#rook is devastated that he missed this

[mrsrookhunt]

Twisted Wonderland, but Yuu tells Rook they know embroidery

Rook: Ah, hats off to you-!

*dramatically sweeps his hat off*

*Sees 'YUU WAS HERE' stitched into the brim*

Rook: ....

Rook: ..Is this...?

*Yuu, already walking away*: I have my ways, Hunt!

*Rook, sobbing*: TEACH ME YOUR WAYS, MON TRICKSTEUR---

[emmriches]

emmrich’s personal choice quest holds a weight to it that i really feel like the others didn’t or tried and couldn’t

[dotster001]

Hidden Desires Chapter Five

Summary: Jamil x gn! Reader. Now that you're at the Isle of Woe, your relationship with Jamil might be tested. Not that you even realize it.

CW: major spoilers for book six!!!!!!!!, not really transitions, just cuts from place to place, ideally imagine the events of book six occurring concurrently with this

Chapters: Prologue One Two Three Four Six

"Test two ready. Commencing Dive!"

Jamil heard Ortho's voice distantly in the headset, as the scene in the vr changed again. The first test him and Leona had faced was incredibly easy. If this was how all the tests would run, he had no doubt that himself and the other overblotters would finish and be released well before the twenty four hours they'd been contracted for were up.

As the scene finally settled, he looked around in confusion.

"We're in the greenhouse," Jamil muttered.

"Hmph," was all he got from Leona.

"Ayo! Leona! Where the hell have ya been!" 

"Ruggie?" Jamil breathed. 

"Jamil! You scared me! I'm so happy you're okay!" 

"Kalim," his eye twitched a bit, but he calmed his tension quickly. "Sorry Kalim. I didn't mean to worry you."

"Whatever, Leona if you don't get that potions essay in by the end of the day, Crewel 's gonna have my head on a platter," Ruggie said with a pout.

"Oh, I get it," Leona began, but was cut off by a new voice. 

"Jamil! Where did you go?" 

Your voice. And not long after, you. He felt all the tension ease from his shoulders as you walked towards him. Only for you to place your arm in Kalim's. Then press a kiss to his cheek.

"We should have a party to celebrate, right love?" You said sweetly.

Jamil was about to release a slew of curses, when the air filled with sand.

"Snap out of it, Viper. They're using our memories to create a scene that will upset us," Leona snapped.

Jamil's face split into a grin, "So if we don't get upset, we can calmly fight them."

"Correct. Prepare yourselves!"

….

"And what is the Ramshackle perfect doing here. That I don't understand," Idia said with a frown. He had just apprehended yourself, Epel, and Rook.

You should lie. You should say you were just here to drop off Vil's skincare routine. But you couldn't lie. Not when you were so close.

"I'm here for Grim and my boyfriend," you snapped. 

Idia rolled his eyes. "Sevens, of course you are. Normies are so predictable, allowing emotions to take over their senses."

"Wouldn't you be devastated if your boyfriend and your only family were both stolen from you in the same breath!" You shouted, meanwhile feeling Epel's hand slip into yours, and give it a reassuring squeeze.

Idia stared at Ortho for a moment. "I'll give you the family thing, but Jamil? C'mon! He's a guy!"

"Sounds like you speak from experience," Epel snickered, before getting fixed with a glare.

"Look, I already told you, less than twenty four hours from now, they're free to go, all of them. Then you can live your basic romantic lives, or whatever, and leave me alone."

"Fine," you hissed.

"Good. Ortho's going to escort you all to a room you can stay in, and have you sign some paperwork."

You held back any further retorts as Idia entered his chariot and flew away, leaving you and your rescue crew alone.

….

You really wish the world wasn't ending. It would have been far more relieving to have teamed up with the kidnapped overblotters. But Grim was still missing. And the world was indeed ending.

And now you were splitting up again to find Idia in Tartarus. In an unexpected way.

"Roi du poison, Epel, and I should be in one team, since we have spent the most time together, and thus will work the most seamlessly. And Y/N should come with us because we can protect them the most."

You wanted to go with Jamil. If you all failed, and the world got flooded in blot, you wanted to be by Jamil's side. To give the man you loved a last farewell. 

"A brilliant idea! I trust you three to protect our savior better than any of us!" Azul said with a bow.

You looked at Jamil, and noticed his clenched jaw, but the rest of the group was nodding in agreement, and he rolled his eyes.

"Sorry," he mouthed, and you gave him a tired smile.

"Then how should the rest of the groups split?"

In moments, the groups were split, and you were preparing to make your way into Tartarus. You turned to say something, anything, to Jamil, but Rook threaded his arm through yours, and dragged you off.

….

"May I give you each a hug and a kiss?"

You and Epel stared at Vil. But Rook excitedly spoke up for the both of you.

"Oui! It would be a wonderful way to experience your gratitude!"

Vil smiled softly and hugged you, pressing a kiss to your cheek. He moved to Epel and did the same thing.

Then he stood before Rook. He slipped his hands into his. Then leaned in and passionately kissed his lips.

Rook froze, before reciprocating, and both you and Epel couldn't look away, as much as you longed to. It was when Vil began to lace his fingers in Rook's hair that Epel gave a not so subtle cough.

Vil pushed Rook away, despite being the one who started it, then gave his own cough.

"Shall we proceed?" Before anyone else could respond, he began his descent down the stairs, Rook trailing him like a lovesick puppy as you and Epel giggled behind him.

….

