#ic. emmrich volkarin

[dicethrow]

@fademade | Emmrich Starter Call | Lucanis

"I will say this, Lucanis—I’m much more of a tea enjoyer myself, but I’ll gladly indulge in the coffee since it’s a form of art in your hands." Emmrich gave a small, appreciative smile. He truly enjoyed Lucanis’ cooking whenever the assassin took his turn preparing meals for the group. It was refreshing to see such impressive skill with a knife put to creative, wholesome use rather than... professional necessity.

"And if you ever wish for me to return the favour," he added with a kind smile and nod, hands softly waving in the general direction of his quarters. "Manfred and I would be delighted to whip up a splendid evening tea. Manfred especially, he so enjoys your and Spite's company."

[dicethrow]

Nevarra was certainly open-minded in many aspects, but not all. Yet, compared to other nations, he did experience far more closed mindedness. Emmrich’s people—especially those among the Mortalitasi—had grown accustomed to the caution, if not outright dislike, directed toward their practices. It was deeply refreshing, then, to meet someone like Tore, who seemed to share a similarly open perspective on death.

Of course, Emmrich didn’t know the finer details of Tore’s culture, but that only fueled his curiosity. After all, he wouldn’t have earned his reputation as a renowned professor without an immense thirst for knowledge.

"What does it mean, giving your corpse to the Lady of the Sky?" he inquired, leaning forward slightly, his interest evident. He had no qualms about showing his intrigue. "Is there a ritual? An offering? Please," he added with a hand placed upon his chest, as in prepared for the verbal blow, "don’t tell me you also practice the wasteful act of cremation, my dear friend."

"Oh, I like you," said the spirit, taking her hand off the seax on her hip to clap her hands together. "Fereldans and Orlesians are often so small-minded."

"Your respect of spirits is refreshing. I think I will take you up on the offer," said Tore, pleased. He leaned forwards, dipping his voice, aware that his interest may not be taken well by non-Mortalitasi. "I will admit - Manfred fascinates me. We give our bodies to the Lady of the Skies upon death: I've rarely seen necromancy performed on human remains before meeting you."

What Tore does with other types of remains is between him and the Lady.

[invinciblerodent]

I read I think last night someone saying that Emmrich and Davrin are like two single dads with diametrically opposed parenting styles, and at first I was a little skeptical (because people are often very quick to assign parental terms and roles to characters and their bonds, even when I personally often find that kind of unwarranted), but yknow? Taking the two of them out together?

Yeah, I hate to admit it, but I can't not see that either.

Like I've only had Emmrich on the team for like ten minutes, but already I feel like their styles really fit their respective "children" too.

Emmrich is like a permissive, encouraging "parent" to an ultimately harmless wisp of curiosity, and Davrin's job is to care for a largely undisciplined adolescent griffon that's brimming with restless energy.

Manfred is like a toddler just learning what his fingers and toes are for and needs his proud daddy to encourage his artistic endeavors by putting his crooked finger-painted portraits of the Veilguard up on the fridge, while Assan is like, a rowdy, jocky teenage boy who would live off Monster energy if he could, and needs his dad to sometimes lay down the law and protect him from himself so that he doesn't fuck up his future and lose his sports scholarship.

[bioware]

To begin our Companions Week, let us first reacquaint ourselves with the Veilguard.

Lace Harding - The Scout [Caption: Harding’s skills with the bow are unmatched - her arrows can stagger enemies and shred armor.]

Davrin - The Warden [Caption: Fiercely loyal, Davrin brings his enemies down hard with a combination of mighty attacks, teaming with his griffon, Assan, to keep their companions out of danger.]

Bellara Lutare - The Veil Jumper [Caption: Bellara manipulates the Fade and uses electricity and control magic to support her Companions and diminish the powers of their foes.]

Lucanis Dellamorte - The Mage Killer [Caption: Lucanis stylishly deals necrotic damage in battle with his dual-daggers, while supporting his companions with potions and buffs.]

Taash - The Dragon Hunter [Caption: Blunt and straightforward, Taash is a mighty warrior, who wields dual-axes and breathes out flames, igniting enemies with draconic fury.]

Emmrich Volkarin - The Necromancer [Caption: Emmrich summons forth spirits of the dead to both entangle and hinder his enemies and heal his companions.]

Neve Gallus - The Detective [Caption: Neve uses her talents as an ice mage to freeze and slow enemies, stopping them in their tracks.]

[felassan]

Dragon Age: The Veilguard - site update - companion blurbs and abilities. [source] Some of this information is new, including each companion's Abilities list.

