#Rook Questions

[teine-mallaichte]

Storm 'Rook' HAwke is the son of Anders and Autumn Hawke (one of my OCs) so he has actually met some of the previous protags and companions 😂 right, let's og a game at a time. Origins:

HOF warden Aimil…. she would get frustrated by his impatience to be honest… she wouldn't dislike him, but I Don;t think she's recruit him either.

Alister… this could be a disaster, mainly as I have just realised they are worryingly similar in some ways. I think Aimil would try to keep them apart to avoid a disaster…

Morrigan… I think Storm would find her fascinating, but also not trust her, not even a little bit. She would probably find him irritating.

Leliana… she would appreciate Storms passion, but find his quick temper and occasional impatience an issue. I can she her trying to subtly lecture him without lecturing - if that makes sense.

Shale… I think they would both confuse each other to be honest. They'd be civil, but not exactly friends.

Wayne… she's adopt him, and Storm would hate it. I think he would quickly start to feel that everything he does disappoints her, and as he has secret insecurity issues already this would be an issue.

Oghren... this could go either way I think. They both have a bit of a rebellious streak, but in very different ways. I think they would be good drinking buddies, but there is potential for them both to run the other the wrong way - especially if Oghren found out about Storm's fear of Hurlocks as I can see him either flat out insulting STorm about it, or doing a teasing banter that Storm takes the wrong way.

Sten… Storm would feel judged, and Sten would be judging.

Zevren… Chaos. This would be chaos. Storm wants to be Zev, Zev find it amusing. They cause chaos together.

DA2:

Hawke (Autumn)… well she's his mum, so… They get on to a degree, but there's a part of him that kind of feels stuck in her shadow, they clash at times, but deep down, Storm respects her more than he admits.

Anders… storm has a complicated relationship with Anders, a bit of a personality clash unfortunately that got worse as Storm got older and then their relationship almost fractured entirely when Storm became a Grey Warden. They are still civil, but their relationship is definitely strained.

Varric… Storm was close with Uncle Varric growing up, he loved it when Varric wrote letters about his 'adventures' (hunting for Solas mainly, but you know, to a kid that sounds like an adventure) and loved it when Varric occasionally visited.

Merril… Storm has never actually met Merrill (yet) but she wrote to the Hawke's regularly when he was a kid and regularly sent packages of her homemade teas. Asher Storms magic manifested and it became clear that he couldn't heal she also started to see recipes for different healing potions and salves, a lot of his interest in herbology actually Congress from her influence. I think they'd get in fairly well, he might have issue with the v blood magic - because both autumn and Anders had issues with that and have likely given him a slightly biased impression of the topic, but I think he'd get past it fairly fast.

Fenris… Storm has met Fenris only once, and as he was a toddler at the time he can't remember him. He was also in touch a lot less than his parents other friends. They would likely clash at first, but there's potential there for them to get on.

Isabella… Storm has a lot of memories of getting into mischief with Aunt Bela as a kid, but he's not seen her since he was 15.

Aveline… Oh that would probably not be great. I think Storm might remind Aveline too much of his parents worst (in her opinion) qualities.

Sebastian… Let's hope they don't meet, being Anders kid I'm not sure it would go well.

Justic/Vengeance: as storms 'thire parent' they need a mention 😅. Storm and Justice get on fairly well, in part because Justice regularly takes Storms side in arguments with his parents - Storm may have learnt early how to manipulate the spirit.

Inquisition:

I'll be honest, this is the group I'm least familiar with…

Iquisitor Ceitidh… their sarcasm would make them get along well, but Storm's quick temper might create tension at times. I feel Ceitidh would be frustrated with him and maybe find him reckless.

Cullen… Storm and Cullen would definitely clash. Cullen's strict idealism and disciplined approach to things would probably frustrate Storm's more impulsive, “act now” tendencies. They'd have moments where they'd disagree on how to handle situations, and Storm would likely feel like Cullen is treating him like a kid at times.

Vivienne… Storm would find Vivienne’s confidence and intelligence admirable but also frustrating. She embodies tradition and order, which would likely rub Storm the wrong way.

Josephine… Josephine would likely find Storm's impatience frustrating, but she would also respect his passion and desire to do the right thing. Like Leliana I think she's try to gently steer Storm, which he'd resent if he realised.

Dorian… Storm would likely get along with Dorian. I think they would have some interesting banter, but Dorian might find Storms impatient frustrating at times.

Cole… Well Storm is fairly used to spirits, but compassion is very different to Justice/Vengeance. I think Storm might find Coles more cryptic nature confusing, but he'd also probably try to engage with him a lot.

Sera… Storm and Sera would probably get along pretty well. Both have a rebellious nature, and they’d likely bond over their shared dislike of authority and tradition. However, Storm might find Sera’s bluntness a bit abrasive at times. Sera, on the other hand, might find Storm’s more restrained approach a bit too serious for her tastes.

Cassandra… Storm is not a fan of authority. I think Cassandra would probably be one of the more difficult relationships. Also… Well his father is Anders 🤷 .

The Iron Bull… Storm and Iron Bull would probably get along well on a surface level, but there could be issues if they ever attempted to have a note in-depth discussion or actually tried to work together.

Solas… Storm and Solas would definitely clash.

Hey! It’s Friday! That means it’s Rook Intro Hour <3

How it works: I ask you a question about your Rook(s) and you answer it with as much brevity or verbosity as you desire. You can do this whenever you want, and I’ll reblog it + add some comments! There’s no time limit— if you want to do the older ones, they are collected here! (The post is updated on Fridays!)

Today’s Question(s): Let’s do something special, today, to celebrate DA. What would your Rook think of your other DA protagonists? How about the other companions? Is there anyone they would particularly like or dislike? Why? What would the other protagonists/companions think of Rook?

Answer as much or as little as you like. Hope you’re well <3

[anderfels]

Compilation of Rook Questions + Some Extras:

What is your Rook's biggest pet peeve?

What is your favorite headcanon for your Rook?

What does your Rook's favorite mug look like?

What is the worst loss your Rook has endured? How did they deal with that?

How does your Rook deal after Blood of Arlathan (the quest where you have to save the Dalish)? How did they feel when Elgar'nan spoke to them directly? After they were charmed by him?