"I can't help but wonder, snake. For someone who always thinks so little of everyone else, and who lacks charisma, how did you get Y/N?"

Jamil had thought Leona was going to take another nap while they waited for the spear to recharge. After already being sliced into, and forced to reflect on his entire life view, he was not sure he wanted to start this conversation.

"Maybe  I have some charisma after all," he said with a smirk.

Leona gave him an unimpressed hmph.

"I don't know. Perhaps I proved to Y/N during Vil's overblot that I can protect them."

"Y/N doesn't need protection. Just cause they don't have magic, doesn't make them weak. They're the school beast tamer for a reason."

"That's just something Crowley calls them."

"Ha ha ha!" Leona let out a booming laugh. "Maybe, but I've known Y/N longer than you, as much as I'm sure you hate that. But the beast tamer title is legit. Hell, if you haven't noticed any of the changes we've all gone through, it just makes my question all the more valid!"

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you sound jealous, housewarden," Jamil snickered.

"And what if I am? You're dating them, you know what they're like, can you really blame me?"

He bit his lip, and Leona snickered again. "I've been here before you, and I'll be here after."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Jamil muttered.

"It means you don't seem to be taking to the beast taming, and Y/N will realize you haven't grown at all from the slimy snake who tried to kill them."

"Sevens, you sound like Azul," Jamil groaned.

"Is the octopus after Y/N too?" 

"No he just…he's overprotective."

"Fair. Rather not fight him if I don't have to, so that's good to know."

Jamil was prepared to offer up a retort, but was met with a soft snore.

"Unbelievable," he groaned.

Logically, he knew there was a chance that some of the overblot crew, who sat with you at lunch every single day even if they had to share a chair, would be into you.

But Leona?

He thought back to when you watched the stars together in the Scarabia dorm. But when he looked at the memory now, he saw Leona. Leona who was kissing you roughly, like a predator who caught his prey. Leona, who laid you down against the carpet. Leona, who pinned one of your wrists above your head, while your other hand slipped into his hair. Leona who released a low growl as he deepened the kiss.

"Fuck!" Jamil shouted, standing up from his seat and pacing angrily.

He should be happy. He should be happy there was someone who'd pick up the pieces if he had to leave you for something or someone else. He knew it might have to go there someday; once he'd rebuilt his reputation, which he was nearly done with, he'd have to take whatever was the next step to building his power, both at school and in life.

But he couldn't be happy.

And that was terrifying.

The world  could end in moments if they failed, and all he could think about was how Rook had pulled you away before he could say goodbye. His reputation and future be damned, all he wanted right now was to hold you.

This was terrifying.

Leona was wrong. Your beast taming had affected him. Even if you didn't mean to be taming him, you had done it successfully anyway.

Sevens.

Why did he have to love you?

….

Idia had overblotted sort of. Riddle's hair has turned white. Vil had aged. You'd gotten Grim back. And now you were about to go home.

But first…

"Hey, Idia?" He looked at you startled, his eyes wide.

"I just want to say, when you come back, if you need someone to talk to about…all of this, I'm always there to listen. You don't have to suffer alone."

Idia slowly nodded, and you turned to climb into the aircraft. Jamil was staring at you, eyes blank, and you gave him a reassuring smile. He extended a hand, and you took it, using all your strength to pull him into a hug.

"I'm so happy you're okay," you whispered, feeling safe in his arms as he tightened the hug.

"C'mon lovebirds, let's go," Leona said with a laugh.

You giggled and pulled Jamil with you into the aircraft. The trip felt like it would be a silent one.Then Vil started sobbing.

"Roi du poison!"

"Don't look at me Rook! I'm old, and rotting away!"

"Roi du poison-"

"I've been robbed of my youth and middle ages!"

"What happened to your speech from before?" Azul asked, clear amusement in his voice.

"I was trying to keep control of the situation!" Vil shrieked, but was stopped when Rook cupped his cheeks.

"I love you! And I will always find you beautiful! If you were a worm, I would still find you beautiful!" Rook cried.

Vil sniffled, then leaned in and kissed Rook. The kiss continued for a little too long, and everyone looked away.

"Unrequited love, huh?" You snickered.

You could have sworn you felt Rook kick your seat between kisses.

….

Jamil watched as you and the rest of the group gamed together. In particular, he was watching Idia. Idia who slowly moved himself closer and closer to you. Idia who genuinely smiled when you spoke to him. Idia who ignored his own controller so that he could help you play.

"Beast tamer, huh?" Jamil muttered to himself.

One day under your light, and Idia was already growing as a person. Jamil didn't feel any different. At least not where it mattered. Yes, he loved you. He loves you more than anything.

But was that enough for him to deserve you?

....

Tag list-@shytastemakerthing @leonia0 @mizucika @somany-fandoms-solittle-time @kurenix @starshiningsirius @pikeru565 @da-disappointment @dearhyacinths @carpediem1219 @ravenkake @savanaclaw1996 @felinegrate

[sbk-zgvlt]

You've heard Sebek and Trey being siblings or cousins but now LET'S CONSIDER SEBEK HAVING A HERITAGE WITH ROOK

Like if you think about it, what human would be so eccentric to open a dental practice in a place that RESENTS humans if not from the Hunt Family. Their 'uniqueness' for certain things is hereditary but Rook had it downbad very early on in life.