Text reads:

"LACE HARDING Inquisition This dwarven scout has a positive outlook and a ready bow – as well as unexpected magical powers. At her core, Harding is still a girl from Ferelden; she loves adventure, animals, and nature and is fiercely protective of her family and friends. Abilities: Seismic Shot; Heavy Draw; Shred; Adrenaline Rush; Soothing Potion Harding's skills with the bow are unmatched - her arrows can stagger enemies and shred armor. DAVRIN Grey Wardens Bold and charming, this Grey Warden has made a name for himself as a monster hunter. Though he was raised in a Dalish clan, he craved excitement and adventure. He’d rather make history than reflect on it. Now, he cares for Assan, a young griffon. Abilities: Battle Cry; Death from Above; Heroic Strike; Assan Strike; In War, Victory Fiercely loyal, Davrin brings his enemies down hard with a combination of mighty attacks, teaming with Assan to keep their companions out of danger. BELLARA LUTARE The Veil Jumpers Bellara is creative, romantic, and obsessed with uncovering the secrets of ancient Elvhenan. She has a strong sense of self – a clear idea of who she is and what she wants – and will push herself to her limits to find the answers she seeks. Abilities: Fade Bolts; Enfeebling Shot; Replenish; Time Slow; Galvanized Tear Bellara manipulates the Fade and uses electricity and control magic to support her Companions and diminish the powers of their foes. TAASH The Lords of Fortune A Qunari dragon hunter allied with the Lords of Fortune, Taash lives for adventure and doesn't mind taking risks. While her interests include sparkling treasures and hitting things with an axe, Taash is also deeply knowledgeable about many topics. Abilities: Fire Breath; Dragon's Roar; Dragonfire Strike; Spitfire; Fortune's Favor Blunt and straightforward, Taash is a mighty warrior, who wields dual-axes and breathes out flames, igniting enemies with draconic fury. LUCANIS DELLAMORTE The Antivan Crows Lucanis is an expert assassin for whom the Antivan Crows are a family business. He is poised & pragmatic, but he’d rather not be the center of attention. His focus is usually on his work. Lucanis specializes in executing powerful mages and has earned himself the title Demon of Vyrantium. Abilities: Eviscerate; Abominate; Soothing Potion; Debilitate; Adrenaline Rush Lucanis stylishly deals necrotic damage in battle with his dual-daggers, whilst supporting his companions with potions and buffs. EMMRICH VOLKARIN The Mourn Watch A necromancer of Nevarra's Mourn Watch, this well-meaning scholar comes complete with a skeletal assistant, Manfred. Emmrich is as serious about his duty to protect innocents from the occult as he is about his studies and his interest in the mysteries of the fade. Abilities: Final Rites; Replenish; Entangling Spirits; The Bell Tolls; Time Slow Emmrich summons forth spirits of the dead to both entangle and hinder his enemies and heal his companions. NEVE GALLUS The Shadow Dragons A cynic fighting for a better future, Neve is both a private detective and a member of Tevinter's rebellious Shadow Dragons. Born and raised in a working-class neighborhood of Minrathous, she does not believe in the superiority of mages. Abilities: Icebreaker; Blizzard; Glacial Pace; Time Slow; Replenish Neve uses her talents as an ice mage to freeze and slow enemies, stopping them in their tracks."

[source]

[dicethrow]

Of course, Emmrich was entirely sincere. He was well aware of how bizarre the concept might seem to most, but it was important to remember that Manfred was indeed a spirit of curiosity. It was vital to nurture that nature, to allow it to foster and flourish. The occasional loss of a few snacks was a price Emmrich was more than willing to pay.

He offered Neve a pleasant, cordial smile, as he was accustomed to such confusion. Even among fellow Mortalitasi, there were times when others expressed bewilderment at Emmrich’s willingness to let Manfred explore mortal life. He could hardly expect someone from outside Nevarra to comprehend the importance of nurturing a Wisp of Curiosity—especially one as inquisitive as Manfred.

"Ah, you mean the truffle remnants? Yes, I’ll admit, that requires a modicum of cleanup," he said with a thoughtful wave of his hand. "But I always keep a sweeping brush on hand for such occasions. That being said, the last incident happened in the courtyard, and I quickly learned that griffons are particularly fond of truffles."

He paused, drawing the waving hand close and tapping a finger thoughtfully to his chin. "Perhaps I should encourage Manfred to attempt food consumption near Assan in the future—it might lead to a mutually beneficial arrangement. Would you agree Neve?"

