#datv ask game

[rook-laidir]

26 for the Injury prompts perhaps? 🤲🏼👀

"Rook? Rook, this isn't funny. Stop... please...” Neve pleaded, her gloves sticky with blood as she pressed her hands into the rogue’s side to stop the bleeding.

Despite the deep gash in their side, Rook managed a weak smirk, looking up at Neve with almost enough adoration and reassurance to mask the fear. “I thought you liked my jokes.”

Neve just choked out a sob, holding Rook tighter. Damn Rook for constantly wanting to be the hero. Damn them for not listening when she told them to keep Aelia’s eyes on her. She should’ve known Aelia would twist the knife again. She should’ve known she’d try to take her Trouble away from her too. “Just stay here, Trouble. Stay with me. Please.”

With as much effort as they could expend, Rook reached up to cup Neve’s cheek. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me, Neve Gallus.”

Whatever Neve said in response was muffled by a ringing in their ears as their vision faded to black.

Rook woke up several hours later staring at the ceiling of the Lighthouse’s infirmary. The throbbing migraine was new. So was the bandage wrapped around their torso, covering what they assumed to be stitches, courtesy of Harding. They glanced over to their left, expecting to see Varric either ready to berate them for getting injured again or snoring softly in his bed. Instead, their eyes settled on the warm weight of Neve slumped over in the chair next to them, her head resting against their arm as she slept. Rook reached for her hand and squeezed, smiling softly as they closed their eyes. Maybe nearly dying wasn’t the best way to do it, but it was certainly one way of letting them catch up on some much needed rest.

[covertleathers]

Naran Rook story prompts 13 and 22? 💚

Thank you for submitting this one! This is my attempt at writing something positive and *not* angsty. We will see how that goes. From the Rook Story Time writing prompts!

I’m getting to the others as well! I haven’t forgotten about them!:)

13. Rook visiting a place they love.

Naran kicked his feet over the edge, unafraid of the endless fade beneath his boots. The sound of Neve’s footsteps in the distant courtyard rang through even here at the top of the Lighthouse tower. A secret passageway to the tower gave way to a thin balcony with a view unlike any other overlooking the unterrupted sea of clouds. He brought his tea to his lips, surprised it had stayed hot this long.

You could say he thought he saw this view in his dreams before. It was almost certain he had seen these broken towers floating in a distance as a young boy. There was a comfortable familiarity with the constant almost-dusk of this part of the face that soothed him.

“Naran,” a gentle voice from behind. Harding. Of course she knew this spot, the team’s scout. She knew where to find him.

“Hey.”

“You know, you’d be a great Crow if you’re comfortable scrambling across rooftops.” She said with a laugh. “Make some good gold when this is all over.”

Naran scoffed with a crooked smile, “I’m too old and too wild for the likes of them. Lucanis got you recruiting now?”

“Nah, just wanted to spend some time with you,” she sighed. Her own cup of tea in hand, she sat next to him but a little farther away from the edge. Stone instincts. They daintily clinked their teacups together and laughed.

“Thanks, Harding.”

[covertleathers]

Please ask some Qs about my Rook, Ziya (Lucanis Kisser)!

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?

[luniidae]

Can we do something about it, please? 🫠

I tried... 👀

[antivan-sprig]

Language of Flowers Rook asks

I don’t know why, but it never occurred to me that I could actually make one of these myself. Here are some Rook asks vaguely centered around Floriography.

(NSFW below the cut)

Actions and Views

Iris: Is Rook religious? Are there any moments in their past that made them come to this decision?

Monkshood: Does Rook ever think about their own death?

Black-eyed Susan: Does Rook believe justice exists? (The act/concept, not the character) Would they ever take justice into their own hands?

Snapdragon: What’s the most selfish thing they’ve ever done?

Marigold: Is Rook capable of cruelty?

Memories

Moss: Does Rook remember their mother?

Lilac: What is one of Rook’s happiest memories?

Forget-me-nots: What haunts Rook the most?

Rosemary: What is Rook’s earliest memory?

Rhododendron: Who was Rooks first kill? How do they feel about it?

Hellebore: What are some of their triggers? Would anyone notice if Rook was exposed to one?

Domesticity

Morning Glory: What is something Rook’s partners could do to make them melt romantically?

Wisteria: Write a scene where Rook dances with their partner.

Mistletoe: Describe a kiss that meant a lot to Rook.

Holly: How do Rook and their partner(s) split up chores?

Myrtle: How does Rook’s life (and potentially their partner’s life) change if they have children and/or get married?

Babies Breath: Would Rook want children? Do they ever have any?