Besides what we already see in the game, what does your Rook carry in their pack? Any sentimental items? Do they carry anything from there on their person?

How quick is your Rook to forgive? Do they find it easy to move on after the fact? Will they hold this against the person?

If your Rook could wish for one thing and it would be granted no matter what, what would it be?

What would your Rook's café order be?

Does your Rook like card games? Board games? TTRPGs?

Karaoke time! What is your Rook singing?

If you have multiple Rooks, do you think they'd get along with each other?

Extra: What kind of future did your Rook dream for themselves when they were younger? After they joined their faction? After the events of the game?

Extra: If someone wanted to reach your Rook but couldn't find them, who would be the best person to ask where they are?

Extra: Pre-game, what is your Rook's biggest regret? Post-game, does this change?

[vael-fire]

Who is Rook?

We have no Keep to keep our memories this time my friends, so I made a thing. Use it as you will, take pieces, use parts, do the whole damn thing, whatever. Thanks to @mageofquandrix for the backup on this!

Leaving the spoilery part beneath the cut.

Who is Rook?

Name:

Pronouns:

Race:

Faction:

Class:

Specialization:

Before The Veilguard

Where was Rook born? Who were their childhood family and friends? What did they spend their free time doing as a child? What did they want to be when they “grew up” if anything.

Where and how was Rook educated? What did they enjoy learning; what did they dislike learning? Who did they admire most? Who was an example of what not to do or be?

How did they experience gender as a young person? Did they grow up in an environment of strict gender roles and expectations or were they allowed to be themselves? 

What was their take on sexuality as a young person? Did they experiment with romance or find it entirely uninteresting?

What was their take on spirituality as a young person? Did they grow up around one particular religion and if so how did that affect their beliefs?

What childhood fear(s) did Rook carry with them into adulthood?

How did Rook become involved with their chosen faction? Who did they meet first, and how, and where, and why did they join up?

Was Rook interested in finding a life partner of some kind when they joined their faction? Why? Who were their best friends and how did they meet? Who were their rivals, who did they trust?

Did Rook have any scars or tattoos? What’s the story behind them?

Did Rook ever strongly identify with a particular nationality, city, race, creed, or religion? Is this something they explored on their own or a tradition that was passed down to them? Did this identity evolve as they grew into adulthood?

Lightning Round - PREGAME VERSION

Favorite scent:

Favorite food:

Favorite animal:

Favorite book or story:

Favorite drink:

Favorite item of clothing:

Favorite keepsake:

Favorite place:

Favorite person:

Favorite little treat:

During The Veilguard (HEAVY SPOILERS BENEATH THE CUT)

Act 1: Signs and Portents

What was Rook’s status with their own faction at the beginning of the game? Why were they recruited by Varric?

What did Rook think of Varric when they first met? Did Rook support Varric’s choice to confront Solas alone?

Did Rook take Neve or Harding with them when they went to interrupt the ritual themselves? Why?

How did Rook engage with stories of the elven gods at the beginning of the Veilguard? Were the familiar or strange? Was it disorienting to have them rewritten or did it make no real difference to them?

What was Rook’s instinctive reaction to having Solas in their head and dreams? How did Rook respond when Solas asked them why they should be the one to lead the Veilguard?

Did Rook think Neve was right about needing more investigation before acting or that Harding was right that there was no time to spare? What made them think that?

What did Rook decide to do with Mayor Julius of D’Meta’s crossing? Why?

How did Rook react to Harding’s new magic? Were they supportive or wary or a mix of both? 

How did Rook feel among the ancient elven magic and ruins of Arlathan? Did they find Bellara’s work disturbing or fascinating or something else?

How did Rook feel about working with a bunch of assassins, the Antivan Crows? Were they familiar with the organization, a Crow themselves, or something else? How did they feel about Lucanis, specifically about Lucanis and Spite?

How did Rook feel about the Shadow Dragons? Had they ever been to Minrathous before or just heard stories? How did Neve strike them at first?

What did Rook think of the Wardens when they met them? The First Warden? Antoine and Evka? Davrin (and his tits)? And of course, the MVP, Assan?

Did Rook choose to help Minrathous or Treviso? Why?

How did Rook feel after seeing what happened to the city they couldn’t save? Who did they talk to about it, if anyone, and how did they feel toward Neve and Lucanis in the aftermath?

Had Rook ever been to Rivain before? What were their impressions? Did they have any experience with Antaam or Qunari outside the Qun? What did they think of Taash and Shanthann?

What was Rook’s first impression of the Nevarran Necropolis? Were they interested, disturbed, or something else? What did they think of Emmrich and, most importantly, Manfred?

What did Rook think of the Inquisitor? Did they become personal friends or did they keep it professional? Who was the Inquisitor’s lover, if any, and did Rook have an opinion of that?

At the Siege of Weisshaupt, how did Rook deal with the First Warden and why?

Act 2: The Price of the Past

How did Rook react to the aftermath of Weisshaupt? Were they sad, angry, scared, all of the above, or something else? Did they blame themselves? Lucanis? The First Warden? Ghilan'nain? Who did they talk to about it, and did they show their true feelings to their companions?

Had Rook developed a romantic interest in one of their companions--or someone else!--by the time Weisshaupt fell? If so, were they eager to explore it or afraid to? Why?

Who were Rook’s closest companions, and what did they like about them? Who irritated Rook, if anyone, and how?

How did Rook respond to Davrin and Lucanis’s animosity finally boiling over? Were they sympathetic to one or the other or to both?

When Elgar’nan took the Dalish prisoners to use as sacrifices, what was Rook’s first reaction? Were they resolved, raging, sad, or some combination? Did they talk to any of their companions about it?

What was Rook’s reaction to The Butcher’s proposition to them in Treviso? Did they respect it, think it was bonkers, or something else? Did they discuss it with any of their companions after the fact?

Did Rook express concerns about Illario’s behavior to Lucanis? Did Rook encourage him to punish or to forgive Illario? Did Rook encourage Lucanis to work with Spite to save Catarina or to punish Illario? What were Rook’s impressions of Catarina both before and after her kidnapping? How did Rook feel about Lucanis becoming First Talon?

Did Rook support Bellara in her desire to save Cyrian or did they encourage her to be more forceful in stopping him immediately? Did they encourage her to keep the Nadas Dirthalen or to destroy it?

