanied him since they were children.

Chāo

Rǎngsì Cōng | King Zhēng of Chāo | b.5818 - d.5892 | Your ambitious grandfather who arranged both of your betrothals. He sought to see his grandchildren with lofty titles. Died of old age.

Rǎngsì Jiàn | Crown Prince Shàohàn of Chāo | b.5844 - d.5888 | Your eccentric but prodigal father who intended for you to succeed him. Killed in the Bǎohù Coup.

Rǎngsì Hào | King of Chāo | b.5874 | Your steadfast and charming younger half-brother. He never wanted to become a ruler, and was content to live quietly as your unrelenting supporter.

Yú Xiāng | Queen Consort Yú of Chāo | b.5874 | Your sweet-mouthed and easygoing childhood friend, now sister-in-law. The daughter of the Duke of Nányōng and his first wife Qílián Yīng, niece to Qílián Shèng, wife of Rǎngsì Hào, and mother of his children.

Yìn Bìzhēn | Queen Dowager Cípíng of Chāo | b.5848 | Your level-headed and sensible mother. Wife of Rǎngsì Jiàn, mother of yourself, Rǎngsì Miào, and Rǎngsì Lù.

Jǐng Shīyì | Queen Mother Císhēng of Chāo | b.5845 | The soft-spoken and gentle concubine of your father. Mother of Rǎngsì Hào and Rǎngsì Wén.

Áo Wénxù | Grand Queen Dowager Yǒngxiào of Chāo | b.5818 | Your wise, if exhausted, grandmother. Wife of Rǎngsì Cōng, and mother of Rǎngsì Jiàn and Rǎngsì Qīng.

Rǎngsì Miào | Elder Princess Ǎofēng | b.5881 | Your idealistic and kind-hearted younger sister. Wife of Jǐ Wěizhōng.

Rǎngsì Lù | Elder Princess Níngrén | b.5883 | Your free-spirited and stubborn youngest sister.

Rǎngsì Wén | Prince Róngrén | b,5883 | Your quiet and studious younger half-brother.

Jǐ Wěizhōng | Marquis of Ǎofēng | b.5877 | Your now-confident and well-spoken brother-in-law. You remember him as a shy and sensitive boy who sought to join the older children when playing. Husband of Rǎngsì Miào.

Rǎngsì Shào | Crown Prince of Chāo | b.5892 | Your nephew, and heir apparent to Chāo.

Rǎngsì Liáng | First Princess of Chāo | b.5895 | Your older niece.

Rǎngsì Chán | Second Princess of Chāo | b.5899 | Your younger niece.

Great Xià and Shǎng

Chúnyú Dí | Emperor Xiáng of Great Xià | b.5883 | The young emperor crowned by the Shǎng-Chāo-Sōng coalition in 5889. A sensitive but perceptive boy whose power is exercised through Gāoyáng Xiǎo, his brother-in-law and guardian. Nephew of Qílián Shèng.

Gāoyáng Yùn | Empress Gāoyáng of Great Xià; Princess Tiānhuì of Shǎng | b.5886 | A timid and sickly girl, she is the only child of Gāoyáng Bǎo and Rǎngsì Qīng, and married Chúnyú Dí to secure Gāoyáng Xiǎo's position. Wife of Chúnyú Dí, cousin-sister (paternal cousins of the same clan) to Gāoyáng Xiǎo, and your cousin.

Gāoyáng Bǎo | King Gǎi of Shǎng | b.5840 - d.5891 | An unflappable and scholarly man who sought to soothe his nephew's wild temper. Your uncle-in-law, and Gāoyáng Xiǎo's paternal uncle, and later his adoptive father. Died of a stroke.

Rǎngsì Qīng | Queen Rǎngsì of Shǎng; Princess Huáxián of Chāo | b.5844 - d.5889 | Your forthright and proud paternal aunt who doted on her nieces and nephews with equal delight. Wife to Gāoyáng Bǎo, adoptive mother to Gāoyáng Xiǎo and Gāoyáng Tíng, and mother of Gāoyáng Yùn. Died after a long bout of illness.