Dandelion: What type of parent is rook?

Vices and Physical Romance

Lily: Is Rook an experienced lover?

Narcissus: Are there any physical attributes about themselves that they like?

Calla Lily: What physical attributes do they like in a partner?

Sweat Pea: What is something Rook’s partner could do to make them come undone sexually?

Mint: Does Rook have any vices? How likely are they to be overcome by them?

Bergamot: Does Rook drink? What sort of drunk are they?

Violet: How comfortable is Rook being naked around others?

[flowersforthemachines]

Useless Veilguard fact of the day: Day 49

If you complete Emmrich's questline and make him a lich before he goes on the camping trip with Harding, you can hear some unique voicelines.

Rook: So going outdoors is still… fun, for a lich? Emmrich: Nature remains cloaked in all its glory. Though the elements pose less of a worry. Harding: Exactly! You're a skeleton under your magic. Why are you even bringing different clothes? Emmrich: My dear Harding, a gentleman should always look presentable. Harding: (Exasperated noise) To who? The squirrels? Emmrich: That should be "to whom." Harding: I am going to stab you with an arrow. Emmrich: I really have looked forward to you showing me more of your home, Harding. Harding: Me, too. Oh! Are you going to be a lich in the woods? Emmrich: If it's not an inconvenience. Can we still have a campfire? Harding: We have to have a campfire. And spooky stories. Emmrich: Wonderful! I'll copy some passages from my diaries.

Check out the tag for more useless facts: #useless davg fact of the day!

My DAVG Extracted Audio Masterlist

[ellstersmash]

Dragon Age: The Veilguard HYPE Q&A

What was the first Dragon Age game you played?

Which Dragon Age game is your favorite so far?

Do you usually play as a warrior, mage, or rogue? Which class are you planning to try first this time around? Which subclass?

What does your worldstate look like going into DAV?

Do you typically use a preset character and name or spend hours in the character creator coming up with a custom one?

Do you have your Rook(s) planned out to any degree? If so, would you share some details or ideas you have?

Which character from the previous games or other media are you most hoping will make an appearance in DAV?

What faction are you most excited to learn more about?

Which romance, if any, do you plan to pursue first?

Which location are you most excited/hoping to explore in-game?

What's one thing you'd really like to see in this next game?

What's one thing you're hoping we DON'T see in this next game?

What's one thing you've seen confirmed so far that you're a fan of?

What's one thing you've seen confirmed so far that you're NOT a fan of?

Do you have any unpopular opinions about DAV so far?

What's one crack theory you subscribe to (yours or someone else's)?

Are you interested in all the lore and speculation or do you focus more on the games and stories themselves?

Which aspect of fandom are you most looking forward to? (e.g. reading/writing fic, the bounty of gorgeous art, getting to know new people, etc.)

Are you planning to replay any of the previous games, watch Dragon Age: Absolution, or read any of the books/comics/short stories, or are there other games you want to play in the meantime?

Post a picture or gif that conveys your current level of excitement for Dragon Age: The Veilguard!

[rook-laidir]

A note/letter that Rook never sent - For the Rook codex asks

Neve,

If you’re reading this then I’m so sorry for failing and proving you right. You said you didn’t want to talk about after and I get why. I do. But if I can’t place the bet on seeing tomorrow, then I might never see you again and that’s worse.

I never liked Minrathous, you know this. Everyone’s an asshole and looking out for themselves on a good day. On a bad day, slaves are sacrificed for blood magic and demons. But every day, you made me hate it a little less. You showed me a city worth fighting for. You showed me how you’ll never walk away from that fight. Maybe I want to fight for that better tomorrow with you. If you wanted me there, of course. I know, I’m Trouble. But I’m your Trouble. Always.

I love you, Neve Gallus. I know you can’t say it and I won’t make you. But I love you so much. I have for a while. You’ll never be alone, even if I’m gone. I’ll always find a way back to you. But you have to promise not to die, ok? Dock Town needs you.

Give the strays some extra pets for me.

- Trouble

[covertleathers]

Please ask me any of these for my Grey Warden Rook, Naran!

Rook Story Time Prompts

Tell a story or draw something based on the prompt you are sent/choose. You can try writing in character, as Rook, if you want! Have fun!