I apologize, I'm very high right now and my brain needs to get this out

LIDAEUS ZIGVOLT WHO USED TO BE A LIDAEUS HUNT IM FUCKING CRYINGGGG

I hate the fact that you're making sense 😞

Lidaeus is the most "normal" of the Hunt family, so it came as a surprise to find out that he moved away to permanently live in Briar Valley with a gorgeous fae who could probably bend him in half ❤️ (and is surrounded by other fae who could very well do the same to him!)

Can you imagine,,,Dia 3 finding out Sebek is related to Rook fucking HUNT,,,,THEY WOULD BE DEVASTATED,,,,(/lhj)

But Rook is absolutely off the RAILS !!! COUSIN??? I AM COUSINS WITH MONSIEUR CROCODILE???? SPLENDID. MAGNIFIQUE. Even though its not obvious I have a feeling that there are times where Rook misses his siblings, so what better way to get rid of that homesickness than hang out with Sebek !!

Im not sure how Sebek would react to being related to Rook, but he would be completely. Gobsmacked. "IM RELATED TO THIS FREAK?????" "WE CAN BE FREAKS TOGETHER, MONSIEUR CROCODILE!!!!!"

[whumpily-ever-after]

Whumpy Book List #3

Hello! As requested, here is another book list. Some of these books will contain a list of whump tropes and others will not. I did not take notes while reading, and I don't remember the exact tropes. There is at least a little bit of whump in each book.

Happy reading!

List below the cut

The Last Sun (The Tarot Sequence #1) by K.D. Edwards

Summary: Rune Saint John, last child of the fallen Sun Court, is hired to search for Lady Judgment's missing son, Addam, on New Atlantis, the island city where the Atlanteans moved after ordinary humans destroyed their original home. With his companion and bodyguard, Brand, he questions Addam's relatives and business contacts through the highest ranks of the nobles of New Atlantis. But as they investigate, they uncover more than a missing man: a legendary creature connected to the secret of the massacre of Rune's Court. In looking for Addam, can Rune find the truth behind his family's death and the torments of his past?

Genre: Fantasy, urban fantasy, magic, MM romance, Mystery, adult

Whump tropes: Past trauma

 Liar City by Allie Therin

Summary: A murder has Seattle on edge, and it falls to a pacifist empath—and a notorious empath hunter—to find the killer before it's too late It’s the middle of the night when part-time police consultant and full-time empath Reece gets an anonymous call warning him that his detective sister needs his help. At an out-of-the-way Seattle marina, he discovers that three people have been butchered—including the author of the country’s strictest anti-empathy bill, which is just days from being passed into law. Soon, Reece’s caller a shadowy government agent known as The Dead Man, who is rumored to deal exclusively in cases involving empathy. He immediately takes over the investigation, locking out both local PD and the FBI, but, strangely, keeps Reece by his side. As the two track an ever-growing trail of violence and destruction across Seattle, Reece must navigate a scared and angry city, an irritating attraction to his mysterious agent companion, and a rising fear that perhaps empaths like him aren’t all flight and no fight after all…

Genre: Fantasy, mystery, paranormal, MM romance, urban fantasy

Magic in Manhattan Series (Spellbound, Starcrossed, and Wonderstruck) by Allie Therin

Summary: To save Manhattan, they’ll have to save each other first… New York, 1925 Arthur Kenzie’s life’s work is protecting the world from the supernatural relics that could destroy it. When an amulet with the power to control the tides is shipped to New York, he must intercept it before it can be used to devastating effects. This time, in order to succeed, he needs a powerful psychometric…and the only one available has sworn off his abilities altogether. Rory Brodigan’s gift comes with great risk. To protect himself, he’s become a recluse, redirecting his magic to find counterfeit antiques. But with the city’s fate hanging in the balance, he can’t force himself to say no. Being with Arthur is dangerous, but Rory’s ever-growing attraction to him begins to make him brave. And as Arthur coaxes him out of seclusion, a magical and emotional bond begins to form. One that proves impossible to break—even when Arthur sacrifices himself to keep Rory safe and Rory must risk everything to save him.

Genre: Fantasy, historical fiction, MM romance, paranormal, magic, urban fantasy

Spell Bound by F. T. Lukens

Summary: Edison Rooker isn’t sure what to expect when he enters the office of Antonia Hex, the powerful sorceress who runs a call center for magical emergencies. He doesn’t have much experience with hexes or curses. Heck, he doesn’t even have magic. But he does have a plan—to regain the access to the magical world he lost when his grandmother passed. Antonia is…intimidating, but she gives him a job and a new name—Rook—both of which he’s happy to accept. Now all Rook has to do is keep his Spell Binder, an illegal magical detection device, hidden from the Magical Consortium. And contend with Sun, the grumpy and annoyingly cute apprentice to Antonia’s rival colleague, Fable. But dealing with competition isn’t so bad; as Sun seems to pop up more and more, and Rook minds less and less. But when the Consortium gets wind of Rook’s Spell Binder, they come for Antonia. All alone, Rook runs to the only other magical person he knows: Sun. Except Fable has also been attacked, and now Rook and Sun have no choice but to work together to get their mentors back…or face losing their magic forever.