The statement brings the tilt of her head to stare right into the other Mage. Unable to discern right away if he was being sarcastic or truly spoke as if this was a normal occasion. A sharp eye darts across his features. The relaxation in his brow, the welcoming demeanor that capitalized across his figure, with open arms that suggested the latter. Thus, a quick deduction that he was in fact, not making fun of her.

But while he continues to explain she quickly finds her curiosity pacified... Her brow relaxes and an equally curious eye returns to Manfred in general, gurgling happily with Assan. He was still a curiosity, by all means anytime he ate said truffles there should have been crumbs on the ground beneath his feet where the mashed food would land - yet there never was. "I'll admit I was more curious about the logistics."

[floral-and-fine]

Mourn You Now

Emmrich Volkarin x Mourn Watch Fem Rook (reader)

A/n and Disclaimer: I just want to say I have not finished the game or the romance, so please no spoilers. 😅 I got this idea after the little graveyard date and just had to write it! Thank you!

Thank you @ghostgum for the help ❤️

Summary: Rook is injured in battle, giving Emmrich a lot to contemplate on the matters of life and death.

“Rook’s hurt,” Davrin shouted over all the noise.

Emmrich, who was several feet away, froze mid spell, his eyes sweeping over the battlefield searching for you. Without thinking anything through, his legs started to move.

It was either by skill or incredible luck, but he managed to avoid getting hit or crushed as he rushed to your aid the very moment he saw you collapse. Panic was already settling in before he was even close enough to witness the actual damage and injuries himself.

The fighting and mayhem around him seemed to become a blur, his only objective right now was getting to you. He struggled to catch his breath as his emotion got the better of him. The sounds of the battle that surrounded were now muffled and dull to his ears, especially as the sound of his beating heart grew louder.

It was as if he was underwater, fighting against a current to reach you.

He fell to his knees, gently cupping your face as he tried to wake you, his fingers tapped against your cheek as he called your name. Ice cold fear flooded his veins when you didn’t move or react at the sound of your name or from his nudging.

His eyes widened as he noted the blood pooling beneath you. Carefully adjusting his hands he cradled your head, he could feel blood dripping down his slender fingers to his wrists.

Your shallow breaths did very little to soothe him. He didn’t know what to do, he called out for you louder out of desperation, but you remained unconscious as more blood continued to pool from various wounds.

Were you dying? The thought wormed its way into his head. You were dying, this was it… you’d be gone…

He couldn’t fathom losing you, especially when everything had just begun, this sweet precious love that was blossoming between the two of you, being untimely plucked before fruition…

He had so many things he wanted to show you, so many other little ventures the two of you could share before retiring at the Necropolis where he’d continue to teach.

A sudden longing unfolded, one that begged him to lie beside you and follow your spirit into the fade. The idea on any other day would have been more terrifying to him than all else, but today, at this very moment, it was almost comforting.

“We need to retreat,” Davrin commanded, the sound of his voice breaking through to Emmrich as clearly as a bell. The Grey Warden remained level headed, having grown accustomed to the harsh reality of battle. “Come on, we need to leave. Now.”

Davrin wasted no time, while Emmrich still processed the situation, he knelt down and grabbed your arm, placing it over his neck and his arm helped support you up.

Emmrich finally reacted as soon as he realized that he needed to help Davrin get you to safety. Quickly, he went to your other side to help carry you.

Both men then hurried to the nearest Eluvian.

Arriving back at the Lighthouse, Bellara and Harding took things from there. Bellara shiftly gathered supplies while Harding started bandaging what she could already see.

Emmrich felt so incredibly useless as he watched. Everyone else had acted sensibly and rationally, they were the reason you had a chance at survival.

…

Once Bellara and Harding were finished treating your wounds, Emmrich came into your room to stay with you, desperately hoping you’d show signs of improvement soon.

It wasn’t an easy sight, seeing you unconscious, bruised and beaten. And like a shadow looming over him, he still worried that he could lose you.

He stood awkwardly in your room, his hands fidgeting with one another as he looked around. It almost didn’t seem right for him to be in your room without you being aware of the fact, but he cared about you more than he did about some silly and old fashioned customs.

Emmrich noted some familiar looking items decorating the room, a Nevarran urn sitting on a shelf, a few trinkets you had collected recently from Rivain and Minrathous, but unfortunately the room could use far more books.

He moved a chair over, placing it close to where you were resting.

