#i loved emmrich before the game released

[birb--birb]

Help a binch out

I cant decided who to romance!!!!!!!!!! I was originally gonna romance Emmrich but love the dynamic Bellara and Savrin have, but also after Lucanis' Cafe date I'm 👉👈 uwu (also assassin crow boyfriend dynamic is v cute)

HOWEVER my next playthrough I'll be saving Minrathous instead of Treviso and that hardens Lucanis. So if I want to romance Lucanis, my current run is the one to do so, BUT THE MORE I HAVE EMMRICH AROUND THE MORE I PPPFGGGHSHASFJFJDK ya know? I just don't think Savrin is who I want to romance Emmrich...

And I still adore Bellara, like her and Savrin are really really cute together, and I'm lowkey sad I turned down Davrin the other day bc he was so fun to flirt with JUST UGHH WHY IS EVERYONE SO ATTRATIVE

[vampirehusbands]

Indulging myself w silly memes

[felassan]

Dragon Age: "In #DragonAge: Vows and Vengeance, you'll get to meet all our companions before they joined the Veilguard - including a gentleman necromancer 💀 Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts. Premieres August 29: [link]" [source]

This tweet mentions that the moments of the companions' lives depicted in the podcast are from times prior to them joining the Veilguard and therefore the events of the game.

Text in the notebook reads:

"Something's gone wrong. The dead stir more easily than they should."

Maybe we are looking at Emmrich's notebook here? ^^ it sounds like something isn't right in the Grand Necropolis and with the Veil/the dead in general. (I wonder if this is part of the reason why in the release date reveal trailer, there are giant undead skeletons causing a stir). In Nevarra/the Mortalitasi, they believe that when someone dies a spirit is pushed out of the Fade into the mortal world. In exchange, they invite those spirits to inhabit the empty bodies left behind. This is common orthodoxy for the Nevarran populace. when a spirit leaves the Fade, it crosses the Veil. when the Veil is thin (or weak or damaged..), demons and spirits can escape more easily into the waking world. once they do, they sometimes possess corpses. since we need to guard the Veil in this game and there's a Veil-tearing Lyrium dagger around (plus who knows what else Ghil and Elgar'nan and whatever else are doing to it..), it makes sense that if the Veil is damaged/at risk, more dead would stir and more easily than they should do. (in TN, Lord Penrick Karn's funeral procession was interrupted by his corpse's premature possession). you can see why a Mourn Watcher like Emmrich would be motivated to join a group dedicated to guarding the Veil.

The anatomical drawings here track, Nevarra has unrivalled knowledge of anatomy. <- DA:TV spoilers at link.

The notebook also reminds me of Grim Anatomy.

These numbers look to appear twice on the pages:

"7197 | 3.85715 7198 | 3.85721 7199 | 3.85727 | 6 7200 | 3.85733 | 6"

What do they mean? could it be a calculation, or a code?

And can anyone make out what the flowing script on the left hand page says? ^^ I wonder what language it's in? Whether it corresponds to a spell? it also reminds me of this exchange from the 'Meet The Companions' panel at SDCC, as it relates to Emmrich:

"Lucy: And I hear as well that Emmrich gets, I mean, you’re all gonna get some fantastic lines, but I hear that Emmrich has some quite spectacular ones. You, Nick, you and Ashley, I would love to hear about the process of, was it difficult to get like some of those tongue-twisters, and? Ashley: Yeah, Sylvia the lead writer basically was like, ‘Ash, you’re gonna need a dictionary for all of the sessions with Emmrich’, it’s like, 'Okay!’. And we get there, you just nailed them all, like 'shduhfejdkjjdhdjdhfjehfjkhehe into the Fade’. Nick: Well, I don’t know if I nailed them all, that’s very kind of you. But, there was some serious tongue-twisters there, and, but it’s great, it’s great to be in the booth, and to be given a challenge like that, and. Yeah, it’s fantastic, I mean that’s what I love to do, so it was great to be just gifted that."

[source]

[niofo]

spoilers for the end of lucanis' questline under the cut

i still love all the crows dearly, but i'm kinda disappointed with lucanis' personal questline, maybe bcos i was overthinking it so hard before the game release - but they went with the most obvious and dumbed down solution they flagged so much that it was basically a circus billboard at that point, like illario was just so gd obvious i was sure that he can't be the actual traitor, bcos everyone with eyes would notice this bullshit. like viago is standing right there, and the man eats paranoia for breakfast. illario was the most obvious candidate, bcos he had the most to gain, and he was acting super sus on top of that, how come he managed to pull all this nonsense.

also i don't like how we got basically 0 pushback for caterina - i'm supposed to be happy that she actually always loved lucanis more, and she's his only family, so he's just happy she's alive, while she was the person who beat the shit out of both lucanis and illario, and is a major contributor to why illario turned out the way he did. i picked saved caterina over going after illario bcos i didn't think pushing spite to do more vengeance was a good call, but that doesn't mean that i thought that caterina was actually a good person and should not be held accountable.

overall i liked some bits, the time in lucanis' mind was a highlight of the questline, but i did expect something more, and some more personal drama. well, i guess that's what fics are for, and that's what i get for obsessing over and overthinking the crows in months before release.

overall i think my favorite personal questlines ended up being emmrich, davrin and taash, i got really emotional with each one of them in the end. and with lucanis it was ramping up nicely up to the point when we went after zara, but after that it it flopped for me.

[hydrangeapartridge]

My completely biased review and opinion about companions in Veilguard (major spoilers of course)

(Side note : english is not my first langage, I hope I can express myself clearly enough for you all to understand my points)

- Neve

I like Neve, she’s cool. I loved the detail of the noise her metal leg makes when she walks.

Her questline was however a bit bland. We had better portrayals of power hungry blood mages in previous games and Aelia wasn’t that good an antagonist. She lacks charisma and isn’t seen much before the last quest so you don’t really care about her. It could have been more dramatic, like if we had to fight people of Minrathos being controlled, idk. Also not much about slavery.

I get that Bioware tried to make Neve’s quest like detective work, searching for clues and stuff, but for me it wasn’t that exciting, and Venatori are the mobs I like the least, I don’t like the crystals you have to break in order mechanics and stuff.