Did Rook encourage the alliance with the Threads in Dock Town? Did they encourage Neve to bring Dock Town hope or to become a darker protector-figure?

What was Rook’s reaction to the revelations about the Titans and the residual anger their downfall and exploitation at the hands of the Evanuris  left behind? Did it change how they felt about Harding’s new powers, and if so, how? Did they encourage Harding to embrace the Titan’s anger or to remember their compassionate side?

How did Rook encourage Davrin to train and interact with Assan? Did they suggest discipline or kindness or some mixture of both? What were Rook’s feelings on seeing the twisted recreation of Weisshaupt, The Profane City? How did the blighted First Warden react to seeing Rook again there? Did Rook decide the griffons should go to the Anderfels with the Wardens or stay in Arlathan as protectors of nature?

What did Rook think of Emmrich’s confession that he wanted to attain lichdom? Did their views on necromancy change as they got to know Emmrich and the Mourn Watch better? Did they encourage Emmrich to attain lichdom or to revive Manfred?

How did Taash’s journey to finding themselves strike Rook? What did Rook think of Shathann once they got to know her better? Did that change after her death? Did Rook encourage Taash to embrace their Rivaini culture or to fall back on the strength of their mother’s teachings about the Qun?

(If Rook didn’t romance Harding or Taash:) Did Rook encourage Taash to get a gift to express interest in Harding? What was it and why? How did they feel about that relationship going forward?

(If Rook didn’t romance Never or Lucanis:) How did Rook feel about Neve and Lucanis’s Romance? Did they encourage it?

(If Rook didn’t romance Emmrich:) Did Rook encourage Emmrich to take Strife to the caves or the forest on a date? How did they feel about that relationship going forward?

How did Rook deal with the friction between Taash and Emmrich? Did they encourage them to find common ground or to talk about other things? How did they feel about that relationship going forward?

Did Rook romance any of their companions after all? What was that like for them, and how did it happen? Did the other companions have an opinion?

Who did Rook feel closest to by the time they were making plans with the Inquisitor to stop the gods’ ritual at the eclipse?

Did Rook choose Davrin or Harding to lead a second team at Tearstone Island? Why? How did they feel in the aftermath of Tearstone Island about that choice? How did they honor their fallen teammate later?

Did Rook choose Neve or Bellara to take down the wards at Tearstone Island? Why? Did they regret their choice? How did they come to terms with it after?

How did Rook deal with learning they’d been magically gaslit into thinking Varric was alive all this time??????

Did Rook find the Mysterious Circles?

Did Rook find all of Solas’s regrets after the Inquisitor gave them the first? What were their reactions to the revelations about:

The Golden City/The Black City and The Chantry’s doctrine being false

Mythal convincing Solas to take a mortal form

Solas being willing to sacrifice his followers for his end goals

Ancient elves originating as spirits who took mortal form

The elves -- particularly Solas and Mythal -- killing and exploiting the Titans to win the war against them

The blight being the Titan’s lost, angry dreams

Solas regaining his power pre-Inquisition by killing Mythal’s current host

Bonus Round: Were Solas and Mythal doing it?

Mythal's essence. How did they get it from her? Was it a fight or a matter of discussion? How did they feel, meeting her?

Act 3: The Wrath of Ages

Were all Rook’s allied factions at maximum strength when they launched their attack on Elgar’nan? Which ones weren’t, and why? Did Rook favor any of them? Their own? Someone else’s?

Who did Rook choose to support the Veil Jumpers in the final battle dealing with magical wards or protecting others?

Who did Rook choose to support the Crows and the Lords of Fortune in the final battle fighting mages or attacking by surprise?

Who did Rook choose to support the Wardens and the Mourn Watch in the final battle fighting massive enemies and constructs?

Who did Rook choose to take with them for the final battle against Elgar’nan and why?

Did Rook plan to trick Solas with the fake dagger or did they think they better not risk it?

Did Morrigan give you Felassen’s Rune? How did Rook use it?

Did Rook have a lover to talk with before the final battle? How did they feel in that moment?

After defeating Elgar’nan, how did Rook deal with Solas and the veil? Was it different than they had planned? If so, why and how?

What did Rook do on the day after saving the world?

Lightning Round - AFTERMATH VERSION

Favorite scent:

Favorite food:

Favorite animal:

Favorite book or story:

Favorite drink:

Favorite item of clothing:

Favorite keepsake:

Favorite place:

Favorite person:

Favorite little treat:

[teine-mallaichte]

From the rook questions list: Does Storm have an irrational phobia?

Rook Ask Game

I'm not sure if it's irrational, but as a Grey Warden it's certainly... inconvenient. But Storm is scared of Hurlocks.

He's gotten better over time and now rather than freezing he will just ignore anything else in the fight and focus entirely on the hurlock - which is still an issue... But it's better than he used to be.

And, I have written a short snippet based on this 😂 so I give you the first time a 17 year old Storm encountered a Hurlock after 'the blight incident' and his emergency joining.

--

It turned out that being a Warden was fairly boring most of the time. The days blurred together in a monotonous rhythm: long treks across the land, endless training sessions, and the occasional skirmish with small groups of darkspawn that didn’t offer much challenge. The constant vigilance was there, but so was the overwhelming sense of tedium. The real kicker, though, was the dreams. They were unsettling - disturbing glimpses of ancient, echoing voices. He'd been told it was the old gods calling to him, darkspawn whispering through the taint - not exactly a reassuring explanation.

But for the most part, the first few months of being a Warden were uneventful, with nothing more than the same routine repeated day after day.

Another day, another long, uneventful patrol. Storm drifted toward the rear, as mages were supposedly meant to do. That, too, had been a point of contention—apparently, mages cast from the back. Mages used staffs. A mage with a dagger? The Wardens didn’t know where to place him in the formation. In Storm’s opinion, they were just being difficul - too rigid.

Today they were scouting a cave system. It took mere minutes to secure the area, but the weight of the taint in the air was unmistakable - it gripped their senses, pulling at their veins. Darkspawn. A low, guttural growl that reverberated through the cave like a death knell.

Nothing unusual. They fought darkspawn regularly. They were Wardens. It's what they did. But today something felt off.