Genre: Fantasy, young adult, MM romance, urban fantasy, magic

A Market of Dreams and Destiny by Trip Galey

Summary: Below Covent Garden lies the Untermarkt, where anything and everything has a price: a lover’s first blush, a month of honesty, a wisp of fortune. As a child, Deri was sold to one of the Market’s most powerful merchants. Now, after years of watchful servitude, Deri finally spots a chance to buy not only his freedom but also his place amongst the Market’s elite when he stumbles into the path of a runaway princess desperate to sell her royal destiny. But news of the missing princess and her wayward destiny spreads. Royal enforcers and Master Merchants alike are after it. Outmanoeuvring them all would all be hard enough had Deri not just also met the love of his life, a young man called Owain, whose employers are using the Market for their own nefarious schemes. Deri soon finds that the price of selling the royal destiny, making a name for himself, and saving the man he loves is dear. The cost of it all might just change the destiny of London forever.

Genre: Fantasy, MM romance, historical fiction, urban fantasy

Saint of Steel Series by T. Kingfisher

Summary: Stephen's god died on the longest day of the year… Three years later, Stephen is a broken paladin, living only for the chance to be useful before he dies. But all that changes when he encounters a fugitive named Grace in an alley and witnesses an assassination attempt gone wrong. Now the pair must navigate a web of treachery, beset on all sides by spies and poisoners, while a cryptic killer stalks one step behind…

Genre: Fantasy, mystery, romance

Silver Under Nightfall and Court of Wanderers by Rin Chupeco

Summary: Remy Pendergast is many things: the only son of the Duke of Valenbonne (though his father might wish otherwise), an elite bounty hunter of rogue vampires, and an outcast among his fellow Reapers. His mother was the subject of gossip even before she eloped with a vampire, giving rise to the rumors that Remy is half-vampire himself. Though the kingdom of Aluria barely tolerates him, Remy’s father has been shaping him into a weapon to fight for the kingdom at any cost. When a terrifying new breed of vampire is sighted outside of the city, Remy prepares to investigate alone. But then he encounters the shockingly warmhearted vampire heiress Xiaodan Song and her infuriatingly arrogant fiancé, vampire lord Zidan Malekh, who may hold the key to defeating the creatures—though he knows associating with them won’t do his reputation any favors. When he’s offered a spot alongside them to find the truth about the mutating virus Rot that’s plaguing the kingdom, Remy faces a choice. It’s one he’s certain he’ll regret. But as the three face dangerous hardships during their journey, Remy develops fond and complicated feelings for the couple. He begins to question what he holds true about vampires, as well as the story behind his own family legacy. As the Rot continues to spread across the kingdom, Remy must decide where his loyalties lie: with his father and the kingdom he’s been trained all his life to defend or the vampires who might just be the death of him.

Genre: Fantasy, vampires, LGBTQIA+, gothic

The Druid Stone by Heidi Belleau

Summary: Sean never asked to be an O'Hara, and he didn't ask to be cursed by one either. After inheriting a hexed druid stone from his great-grandfather, Sean starts reliving another man's torture and death...every single night. And only one person can help. Cormac Kelly runs a paranormal investigation business and doesn't have time to deal with misinformed tourists like Sean. But Sean has real magic in his pocket, and even though Cormac is a descendant of legendary druids, he soon finds himself out of his depth...and not because Sean's the first man he's felt anything for in a long time. The pair develop an unexpected and intensely sexual bond, but are threatened at every turn when Sean's case attracts the unwelcome attention of the mad sidhe lords of ancient Ireland. When Sean and Cormac are thrust backward in time to Ireland's violent history—and their own dark pasts—they must work together to escape the curse and save their fragile relationship.

Genre: Fantasy, time travel, MM romance, contemporary

Whump tropes: Curses, sent through time, torture

Whisper into the Night by Jay Leigh

Summary: Theo Moreau never wanted to be involved with politics, but when his mother wins the presidential election, he reluctantly agrees to tag along for his younger siblings. Nothing could have prepared him to juggle his anxiety, complex family dynamics, and the complicated world of the White House. Lacking supportive friends and family, he leans on his steadfast Secret Service agent as tensions rise across the divisive political landscape and the dangers of being close to the president come to the surface. Agent Connor O’Brien always wanted to be a hero, so working on the protective detail for the First Family seems like the perfect opportunity. What he isn’t expecting is to fall head over heels for the man under his protection. As their relationship blossoms, the foundation of the administration grows more unstable and the chatter from America’s right-wing demographic rises to a fever pitch. But when Theo becomes the target of their campaign, the stakes get even higher. Unsure of who to trust, and with little help from the President, Theo and Connor join forces with their motley group of friends to unravel the mystery of who is working against them from inside the White House before the situation turns explosive. As the sinister reach of this masked shadow spreads, Theo and Connor grow even closer and the magnitude of everything they risk losing propels them into a race against the nefarious mastermind, desperately clinging to the hope they’ve found in one another before their dream come true turns into a nightmare.

Genre: Contemporary, MM romance, suspense

Whump tropes: Anxiety, asthma, kidnapping, bad parents, bodyguard

Adonis by L Sherleen

Summary: Accused of a hate crime and expelled from school in his final year, Connor returns home to his seaside town to let everything blow over. There, not only does he have to learn to deal with the addition of two new stepbrothers and a new stepdad, but he also has to grapple with a world set against him. It’s not all bad though. Within his dad’s underwater lab, he discovers something in the deep. Something exciting. Something that calls to him. Something that doesn't shy away from the ugly in him as the world does. And Connor could use the distraction…even if it endangers his life.