Gāoyáng Tíng | Princess Héjìng of Shǎng | b.5874 - d.5890 | Your cheerful and charming childhood friend and cousin. Niece to Gāoyáng Bǎo and Rǎngsì Qīng, she died of an alleged brief but serious illness after visiting Qílián Shèng.

Gāoyáng Lǐ | Prince Qiáojūn of Shǎng | b.5821 - d.5878 | A melancholic and unlucky man who outlived two wives before perishing with the third, and most of his children dying unnatural deaths. Older half-brother to Gāoyáng Bǎo, father of Gāoyáng Qiū by his first wife Lady Chúnyú, Gāoyáng Jùn by his second wife Lady Mǐ, Gāoyáng Xiǎo, Gāoyáng Tíng, and Gāoyáng Mǐn (b.5877 - d.5878) by his third wife. Died in a carriage accident.

Duānmù Huì | Princess Consort Qiáojūn of Shǎng; Princess Hóngyì of Zhèng | b.5848 - d.5878 | The third legal wife of Gāoyáng Lǐ, and mother of Gāoyáng Xiǎo, Gāoyáng Tíng, and Gāoyáng Mǐn. Died in a carriage accident.

Chúnyú Zhū | Prince Zhānyù of Xià | b.5847 - ??? | A strange and erratic man, and heir to a long-line of misfortune. The grandson of Chúnyú Ēn, and claims descent from the unfortunate, but upstanding dead clan of the Qīdiāo. Disappeared in 5889 without a trace.

Qílián Yuàn | Princess Consort Zhānyù of Xià | b.5850 - d.5883 | Wife of Chúnyú Zhū, half-sister of Qílián Shèng, and mother of Chúnyú Dí. Died in childbirth.

Great Yuán

Shàngguān Lǒng | Emperor Dé of Great Yuán | b.5836 | An ambitious and overly-inflexible man who overthrew his brother and launched the nation into a bloody civil war, now known as the Bǎohù Coup after his princely title. Older half-brother and former regent of Shàngguān Bó, father of Shàngguān Jié and Shàngguān Huáng.

Shàngguān Bó | Emperor Wěi of Great Yuán | b.5839 - d.5888 | A carefree and simple man who was ill-suited to his position. Despite his lack of ambition, he sought to give his only a son a better chance at ruling by forging alliances with the other great clans. Killed in the Bǎohù Coup.

Shàngguān Zhāo | Crown Prince Qǐ of Great Yuán | b.5873 - d.5888 | A quick-witted and honey-tongued boy who was your late betrothed. Unlike his father, he displayed a great aptitude for statecraft, and won the approval of both your father and grandfather. Son of Shàngguān Bó and Lǐ Xiǎotáo. Killed in the Bǎohù Coup.

Duānmù Shàn | Empress Duānmù of Great Yuán; Princess Jiéyì of Zhèng | b.5842 - d.5888 | A gentle woman and renowned beauty who was the real power behind her husband's throne, and raised Shàngguān Zhāo as though he were her own son. Mother of Shàngguān Xuán, and aunt to Gāoyáng Xiǎo, Gāoyáng Tíng, and Gāoyáng Mǐn. Executed by Shàngguān Lǒng in the aftermath of the Bǎohù Coup.

Shàngguān Xuán | Empress Shàngguān of Great Yuán; Imperial Princess Ānhuì | b.5874 | A strong-willed and bold childhood friend who was left as the only survivor of her family's slaughter. Forced to wed her uncle in the aftermath, it's said she's become morose and reclusive. Daughter of Shàngguān Bó and Duānmù Shàn, wife of Shàngguān Lǒng, and mother of Shàngguān Huáng.

Shàngguān Jié | Crown Prince Kè of Great Yuán | b.5871 - d.5889 | The arrogant and fearless son of Shàngguān Lǒng and Liángqiū Chún who sought your hand in marriage, regardless of the method. Murdered by Gāoyáng Xiǎo.

Liángqiū Chún | Imperial Consort Liángqiū; Elder Princess Pēngxīn of Míng | b.5850 | A quiet and unassuming woman, she was Shàngguān Lǒng's legal wife until he discarded her for Shàngguān Xuán in his pursuit for legitimacy. Mother of Shàngguān Jié.