I chose to make her the hero of Minrathos and it was satisfying.

- Harding

I can’t find it in myself to call her Lace damn it XD

Of course I was happy to see Harding again after Inquisition ! She is a ray of Ferelden sunshine. I really enjoyed her questline with the Titans ; it was mysterious and you really felt the danger in the deep roads, and the potential threat of her newly acquiered magic. I liked the giant oracle and the design of the lyrium caves. It was a nice throwback to the first games.

The end scene of her quest was nicely done, with Rook trying to reach her while the whole cave was collapsing and then a group hug.

I chose the path of compassion.

- Lucanis

His accent was more funny to me than endearing (as is his signature « Mierda ») and I was surprised to find that he was soft instead of suave. I didn’t save Treviso so I feel like I missed a lot of his quest (and the decision at the end) and in the end he was OK but not that interesting to me.

There was also the problem of Illario ; the second he was introduced I smelled the family treason nd so there was no suspense to this quest. It felt like a bad telenovella.

I like that Zara had a literal blood bath in the quest of the same name. It was a cool fight.

I didn’t bring him out much but I enjoyed that he ended up with Neve.

- Bellara

Bellara is adorable. I liked her quirkiness but her dialogues were sometimes terrible. When she talked I felt like she kept repeating the same things phrased differently and sometimes I felt the itch to skip (I usually never skip dialog!).

I had high hopes for her questline because of Anaris and finding that her brother wasn’t dead, but it all flopped in the end when Cyrian got killed by being sent flying away and Anaris didn’t turn out that scary. It felt stupide that Cyrian was not dead and then really dead…

I chose to keep the Archive but that choice felt like the less impactful of all the companion choices.

- Davrin

I didn’t expect Davrin to be so brash ! I enjoyed his banter a lot and the growth of his relationship with Assan. That griffin is an absolute cutie !

His quests were cute for the Arlathan ones and impactful for the one with the Gloom Howler. I enjoyed Isseya’s story and saving the griffins.

I still felt Davrin to be a little too « jock » coded, but his banter with Emmrich and Manfred was perfect ! I enjoyed seeing the wardens again (Antoine and Evka <3) and am glad he was a true Warden this one.

I chose to release the griffin in Arlathan because my Rook was an elven veil jumper.

- Taash

In real life, Taash is the kind of person I would have trouble connecting with. They’re obtuse and a bit rude. I felt like I was intruding during the parts with her mother (it is probably the goal of those moments but it made me uneasy). I wanted to be supportive so I was but I didn’t feel like my Rook and them ended up great friends. The identity crisis wasn’t handled that well I think, but it wasn’t as bad as people make it out to be and maybe I’ll get hate for that but they come out at first more Trans than non binary given their problem is being misgendered as a girl mostly or expected to do girly things? They even say it feels right to be called a man I think I remember? (but I respect whatever pronouns she chose in the end)

I really enjoyed the dragon hunt quests however and their last quest was cool too. Their mother’s death was a sacrifice that made sense and it pained me.

Their romance with Harding was cute (mostly because of Harding’s reactions and that height difference XD)

I chose to push them towards embracing the Rivein life, even if I think they could have made peace with both ?

- Emmrich

Of course my favourite. And not only because he is the handsome older man who swept my Rook off her feet.

To give us a scholar necromancer that was the antithesis of the cliché : a man poised but a tad insecure, nerdy, gentle, kind, a bit posh, extremly elegant and whose favourite colour is lilac ! Genius !

The Necropolis had such a distinct ambiance that every quest there felt special, with amazing details and wonders of finding a wisp, a spirit or hearing a dead’s last words.

To me his personnal quests are the ones with the best handled rythm. The first one in the peace and quiet of the beautiful garden sets the tone : serious but poetic, sad but hopeful, and dares to tackle very real and grave subjects. Death and regret but also life and love are perfectly handled in his story and brought me lots and lots of feels.

There is a great antagonist whose motives are simple but dangerous ; a friend turned rival, similar but so different from dear Emmrich. Johanna is simply iconic (her hand gosh and the fact that you keep her skull in the end, brillant). The fights are well balanced, the cutscenes and dialogues perfect for immersion. And don’t get me started on Manfred… I love this little guy to bits.

I chose to revive Manfred and for Emmrich and Rook to live the rest of his mortality together. In Undying Love

[rom-e-o]

Sooo, my last fic for Veilguard was posted before the game even came out, haha. I made a lot of guesses, haha. I definitely included more of Southern Thedas lore at the time. Oopsie.

Buuut now we've had two months since release, so I think we're ready for another go!

Summary:

Emmrich had resolved to take things slow with Rook, because it was what she deserved. His over-eagerness for love and an enduring bond had, on many occasions, frightened off partners that he’d cared for. Plus, she wasn’t just a woman he admired – she was their leader. A woman on a quest to save the world. If he played any role in causing her further stress or distraction, he’d never forgive himself. With Rook, above all others, he had to be perfect. (Emmrich gets caught up in holding back his more lusty urges, so Rook takes it upon herself to provide him with encouragement.) (Fluff/Smut)

PREVIEW:

“You … really did do that fast …” she gasped. Then, the haggard look of exhaustion on her face was broken by that beautiful smile he’d come to adore so ardently. “Thank you, Emmrich.”

Fighting to keep down the flurry of butterflies n his gut, the man offered a gentlemanly nod as he bestowed the garments upon her. “Yes, of course. Here, dearest.”

He offered his shoulder for support as she slowly – achingly – reached behind her to undo the ties of the bloody breastband. He held the fresh shirt aloft, preserving her modesty as she worked. When the bloody item fell away, he pulled the shirt up and over her arms. While her shoulder was now mended, he was still careful to mind its soreness all the while. The physical injury was gone, but the pain would require more time for the body to forget.

“Allow me,” he said as he took the breastband away and sat it aside. Its warmth scalded his hand, but he continued professionally.

[bunabi]

extra thoughts as I rewatch the video at 0.25x speed

DAV spoilers obviously obviously

Varric's voiceover monologue feels like his final words

Dunno how to feel about the Crows being heroes in this but the red lyrium scythes of their enemies look sick. Or maybe these are just blighted weapons? I assume the explosion during that encounter gives Lucanis his powers.