Genre: Fantasy, MM romance, mermaids, science fiction, mystery

Whump tropes: Found family (kind of), bad parents, kidnapping, false accusations

A Rake of His Own by A.J. Lancaster

Summary: Marius Valstar doesn’t know which is worse: the dead body in his greenhouse or the naked fae prince on his desk. The only rakes of interest to Marius are garden tools. Not fae princes. Certainly not the arrogant, selfish fae prince he has the misfortune to have a history with. But when Prince Rakken turns up naked and bleeding in Marius’s college the same day a body appears in his greenhouse, scruples must take second place to solving a murder that could unravel the delicate balance between humans and fae. Marius’s own developing magical powers are more hindrance than help – as is Rakken’s bloodied past. Forced to work together, they must forge an uneasy alliance if they are to track down the killer. But how can Marius trust the man who represents everything he’s trying to avoid?

Genre: Fantasy, fae, MM romance, mystery

Whump tropes: Pain from telepathy, attempted murder, bodyguard

Wicked Fox by Kat Cho

Summary: Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret--she's a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Because so few believe in the old tales anymore, and with so many evil men no one will miss, the modern city of Seoul is the perfect place to hide and hunt. But after feeding one full moon, Miyoung crosses paths with Jihoon, a human boy, being attacked by a goblin deep in the forest. Against her better judgment, she violates the rules of survival to rescue the boy, losing her fox bead--her gumiho soul--in the process. Jihoon knows Miyoung is more than just a beautiful girl--he saw her nine tails the night she saved his life. His grandmother used to tell him stories of the gumiho, of their power and the danger they pose to humans. He's drawn to her anyway. With murderous forces lurking in the background, Miyoung and Jihoon develop a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something more. But when a young shaman tries to reunite Miyoung with her bead, the consequences are disastrous . . . forcing Miyoung to choose between her immortal life and Jihoon's.

Genre: Fantasy, young adult, mythology, romance

[amaryllis-sagitta]

DATV Varric spoilers

I saw spoilers regarding Varric's arc and...

I did not figure it out. I did not connect the dots before I spoiled it for myself.

On one side, learning about the conclusion is just perfectly emotionally devastating. They knew what they were doing when they made us develop this supportive, coaching relationship between Varric and Rook, giving Rook an opportunity to show vulnerability to someone who is also deeply vulnerable and compassionate.

But on the other hand, I can't help but think that the success of this twist relies on the technical and narrative failings of the entire game to some extent.

Companions vaguely speaking about Varric like he isn't there? This kind of vagueness that evades acknowledging things is ubiquitous in this game. I heard Teia say "when you died" right in Lucanis's face the other day. Sometimes Varric is mentioned in the past tense, something in the present. So maybe companions speaking strangely about Varric is just some editorial error.

Companions seemingly not noticing him in the library cutscene after the Minrathous/ Treviso choice? Characters in this game often fail to turn to each other properly. That scene was already struggling to get everyone in the frame and giving them a line to speak. Sure he got tired after walking down that staircase and having to go back with a brace on his leg.

One time Rook and Varric were talking and Varric said that Bianca was itching for action. "Bianca lies right there, shattered into pieces!" I shouted at the screen. STILL DIDN'T CONNECT THE DOTS.

But then, Varric supposedly is getting better, but he doesn't move around the Lighthouse. He stays stuck and complaning in the infirmary, talking to no-one else.

So, it took me a pretty straightforward spoiler to go back and have the realization.

What I really cannot believe about the twist isn't just the recurring NPCs failing to unambiguously acknowledge what happened. Though I feel we should have heard at least one "How is Varric doing, by the way?" from Maevaris, Dorian, anyone who met Harding and him in The Missing. He's been pottering about Tevinter throughout that issue. Even before that, since Knight Errant, he was involved in the (former?) Inquisition's endeavor of finding Solas. We definitely should have heard a "Where the FUCK is Varric" from the Inquisitor as they bring in the news of Kirkwall's fall.

But what really gets me is the companions failing to notice or acknowledge that Rook repeatedly goes off to the infirmary and has entire conversations with themselves in there. I refuse to believe Rook wouldn't slip once.

What if we had an entire arc for it: companions talking behind Rook's back, arguing on whether they should shake Rook up or leave it be until the situation becomes less perilous. The party has access to a professional necromancer and psychopomp. What if he could find a way for a wisp to take that image from Rook, to somehow instill it in the Lighthouse -- as a memory and as the biggest "fuck you" to Solas, to be eternally haunted by the visage of his dwarven divorcee if he ever dared to enter the Lighthouse again. I feel like this arc would not suffer if Rook was forced to break out of their denial earlier. This could have been such a great tie-in into Emmrich's arc of finding comfort in the sepulchral practice as a "monument more lasting than bronze".

For me, who would have likely been tricked until the very end, this is a lesson on how wishing something desperately is enough to fuel denial, blind us to evidence, and prevent the final inference from happening. (That or it's my braincell burnout speaking lol)