1. The first time Rook killed someone.

2. How Rook got their most prominent scar.

3. A time Rook got incredibly drunk.

4. A time Rook made a personal enemy.

5. Rook being seriously ill.

6. A time Rook was severely injured.

7. Rook being taught an important skill.

8. A time Rook argued with someone they care about.

9. Rook saying goodbye to a friend.

10. Rook attending a funeral.

11. Rook being recognized for an accomplishment.

12. Rook making a new friend.

13. Rook visiting a place they love.

14. Rook attending a celebration.

15. Rook breaking the law.

16. Rook falling in love for the first time.

17. Rook teaching someone else a skill.

18. Rook trying to impress someone.

19. A time Rook did something embarrassing.

20. A time Rook faced an overwhelming enemy.

FACTION SPECIFIC PROMPTS

21. GW!Rook undergoing the Joining.

22. GW!Rook encountering their first Darkspawn.

23. GW!Rook having a nightmare of the Archdemons.

24. VJ!Rook disarming their first artifact.

25. VJ!Rook being attacked by the sentinels of Arlathan.

26. VJ!Rook exploring new Elvhen ruins.

27. MW!Rook tending to the gardens.

28. MW!Rook being inducted into the Watch.

29. MW!Rook exploring a new part of the Necropolis.

30. LoF!Rook escorting an adventuring party.

31. LoF!Rook disarming a trap or solving a puzzle.

32. LoF!Rook fighting an aquatic enemy.

33. Crow!Rook’s most dangerous contract.

34. Crow!Rook on an undercover mission.

35. Crow!Rook’s graduation from Fledgling to Assassin.

36. SD!Rook smuggling people out of Minrathous.

37. SD!Rook participating in a large-scale act of civil disruption against the Magisterium.

38. SD!Rook breaking in somewhere to acquire vital information.

[covertleathers]

19 or 2 for the Rook stories!

I pick 2, because Naran is covered in scars. He's lived an incredibly hard life. Still working on 5, 19, 13, 22, and 21! Thank you for so many wonderful asks. :>

Prompts list for Rook Story Time!

2. How Rook got their most prominent scar.

Sitting up together on Davrin's bed, recently untangled and sweaty, the two Wardens were trading stories on their worst injuries. Davrin used a single finger to trace the jagged, uneven scar across Naran's brow, examining it carefully. An interrupted stroke that started at his temple, missing his eye and cutting down his cheek. There, it was met at a crossroads of other, smaller old injuries. It was colored a darker brown than the rest of his honeyed skin.

"This one's a lot like mine," he started with a thoughtful smile. "How did you get it?"

Naran leaned his head into Davrin's palm relishing the warmth on the old cut. "It's not very interesting," he mumbled bashfully.

"You telling me you used to block with your face?" Davrin teased. "I wouldn't be surprised."

"No!" the other elf protested. He hesitated. What if the man he loved thought less of him? "It's from my old Vyrantium days, the night I got away."

"Oh," he realized what he was asking.

Naran breathed, moving Davrin's hand to a place over his heart in the hope to calm it. Memories were running themselves wild in his mind. Broken wine glasses scattering across marble floors. The master's first guard drunkenly lunging for his young self with a blade. The searing bite of the cold metal on his fresh face. And finally, utter bliss of cutting his throat open in blind rage.

"Just know I got him back tenfold."

[butchvamp]

other people have already said it but it’s really soooo lame how Flat elgar’nan and ghilan’nain are. especially when you compare them to solas and mythal. elgar’nan was literally mythal’s husband, they had children together, surely he wasn’t just pure evil the entire time? why don’t we get to see any of their regrets in the literal regret prison that was originally intended for them? (because theyre just evil, of course!) why couldn’t what happened with the titans have been an unintended tragedy born from them just desiring bodies, unknowing that it would hurt and anger the titans, with those consequences spiraling into a brutal and bloody war between them… and then we could have actually seen more of what happened during this war, the impact it had on the titans and dwarves, and the desperation to end it that led to the death of the titans and solas’s regret and the eventual twisting of the evanuris into godhood… but nah. they’re just pure evil.

[stardustandash]

After doing this spoiler-free 50 questions about Rook, I kept thinking about all the other aspects of everyone's Rooks that would be fun to know about.

Here's 50 questions about Rook, with some mild spoilers in the questions, with endgame spoilers in the last 10:

What is Rook's first impression of Solas? Does it change after seeing his regrets?