I love Neve's secondary (?) outfit with the scarf in place of her cravat, very cute, very business casual of her, I fuck with it

Emmrich. What can be said. This is a man who will die.

Also: his trailer outfit is such a departure from his default armor, and I'm really curious where this set is from. Maybe it's the honeycomb pattern, but it feels like a Destiny skin; so unlike anyplace in Thedas. It's not like the Arlathan armor sets we've seen either. It's neat. I'm making a mental note!

The acrobatic/throwing/falling animations feel so floaty. Inquisition had the same thing going for it, so it's not a huge deal.

No final boss fight against Solas confirmed — he will be our ally in the final battle — I feel thoroughly robbed but I'll cry in private on my own time

I thought that was Inquisitor Lavellan at the 2:37 mark but it's not — just someone with DAI June vallaslin; hopefully a member of their clan

I'm holding out hope the red & blue lyrium dragons are Elgar'nan & Ghilan'nain & the big daddy demon is Dumat because it's the only thing I wanted that hasn't been debunked just yet

All interesting things but I think I'll stick to my plan of watching a playthrough before I buy it

I feel so much more optimistic about the game's release — I don't want it to under-perform and create a third pickle for Bioware — but I don't really do preorders anymore & I'm just not there yet overall

Maybe the combat deep dive will open my eyes to the vision because the shortened skill tree & the thing with companion skill advancement being tied to their relationship level are what's holding me back the most 😭

[fereldanwench]

i'm still holding off final judgement until the gameplay today, but seeing some stills on twitter kind of helped me solidify what i found so off-putting about the style in the companion trailer

although before i post those, a few counter arguments because i'm already tired of ppl bashing the ppl who aren't vibing with it, and my head is clear enough to put these thoughts down:

"cinematic trailers rarely look like the actual game" - true to a point. however: 1) typically cinematic trailers strive to look like a higher definition version of the game, which seems to be the opposite here. in the case of DAO and DA2, i would say the cinematic trailers actually strived for more realism, not stylization, as that was the trend at the time. 2) this is a cinematic trailer, but it is also done in the game engine so it's not unreasonable to assume that the end product is gonna look somewhat similar 3) this was supposed to be their best foot forward so suddenly going "don't worry, it's gonna look better in-game" is just a bad marketing move. it's not on the audience to give this company the benefit of the doubt (particularly in light of all the shit that has gone down there in the past decade)

"not everything has to be super realistic!" - agreed! not liking elements of this particular style doesn't mean i'm opposed to stylization in DA at all. i think DA2 is much more stylized than DAO, and not only does it look nicer, it looks more distinctly dragon age. DAO visually is also very generic, especially for its time. i still love the almost painterly look of DA2, even all these years later

and i think DAI has issues with the character models, especially the uncanny valley disconnect between the really stiff animations and realistic faces (having played it within the past year, they've aged pretty roughly), but in terms of environment and armor and whatnot, it did build off the style presented in DA2 in a way that effectively modernized it for that era. it did go for a more realistic look, but it was cohesive and still distinctly dragon age

"people reacted like this to DA2 and DAI's trailers too" - no, they did not, lmao. DA2's trailers were the reverse--they looked more realistic than the actual game. now there was some backlash against the stylistic choice in the actual game. i remember david gaider talking about it in a panel at dragon con in 2012--apparently ppl were upset that the companions looked like they were made with cosplayers in mind, which i thought was an interesting criticism. but no, the trailers did not get this sort of response.

and DAI's trailers used a lot of in-game footage, and the cinematic ones were both pretty accurate to the game and well-received by the audience. DAI's marketing was also absolutely bonkers and nonstop for like 9 months before the game was released, which in hindsight i think was way too much, but in terms of visuals, we knew exactly what we were getting.

"you guys just think anything with a style to it looks like fortnite" - lmao, okay, yeah, describing it as fornite is probably unfair and inaccurate, but i know for me, i kind of use it as a shorthand to reflect my general dissatisfaction with the way so many 3D styles (in both games and movies) just have this bland, cartoonish look to them. the pixar-ification of everything. i just don't like it.

and the logo with the bright purple and overly smooth text doesn't really help here either. i think a less saturated and darker purple paired with a grungier font would also help in making this feel like less like fornite season 3458345: dragon age avengers.

plus it was originally gonna be a live service game and i think that it still has some of that dna artistically

SO ANYWAY

these stills, which i think are also in-game engine but im not entirely sure if they're from cinematics, gameplay, or just renders but they seem to be in-line with the trailer:

and seeing emmrich and to a lesser extent neve in these pics solidified why the stylization didn't work for me on a visual level (never mind it being paired with the light-hearted planning-for-a-silly-little-heist vibes)

so when i first saw the trailer, and i saw varric, i was like "nice"

he looked like a higher definition, older version of a DA2/DAI hybrid of his model. he looked really good. i thought harding looked good, too. it did take me a minute to realize who she was, but it really wouldn't be a DA trailer if we weren't left wondering who tf a returning character was lmao (remember the confusion over alistair's appearance in one of the DAI trailers? this is actually tradition now)

but as the trailer goes on, the style doesn't even stay consistent--it just gets progressively more cartoonish right up to emmrich, which is the exact moment that made me go WHAT

he looks like a cartoon character. the hard lines in his face, the stiffness of his hair, his overall proportions--he looks like he should be a villain in a pixar movie. like i'm digging his overall vibe and as a concept of a character design, i love it. but this execution of it next to fellow old wrinkled man varric looks so off

and then we go right into davrin who is beautifully rendered and designed--he doesn't look out of place next to varric or harding

some characters have the soft, wispy hair while others have hair that looks like a hard shell with lines carve into it. some characters have finely detailed wrinkles while others have thick, cartoonish ones. some characters have realistic proportions while others have more exaggerated features.

stylization is only effective when it's purposeful and consistent, and from what i've seen so far, it's not. it's all over the place.

so there's my thesis about why i dont like the art direction in the trailer lmao

and like i've been saying since it dropped, i am reserving full judgment for the gameplay reveal, but based on the other stuff bioware has teased, i'm not expecting this aspect to change too much. i've seen other ppl who were on the fan council thing say the tone in the game is more in-line with the tone in the other games, so maybe that'll help smooth out this disconnect

[magitekbeth]

So i also have been consumed with Dragon Age: The Veilguard since its release.