[elvhenmage]

rambling thoughts abt dav after beating it in three and a half days (this will contain spoilers):

no kissing davrin whenever i want??? criminal. i miss being able to go up and chat with my companions in general

also idk if it’s just a davrin thing but the romance line wasss… i dunno. not as like, prevalent? as i wanted, i think. but i enjoyed it very much, i do adore him. i just would’ve liked a pet name or a second kiss scene at least

base combat gameplay is fun. i started to learn combos in my last ~four hours of gameplay but i think i like it too. but i don’t like how companions won’t use abilities unless i tell them to

goddamn i love the sprinting. this bitch hauls ass. the jumping and mantling is a little stiff sometimes but not enough to really bother me

the horror of the blight and of ghilan’nain in general!!! oh man. the blight is so disgusting and i love it. she is such a damn freak. they could’ve gone farther with it but i loved what we got

being able to pinpoint exactly when solas is thinking and then lying to rook is so delicious. when he said “if you help me defeat elgar’nan, i promise the veil will not collapse by my hand” or whatever i was like hmm. weird phrasing. and then to find out killing elgar’nan will bring down the veil?? i love it. what a fucking bastard

companions are good. found myself enamored by all of them in different ways. their individual quests felt like a LOT going on that i didn’t understand at first but i got used to it

this felt very high stakes even before my companions started actually dying in my doomed run. dai didn’t feel high stakes to me, but this did. maybe seeing the devastation from the blight made it feel more personal or something? idk

really big fan of being able to witness party banter by finding companions chatting around the lighthouse. and companions cheering you on in battle :) nice touches that make them feel interconnected ykwim

i stand by what i said years ago about wanting this to be a dual protagonist game. i think it could’ve benefited from more inquisitor but i also get how that could’ve been overwhelming and detrimental to rook’s story

oh my god also can we talk about southern thedas getting absolutely fucking destroyed?? that’s insane. when they said our choices in the south wouldn’t matter bc we’re in the north i didn’t think they meant the south would get wiped off the fucking map 😭 the inquisitor never catches a fucking break

getting to encourage nailah to take solas back was super cool and you know i jumped on that shit but the highlight of that scene for me personally was nailah then turning on elowen like “so tell me about DAVRIN” <3 it fit so well into the little backstory i had planned for elowen and nailah

i HATE the menu system. i put over forty hours into this run and by the end of it i was still hitting the button to close the map instead of swapping from local to world. i also don’t know why they put ability selection on the main character page instead of on the skill tree page, but i must’ve been playing for twelve hours before i found out how to swap that fucking thing 😭

speaking of the skill tree. i was right to be intimidated by that when it dropped bc what the fuck is going on in there. there are SO many options and it makes even less sense to only allow three at a time. i was leveling up like a motherfucker to the point that i wouldn’t even look at the skill tree until i had like five points to spend

i like what they did with inventory and gear. companions having set gear/weapons reminded me of da2 and it was much easier to manage vs having 7382 weapons to sell at the end of a section from looting every kill. that said, a LOT of armors for rook are ugly as fuck lmfao. it was kinda crazy going into the endgame with all my companions in their gorgeous legendary armor while i was in my simple dalish wraps

major endgame spoiler here but that’s on you if you’re still reading past the readmore: why the fuck did they make the one canonical and unavoidable companion death between harding and davrin. the amount of people that are going to kill him because harding has history in dai or because they just don’t like him is going to be obscene.

lavellan leaving the south to do whatever it’s gonna do to go with solas into the fade to seek further atonement is WIIILDDDD. i love you nailah. you are insane. who the fuck is going to take care of southern thedas <- this will never matter bc i fear bioware doesn’t care

why did it take so long to get all the companions??? was that just me or did anyone else feel like it took a thousand years to get the full party?

ok that’s enough outta me (for now). i’m gonna browse my mutuals’ blogs and then watch courtney play dav :)

[solavelyan]

i will

compile some thoughts. though tbh i'm not in a place to be terribly critical of this game right now, and may never be just because of the environment in which i played it. i'm also just... losing my stomach for Discourse and drama, so i'm concentrating on the positives

uh. maybe a list. full ending spoilers, tho, beware

I like how they handled Solas and his level of involvement. I wish we'd gotten more conversations with him, but considering his meddling with Rook's brain to keep them seeing Varric, I'm lowkey counting Varric conversations as "talking to Solas" or "Solas is directly involved". Having him there physically at the end was mega fucking cool

I've seen here and there that in The Missing, Varric is super cynical about Solas and it's a switch to have him insist on trying to speak to him in Veilguard. But I didn't read The Missing, and tbh Varric being the eternal forgiveness machine speaks more true to his character to me. Then again, I also generally think that if Anders is alive, Varric is prickly and bitter but also not about to let you, dear Inquisitor, know where he is or that they still talk

I wish we'd gotten a little more context of Rook and Varric's relationship, though. We know they've been working together for about a year, are clearly good friends, and Rook is so devastated by his death that The Everything happens. But in a game that is extremely blunt at all times, it did feel like it was missing a more explicit reference to "Rook" being Varric's nickname for them that stuck (which I'm pretty sure is supposed to be the case).

In general I feel like Veilguard isn't very accessible to people who haven't played Inquisition, at minimum. I honestly wish it had been marketed as a direct sequel to Inquisition rather than just The Fourth Installment, because I think that would've been more honest

Actually, speaking of marketing, Bioware's marketing can blow me because why was SO MUCH of the final sequence in the TRAILERS? The coolest parts of the game didn't get to be a surprise if you watched a TRAILER, and that's fucked up. Still extremely cool when you get there, but like, come on...