2. What does Rook think of the Lighthouse?

3. Does Rook join Bellara and Lucanis on cooking rotations?

4. Did they save Minrathous or Treviso from the dragons? Why that city?

5. Which faction outside their own does Rook get along with the best?

6. Which area of the map is Rook's favourite to visit?

7. Did Rook ever encounter the Blight before the events of the game?

8. Does Rook like the room that Harding and Neve assigned to them? Or are they jealous of one of the companions' spaces?

9. Does Rook ever initiate activities with the companions? What kind?

10. What chore around the Lighthouse would Rook do without being asked?

11. What decor for the Lighthouse did Rook choose? Why?

12. Does Rook join book club?

13. Which companion did Rook romance? What was the moment they fell in love?

14. Which of the companions outside of their love interest is Rook closest to?

15. Which companion quest hit Rook the hardest?

16. Does Rook actively eavesdrop the Lighthouse banter, or is it something they hear in passing?

17. What is Rook's opinion on abominations, and specifically Spite?

18. Does Rook only wear armour from their faction or do they branch out with their appearances?

19. What does Rook think of living in the Fade?

20. Which god do they believe is the bigger threat?

21. What does Rook think of Elgar'nan and Ghilan'nain?

22. Did Rook know any Dalish beliefs or lore before the game began?

23. What is their opinion on the death of the Titans?

24. Does the event that sent them away from their faction haunt Rook?

25. How did they end up travelling with Varric after meeting him?

26. What is their relationship like with Varric and Harding pre-game?

27. Does Rook like being in charge of their team?

28. Does Rook compare themself to the HoF, Hawke, or the Inquisitor?

29. What are Rook's first impressions of the Inquisitor?

30. Does Rook take their coffee black, cream and sugar, or drink tea instead?

31. What quest did Rook find the most disturbing?

32. Did Rook spare the mayor of D'Meta's Crossing?

33. Does Rook encourage their companions to stick to their dreams/traditions, or branch out into something new?

34. What's Rook's reaction to Solas using blood magic to bind them together?

35. Does Rook heed Solas' advice?

36. Does Rook think that witnessing Solas' regrets and going through his things in the Lighthouse is invasive, or is it collecting information on the enemy?

37. What does Rook always request on the shopping list?

38. Did Rook pick their spot at the head of the table?

39. Will Rook go into the pantry for snacks/ingredients while Lucanis is in there?

40. What does Rook think of Emmrich keeping Johanna's skull in his room and communicating with it? Do they join in on bullying her?

41. Where is Rook's favourite spot in the Lighthouse?

42. Who did Rook choose to lead the distraction group on Tearstone? Do they regret their choice?

43. How does Rook decide who to bring with them on quests?

44. Does Rook confide in anyone about their own problems?

45. Did Rook see the twist with Varric coming or were they blindsided?

46. What was Rook's reaction to learning they were gone for weeks?

47. What is Rook's mental state going into the final set of events in Minrathous?

48. Does Rook hold a funeral for their fallen companions & Varric after the game?

49. Does Rook feel guilty about how they got Solas to stabilize the Veil?

50. What does Rook do post-game?

+1 Does Rook carry any kind of trinket or talisman?

[rook-laidir]

Before we begin, my source for elvhen translations that don’t already exist is I made it the fuck up.

Rook was born into this world as Osha Laidir. They weren’t supposed to be an elf, due to having a human father, but they came out with pointy ears anyway. Their mother insists it was a good thing, but Rook could hear the weariness in her voice, how their mother knew things would be easier for them if they came out the way they were supposed to.

“Osha” is elvhen for “halla faun.” It’s a family name, according to their mother. They were named after a grandmother they had never met. When a Dalish was given that name, it meant that they would grow up to be gentle and nurturing like the Halla. Rook’s mother would joke and say that her Osha must have missed the memo.

Rook has a complicated relationship with that name. As a non-binary person, that name never felt quite right. They didn’t feel like they had a name that suited them until Varric called them “Rook” for the first time. Everything clicked into place after that. But Rook figured out who they were a long time after their mother died. They know how much the name “Osha” meant to her. It wasn’t just a name, it was a connection, however small, to their culture - a culture she never got to see. Rook just hopes that their mother would like “Rook” as much as she liked “Osha.”

It’s Monday Morning 👎👎👎🚫🚫

It’s the Rook Introduction Hour ! 🥳🥳🎊🎊🙌

For new people, it works like this: I ask you about your Rook, and if you want you can rb and answer, and then I’ll rb it back here and comment a bit !

I really made you all work last week, so let’s do something easier: What is the significance of your Rook’s (first) name? Who gave it to them— did they pick it themselves? Do they have any nicknames (besides Rook)? Who gave those to them? Do they like their name?

Feel free to answer as much/little as you like!