I beat the game once, working on a second time.

I made the cutest little WILD HAIRED mid 30s Elf woman— no seriously, that hair option that is basically Merida hair is my favorite, THANK YOU BIOWARE.

Aelinora Ingellvar, age 34. Rogue, definitely more towards the Crow side of the grid. Will throw a dagger at an enemy before anything else— someone in the Necropolis taught her acrobatics, probably a spirit. Has lilac eyes and orange hair (dyed)

Is the goofiest person. Loves Emmrich more than life itself (and also Manfred) Besties with Bellara and Lucanis for sure.

[viagostalons]

11. and/or 15. for the rook and their partner asks? :^)

Hello! Thank you for the ask

From the Rook/partner questions game

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

Despite wanting to answer this in a Viago/Rook context (I might actually still do that) I will start with Rookanis. Rook wanted to tell Lucanis he loved him before Teartstone Island but Lucanis shut him down. So, I think Rook thought the 'i love you' first, however, Lucanis is the one who said it first. Rook's reaction was probably, shock, if I'm honest. He'd just been released from the Fade prison, everything was a hot mess. He was exhausted nad mentally ravaged. That being said, he loves Lucanis so much, he was so relieved to be able to hear Lucanis say it and be able to return the sentiment. If we go the Viago/Rook route, I can say with absolute certainty that the first person who said I love you was Rook because Viago is in denial for the first like 85% of their relationship. Viago, however, thinks it first, he's just too afraid to act on it. So, when Rook says it, he panics, and freaks out. They might even break up (again) and it takes him a while to really reconcile his feelings and how Rook feels about him. But when they come back together, truly inevitable, he returns the feelings with his sincerest apology.

15. 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?

Lucanis: When Rook is imprisoned in the Fade, I think he immediately jumps into work trying to get Rook out. He teams up with Spite to traverse the Fade, looking, searching, hunting. Rook broke him out of the Ossuary prison, Rook also saved him from his mind prison - can't he just do this ONE thing in return? Pull Rook from the Fade prison? As time goes on, and they do not find him, I think Lucanis has to accept that Rook is dead. He cannot hold onto false hope because it will kill him. He starts working on gearing up for the final fight, getting the Crows in order, making sure they can face Elgar'nan and end it, in Rook's name and honor. He keeps himself as busy as possible. When he finally sees Rook again, it's the most relieving and agonizing pain. Rook is here. Rook is alive. His Rook! The love of his life, his soul. I think when Rook was yanked out of the Fade, he immediately wraps him up in his arms without question (I know we don't see this in game but I believe it happens) and Spite's wings do the same. They both hold Rook as tightly as they can and sob. Really sob. Rook is alive. Rook is safe. Viago: When Rook is imprisoned, it is up to the party to advise him. They all probably draw straws on who is going with Lucanis because Lucanis is having trouble speaking on the matter. Emmrich is the one to go, he can explain it better in technical terms, so when Viago is advised of what happened to Rook he is filled with regret, guilt, pain, and sorrow. Rook -- his Rook. The one he sent away from Treviso and Antiva to keep alive because he feared the Talons would kill him for his transgressions. The Rook he helped train and mod. The Rook he fully believes in, no matter how much he acts as though he doesn't. He's destroyed on a deep emotional level but he doesn't show it. Viago is very stoic and quiet but Teia knows he's in pain. He asks what he can do and they ask the Crows to start preparations for the final battle. Viago throws himself into his work, constantly in his little alchemy lab, probably researching the Fade, to see if he can do anything. He writes Rook letters because he's best at written word. Letter after letter. And when Rook finally returns, even though at this point Viago has also probably given up hope, he's given word and he practically sprints to the Lighthouse. He barrels through and his first instinct is to yell, to lecture, to tell Rook he's an idiot but all he can do is yank Rook into a hug and hold him as tightly as he can, and finally tell him, that he loves him. He loves Rook and he refuses to let Rook ever leave him again.

[octosan]

Given the recent news, I'm wondering how much of the clumsiness was the team being steadily pruned and them wanting to get as much out as possible. Given the entire team has been fired now. While executives meddled.

Same. It's impossible for someone like me to know what elements of the game are the result of people leaving and/or executive meddling, and what parts were poor creative decisions. But I mean regardless, clearly the conditions under which the game was made are not conducive to making your best work unless you and your team are very specific kinds of people.

I think about how there was so much buzz over the game "going gold" before release. Like I remember some people took it as a good sign that Veilguard was done "early" and must be how they wanted it. I've come to think that this was probably when the team decided to cut their losses instead. There's a significant amount of datamined content that imo would have worked better for the storytelling (serious arguments between companions, more concern from your love interest following the regret prison, worldstate reactivity, explaining how Illario can do blood magic, etc.) which I can only assume didn't make it in because they flat ran out of time/resources to implement it properly.

Emmrich's writer admitted a couple contradictions in the dialogue were mistakes that weren't caught in time; I wonder if there were a lot more weird lines and repetitions that ultimately came down to just mistakes they never took out.

I'd love to get an honest dev commentary on the making of Veilguard tbh.

[hmserebusadjacent]

Emmrich still couldn't quite believe it

I'm back!

Emmrich Volkarin/Trans Male Rook (Established relationship, both of them delighting in still being alive after everything, future marriage mentioned)

Now I have played through the game, I wanted to continue writing stories with my Rook and Emmrich. This one came about as I was pondering the end of the game, but it contains no real story spoilers for the end of the game.

Hope you enjoy!

Given the character creator has been released, maybe I should create this Rook and show him off. Do let me know if you would be interested in seeing him.

Word count: 1,124

AO3 link

“I can’t believe we actually did it.”

Rook’s soft tone of voice called Emmrich Volkarin back out from the depths of his own mind and back into the present. He focused instantly back on the man of his affections, the wonderful smile on his face and the loving light within his blue eyes.

They really had done it. Together, they had won. Before all of this, Emmrich had never ever expected to be at the heart of an effort to save the world. And now, staring at the figure of the man he loved, illuminated by moonlight, he knew that he regretted nothing.