He recalled several tomes in his possession that he believed would capture your interest. He’d be more than willing to loan them to you. Emmrich would love to hear your thoughts on the rituals detailed in one of them as well as the techniques detailed for mummification in another.

He hoped that the future for you and him still held many late night discussions on all sorts of subjects.

Emmrich’s eyes felt strained as he focused solely on the rise and fall of your chest. Right now, that was the only sign that showed him you were still hanging in there.

The aches and pains of the battle were now making themselves known and his mortal body desired rest, yet his mind and spirit were still wired.

He heard Manfred’s familiar clinking as the skeleton approached with a tray, but Emmrich had no appetite, even for tea. Manfred placed the tray on the table beside the mage and tittered inquisitively.

Emmrich managed to muster a sad smile for his companion, “I believe she’ll pull through, Manfred, thank you.”

He rubbed his face, fighting off the weariness he felt in his bones as Manfred retreated out the room.

…

Your eyes slowly opened, the flickering of a few candles illuminated Emmrich’s tired face which drew your attention. The poor man looked dead tired, but soon his eyes lit up, his entire body acting alert all of a sudden, upon seeing you awake.

“Emmrich?” You whispered in a hoarse voice.

“It’s alright,” he reassured you as he promptly rushed to you and took your hand in his. “But I wouldn’t move too much or too quickly, take it slow please.”

“How bad is it?” You joked, looking at the bandages covering your arm and shoulder, but your smile soon disappeared when you saw the serious look in Emmrich’s eyes.

“Oh,” you swallowed thickly.

His hand squeezed yours reassuringly. “It was a rather close one, unfortunately.”

Silence fell between you, Emmrich’s hand remained on yours.

“Manfred brought tea, if you’re thirsty, although it’s probably gone cold by now,” he offered.

You shook your head, “Not tea, maybe just some water.”

Immediately, Emmrich jolted up from his seat quickly fetching you a glass of water. He helped guide your hand as you took a sip, then placed the glass nearby for later.

Sitting back down, his face scrunched up in concentration.

“Something on your mind?” You asked.

“There is a great deal on my mind,” Emmrich admitted. “In fact, I haven’t stopped thinking since…well since you were injured.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

Emmrich’s gaze shifted, looking slightly embarrassed. “I’d very much like to hold you, as long as you think it wouldn’t cause you any distress or discomfort, of course.”

You smiled at him, “I would like that as well.”

You winced slightly as you shuffled on the bed to make room for him, but before he had a chance to tell you that perhaps this was a bad idea, your fingers clasped around his hand and tugged him towards you.

With a content sigh, his long thin frame curled around yours, his chin buried in your hair as he clung to you. The room was quiet as you and Emmrich simply relished in being close to each other.

One of his hands rested on top of yours, his fingers lazily drew circles over your skin. “I was so afraid that I had lost you, Rook.” Emmrich closed his eyes, “In fact, I was so afraid that for the first time in my life, death didn’t seem all that terrifying.”

“Emmrich,” you murmured softly as you acknowledged the significance of what he just shared.

“Can you believe it?” He half chuckled. “I’m still processing it all to be honest.”

“But there was a moment, where I truly believed that it was over, that your life was over, and I… just wanted to follow you, to stay with you, even if that meant dying.”

You rolled onto your side as best as you could so you could face him, gazing up at him lovingly. It was his tolerance, vulnerability, and honesty that drew to him in the first place.

Just like how he opened up to you at the graves about his fear, how he constantly shared his knowledge not because it makes him feel superior but because he genuinely loves to teach, and then of course there was the connection you shared with him as a fellow Mourn Watcher.

You both could speak so freely with each other without worry. He accepted you completely. Reaching up slowly, you gently stroked his cheek.

“I can almost picture it so clearly, what that future would be like,” he shared, sounding so calm and perhaps even a little elated. “Our remains resting together in a crypt in the Necropolis, a large single headstone engraved with both our names, a sentimental epitaph that sums up our love in both life and death, and our spirits crossing over to fade together, to face whatever comes next.”

“Now that sounds like an afterlife I’d be honored to be a part of,” you smiled, finding the whole sentiment utterly sweet and romantic.

Emmrich laughed, “And eventually some curious young Mourn Watcher will come along, resurrect my skeletal remains, and have to hear all about our remarkable love story.”

He sighed, his eyes moving across your face as he took in every little detail, before pressing a quick kiss to your forehead.

“Thinking about the whole experience, thinking about you, has made me wonder if what I truly fear about death connects back to my parents…” Emmrich shook his head, not ready to delve too deep into past trauma and tragedy. “All I know for certain, is that I have a single request for you, my dear.”