Storm’s heart raced in his chest, his legs suddenly feeling heavy, as though made of lead. He’d been trained for this. He knew how to fight. He’d only been a Warden for a few months, but fighting was nothing new. So why couldn’t he move? What was wrong with him?

The growl echoed again, sharper this time, and Storm's instincts screamed at him to react. His grip on his dagger tightened, and his hand sparked with flecks of lightning, but his body refused to cooperate. His breath coming in short, shallow bursts, chest tight, the air thick with a strange, suffocating pressure.

He couldn’t move.

The darkspawn appeared from the shadows, emerging with a slow, deliberate gait. Its hulking form loomed over him, eyes glinting.

A hurlock.

It moved closer, its jagged teeth glinting in the dim light of the cave, its hulking form a grotesque reminder of the nightmarish creature that had nearly taken his life. He could feel the taint radiating from it like heat, the suffocating pressure of the Blight filling his lungs, making it harder to breathe. The sound of its claws scraping against the stone echoed in the back of his mind, louder than his own racing thoughts.

“Storm,” Aunt Bethany’s voice cut through the haze of panic, sharp and commanding.

He couldn’t move.

He couldn’t even think.

The growl that came next was deeper, more menacing, and it snapped something inside him. The image of the hurlock biting into his arm, the sickening, tearing sensation, flooded his mind. The Blight. The darkness. The infection. Everything he had been trying to ignore, everything that had led him to this moment, it all crashed into him at once.

“Storm, move!” Aunt Bethany’s voice cut through his mind, but it was distant, as though coming from the other side of a vast chasm. Her urgency didn’t seem to reach him - his mind was stuck, trapped in that single, awful memory. His body refusing to respond.

Get a grip, he thought, move, damn it. He had to move. He had to do something.

The hurlock took another step, its massive footfall shaking the ground beneath them. It snarled, its eyes locking on Storm as though it could sense the hesitation in him.

You’re not that weak anymore. You’re a Warden.

The words echoed in his mind, but they felt distant, too abstract. He couldn’t go through it again. Not like that. Not again.

"Storm!" Bethany’s voice was sharper now, and he felt a hand grab his arm, pulling him back.

The world around him was a blur—shouts, clashing steel, the crackling of his own lightning. Everything felt distant, like he was observing from somewhere far away.

The growl of the hurlock faded into the background as his body trembled, his mana nearly drained, his senses overwhelmed. By the time the creature crumpled to the ground, dead at the Wardens’ feet, Storm was shaking uncontrollably, his legs unsteady beneath him.

The journey back to camp was a blur, the landscape slipping past in a haze.

He could hardly recall the path they took, the faces of the Wardens as they passed. But what stayed with him, vivid and real, was Bethany’s hand still firmly gripping his arm, guiding him, offering him something to hold onto as his world spun out of control.

[heylavellan]

50 questions for antonio

got bored last night and answered the 50 (spoiler-free) questions for rook by @spookyvalentine. these were so much fun to answer, so i might do the spoilery ones next!

answers beneath the cut, because there are a lot of questions!

1. How old is Rook?

Mid 30s

2. How did Rook get the nickname? What do they think of it?

Varric started using it because Antonio is a qunari crow. Since rooks are smaller corvids, he thought it was funny. Antonio doesn't mind at first, and then starts to adopt it more because its more gender. Only other crows really get away with calling them Antonio anymore. Viago and Lucanis are the only ones that can call them Toño.

3. What was Rook’s life before their faction?

They lived under the Qun. Their Tama had them selected for the Ben Hassrath. When the first traces of magic manifested around 8 years old, their Tama had them smuggled to Antiva. They were then caught robbing a market stall which resulted in them getting recruited to House De Riva.

4. Which faction did they join, and why? How long has it been?

The crows took them off the streets. They had no choice if they didn't want to die, either at the templars' hands or for failing the Crows.

5. What was life like for Rook before joining the Veilguard?

They went through the grueling crow training. Honed espionage and charismatic skills, since being qunari set them apart. After all, their differences were an asset. They only survived their training thanks to the intervention of Viago. As such they helped Viago become the Guildmaster of House de Riva and eventually rise to Talon. They spent a lot of time in the court intrigues of Antiva City, before a mission went wrong and they went into hiding in Treviso. There they bought off all the gondoliers and made qunari gondoliers common site.

6. What was the reason that brought Rook to Minrathous?

Varric and Harding. Qunari don't belong in Minrathous.

7. Why does Rook agree to join the Veilguard?

A crow never abandons their contracts. Besides, no one else seemed willing to step up to prevent the end of the world.

8. What makes them a good leader?

They're personable. They're good at making people like them and encouraging those people to get along.

9. What is Rook like on the battlefield?

Quick and in the enemies face. Lightning and fire, dancing along their dagger or tossed short distances from their orb.

10. Does Rook know their history? Do they know of the HoF, Hawke, the Inquisitor?

No. They're tangentially aware that the head of the Montilyets are connected to the Inquisition and that Kirkwall had problems. They know Antivan history though.

11. Does Rook keep up with current events? (How aware of the situation are they at the start of the game?)

Outside of the Antaam invasion? Nope. Just wants to go back to taking contracts. They have to learn on the job.

12. Does Rook have any family? Do they keep in touch?

Viago is the closest thing they have. And even then, there are limits to how much they consider him family. However, they desperately want his approval.

13. Did Rook bring any trinkets/sentimental items to The Lighthouse?

They don't keep much, but they would bring a model gondola and the knife Viago gifted them when they became a master assassin.

14. What do they see in a mirror?

Someone incomplete. Not right, but just in little ways. There is so much they need to change to become the perfect Crow.

15. What’s the first thing people notice when Rook enters a room?

Height. And horns. They're tall and imposing by virtue of being qunari.

16. Got any tattoos? What’s the story behind them?

Got facial tattoos to feel something. Probably around the time they were questioning their gender, shortly after leaving Antiva City.

17. How’d Rook get those scars?

Jobs gone wrong. One on their forearm is from a blood pact with Viago.

18. Fondest childhood memory?

When they got their name. The crow that snatched them off the streets named them Antonio as the spur of the moment when presenting them to the de Rivas.

19. What is Rook’s love language? What love languages do they respond best to?

Loves acts of service and quality time. Usually gives physical touch.