Meeting Rook really was the best thing that had ever happened to him, all of that time ago when the assassin had stumbled into the Shrouded Halls with an amazed expression on his face.

“It was quite an amazing feat, wasn’t it?”, Emmrich encouraged, offering his lover a fond smile as he walked out from the depths of the little hut they had been occupying for the last couple of days. The Lords had pointed him and Rook in the direction of this little place when they had asked for a good place with a sea view away from prying eyes. After all that had happened, Emmrich just wanted to keep his lover all to himself for a while, and it gratified him that Rook wanted that too.

The Necropolis and Treviso felt a thousand miles away as Emmrich settled himself on the edge of the porch beside his dearest man, swinging his feet over the edge to dance in the air beside his beloved’s.

Rook’s chuckle brought his attention back to the man next to him, a fond and knowing look present in those blue depths that made the old necromancer’s heart surge with affection every time he saw it.

“A feat is right. Couldn’t have been done without a lot of help, though. We all made it happen.”

A slender hand reached over and squeezed Emmrich’s closet hand firmly.

“It would have been impossible without you, my guiding star.”

For an assassin, Rook was remarkably humble. It hurt Emmrich in a way that Rook thought his part in everything was so minimal, that he was just a cog in the bigger wheel that had saved the world. It also boggled him that Rook thought Emmrich had played such a big part in their venture. From his perspective, he had always done what anyone should do for the person they love above all else. Given he had very nearly lost Rook entirely, it would have been impossible for Emmrich Volkarin to have done any less.

Never again would he be parted from Rook. Never again would Rook be left alone. Emmrich would always be there to love him, support him, romance him and look after him. For as long as he could.

“Rook…”

Emmrich was surprised that his own voice sounded so wobbly, not realising just how close he was to tears. But then again, that nickname had always rendered him dumbstruck and flummoxed by the love and trust stored within it. To be entrusted as the person that would always guide his lover back home, to be the lighthouse that showed him the path to safer waters.

“Emmrich”, Rook whispered gently, his lips then pressing a tender kiss to his beloved necromancer’s cheek.

With the feelings bubbling inside him, Emmrich could do little else but turn his head as his lover pulled away, capturing his lips in a kiss. The moment the other man responded with his own enthusiasm pulled a raw whine from Emmrich’s throat, hands already reaching across and grabbing for the assassin’s hips. By the time Rook was in his lap, Rook had already licked the seam of Emmrich’s lips and been given instant permission, beginning a familiar but no less exciting dance of their tongues.

Sweet spirits, but Rook was so alive in his arms. Warm, hot, panting, wanting and whining and wriggling in his lap. How could Emmrich ever want anything else? When the elven assassin fitted so perfectly against his body, had so easily nestled into a niche in the necromancer’s heart that he thought would never be filled. The enduring affection Emmrich had longed for for so long was all bound up in the man in his arms, giving himself so effortlessly and so gladly, always.

And to top all of that off, Rook had told Emmrich so many times over that he was the love of his life. That Rook had always felt like something was missing in his life, missing that connection where someone chose him and only him. Someone who saw past his walls and helped to bring them down with a gentle hand so the true him could be revealed and loved. Emmrich Volkarin felt incredibly proud and grateful to be that man, so grateful to the universe for conspiring to bring them together and allowing them to stay together.

In a few years time, once things had settled down, Emmrich hoped to surprise Rook with a ring. They had already talked about marriage at length, of course, but Emmrich being the hopeless romantic he was, couldn’t stop thinking about that wonderful day. The day where Rook would keep his promise of becoming a Volkarin, even if Emmrich already thought of him as one anyway.

What an amazing future both he and Rook had in store for them! A safe and happy home that Rook had always been craving and that Emmrich was desperate to provide for him. Safe and sound with their boy Manfred, in a little corner of the Necropolis that would be all their own. Endless mornings of waking up in each other’s arms, and evenings where Emmrich would be welcomed home with sea shanties, a restless ship being called home to the port he loved so much.

Utter perfection.

Rook was the first one to pull away from the kiss, cheeks flushed, mouth open as he panted, showing off his lovely teeth in a grin, eyes sparkling with glee. Emmrich couldn’t help but grin back, pushing down his thoughts of wanting those teeth to bite into his neck in favour of moving to rest their foreheads together.

“I love you so much, Rook.”

Rook’s giggle was delightful and warm, like a wisp tittering with glee in the quiet of the Memorial Gardens.

“I love you too, Emmrich. Not even death will keep us apart.”

With the truth of that settling into his soul, Emmrich Volkarin allowed himself to be pulled into a hug, clinging on to the love of his life as the sea lapped at the shore and the birds called overhead, and the stars shone down in their twinkling, all knowing brilliance.

[felassan]

Thoughts on DA: Vows & Vengeance -

[info compilation post link] [more info on the podcast]

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this post is rather unstructured : )

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I know what BW said about how there won't be official transcripts, but I hope that they decide to post official transcripts of each episode if it's possible, as it's rly important for accessibility & inclusivity.

I like the title - the alliteration is fun, and the concepts of vengeance and revenge are a DA thematic staple atp. it's neat that it's free and the spacing of one episode per week until mid/late October will help pass the time until launch (the last podcast episode releases 2 weeks before DA:TV Release Day). it's also cool to see DA expand into new forms of media, and I'm excited that we will hear lots more lines from each of the 7 Veilguard companions. 👁️

here is one of the podcast writers, Jeremy Novick, on Twitter.

I’m really looking forwards to Taash and Davrin’s episodes of the podcast in particular ◕‿◕ it feels like we don't know much about them or their backstories relative to the other DA:TV companions at this point in time.

Nadia Carcosa, Drayden and Elio are described as being "podcast-exclusive" characters, I guess this means they will not appear in the game itself (which helps the podcast storyline stay self-contained and the podcast to remain as optional listening). but it would be cool if in the game there is some references to them here and there, like in dialogue and/or codex entries/notes etc. 😊

in the background image of the teaser trailer and what looks like the thumbnail for the podcast[?] on podcasting sites, the two faction symbols shown are the Mourn Watch and the Shadow Dragons. is this a coincidence/just since their symbols look cool, or are these two factions the factions with the biggest roles in the podcast storyline relative to the others? the penultimate episodes are the ones that focus on Emmrich and Neve 🤔

"revenge, redemption, and love": these themes mixed together often produce regret. and there was a quote somewhere in DA:TV marketing materials that said “For DA:TV [the game itself], from the start one of the biggest themes has been regret; how regret shaped peoples’ lives, how people deal with their regrets, how people maybe move past their regrets.”