“What is it?”

“Please don’t leave me behind.” His face held a pained expression, his dark eyes

“I would never…” you started, doing your best to sit up to show just how serious you were. You wanted to just grab and show him just how much he meant to you.

“Rook,” Emmrich reprimanded while carefully but firmly pushing you back down onto the bed. “You really need to be taking it easy.”

Now his body was leaning over yours, his hands planted on your shoulders. He was still cautious with you, of course, careful not to squeeze too hard, or put any extra weight on you.

He admired you, transfixed by your beauty, even in your injured state, you were still captivating. Gradually he began to lower himself closer to you, his nose lightly caressing yours before he finally went in for a kiss.

The kiss was slow and tender at first, but as soon as things heated up, when his felt your tongue graze over his bottom lip, Emmrich was quick to end it, pulling away despite your weak protests.

“You need to rest my dear,” he reminded you, getting up to adjust your pillow and fix your blanket. “Can I get you anything?”

You shook your head, “Just lay back down and rest with me.”

Emmrich smiled, slipping back into bed with you. He tucked your head under his as he securely wrapped his arms around your chest. Feeling your warmth, your breath, your beating heart, brought him such comfort that he’d never take a moment alive with you for granted.

[dicethrow]

@ahandfullofrooks | Emmrich Starter Call | Jin

Emmrich wandered from his quarters in search of a book, with Manfred loyally trailing behind him. His ever-curious companion had much to explore at the Lighthouse, with its plethora of knowledge and fellow wisps to commune with. Yet, Emmrich was always grateful for Manfred’s presence—not just for the companionship, but for his invaluable assistance in carrying books that would otherwise overburden him.

As he strolled through the halls, however, his gaze caught Jin in the distance, their expression shadowed by discomfort—or perhaps even pain. The books could wait. A friend in need was far more important. Without hesitation, Emmrich altered his path, approaching Jin with concern etched on his face.

"Jin, my friend," he began gently, "I don’t wish to intrude on your thoughts, but whatever is on your mind seems to be troubling you. I’d be more than happy to listen and offer whatever comfort or advice I can." He gave a small, warm smile before gesturing to Manfred beside him. "Manfred, too—although I’d suggest he participate more in the listening than the advising. Still, it could be an excellent opportunity for him to better understand the complexities of life here by hearing your story."

Emmrich’s voice softened, his sincerity evident. "I can assure you, whatever you choose to confide in us will stay between us, in this moment alone."

A flicker of sadness passed through him as he regarded Jin. To be adrift, without memories of who they once were—it must be unimaginably daunting.

[gallusneve]

neve gallus proudly showing off her 999+ fascinators to rook for several ocassions

neve gallus speaking/cursing in tevene

neve gallus helping the inquisitor get a super cool dwarven prosthetic for their arm

neve gallus, dorian pavus, and maevaris tilani drinking together and discuss fashion or trying to fix tevinter

neve gallus and bellara lutare discussing cool features of their prosthetics/gadgets together

neve gallus being fascinated by emmrich volkarin's research/published papers

romanced!neve gallus using her ice specialty to help a rook struck with a fever; cooling hands on their forehead

romanced!neve gallus having her neck scarf tied by rook lovingly to get ready

romanced!neve gallus, being a cynic, will probably need some convincing that rook's love and affection are sincere

romanced!neve gallus sharing her smoke pipe with rook

[dicethrow]

"I understand, Spite. It can be deeply frustrating to be denied something you truly desire, but you must trust in Lucanis' wisdom when it comes to the whims of the mortal world," Emmrich said, his tone calm yet firm. He met the demon's gaze politely—after all, it would be rude not to make occasional eye contact while addressing him. At the same time, Emmrich remained partially preoccupied, diligently tending to his friend’s wound.

"Take this very moment as an example," he continued, gesturing subtly. "Many times, Lucanis denies your requests because they may lead to harm—for you, for him, or for others. Right now, we ought to focus our emotion and energy on aiding Lucanis. Once he is better, we will all be in the right frame of mind for a productive conversation and of course to return to the Lighthouse."

At the mention of Manfred, a smile quirked onto Emmrich’s face whilst looking now at Lucanis. It pleased him greatly to see the group accepting his dear assistant as one of their own. "Curiosity is a noble virtue, Lucanis. If Spite grows curious, it means his mind is opening to suggestions—and by that, I mean he can be reasoned with."

Emmrich, for his part, harboured no fear of Spite influencing Manfred in any negative way, well, mostly. They may be unsavoury hand gestures...