Shàngguān Huáng | Crown Prince Yōu of Great Yuán | b.5890 | The heir apparent of Great Yuán, and the son of Shàngguān Lǒng and Shàngguān Xuán.

Gāoyáng Jùn | Imperial Consort Gāoyáng | b.5845 - d.5888 | A concubine of Shàngguān Bó. Daughter of Gāoyáng Lǐ, mother of Shàngguān É, half-sister of Gāoyáng Xiǎo and Gāoyáng Tíng, half-aunt to Qílián Shèng. Killed in the Bǎohù Coup.

Shàngguān É | Imperial Princess Ānchēn | b.5873 - d.5888 | A shy and sweet childhood friend; daughter of Gāoyáng Jùn, niece of Gāoyáng Xiǎo and Gāoyáng Tíng, cousin of Qílián Shèng. Committed suicide in the aftermath of the Bǎohù Coup.

Qílián Yuè | Imperial Consort Qílián | b.5857 - d.5888 | A concubine of Shàngguān Bó. Daughter of Qílián Xūn, mother of Shàngguān Yàn, Shàngguān Yǎ, Shangguan Ling, half-sister of Qílián Shèng. Killed in the Bǎohù Coup.

Shàngguān Yàn | Imperial Princess Ānkāng | b.5874 - d.5888 | A daughter of Shàngguān Bó, niece of Qílián Shèng. Killed in the Bǎohù Coup.

Shàngguān Yǎ | Imperial Princess Ānpíng | b.5878 - d.5888 | A daughter of Shàngguān Bó, niece of Qílián Shèng. Killed in the Bǎohù Coup.

Shangguan Ling | Imperial Princess Ānníng | b.5883 - d.5888 | A daughter of Shàngguān Bó, niece of Qílián Shèng. Killed in the Bǎohù Coup.

Lǐ Xiǎotáo | Imperial Consort Lǐ | b.5855 - d.5888 | A palace maid who gained Shàngguān Lǒng's favour. Mother of Shàngguān Zhāo. Killed in the Bǎohù Coup.

[reaperlight]

(Venom 3 spoilers)

(More Eddie finds help from protective murder friends au)

Cletus: The first rule of rescuing a loved one from an evil government lab is to have fun and be yourself.

Eddie: This is not helpful.

Cletus: Sorry. You know... I did what you're doing right now. I searched for years but like I could only actually do it when I already had Carnage, so...

Eddie: So how is that supposed to help Venom?

Cletus: Do you really wanna make my mistakes, Eddie? You saw how that ended up.

Eddie: I don't know, you seem to be doing alright now.

Cletus: Eddie...

Eddie: I can't abandon him.

Frances: We know.

Cletus: Look... I've been there. I wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now. But you don't wanna be messing with this. At least not alone. Put those guns away and let us help you. You know Anne's really worried about you.

Eddie: You had to involve her in this.

Cletus: I didn't know what to do, you weren't listening to me and I couldn't just watch you throw your life away...

Eddie: It's already gone. I can't. Without him--

Cletus: Eddie... you know I'm already burned. So let me do it. I can get him back to you.

Eddie: Why, why would you help us?

Cletus: I told you, Eddie. I like you. That's all I ever wanted, to be your friend.

Eddie: You always try to befriend people via sledgehammer?

Cletus: I may have... overreacted. You know I didn't have my head on straight.

Eddie: And now you do?

Cletus: Yes. Look, I'm not asking for your forgiveness but I'd like to try and make it up to you, if you'll let me.

Eddie: Assuming I even agree to this... what's in it for you?

Cletus: Just... Can we be friends, for reals? Please? You don't have to forgive me. I'm not asking that. Just... we really want to be friends with you. That's all.

Eddie: Alright fine. Just help me get Venom back.

Frances: You won't regret this, Brockilicious!

Eddie: Believe me, I already do.

Cletus: So like, maybe... do you want us to just... clear the way for you? We storm in there, you get Venom out, all is good.

Eddie: You know they'll be prepared for symbiotes, right? That's like their whole thing. You'll get captured.