Mae Whitman previous credits include: Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Brigette Lundy-Paine previous credits include: Bill & Ted Face the Music, Atypical, I Saw the TV Glow Armen Taylor previous credits include: Diablo IV, Octopath Traveler II, Vinland Saga

I wonder when the podcast is set? maybe in the weeks to months before Varric, Harding, Neve and Rook go to Solas' ritual site in the game's prologue? I also wonder what lineages Nadia, Drayden and Elio are? If Drayden has a mysterious connection to the Fade, they're most likely to be human or elven, right?

cat burglar, thief, scoring jobs like the one described in the podcast's plotblurbs - these kind of plot beats remind me of what we learned about an earlier concept of DA:TV when the game was more about stuff like heists and spies.

Nadia being a thief unknowingly employed by the Dread Wolf to track down a powerful ancient artifact before finding herself tangled up in everything: this reminds me sm of one of the 'here's what the DA4 PC's backstory could be and how they could end up caught up in the narrative of the game'-speculation ideas I used to wonder about hhh.

a retired cat burglar.. maybe Nadia has ties to the Lords of Fortune? some of them seem to be more thiefy. although, being wanted by Tevinter authorities for crimes of theft, high treason and murder maybe points towards Shadow Dragons instead.

two lovers going on a job to get an artifact reminds me of Irian Cestes and Vadis from TN. "burglar" also gives me Hobbit/LOTR vibes :D I imagine that over the many years since DA:I, the Dread Wolf has employed many such people [unknowingly to them] on jobs like this.

Elio being "seemingly" banished to the Fade is interesting wording.. so is "banished" actually. (Elio's Fade banishment also makes me think of foreshadowing Solas' subsequent entry to Fade Jail in DA:TV.) ((shoutout to left-in-the-Fade-Hawkes' LIs who I can also imagine desperately searching for answers on a rescue mission across all of Thedas after learning that Hawke was left in the Fade in DA:I...))

Carcosa

I'm reaaally curious about what Drayden's mysterious connection to the Fade is all about and entails.

"a few [answers] they wish they hadn’t" 👁️...

the question is, what the powerful ancient artifact is, and why does Solas want it? if he wants it it's probably ancient elven, right?

On the trailer itself

"This chamber, it feels different from the cave. I can sense something. The Veil is thin here." - I'd guess this speaker is Drayden. it isn't Nadia, as we hear her later on. the speaker can sense the thin/thickness of the Veil and Drayden is said to have a mysterious connection to the Fade. at this point they're in some kind of, well, chamber, as the speaker's voice echoes and you can hear water dripping down the damp walls.

The announcer's voice is so deep hh!

To be wanted by Tevinter authorities for crimes including high treason, maybe Nadia is from Tevinter? treason is "the crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government." so to commit treason in Tevinter context, you're probably from Tevinter.

"Who the hell is Nadia Carcosa?" - this sounds like Varric. :>

"So, what's the mark?" - I'd guess this speaker is Nadia. they sound scrappy/seasoned (Nadia is nearly retired), and the speaker is probably asking for more details on the job they've just acquired to do. does she sound like she could be a dwarf to anyone else or is this just me? :D maybe that's just my daydreams hhh

"The Eye of Kethisca" quote: presumably the middle man who Solas hired to hire someone, thereby keeping his own identity secret

The Eye of Kethisca itself: this must be the "powerful ancient artifact" from the text blurbs. there are no hits for "Kethisca" on the DA Wiki, so this is a new name/thing. it must be creepy-deepy, because when it's mentioned in the trailer you can hear creepy voices whispering ominously. :D "Kethisca" doesn't sound elven, but you could easily have an artifact that's e.g. ancient elven but acquired another name or been called something else by others in the centuries since.

"The Eye was made from a rare gem mined here in the caves beneath us. It was crafted centuries ago by a powerful Dreamer." - Solas speaking. I wonder how oblique/lies of omission/technically true (you know what I mean? that thing he does) Solas is being here.. like maybe the Dreamer was an ancient elvhen Dreamer not a human Tevinter one, like maybe the centuries ago were centuries and centuries and centuries ago dating back to Elvhenan rather than later on temporally at say, a more recent time in history like the height of the Imperium. "Eye" makes me think of spherical things, "gem" makes me think of how lyrium (Titans' blood) is a mineral. caves makes me think of dwarfy things and the Deep Roads. as for "mined":

"The runes say the Evanuris fought the Titans. They mined their bodies for lyrium and... something else. It's not clear."

what if the Eye is the heart of a Titan, a foci? Solas' Orb was spherical and the hearts of Titans look spherical here in the Death of a Titan mural. the way he frames it makes it sound like the mark is a rare jewel mined from caves by a Tevinter human dreamer long ago before being crafted into something, but I wonder if it was, more technically, the heart of a Titan mined from the body of a Titan even longer ago by, say, a member of the Evanuris, before being crafted into a foci. Solas needed his own foci in DA:I to carry out his plans, and then it was broken. there was more than one foci in ancient Elvhenan; after DA:I and Trespasser, I could see a world/storyline in which, during the long years between then and DA:TV, Solas at some point learns that another one of the foci artifacts survived into the modern day, and decided to try and get his hands on it so that he can carry out his plan using another foci instead. and since the foci can do Fadey/Veily stuff, that could be how Elio got yeeted in there. reminds me a bit of the scene when the Inquisitor yeets Cory at the end of DA:I. (here I'm just speculating wildly for fun hhh. Solas' Orb doesn't really look like a gem etc. and the Lyrium Knife tears the Veil, so maybe this storyline was set before he got that or sth)

also I wonder where these caves are? beneath Minrathous? Solas has a hideout beneath Minrathous, as we know, and the deeper you go the more elfy things get.

Magister Andante: I think this is our first time hearing about this character. their name reminds me of Andraste.