[ilikedetectives]

[ruushes]

DUDE I LOVE YOUR DAV ART SO MUCH. THE WAY YOU DRAW LUCANIS??? HELLOOO???? IT DRIVES ME INSANE, THE WAY YOU DRAW HIM MAKES ME GIGGLE AND KICK MY FEET😖😖 looking to see more of your future works (and future lucanis drawings hehe)

aw this is really really sweet, thank you 🥲🥲 it's been one of those 'nothing i draw looks right' phases the past couple weeks so this is nice to hear 💖 a small sketch for you 😌

[antivan-sprig]

Rook Literary Device Asks

I’m taking your Rooks back to Language and Literature class with these asks. I added a few examples to questions I found vague or difficult to explain. Hopefully it’s not too gratuitous!

These are based on common literary devices. I tried to pick more recognizable ones, or at least ones that autocorrect will pick up 📝

I’m considering doing a strictly NSFW one next. Lemme know if that appeals to you or not 💐

Dreams

I elect that Dwarven Rooks should still answer even if they don’t apply/aren’t canon. It can be theoretical for character exploration.

Allegory: What does Rook dream about?

Repetition: What are Rook’s nightmares? Did/does this change with age?

Cliffhanger: If a spirit wanted to trap your Rook in the fade, what would their best plan be?

Ex: Illusions of their past/wants, trapping them behind an emotion? (hello regret 🥚😔), promising them help in achieving their goals?

Tragicomedy: Would Rook make a deal with a demon? If no, what about a more benevolent spirit, would they make a deal with them?

Symbolism: The team is trying to rescue Rook from the fade. What five items do they use to do a summoning ritual?

Surrealism: How adept is Rook at navigating the Fade in dreams?

I believe it’s typically a sliding scale between these three points: no control (non mage) to some control (mage) to a lot of control (dreamer) but outliers definitely occur.

Morality

Hyperbole: Rook encounters two injured people. One a random npc citizen with a moderate but not life threatening injury and the other a venatori with a life threatening injury. As far as they can tell the Venatori was not actively involved in anything nefarious at this moment. Who does Rook help first (or at all)?

Foreshadowing: What does Rook think about Solas sacrificing the spirits of chaos and disorder? Would their opinion change if Solas had explained to the spirits that this was a mission they wouldn’t come back from?

Motif: What’s Rook’s opinion on the rite of tranquility? Is there ever a circumstance that could change this?

I know the fandom’s general opinion on tranquility is to absolutely admonish it, which is totally fair. But I also think OCs can and sometimes should have bad opinions or limited perspectives

Epigraph: What situation(s) would make Rook compromise their morals? How would Rook feel about this?

Point of View: Does Rook judge others for choices they made under duress?

Paradox: What’s Rook’s opinion on Blood magic?

Would they/have they ever participated in Blood magic (casting it, providing blood for it, was it their own or someone else’s etc.)

Personification: What’s Rook’s opinion on Necromancy? If your Rook is a necromancer, do they consider it a form of blood magic?

(AFAIK it canonically is, but that’s not an opinion held by all in Thedas)

Self Reflection

Anaphora: What lie is central to Rook’s worldview? How does this affect them?

Ex: Lisel thinks she can never regain the family she lost, so she neglects new relationships.

Extended metaphor: What inspires hope in Rook?

Dramatic Irony: Does Rook wonder why they’re the main character?

(As in, why they are in charge, why Varric picked them, why they’re connected to Solas etc.)

Do they have an explanation for why they are the main character? Fate? Chance? Skill? Maybe they don’t actually think they’re the mc?

Ex: Lise eventually comes to see taking the Evanuris down as a poetic justice. She dedicated her early (and happiest) life to worshiping Sylaise and feels it’s her responsibility to bring the remaining pantheon down. If they were ever the kind deities they claimed to be, she recognizes that they certainly aren’t now.

Exposition: What would Rook think of younger Rook? What would they tell them if given the chance?

Flashback: What past act is Rook most ashamed of?

Omniscient: Are there any secrets Rook is hiding? From others? From themselves?

Allusion: Who does Rook blame for their trauma, misplaced or not? Do they keep this a secret?

Physicality

Onomatopoeia: Describe how Rook speaks.

(Possible topics: Word choice, volume, phrasing, vocabulary, accents, tones, emotional intonation, speech impediments, etc!)

Isocolon: Describe how your Rook walks/runs.

(Possible topics: speed, agility, spatial awareness, grace, loud vs quiet steps, endurance, etc!)

Style: How does Rook sleep?

Archetype: Describe what another character might notice about your Rook physically.

Vignette: Describe the first time Rook got very injured. What was their reaction?

Juxtaposition: What’s their most prominent physical weakness and strength?

Bonus

Soliloquy: List/describe the most self indulgent headcanon/fic you’ve thought of for your Rook.