20. What’s it like to see them smile? Their laugh?

Quite common. A true smile shows in their eyes. They squint more and their teeth show a bit more.

21. What does Rook’s voice sound like? One of the voice options available, or do they have a different accent/voicecast?

Lower American masculine voice.

22. Most embarrassing teen memory?

Viago walked in on them the first time they were shacking up with a girl. It turned out she was from a rival house tasked to steal them for her house. Viago didn't let them put their pants on while berating them.

23. What does Rook wear in the off hours? Do they like dressing up?

long black cotton shirt, with sleeves puffed and embroidered to look like feathers. blue leather breeches, white stockings. black boots, lots of buckles.

24. Does Rook have any nightly rituals before bed?

Removing their vitaar, updating their poison kit, polish their orb and knife. read a book and then sleep.

25. How does Rook like to spend their free time?

Reading poetry, sailing, or stargazing

26. Rook is in charge of the grocery list. What’s on it?

eggs, tomatoes, harissa, peppers, onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. to make huevos a la flamenca (shakshouka)!

27. Last time they cried

Probably a week ago. They let their emotions build up before releasing them all

28. Does Rook have any pets/animal companions?

No. Viago killed their first pet gecko when they were young, and they have been too scared to have another since.

29. Any vices?

Alcohol and spending copious amounts of money on boats.

30. What is Rook’s class? Did they choose it?

Mage. They chose it as much as any mage chooses it.

31. What specialization does Rook pursue? What called them to it?

Spellblade. Common Crow specialisation, so they picked it up too

32. How would a desire demon tempt them?

Being in a truly safe place. No threats. Time to relax and try their hand at poetry.

33. What do fear demons look like?

Shadowy assassins. Lots of times they have a warped version of Viago's face.

34. How do they start their day?

A dose of poison to keep up with Viago's regimen, stashing weapons, then scouting their surroundings to make sure they feel safe

35. Ultimate comfort food

Buttered pasta, with a little bit of cheese.

36. What would Rook say are their flaws?

Hasty, a pushover, and dishonest

37. Does Rook ascribe to a faith?

Nope. Takes some aspects of the Qun and the Chantry, but follows neither and full.

38. Did Rook have any relationships before Veilguard?

Briefly was with Viago before 9:44 (8 little talons). None since.

39. What is their room at The Lighthouse like?

Would have been smaller, had a bed and a desk.

40. Rook's bed.

Never made. pillow has indents from their horns. a few thick blankets.

41. What's on their nighstand?

A knife, cup of water, horn balm, hanky, a thick poetry book

42. A regret

Burning their fake identity in the Antivan court to salvage a contract.

43. Are they a gossip?

Only under the influence.

44. What are they really good at?

Quick gondola getaways

45. Closest friend before the Veilguard?

Chance Candide. Viago had been sending them on a lot of contracts together.

46. How to earn their trust?

Defending and/or protecting them. Before Viago, few people stuck their necks out for them. Few still do because of them being qunari and the Antaam invasion.

47. What’s Rook’s temper like?

Quick. Easy to irritate, but easy to calm down.

48. A color, flower, animal, and weather to describe Rook?

Mint green, poinsettias, turtle, a scorching hot day

49. Something that always makes them laugh.

Repeating what someone said but in a mocking tone.

50. Are they a mystery, or an open book?

A locked book. Once someone has the key, they can know whatever they like

[silurisanguine]

2, 15, and 24 for Teleri! Tell me more about her! ^.^

Thank you for these asks, i was hoping someone would ask them!!Please by all means ask more 🤣 2: How did Rook get the nickname? What do they think of it? Being a Crow, she finds it amusing to be called by another corvid's name and knew Varric thought it an ironic joke to have it as a play on words. Of course he said it's because the Rook chess piece was the strongest on the board and some days she does feel like she's playing a game of chess against the elven gods...and Solas. So she doesn't really mind it, seeing it as a title, though prefers it when people call her by her name, especially her friends.

15: What’s the first thing people notice when Rook enters a room? She tends to telegraph her movements to make sure they know she is coming up to them as with the combination of being a Dalish fighter and a Crow, she is trained to be silent and unseen. But she has been told her green eyes are dazzling, which are enhanced by her makeup and Vallaslin. Her smile too seems to knock people off guard.

24: Does Rook have any nightly rituals before bed? First check in on everyone first, especially Lucanis to make sure he is getting some rest. Then bathe, (I can't believe there isn't any form of bathing in that Lighthouse, so i decided one of those floating buildings is an elven bath house they can teleport to.) Then brush her hair and make sure her nails are buffed to prevent any hangnails as they irritate her (i noticed a idle animation of hers is pick her nails!)

[spicywarl0ck]

11 and 13 for the Rook asks in return? x

Thank you for the ask <3 I'm gonna answer with Asha Mercar (romanced Neve) and Yaryna de Rive (romanced Emmrich) again <3 I have a third Rook, but I haven't decided whom to romance yet x3 11: Who says "I love you" first? What is the others reaction? Who thinks it first? Asha: Neve thought it first, but didn't say it because she knows she shouldn't, that romance is trouble and this would complicate things between them. But in the end Neve was also the one saying it first (in her Neve way), and Asha reacted by throwing herself at the Detective right away. Yaryna: Yaryna said it first, and Emmrich was surprised but also happy about it. I imagine he returned it right away and then they made out on the desk *cough* But Emmrich definitely thought it first but felt he couldn't say it, because how could she possibly feel the same right? 13: What Songs do you associate with them? (Gosh I haven't thought about that at all!) Asha: Whatever it takes from Hazbin Hotel seems very fitting for them Yaryna: Maybe at all cost from the movie Wish

[yellingaboutmasseffect]

6 and 11 for rook ask

6. Does your Rook share Neve's love of fried fish?

I feel they both would like it. Zea, as a Veiljumper, is no stranger to fried river fish but the seasonings and add in some other ocean critters? Very good.

I feel Kalais is not used to fish prepared the way and it's perfectly fine but the company makes memorable.

11. What dragon would Taash think your Rook would like the best?

Taash probably teases Zea about how the Formless One being a Lich dragon would suit her give how she is a necromancer and dating Emmrich. When they get the hate mail from them, I think they both have a laugh over it.