"Magister Andante? It's about Nadia. She's about to do something quite reckless." - this sounds to me like Neve speaking. it kind of sounds like she's meeting the magister clandestinely, at night. she seems to know Nadia.

"Listen to me, you've been tricked. This isn't a simple grab-and-go for the money. There are bigger forces at play. We have to put this back and leave." - I'd guess this speaker is Elio. it sounds like at this point he and Nadia have found the Eye and taken it, but he's trying to get her to see reason/warn her. it's a tense moment with the sound of battle all around them.

"I'm sorry, but I won't let you pay for my mistakes." - Nadia refusing to listen to Elio. the sounds of battle get louder and it sounds like there's an explosion or something? plus the dragon roar. maybe Mr dragon is breathing fire everywhere. :D I wonder as well if it's Elio grunting in pain at this point. I'd guess this is the moment where Elio is seemingly yeeted into the Fade perhaps?

"Nadia, I presume. I am Solas, and I am, I believe, the one that you seek." - Solas again obviously, only this time sounding way more godly and Fen'Harelly in persona (booming) than he did when he was talking more demurely/plainly about what the Eye is.

"The name I seek is the Dread Wolf" - Nadia again obviously :) so something in the job went wrong, she figures out who hired them, and goes to find the Dread Wolf presumably because she either blames him for Elio being stuck in the Fade and/or she thinks he might be able to get him out or tell her how.

"The Eye will destroy you" - and this sounds like Neve again maybe?

[happilyobsessing]

12 & 25 for OTP asks?

Great prompts! Thank you very much for sending them over :)

If anyone else would like to send over a prompt, you can find the Obligatory OTP Asks post here.

12. Do they have many heated arguments? How do they smooth things over?

As sickeningly in love and communicative these two are, Weiler and Emmrich do have heated arguments (the argument before Tearstone Island? Chef's kiss, I was giddy for hours because it was so real) although these are rare as they are generally excellent at communicating. Weiler - for all the progress she makes - is reactionary and hot-headed and I personally believe that Emmrich can be very stubborn. Both can be prone to intense, overwhelming emotions and a fear of being hurt. If they are really getting into it, Weiler will lash out verbally (and has been known to throw things, although never at Emmrich) and storm out of a room, whereas I imagine Emmrich could be quite cold and emotionally retreat if really pressed. If they are going to have an argument then it will most likely be about the following things:

Weiler's lack of diplomacy during critical moments

Emmrich's tendency to be patronising towards her

Their age difference

Weiler's fear (and sometimes Emmrich's own fear) that he resents her for convincing him to save Manfred and abandon his dream of lichdom

These arguments never last for long, however. They have learnt the hard way after their traumatic separation at Tearstone Island to never let these arguments fester or to take one another for granted. Weiler will go and do something physical - running, training, swimming once she learns how to - to physically release her tension and clear her head. Emmrich will meditate, focusing on his regulating his breathing, and finds journaling very helpful. After a few hours apart, they will always come back together in a neutral space and clarify miscommunication, apologise for any blame and judgment, take responsibility for past and future words and actions, and think proactively about setting healthy boundaries and solutions for the future. Once resolved, they always seek physical touch from one another; holding hands, a kiss, or sometimes Weiler may crawl into Emmrich's lap for a cuddle (he doesn't mind being squashed by all of her long limbs).

25. Do they have any hobbies that they share?

It's actually surprising that Weiler and Emmrich get together in the first place because they are so different, and none more so than when it comes to their hobbies. Emmrich's hobbies stem from his vast intellect, his passion for analytical, theoretical thinking and conversation. He is always curious to expand his understanding, to learn as much as he can and share this with others. Weiler can't read or write and is incredibly intimidated by those she knows are smarter than her. Weiler struggles to sit still for long periods of time and is at her happiest when she is moving; she loves to run, climb, and train with Taash with heavy weights. Emmrich prefers to keep himself neat and tidy and dislikes the feeling of his sweaty skin. They don't feel the pressure to enjoy the same hobbies, however. It can be enough to just simply check in with one another or be in one another's presence (of an evening Emmrich is perfectly content to sit and read whilst Weiler plays solo card games). That being said, it is Emmrich who teaches Weiler how to swim given how close she has come to drowning an alarming number of times. And once she is confident in the water it is not uncommon that they will swim together, be it at the Rivani Coast, in the hot springs found in the Necropolis, or in the communal Lighthouse baths. Emmrich will swim leisurely; Weiler likes to practise handstands in the shallows; he will throw weighted objects into the deep end for her to retrieve; they will both compete to see how long they can hold their breath underwater (winner gets a kiss - there are no losers).

[himluv]

DA Review Series: Tevinter Nights

<<< Previous Review: Absolution

I've read this anthology once before, and I'm happy to say it holds up beautifully on a re-read. Since this features multiple stories, I'm going to review the whole work, and then do little reviews of each individual tale.

Title: Tevinter Nights Editors: Chris Bain, Trick Weekes, Matthew Goldman, and Christopher Morgan Year Published: 2020 In-World Year: ~9:45+ Verdict: Required reading. This is a fantastic look at the state of Thedas after Trespasser, as well as an introduction to a few of our companions and factions in Veilguard. If you only consume one piece of tie-in content leading up to release day, make it this one.

Tevinter Nights is a collection of short stories all set after the fall of Ventus. We meet Strife and Irelin, Evka Ivo and Antoine, Lucanis and Illario Dellamorte, Andarateia Cantori and Viago de Riva, Emmrich and Manfred, and Neve Gallus, among others. We also see all of our factions — Inquisition, Lords of Fortune, Veil Jumpers, Shadow Dragons, Antivan Crows, the Mourn Watch, and the Grey Wardens. This book really feels like a primer for the next game and is a ton of fun. I enjoyed my second reading as much as the first!

1. Title: Three Trees to Midnight Author: Trick Weekes Verdict: Set in the aftermath of the invasion of Ventus, this story feels like the perfect jumping off point. It picks up from the comics and introduces us to the Veil Jumpers and Arlathan Forest — a very exciting first story for longtime fans.