[ patch ] sender carefully patches one of receiver's wounds (from Emmrich)

"I understand your frustrations Spite, but in all honesty, a tantrum like this is quite counterproductive. Cooperation between you and Lucanis is paramount to aid both of your healing."

[PATCH] from ORDINARY THINGS THAT FEEL INTIMATE

"It's always Spite, no, Spite, do this, Spite, give Lucanis back," snarled the demon, much to Lucanis' exasperation - he may have control whilst awake, but if he started sleepwalking and pulled open a wound, it was very possible he would bleed out and Spite wouldn't even notice or care. He was grateful, then, that Emmerich could see Spite and talk him down as well, even though he was also concentrating on the wound on Lucanis' belly. Not his first, most likely not his last, so long as they could explain blood loss to Spite. "Why can't I decide for once? Lucanis, no. I want to go find Curiosity. He is not here."

"We can talk to him later, when we return to the Lighthouse," promised the Crow, grateful to the Nevarran for his attempts to talk the demon down as well, though not convinced he was making much headway in gaining his co-operation. "Mierda. I think Manfred is rubbing off on him. He never had this fascination for the world before." Could spirits rub off on each other? Was he risking Manfred becoming spiteful in return? That was an ominous thought.

[aymayzing]

I have made a Mourn Watcher Rook and then came up with a few quick ideas for some buddies of his down in the Necropolis. And of course I ended up thinking too much about them so here's a post with some info on them

Sotiris 'Rook' Ingellvar

Mourn Watch's crypt baby

hoped to be a mage, ended up a Warrior Reaper

sweetest kindest guy you'll ever meet but also the beefiest and he's like 7 ft tall; also socially awkward. it's not his fault, he spent his youth playing with skeletons

got in so much shit over the War of the Banners he got pretty much banished from the country for a while only to end up leading the effort to save the world??? apparently???

magic and history nerd

ends up snatching THE professor Emmrich Volkarin (no one is fully certain how he managed that, not even Sotiris himself)

Hannes

my original Rook but they ended up demoted to supporting cast, they'd be too powerful as Rook (sorry Hannes...)

street urchin who kept breaking into the Necropolis to steal from the graves and hang out with the undead so much that the Mourn Watch decided it'd make more sense to just take them in

constanly on thin ice with the higher ups but much adored by the spirits

aims to be seen as the silly goofy one of the group but has the best people skills so everyone comes to them for advice. or when they need a lock picked

Mirka Kanarek

archivist poached by the Mourn Watch from the City Hall (the City Hall is still angry) to deal with the bureaucratic backlog in the Grand Necropolis

convinced she has the best job in the world

does no field work, she's a corporate girlie with skeleton assisstants

probably the most normal and well-adjusted from the group

surface dwarf whose family is newly arrived from Orzammar and is still kind of confused and put out by all the dead bodies. they're very supportive of her career though

Visna Lievenkroft

the only member of this crew with a normal career path (read: once her influential rich noble family realized she was a mage, they paid off everyone they could to get her into a program with the Mourn Watch)

she truly loves her work and wishes to remain with the Watch

she is aware she got into the Necropolis due to nepotism and corruption so she works extremely hard to prove herself

has long held romantic feelings for Sotiris but by the time she managed to fess up, he was already dating Emmrich. who actually used to be her teacher. double whammy, I guess. sorry Visna :(

Alvilda Anaxas

yes, from the Anaxas family - the Duke of Cumberland is her uncle

think of her as Sotiris' reverse Hezenkoss - if Emmrich and Johanna started off as friends and academic partners to end up enemies, Alvilda and Sotiris spent the first years of their relationship competing academically and despising each other, only to grow to appreciate each other's skills and eventually become close friends

also got into a lot of trouble over the War of the Banners but Sotiris covered for her; she's still not allowed to work on her own projects which annoys her endlessly, especially as Sotiris is fully reinstated and fighting undead dragons in long forgotten crypts or some other nonsense

[lerulpes]

to the rescue (Emmrich x f!Rook)

A little something I had in mind because of the old man brain rot. Enjoy if you'd like to Warnings: mentions of blood

A wave of hand, a whispered spell, a spark of lightning, and the last enemy falls dead with a loud thud.

Victorious, Jezebel fixed her cuffs; she frowned when she noticed drops of blood all over them. Well, that'll teach her not to wear white fabrics on the mission.

Trying to compose herself after the fight, she took deep breathes a couple of times and looked around. No one was in sight; what a relief, she thought to herself. She wasn't ready to show it, but she was drained - both physically and mentally.