Kalais is fascinated by the dragon that Taash had them help them with when meeting them. I think Taash would invite them to come feed her again post game.

[fangbangerghoul]

12, 19, and 22 for the rook questions!

Thank you! I honestly had a really bad and exhausting day, so this made me very happy to come home too.

Ghoul is my Rook (shes my everything)

12. What is their orientation?

Ghoul is Nonbinary and bisexual, maybe even player sexual cause shed bone a lot of other Rooks. Romance is hard for her but I am not sure if she's aro.

19: How do you think they'll meet their end?

Gruesomely. One wrong step, one day she might be at the wrong place or wrong time, maybe she lets her guard down for too long. But the world will come for her, and she will meet her end in a very dramatic and gruesome way. (I swear I still love her)

22: What languages is your character fluent in?

The Trade Tongue fluently, a tiny bit of Tevene from childhood studies, and enough Qunlat to know when to be on the defense.

You can ask more Rook Questions if you'd like to know more about my Rook, Ghoul!

[basedonconjecture]

3 for the Rook and LI asks!

Short answer: way longer than the Lighthouse betting pool had them down for for sure lol

Long answer:

With Selora and Lucanis, it’s a case of she fell first, he fell harder in the sense that her interest in him was just that much more obvious to everyone (except for the two of them) a lot sooner. There was a lot of curiosity from the outset which didn’t help. They’re both Crows, for instance, and their respective positions within their faction is pretty unique. Things they could relate to each other about that would be a bit harder to explain to someone from the outside (see: all the questions from team about the Crows) and genuine interest in the other’s work for professional~ reasons. On top of that, Sel was making a concerted effort to gain his trust because she was so used to even other Crows looking at her sideways for multiple reasons.

Bless them, but there was a vibe from the jump and they made a valiant effort to define said vibe as professional respect first, then friendship, with zero self-awareness of how they were coming across to anyone else. If it wasn’t already obvious to everyone before Weisshaupt, it definitely was after because that’s where they realized (separately) that they maybe felt a little more strongly about the other than was wise culminating in that pantry moment that would go on to make them both miserable for weeks — along with everyone else forced to pretend they didn’t see the pining. Nobody knows how the betting pool started, but there may have been a few contrived instances of forcing the pair of them together in hopes they’d resolve it finally.

(Neve ended up being the closest to how it actually happened and winning the betting pool but she split it with Harding, who’d had the shortest timeline on the books but was at least partially responsible for them finally talking to each other about it she split her winnings with Taash who helped)

[mother-giselles-hat]

Meanwhile, at the Cobbled Swan.

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

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

Inquisitor: ?

Rook: You can come out, Lucanis

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

Inquisitor: ??

Lucanis: *please* tell me about the wyvern

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

Lucanis: 🫨

[wickedwitchofthewilds]

Elauthin collects a lot of things, but her favorite things to collect are bones. She's been collecting them since she was a teenager. It's been an instant deal breaker in some relationships. The moment when some people find her too weird to continue seeing her. Taash teases Elle about it and calls the bone cabinet "The Bone Zone."

Good (looks at clock) afternoon everyone!

Hey tell me like… a WEIRD thing about your Rook

Like not their job or books they like or food

Something they do or about them that’s kind of strange and/or off-putting lol

[anderfels]

Questions for your Rook and their partner:

Does your Rook fall for their partner at first sight? If not, what moment made your Rook realize they're in love with them?

When does the partner realize that they're in love with Rook?

How long does it take for them to officially get together? Did any of the other Lighthouse members have any suspicions beforehand?

Do your Rook and their partner share the same faction? If so, does that affect their relationship at all? If not, what is your Rook's opinion of their partner's faction? What is the partner's opinion of Rook's faction?

Do they have different cultural backgrounds (e.g. a Rook who was raised in Antiva with Harding who was raised in Ferelden)? If so, do they ever share parts of their culture with each other? If they're similar, how do they celebrate their culture together?

What is their favorite thing to do together? Do they share any hobbies? Does your Rook teach their partner their own hobbies? Does the partner teach Rook theirs?

Are they a physically affectionate couple? Are they fine displaying those affections in public or do they prefer to be in private? If they're not, how do they prefer to show their love instead?

What does their ideal date look like? Do they go on much?

Does your Rook bring them out often? How are they like on the battlefield? Do they banter much?

Do they have any nicknames for each other? Who uses terms of endearment more?

Who says "I love you" first? What is the other's reaction? Who thinks it first?

Any inside jokes?

What song(s) do you associate with them?

Does your Rook get their partner any other gifts (besides the one already in-game)? Does the partner get Rook any? Any gifts that are particularly special?

What was the partner's reaction to Rook being imprisoned in the Fade? How did they cope? How did they react upon seeing Rook again?

How did your Rook react to getting trapped in the Fade and separated from their partner?

What is your Rook's favorite thing about their partner? What is the partner's favorite thing about Rook?

When all is said and done, where would they like to retire together? Is marriage in the cards for them? Children? Pets?

[vael-fire]

Who is Rook? Pt 2 - Kalle Aldwir

Using this questionnaire I made, feel free to grab it yourself. SO MANY SPOILERS BELOW and in that link. SO MANY.

Part 1 (Before The Veilguard)

Part 3 (During the Veilguard // Act 2: The Price of the Past)

Part 4 (During the Veilguard // Act 3: The Wrath of Ages)

During The Veilguard

Act 1: Signs and Portents

What was Rook’s status with their own faction at the beginning of the game? Why were they recruited by Varric?

Strife was, to say the least, fucking pissed at Kalle for losing the map. Kalle is generally hard to anger, but he was pissed right back; he stands by his decision to save his team instead of a precious one-of-a-kind ancient artifact that would’ve led them to loads more ancient artifacts. It was a strange sensation to disagree with him so violently, since Kalle’s looked up to Strife for as long as he’s known him. 

It was a relief to leave Arlathan and help the search for the Dread Wolf, and Kalle cooled off quickly once he was out of there. Strife… didn’t really, but Irelin worked on him.

What did Rook think of Varric when they first met? Did Rook support Varric’s choice to confront Solas alone?