2. Title: Down Among the Dead Men Author: Sylvia Feketekuty Verdict: Undead murder mystery, what's not to love? Plus, we meet Emmrich and Manfred and it's absolutely adorable. And, I'll be honest, I'd do anything for Audric. This story makes the Mourn Watch seem pretty darn cool.

3. Title: The Horror of Hormak Author: John Epler Verdict: Absolute nightmare fuel. If you're worried that Veilguard isn't going to be dark enough... Read this story. A pair of Wardens are investigating a missing unit, and discover a very messed up underground lab of some sort. This story very much gave that same creeping dread as meeting the Broodmother in DAO. And if I have one fear for Veilguard, it's a Broodmother in 4k.

4. Title: Callback Author: Lukas Kristjanson Verdict: Heartbreaking. But also a really moving farewell to Skyhold. I love this story even though it kills me. In fact, I loved it enough to write some fanfic revolving around it! That's how good it is.

5. Title: Luck in the Gardens Author: Sylvia Feketekuty Verdict: This story introduces us to the Lords of Fortune faction. Hollix takes a job from none other than Dorian Pavus (and we see him with Mae!!!) to find out what's been hunting people in the docks. And it's uhhhh not anything you might expect. We see more evidence of gross, tentacled, briny-blooded monsters lurking underground. Again, things are getting real messed up in Thedas y'all.

6. Title: Hunger Author: Brianne Battye Verdict: In another throwback to Origins, werewolves are back babeyyy! This time a pair of Wardens (Evka Ivo and Antoine) are on their way back to Weisshaupt when they come across a cursed village. The pair decide to lend a hand and quickly realize they might have taken on more than they bargained for...

7. Title: Murder by Death Mages Author: Caitlin Sullivan Kelly Verdict: More Mortalitasi in this one. We get a peek at Nevarran politics, a brief glimpse of Cassandra, and more insight into the Mortalitasi. I will say, this is probably my least favorite story in the collection. While it showed Inquisition agent Sidony's power, it didn't really come together for me plot-wise.

8. Title: Streets of Minrathous Author: Brianne Battye Verdict: Helloooo Neve Gallus! This is an utterly stunning introduction to our private detective companion. A great noir-style tale that confirms that the Venatori are very much still a problem in Tevinter.

9. Title: The Wigmaker Job Author: Courtney Woods Verdict: Oh man. This is one of my favorite stories. There's just so much to love here! Lucanis and Illario are great together (I fell in love with Lucanis here and have rooted for him to be a companion since I first read it). The action sequences are great, and again, some real nasty, dark things are happening in Thedas.

10. Title: Genitivi Dies in the End Author: Lukas Kristjanson Verdict: This story is So. Much. Fun! It's also a pretty deep cut for fans, featuring Brother Ferdinand Genitivi (from DAO) and Philliam, a Bard!, as well as a few references to the Randy Dowager. All figures you'll only know if you are a lore hound in Inquisition. We also meet another Lord of Fortune and get a fun romp into elven ruins. What's not to love?

11. Title: Herold Had the Plan Author: Ryan Cormier Verdict: More Lords of Fortune, this time stealing an artifact from the Grand Tourney in Starkhaven. We also see Vaea and Ser Aaron at the end, which was a nice little treat. I will say though, this one had me a bit misty-eyed by the end. I usually want to see more of characters I love, but I hope Bharv retires to his farm and never treasure hunts again. Man has earned it.

12. Title: An Old Crow's Old Tricks Author: Arone Le Bray Verdict: After a troop of Tevinter soldiers attack a Dalish clan to make way for their camp, the Dalish seek revenge. That vengeance comes in the from of an old woman named Lessef. Watching her decimate the soldiers was gruesome good fun, and I cheered each time she said "Lessef of the Antivan Crows has fulfilled the contract."

13. Title: Eight Little Talons Author: Courtney Woods Verdict: This is the longest of the stories (I'd probably consider it a novelette) and it is maybe my favorite. I love a good whodunnit, and this one has a remote lake house, Antivan Crows, murders that replicate historically famous assassinations, AND sexual tension through the roof! We are formally introduced to Andarateia Cantori and Viago de Riva in this story, though we can infer from the text that they are the unnamed Crows we met in the comic Deception. I love them and NEED them to kiss on screen on Veilguard, okay?????

14. Title: Half Up Front Author: John Epler Verdict: It's hard to follow up Teia and Viago, but this little heist story is good fun. We see Gatt, and go to Kont-Arr! We also learn that the Agents of Fen'Harel are uhhhh real intense, Solas is after yet another artifact, and his feud with the Qunari is alive and well. We also learn that Dorian hired the narrator of this story to steal something from the Archon(?!) and at the end Gatt suggests the narrator and her girlfriend Irian head to Kirkwall to meet Varric. So, I guess we'll see if they show up in Veilguard?

15. Title: The Dread Wolf Take You Author: Trick Weekes Verdict: Look. As a Solavellan, I was never going to be normal about this story. I remember screaming (and crying) the first time I read it. It's a really interesting look at some different groups around Thedas, including the Carta, the Mortalitasi, and the Executors. We get to see Charter again, and she mentions Tessa! But the real gem here is that Solas himself shows up, and he somehow manages to break my heart all over again all while leaving me we more questions than answers. What an absolute banger of an ending for this anthology!

[thedissonantverses]

woah wait can you tell me more about each team member corresponding to a chess piece, i LOVE this

Oh heck I would love to haha! I’m having trouble finding the original post so maybe one of my mutuals can help but I did find this one https://www.tumblr.com/thedissonantverses/768194221984432128 discussing the themes of each companion quest and how they relate to the themes of the game. (Works better than a straight chess breakdown imo)

But I believe the breakdown was something like-

Davrin-Knight

Harding-Pawn

Neve-Queen

Taash-Knight

Bellara-Bishop

Emmrich-Bishop

Lucanis-Pawn

Rook-Rook (Castle)

There’s eight pawns, two bishops, two knights, two rooks, and one king Elgar-‘nan would be the enemy king, ghil’nanin the queen(that’s why she has to get taken out first)

I’d argue Solas is the other rook in this situation and it’s not the best 1:1 hahaha but it was fun to fit into the chess theme. It’s kindve a “squint and you might see it” situation. Feel free to tell me I’m wrong about who is what.