"We should move on," Neve's stern voice appeared out of the darkness. The detective checked if the assassins were dead indeed. "This alleyway doesn't seem like a good place to think about life, don't you agree?" She was right as always, but Jezebel couldn't force herself to move forward.

A gentle, yet firm grip landed on her shoulder. Emmrich's soft voice sounded distant. "Jezebel? Are you alright?" She turned her head to face him; hair slightly disheveled, a genuine concern on his face.

"Of course I am, I just need to..." Jezebel stopped when she noticed Emmrich's eyes widen. "What? It's like you've seen a ghost," she said with a smile. They both were Mourn Watchers, and seeing a ghost wasn't something extraordinary for them, but it still amused Jezebel to say so.

At this moment she felt a liquid on her lips. Jezebel brought her hand up to wipe whatever it is, but, seeing the liquid on her gloved fingers, she realised it was blood. Moreover, it was her blood.

The picture worked as a catalyst, as if this unawareness was keeping her from losing this last bit of power she had. Jezebel's knees betrayed her, and she felt like she would fall any minute now. "Shit..." she exhaled, bending forward.

Halfway down to the ground, Jezebel heard something else hit the pavement and felt hands around her body. When she managed to open her eyes, she saw Emmrich's concerned and focused face very close to hers. His hand touched her cheeks, her forehead, helped him expect her eyes; it would've been romantic if she wasn't on the verge of passing out.

"What's wrong?!" Neve picked up Emmrich's staff and stood next to them. Her voice, always reserved, now was filled with worry.

"She's exhausted. We can't move forward while she's in this state." Neve asked if he could do something. "I can, and I will if you'll give me some time." After these words Neve nodded and walked away to check if there were any pursuers, ensuring the safety.

The necromancer smiled softly. "Oh, mistress Jezebel, if you'll go on like this, I'll proscribe you stepping out of the Lighthouse." Jezebel managed to chuckle.

"Mistress Jezebel... sounds pretentious, don't you think?" She tried to rub her eyes with her hand, but Emmrich stopped her by catching her wrist. He planted a small kiss on her knuckles and let go of her hand.

"Please, lie still," his voice was still soft, yet commanding. "The spell will work better if you won't move." Jezebel felt healing energy flow through her body; the power she lost in the fight was slowly and steadily coming back.

"Alright, monsieur Volkarin," Jezebel closed her eyes and heard Emmrich chuckle. "I'll behave for now, if you'll promise me a kiss on the forehead for being a good patient."

When jokes like this were exchanged between them, Jezebel felt like she was walking on thin ice. Little did she know that Emmrich felt the same. At this point it was just a question of who was going to give up first and succumb.

Jezebel opened one eye. Emmrich was inspecting her face for signs of better state - indeed, her cheeks changed their color from deadly pale to her ordinary pale, and her lips regained some strength.

"The spell will work for about 15 minutes from now, but we've already achieved the main goal of saving you from dying or passing out big time. Congratulations, mistress. And, as promised..." He closed his eyes and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. Emmrich lingered for a moment too long. "A normal temperature. Spectacular. If you don't mind, I'll reward you for this with one more kiss." The necromancer pecked her cheek, provoking a chuckle from Jezebel - now it sounded like a chuckle of a healthy human, not a bark of a dying dog.

"Oh, Emmrich, you're the best healer in town," Jezebel grunted when the necromancer helped her to stand up. "Thank you. Please, tell me, my nose stopped bleeding, did it?" She recieved a positive answer. "Oh, thank you once again, Emmrich," she nodded her head to strengthen her words.

"Just doing my job, darling," the necromancer answered. The last word hopped off his tongue on it's own.

"Darling? I like the sound of that," she fixed Emmrich's hair, returning his touches. "I'll come up with something like this for you, professor, if you don't mind."

"I'll look forward to it, darling," Emmrich smiled. When she noticed the wrinkles in the corners of his eyes deepen, Jezebel couldn't help but smile in return. Something in the back of her head suggested she claimed his soft lips here and now, but Jezebel tried to perish the thought. Nevertheless, it was disrupted by Neve's return; she informed the group that the path was clear and they could go on if Jezebel was alright.

The next few minutes were walked in silence, but Jezebel muttered a silent "darling" to herself from time to time.

[invinciblerodent]

Isabela's comments in the Hall of Valor

Bellara:

Isabela: Our next challenger comes from the Veil Jumpers of Arlathan. She's deadly and Dalish, so give a halla for Bellara!