Cletus: Oh Eddie you do care! Yeah uh... Well both my girls kissed and made up, really bonded you know, and now we're immune to sonic attacks now. And I can stand the heat. I can take it. I don't really... experience pain like you do anymore. It takes a lot to feel anything. All my life it's been nothing but suffering. It's funny how I almost miss it.

Eddie: Are you going to read poetry now?

Cletus: Ha! You know that wasn't for you but maybe if we survive this I'll write something for you.

Eddie [daring to hope]: ...you really think you can do this?

Cletus: Uh yeah, did it before at Ravencroft.

Eddie: They've got like these elite symbiote hunters.

Frances: But they won't be prepared for me.

Cletus: Have I mentioned lately that Frances is awesome?

Eddie: Only every five minutes.

Cletus: Her powers have grown. She is like wicked strong in the Force.

Frances [eyes glowing, raw power swirling around her]: Alright, let's do this!

Eddie: No murders.

Cletus: C'mon Eddie, you know we can't promise that.

Eddie: Just... keep it to a minimum will you?

[Seeing the tank where Venom is held from some distance away while fighting their way through the base]

Eddie: Aw shit, I knew I'm forgetting something. How are we gonna get him out? I can't rebond with him or the codex thing activates. But I can't just leave him there. But as long as this Knull guy is out there if we bond again they'll come after us and doom the planet. He'd send those Xenophages, big monster things. They'd eat you for breakfast

Carnage: They can certainly try.

Eddie: Buddy, I've seen them eat like ten of you. You're not special.

Carnage: *Offended symbiote noises*

Cletus: Yes, you're very special, sweetheart. But I think it would be wise to listen to Eddie if he says it's dangerous.

Frances: ...I could carry him for you.

Eddie: What?

Frances: Venom. This... codex thing won't happen if someone else hosts him, right? I host Carnage sometimes. It won't be a problem. I can host him for you.

Eddie: But wouldn't that be awkward?

Frances: Why? I told you I host Carnage sometimes.

Eddie: Okay but like, for Cletus? [To Cletus] That's like... my husband in your wife... Sharing a body.

Cletus: You're sure you're okay with that, baby?

Frances: Yes, I can do this. I want to do it.

Cletus: Okay. If you're sure.

Frances: *nods*

Eddie: Okay. Then after this...

[All dodging bulletfire, Eddie looks away as Carnage slams tentacles through them and Frances clears a path with her new telekinesis and mind control powers.]

Eddie: Shit, what are we gonna do?

Cletus: So like, it seems simple enough to me. After we rescue your husband then we find this Knull dude and kill him.

Eddie: I doubt it's that simple. I don't think he's even on Earth.

Frances: So like we steal a rocket or something? If they're coming after you anyway might as well go big.

Cletus: Yeah, we just do whatever we need to do and find this guy and then... then you let me do what I'm good at.

Eddie: Are you sure you're cool with all this? Especially after all that happened before...

Cletus: Eddie... if we weren't cool do you think I be helping you now? If anything you did us a favor. You gave me and Carnage a chance for a hard reset so we could really bond.

Eddie: Wait a minute... the codex. Oh shit. It exists because I died and Venom brought me back to life....

Frances: You died?!

Eddie: Temporarily, nevermind that. [To Cletus] You died. So then why aren't they coming after you?

Cletus [Visibly confused]: Maybe they are and and we haven't noticed yet?

Eddie: Well, that's a terrifying thought but not quite as bad as you secretly working for Knull.

Cletus: Eddie, Frances is the only person I'd ever let boss me around. And I'd make a pretty shitty spy considering you already don't trust me, and for good reason.

Eddie: That's true.

Cletus: Maybe... Well, that wasn't the first time I died, you know.

Eddie: Huh?

Cletus: Told you. Baby Cletus died on the operating table as a newborn babe. Also my heart stopped when I got the needle too.

Eddie: Jeez, you're like a zombie.

Cletus: Yeah, suppose it could be something supernatural at play here, like Granny was involved in some weird cult shit. Also nearly bled to death when granny carved up my back with a kitchen knife as a kid. Maybe that counts as dying too.