Kalle immediately loved Varric. He’s willing to be charmed at all times, and Varric’s storytelling is right up his alley. He would’ve followed Varric into anything, and he trusted Varric’s judgment when it came to Solas. Varric and Harding knew Solas. Kalle didn’t, apart from the (obviously bullshit) stories about Fen’harel.

Did Rook take Neve or Harding with them when they went to interrupt the ritual themselves? Why?

Neve. He’s an archer himself, so it made more sense to have a mage with him.

How did Rook engage with stories of the elven gods at the beginning of the Veilguard? Were the familiar or strange? Was it disorienting to have them rewritten or did it make no real difference to them?

He’d always loved the stories and was grateful for the chance to see them coming into better focus… even if they took a very different shape than he would’ve expected when he was a little boy back in Rivain. That said, he never really managed to think of the gods as gods, so finding out they were just disgustingly powerful mages made more sense to him.

When Bellara expressed that she was worried about what people would think of elves, when they heard about Elgar’nan and Ghili’nain’s escape and bid for power, he realized she was correct. Historically, humans never needed an excuse to blame elves for everything; they’d need even less now that they knew it was their own gods who’d fucked them over in the first place. It was a problem for another time, but it did sit in the back of Kalle’s mind, especially when they were helping with Veil Jumper business. 

And, if he’s honest, when they were dealing with what was left of Minrathous after the dragon and blight. Ages and ages ago, Tevinter jumped on the burning aftermath of the war to pick Arlathan’s corpse clean and enslave its people. Now its capital had been destroyed as a result of the same--or similar, they weren’t sure at that point--forces. This didn’t bode well, if things went sideways.

What was Rook’s instinctive reaction to having Solas in their head and dreams? How did Rook respond when Solas asked them why they should be the one to lead the Veilguard?

Confusion, then irritation when he found out it was via blood magic. At the same time, he needed what Solas knew. And, okay, a teeny tiny part of him really did want to impress the Dread Wolf.

He told Solas he would lead because someone had to, and no one else was volunteering. Anyhow, Varric seemed to think he should, and he really, really trusted Varric.

Did Rook think Neve was right about needing more investigation before acting or that Harding was right that there was no time to spare? What made them think that?

Though he’s impulsive by nature, he knew Neve was right: there was so much they didn’t know and they were out of their depth. His time with the Veil Jumpers taught him a lot about the disastrous consequences of not looking before you leap when it comes to ancient elven magic. (And bears.)

What did Rook decide to do with Mayor Julius of D’Meta’s crossing? Why?

He released him. With Solas in his head, he didn’t feel like he was in a position to judge. Anyhow, living with something that fucked up is a way worse punishment than death.

How did Rook react to Harding’s new magic? Were they supportive or wary or a mix of both? 

Having spent the last few years around barely understood magic himself, he found it exciting. He immediately guessed that Harding was discovering something about her people, just as he’d been doing about his--and he was happy for her and wanted to reassure her.

He realized at that point that he might’ve developed a teeny, tiny crush on Harding while they’d been following Varric all over the damn place. She’s just so pretty, though! And amazing with a bow! And seeing her distressed hurt. And and and.

How did Rook feel among the ancient elven magic and ruins of Arlathan? Did they find Bellara’s work disturbing or fascinating or something else?

Some of the ruins on the outskirts, especially the quiet ones, have been Kalle’s happy place for a long time. He loves the ruins, even the ones that bring out his cultivated cautious side. 

He regrets that he never got to work with Bellara before, because she’s a damn delight. They immediately clicked and bonded over their shared love of Dalish nerdery, though he did learn quickly he needed to tread carefully with her due to something in her past. He’s sensitive to things like that, considering his own.

How did Rook feel about working with a bunch of assassins, the Antivan Crows? Were they familiar with the organization, a Crow themselves, or something else? How did they feel about Lucanis, specifically about Lucanis and Spite?

When he set out for Antiva, Kalle wasn’t hopeful. He’d heard stories, he’d traveled through part of Antiva, and the Crows just didn’t seem like they’d be helpful against gods. And then he met Viago and Teia and instantly had a crush on the pair of them. After a few minutes with Catarina, his opinion had changed entirely; these were capable leaders, they just went about things a very, very, very different way than any others. Sure, they were murderers (sorry, assassins!), but at least they didn’t send hapless soldiers to their deaths in droves, right?

When he met Lucanis, he was amazed at his resilience, even though he suspected he was more than a little bit (understandably) unhinged. It turned out Lucanis was indeed traumatized but holding himself together better than expected--and a lot of that was probably down to Spite. So while he was worried about Spite, Kalle also grew up in a place where spirits were respected and revered… and there was something about Lucanis’s competence that made him believe that, with the help of the team, he could handle it.

Was he at all influenced by the fact that he found Lucanis even more wildly attractive than the talons he’d just met? Yes, yes he was.

How did Rook feel about the Shadow Dragons? Had they ever been to Minrathous before or just heard stories? How did Neve strike them at first?

Before meeting Varric, all the stories Rook heard about Minrathous were very, very bad. His mother’s family wasn’t enslaved there, but near the mountains in Marothius. Nevertheless, the stories were bleak, from the point of view of enslaved people, and his father never had anything good to say about Tevinter either.

That said, he was both curious to see the city more intimately (he never did listen to his mother’s warnings…or anyone’s) and to meet more Shadow Dragons. He liked and was a little awed by Neve right away. She was a dreaded Tevinter Mage but she was on the right side, and that was all that mattered. He also knew there was a resistance inside Minrathous and that a furious debate about the future of enslaved people was whirling in the Magisterium; to meet Dorian Pavus and Maevaris Tilani, even though he hadn’t known their names before, was humbling.

Meeting and knowing the Shadow Dragons gave him incredible hope not just for his people but for the world.

What did Rook think of the Wardens when they met them? The First Warden? Antoine and Evka? Davrin (and his tits)? And of course, the MVP, Assan?

Stories of the Wardens were among his favorites when Kalle was a kid. Fighting monsters and darkspawn and being a hero? Yes please! Davrin immediately seemed like his childhood ideal of a hero, and he had a griffon. He didn’t seem to know what to do with him, but he was trying, and it was devastatingly charming. Kalle loved and felt very protective of Assan from the moment he met the lil guy.

And, yes, he immediately crushed on Davrin too. Obviously.