Davrin:

Isabela: In war, victory! In peace, vigilance! In the Hall of Valor, give it up for renowned Grey Warden and monster slayer Davrin!

Emmrich:

Isabela: The spirits of the Hall of Valor are honored to welcome Emmrich "Vol-carnage" Volkarin of the Mourn Watch!

Lucanis:

Isabela: The Hall of Valor is pleased to welcome legendary Spirit of Determination, Spite! And his spirit-friend, Lucanis Dellamorte of the Crows.

Neve:

Isabela: Is that a chill in the air? Please give an ice-cold welcome to the darling of Dock Town, the Winter from Tevinter, Neve Gallus!

(She didn't comment on Taash at all in any of my attempts, and I tried multiple times, but I haven't been able to trigger a specific comment for Harding either- If someone managed to get one, please don't hesitate to add it! ❤️)

[dicethrow]

Spite had attended their book clubs before, though mostly by force—Lucanis being a mainstay attendee. Emmrich always appreciated the assassin’s company at such events; it provided a refreshing reprieve from the usual chaos of god-hunting and, of course, their own inner demons—figuratively and literally.

On the subject of demons, however, Spite seemed far less enthusiastic about the concept of a book reading than Lucanis. Still, a promise was a promise, and Emmrich was determined to uphold his end of the deal.

At Spite’s quip, Emmrich responded with little more than a slight raise of his brow and the faintest glance in the demon’s direction before returning his attention to the novel in his hands. That was, at least, until Spite mentioned hidden glances cast his way.

At that, Emmrich paused, his slender finger coming to rest under the word where he had stopped reading. He looked up thoughtfully.

"Perhaps he had a simple interest in Manfred," he replied, his tone calm and measured, "or perhaps a curiosity about whatever enchantment or task I was most likely preoccupied with."

The words, though casual, seemed to serve as much to assure himself as they did to respond to Spite.

@dicethrow plotted starter

The demon grumbles, considerably displeased with his current predicament of staying seated whilst the Mortalitasi read from a dusty old book. He doesn't want to be doing this, he wants to be walking about free while Lucanis is sleeping, but...

Spite had made a deal, a contract. Crows never abandoned a contract, and the demon saw himself as a Crow by proxy to Lucanis. He'd made a deal with Emmrich that he would let Lucanis get real sleep, without taking over the body... but only if the necromancer would read to him and teach him.

Still, it's difficult for him to just stay there when he had a perfectly good body to use for... whatever he wanted. He's still not sure what he would do, but he is tired of being contained.

"He thinks about you, you know." Spite pipes up gruffly with a wicked grin, fiery violet eyes seeming to shine a little brighter with his mischief. He doesn't care if he's interrupting a passage Emmrich was in the middle of. He's bored.

"And he looks at you. When you don't think he's looking."

[dicethrow]

@evergloaming | Emmrich Starter Call

"Ah, Sigrid, my apologies—you’ve caught me in the middle of a rather time-sensitive study. Ah, thank you, Manfred—ever the helpful assistant," Emmrich said with a small nod of appreciation.

He accepted the mostly rotten, skeletal hand Manfred offered, deftly incorporating it into the incantation. A spectral green flame flared to life, consuming the bony appendage until it crumbled to ash. Emmrich studied the flames intently, his expression focused as he absorbed the knowledge revealed by the magic’s manifestation. After a few moments, the spectral fire flickered and faded into the ether.

"Apologies," he said again, turning his attention back to Sigrid. "I’ve been tasked with investigating the development of a particular type of darkspawn. It seems that whatever is happening with the Blight is causing significant alterations in the darkspawn, changes that are sending ripples across the Fade itself."

[dicethrow]

@fatedmuses | Emmrich Starter Call | For Carolina

"Oh my word," he muttered, his voice thick with disgust as he examined the Venatori’s experiments on Antivan citizens. "The use of blood magic is abhorrent enough, but this... this seems to stretch far beyond even the vilest depths I could imagine."

His gaze shifted to Carolina, his thoughts tangled. As a Crow, he assumed she was accustomed to death in one form or another, which might grant her the clarity to process this horror without faltering. But that same thought gave him pause. If she had seen such atrocities before, what kind of life must she have endured? And if she hadn’t—if this was her first exposure to the depths of the Venatori’s cruelty—what a rude and terrible awakening it must be.

Either way, it was monstrous. And either way, she would carry the weight of it.

Emmrich drew a steadying breath, his voice softening as he offered what little solace he could. "Are you all right?"