Eddie: Carved up your back?

[During a pause in the fighting, briefly takes off his shirt and shows the scars. ]

Eddie: Woah!

Cletus: See, I'm not bullshitting you. I never lied to you, Eddie.

Eddie: Huh? Yeah, I believe you, okay Just... Holy shit.

Frances [holding him tenderly]: I know, my poor baby!

Eddie [visibly alarmed]: Yes. Also...

Cletus: What? What is it?

Eddie: I am sorry that happened to you. Like, there's no good way to say this so I'm just gonna say it. I'm not accusing you of anything--

Cletus: What is it, Eddie?

Eddie: That's Knull's symbol.

Cletus: What?!

Frances: Knull's symbol?

Cletus: ...well fuck me.

Carnage: Do not fuck him. He is taken.

Cletus: Eddie, I swear I don't know this guy. I didn't even know what that was. Given the way my family treated me I wanted nothing to do with it--

Eddie: I believe you. I do. And I am so, so sorry.

Cletus: This was from when I was kid... Was this asshole fucking with me my entirely life? Before I was even born? My entire family? Well, I wanted to kill this guy before on general principle but now--

Eddie: Now it's personal?

Cletus: Oh It was already personal. He hurt you.

Eddie: ...

Cletus: Eddie, I... I'm sorry. About before. My head wasn't on straight.

Eddie [sighing]: Honestly, I'm more angry about you kidnapping Anne.

Frances: In fairness that was my idea, don't blame him for that.

Cletus: We just needed you there, you know?

Eddie: Why?

Cletus: Because you're our friend and we were getting married and... and it seemed like a good idea at the time? I apologized to her when I called her.

Eddie: What did she say to that?

Cletus: I promised her I'm not that guy anymore. That I was gonna help you not repeat my mistakes. She passed on some legal contacts in case we got into any more trouble which I think more for your sake than mine but it was most appreciated in any case.

Eddie: [*staring at the scarification on his back.*]

Eddie: But... what does it mean?

Cletus: Well, I always assumed it just meant I was raised by abusive fucks.

Eddie: I'm sorry. But what if like... Knull's controlling you or something? Has been controlling you all along?

Cletus: ...I like to think I have some agency. No, those are my mistakes and I own them.

Eddie: That... That's all well and good but how can you kill him if he can just possess you or something? He's supposed to be like a symbiote God, right? And you've got his symbol.

Cletus: We don't know if he can do that? ...can he?

Carnage: *nodding*

Cletus: Oh.

Frances: *gasping*

Eddie: Shit.

Cletus: Well, if it comes to that... Frances. Can you...?

Frances: Cletus, you can't ask me to---

Cletus: Baby, you can control my mind, I give you permission. I want you to do it if that sick fuck is making me his meat puppet, alright? Do not hesitate. Use that jedi mind trick of yours to make me slit my own throat.

Frances: Baby!

Eddie: Woah!

Cletus: I'd rather die then be made to hurt you or our friends again. Do whatever you have to do to stay alive. Can you do that for me, baby?

Frances [*Wiping away tears, nods.*]

Cletus [*also wiping away tears*]: That's my girl.

Eddie: I don't doubt that she's strong, but I think Knull is supposed to be really tough. Venom was afraid of him--

Carnage [scoffing]: Venom was afraid of me.

Eddie: Just... we don't want to be underestimating this. What if he's too powerful?

Cletus: Well, I guess we burn that bridge when we come to it.

Frances: Come on, Eddie. Let's go rescue your boytoy.

[Getting to the tank where Venom is held]

Frances: [*Breaks the glass*]

Venom [in Frances]: Eddie!

[Venom making out sloppy style with Eddie while Cletus awkwardly looks away.]

[Eddie considering he is so far unmurdered. Maybe they really have changed...]

Cletus: C'mon we gotta go.

Venom: ...what?!

Eddie: He's with me, they're helping us. I'll explain later, come on...

[zukoandtheoc]

btw i got to chronos's second phase today and then instantly got obliterated

me: *uses all my death defiances on the first phase*

chronos: our family's favorite trick! now watch this