Antoine and Evka became fast friends with Kalle quickly. He loves them, their curiosity, and their devotion to their order--and how it doesn’t get in the way of sense. Like some Wardens. Just saying.

But honestly, they’re so cute together, he and Harding talk about it all the time.

The blight itself scares the fuck out of Kalle. It smells like rot and feels like it too. It activates a primal fear of disease and infection in him that he can’t control to some extent. It’s miserable and he hates wading through it. He’ll fight demons and undead all fucking day rather than burst one more godsdamned blight blister.

Did Rook choose to help Minrathous or Treviso? Why?

Treviso was already beset by Antaam and had no standing army--what could the Crows do against a dragon? He felt they were more vulnerable, and so he went to Treviso.

How did Rook feel after seeing what happened to the city they couldn’t save? Who did they talk to about it, if anyone, and how did they feel toward Neve and Lucanis in the aftermath?

When he saw blighted Minrathous, Rook felt like absolute shit. He didn’t question his decision--there was no right answer and he knew it—but he regretted the necessity of it so hard. Seeing the people of Minrathous, especially the ones who were as much under the thumb of the Magisters as his own forebears, hit hard.

He didn’t blame Neve for not trusting him after that, but it stung. Kalle prides himself on being really, really good with people. He doesn’t like feeling there’s nothing he can do to improve someone’s opinion of him. Especially when they’re justified in their distrust.

While he knew Lucanis was grateful for the help in Treviso, they were both really aware of Neve in the aftermath, too much so to talk about it in any positive way. A nod between them, a knowing look, and an unspoken understanding was enough.

Had Rook ever been to Rivain before? What were their impressions? Did they have any experience with Antaam or Qunari outside the Qun? What did they think of Taash and Shathann?

Kalle lived in Rivain until he was 13! He knew some Qunari, as there are plenty of them in Rivain, and had a handful of family friends or personal acquaintances that were Vashoth. Taash immediately delighted him. One time he saw them doing pull ups and had to go lie down for a few minutes before the blood returned to his brain. (Yes, another crush, he can’t help himself. They’re hilarious and hot, though! And hunt dragons!) Shathann irritated him but he bore with her for Taash’s sake. And for the sake of his own mother, who he still misses almost daily.

What was Rook’s first impression of the Nevarran Necropolis? Were they interested, disturbed, or something else? What did they think of Emmrich and, most importantly, Manfred?

As much as disease and rot repels Kalle, he’s fine with death. He had to come to terms with it very young and on his own, since his father was shattered and needed Kalle to keep him alive, effectively. Mortalitasi magic had a similar, if less personal appeal to the ancient elven magic swirling through Arlathan: curious, powerful, dangerous, irresistible.

He befriended Emmrich immediately--and Manfred, after the initial surprise. Emmrich’s avuncular professor vibe could’ve been off-putting seeing as formal schooling was a nightmare for Kalle, but Emmrich is too fascinating, kind, charming, and thoughtful to irritate anyone, let alone Kalle. The growing bond between Emmrich and Manfred was a source of much enjoyment to everyone in the Lighthouse (once they got used to them!) but especially Kalle.

Spending time in the Necropolis with Emmrich was soothing. It helped Kalle process some lingering stuff he didn’t know he was still carrying around, and he’ll always be grateful to Emmrich for that among other things.

What did Rook think of the Inquisitor? Did they become personal friends or did they keep it professional? Who was the Inquisitor’s lover, if any, and did Rook have an opinion of that?

Inquisitor Lavellan awed Kalle at first, but they quickly found common ground, both being Dalish and thrust into weird and unexpected high-stakes leadership roles. They both had to admit that it seemed oddly appropriate that it was up to other elves to clean up after Solas and the Evanuris. 

Kalle met Dorian before he met the Inquisitor, and was struck by how absurdly good-looking the couple was. He also wondered how the hell they kept it together, being so far apart and so busy. Maybe love is a thing, just not a thing for Kalle?

At the Siege of Weisshaupt, how did Rook deal with the First Warden and why?

Kalle’s temper doesn’t flare often, and he knew what he was trying to get everyone to believe (my gods are real and they’re controlling the blight and hate us) was absolutely wild… but he couldn’t help it. 

He punched the First Warden in his stupid fucking face and it felt great.

[teine-mallaichte]

For the Rook Ask Game - you already know I want to know everything on your list for Storm, so it's hard to pick, but please choose from whichever of the below you'd have the most fun writing:

🌸- What are Holly and Rowan up to during Veilguard?

🌾- If there was a demon trying to trap/take over Rook, what kind would be the most successful? What would break their hold?

🥀 - What figure from Rook’s personal past would be added to the regret prison?

Rook Ask game

Storm "Rook" Hawke Master list

🌸 Holly and Rowan are 15 when the events of Veilguard start. So they are 'safe' at home with Anders and Autumn. Though they may be needing to move soon given that they are in Ferelden...

🌾 Ok I had to put a LOT of thought into this one... But I've concluded that an Envy Demon would have the best chance. Because, despite all of Storms apparent confidence and sarcasm he is deeply insecure. He's always felt overshadowed by his parents accomplishments, and his parents friends accomplishments. Then when Holly turned out to be a talented healer, and Rowan showed so much promise as a rouge it got worse. He's just the eldest. He's not special. All he can do is throw lightning at stuff - and get scared of hurlocks despite being a damn Grey Warden. I can see Envy tempting him with promises of power or recognition, claiming it could make him finally feel worthy.

As for what would break the hold... Well he's still a Hawke and stubbornness is not exactly lacking - even if self awareness is. And at his core his defining features are a protective instinct and altruistic attitude. Envy is at its core selfish and self serving, and I think an envy demon would over reach, causing him to head from it's hold.

🥀 Oh he's going to be reliving the Blight Incident isn't he... And the argument with Anders after his joining... And a few other things I have planned for his back story. But the main people who would feature in the regret prison for him are definitely Anders, Rowan, Holly, and a fellow Grey Warden who I've not introduced yet but who he gets close to about a year after his joining. I've not given her a name yet so I can't really say much more about her at this point 🤣

[bluesylveon2]

Rook no 😭 also his little face here 😆

Why does Rook have a Heartslabyul hedgehog on hand? The world may never know. Meanwhile, Riddle is having a heart attack over his precious hedgehog