I have. So many feelings about Rook

(these feelings are positive)

Veilguard is Dragon Age by way of Mass Effect. The combat is very ME3/Andromeda, and the story structure is basically lifted directly from ME2 (positive). I LOVED Andromeda's combat, and Mass Effect 2 has a very tight and effective narrative scaffolding that served Veilguard well. It feels like Veilguard has ME2's bones, DA2's heart, and Inquisition's grandeur, and it adds up to a really good, character-driven narrative with some really wild boss battles

I like Rook a bunch. While I understand the complaints wrt roleplaying them, in that there's just less flexibility to do so, I generally prefer my custom protags to have the kind of "structure" that PCs like Shepard, Hawke, The Dark Urge, etc. have in them. It helps my immersion and gets me invested, and having bits and pieces of canon backstory to hang my details on is very satisfying for me

You can absolutely tell that Weekes worked on Mass Effect

Also I can't help but feel sometimes that Varric's bond with Rook is because Rook reminds him of Hawke, especially with "Rook" also being a bird name (a sneaky thing Varric would absolutely do and is fully my headcanon now)

Just. Augh. Rook! I loved my Rook! Francesca Ingellvar was a wonderful protagonist to spend so much time with, and I want so badly to play all of the factions because I got so much great Mourn Watch-specific content.

My Lavellan came out perfect. RIP to everyone else on this one, but as my playthrough was plagued with bugs, I feel like karmically I get to brag that Eala was perfection, and I felt like all of her dialogue was "in character". I was full "let these two be together" apologia in regards to Solas and Eala, and the ending I got because of it is, to me, the very best one

There were parts of things that definitely made me question the way they did previous worldstate stuff, just things where I felt like it would have been more naturalistic if we'd gotten to pick more stuff, and the choice not to consider who drank from the Well of Sorrows and do something cool with an Inquisitor who did it is baffling. I will be writing fanfic about it, I'm sure. Still, it's not really any kind of sticking point or dealbreaker for me, just something that makes me roll my eyes and go "...ok" whenever there's an awkward spot

I got a party member killed and I'm not sure if that happens to everyone?? But it was so satisfying and so good and I can't imagine the narrative complete without at least one death, even if it makes me sad that it's there

More obsessed with Solas now than ever my god what a cool character. I've watching the other endings, because I convinced him to voluntarily bind himself to the Veil (and he let Eala stay with him this time), and I fucking love them. I love that he accepts defeat if you trick him and that he has a full villainous breakdown if you brute force it. It's so in-character.

I hope there's a lot of bad ending Rook/Solas where they're trapped in the Fade together

(although honestly it might take me a while to play any of the other endings, trapping Solas in his own prison is just a little too heartbreaking for me right now. not that he doesn't deserve it and you know i love a good tragedy, I just don't have the stomach for that level of sadness right now)

I did Emmrich's romance with a Mourn Watch Rook and i recommend it, 10/10 it's like being god's favorite

I loved EVERYONE. They're all so good I honestly can't pick a favorite companion at this point if I tried. The effort and care put into fleshing them all out and actually building relationships with each other was great. I ended up getting Taash/Harding and Neve/Lucanis together (I CALLED NEVE/LUCANIS DURING PROMO I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW THAT), and when I started Act 3, Harding died and Neve got kidnapped. GOD what a twist of the knife. So fucking good. I need to do a run where Bellara is kidnapped because I need to know what unique touches she gets when she's Blighted at the end

It really feels like this game was made for me, specifically, and I'm very glad I got to play it

[asimplearchivist]

❝ 𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖘𝖊 𝖜𝖍𝖔 𝖘𝖑𝖊𝖕𝖙 . ❞

𝐂𝐇. ? 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐎𝐋𝐃. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 ? 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐄𝐒.

[𝓪𝓼𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓼𝓽'𝓼 𝓶𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽] [ 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓 ] [ AO3 | SPOTIFY | PINTEREST ] summary ♜ ⤏ rook has experienced few but devastating losses during her life. she's not certain she can take even one more. ⤏ good thing varric tethras is as stubborn as a druffalo. pairing(s) ♜ varric tethras & rook (fenalan aldwir) word count ♜ 3.5k a/n ♜ [gif credit] | [divider credit] ⤏ spoiler warning: this contains spoilers for some of the clips that have been revealed since the embargo lifted for those who went to the pre-play event! please do not proceed if you're avoiding any spoilers about the prologue! ⤏ I am uncertain if and where this will fit into the greater scheme of things since there are several pieces we're still missing from the prologue of Veilguard. this may end up needing tweaking later, it might be better as an in-between UA scene, or it may be scrapped from the fanfic for my canon altogether—we'll see! ⤏ but, until then, I wanted to indulge in giving Varric some well-earned TLC and to explore his dynamic with my Rook, a Dalish Veil Jumper with the Spellblade specialization: Fenalan Aldwir. This was honestly such a delight to write. I've missed my babies. :') ♜ MASTERPOST ♜

“There’s nothing more that you can do for him, Rook.”

Logically, Fenalan knew that the other mage was right. Besides the sweat beading on her brow and the leaden exhaustion dragging her limbs, her Keeper’s stern advice never to overtax her mana supply due to the potentially devastating and long-term issues that the strain could pose floated unbidden through the back of her mind. But, given the circumstances, she could not readily dismiss the unsteady thrum of her apprehensive heart against the inside of her ribs.

Fenalan leaned all of her weight against the side of the bed since her knees were dangerously tottering on the verge of giving out completely. Her empty stomach had cramped since she’d started casting her limited experience with healing magic upon Varric’s wound in hopes of negating its worst effects before it had the chance to cause fever or become infected. The elf grimaced, her hands well past numb from the unceasing spell, and cast a glance towards the detective hovering in her periphery with a concerned wrinkle marring her smooth brow.

Neve had already completed the brunt of the work, taking care of all the cosmetic abrasions and hemorrhaging littering the dwarf’s body incurred from his tumble down the stairs, but she’d only been able to hold back the worst of the bleeding until Fenalan had awoken from the dream that had plagued her bout of unconsciousness…though perhaps it had been closer to a nightmare, in retrospect. The Dread Wolf, of all fucking people, digging his treacherous fingers into her mind? She shuddered still at the mere thought of her poor lot,  but she couldn’t afford to dwell on it now lest she crack under the pressure of all else that had been unexpectedly dumped upon her shoulders in the span of a few measly hours.

“Rook,” Neve repeated, her voice taking on a firmer edge. “At least sit.”

The Tevine leveraged a chair close enough for the Dalish to sink down into it. Fenalan was uncertain how long she had stood there. “‘Ma serannas,” she murmured, eyeing her patient.

Varric was deathly still, save the slow rise and fall of his exposed chest. She knew he would vehemently object to the ruination of his clothes, custom-tailored and as expensive as they were, so she had compromised with Neve to slip the shirt and coat from his torso once they had swiftly removed Fen’Harel’s bloody lyrium dagger from the wound and poured spells of regeneration into the puncture directly after to stave off the shock his body would experience. His skin was clammy, his face worryingly wan, but his pulse was steady even if it only pressed halfheartedly against her questing fingertips pressed against the inside of his wrist. He did not stir, even as she finally released her white-knuckled grasp of the Veil and braced her elbows against the edge of the mattress to drop her grimy face into her hands.

Neve nudged her shoulder to offer a strikingly ornate goblet filled with something dark and fragrant. A cursory whiff told Fenalan that it was likely an equal part mixture of a restorative potion and a port of unknown origin.

“You’ve already raided the Dread Wolf’s pantry?” Fenalan asked wryly, daring a sip and smacking her lips at the taste. Orlesian. It wasn’t half-bad, but the bitter earthy aftertaste certainly left something to be desired. It would nevertheless serve well enough to quell her frayed nerves and resupply her energy both.

“Kind of him to keep enough food on hand for all his guests,” Neve replied dryly.

“At least we’ll have something to eat while we figure all this shit out,” Fenalan sighed She leaned against the sturdy back of the chair, kicked off her boots, and lifted her socked feet to rest on the edge of the bed. The aching muscles sang with relief as blood flow resumed in earnest. “Nothing’s crept out of the woodwork to kill us while we sleep?”

“No. It seems we’re alone here—for the time being, at least.” Neve regarded the supine dwarf. “He looks a little better than he did before. I didn’t think you were a healer.”

“It’s not my specialty.” Fenalan was beginning to feel the full effects of the reminder of that fact right about then. “He still looks like he’s toeing death’s door to me.”

“He has a bit more color.” Neve leaned over and lightly touched the ragged flesh around the injury site. “You’ve done a marvelous job of sealing that off, Rook. Scarring from a wound like this can’t be avoided, but it won’t be nearly as bad as I feared. He should pull through, provided he rests enough. I’d give him at least a week before I’d suggest he try to stand.”

Fenalan swallowed a deep drag of her new contact’s likely unrecommended concoction. “I tried my best,” she responded under her breath. “Let’s hope it is enough.”

Neve eyed her for a moment, gauging. “You ought to get some rest of your own, Rook.”

“Sure.” She crossed one leg over the other. “I’ll get on that just as soon as I finish this.”

The detective’s brow wrinkled again. “I meant away from here. In a bed. You don’t honestly intend to stay there.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Fenalan leveled her with an unyielding stare. “And if you take the chair, I’m sleeping on the floor instead. Take your pick.”

“Rook…” the Tevine began, frowning, then seemed to think better of arguing with Varric’s appointed second in command—and friend to boot. She sighed. “Fine.”

Fenalan inclined her head towards the door. “Harding doing all right?”

“As well as can be expected. I don’t think she’s being honest about how well she feels, but that’s an issue we can address once we all recover from this.”

“We don’t have much time to spare,” the elf reminded her. “The sooner we can get back on our feet to do damage control, the better.”

“It can wait until you take a nap, at least.” Neve shook her head. “I can see why you two get along so well.”

“Lace is tenacious, I’ll give her that,” Fenalan shrugged.

“No, I meant you and Varric.” The Tevine folded her arms. “I think you’d both work yourselves into the ground before you called anything to quits if you feel it’s necessary.”

“It is necessary. We don’t know exactly what we’re facing,” Fenalan pointed out gravely.

“But you won’t be able to solve it if you’re half-dead on your feet trying to fight back against whatever those blighted monsters were,” Neve retorted.

Elgar’nan. Ghilan’nain. Names to which Fenalan had never expected to assign faces.

The elf released a long, heavy sigh. “I know.”

“We’ll be within earshot should you need us,” Neve told her. “Find us when you’re ready.”

“Will do.” Fenalan drained the rest of the cocktail as the detective headed for the door. “Thank you, Neve. I would thank you, but I suspect you would deny it.”

“I would.” Neve opened the door. “But you’re welcome, Rook.”

Fenalan set the goblet on the floor behind the chair’s legs, grasped one of Varric's cold hands, and tucked her chin against her collar. The blissfully dreamless oblivion welcoming her closed eyes was lovely, dark, and deep.

The twitch of chilled, blunt fingers clamping around her own roused Fenalan before the low, hoarse wheeze of the bed’s occupant did. “Rook.”

“Varric,” she rasped, instantly dropping her feet from the edge of his bed to sit up as she swiped the crust from her heavy-lidded eyes. She gave him a lingering once-over, taking in his pale face against the coarse hair of his beard. His hair was in dire need of a wash, his forehead gleamed with sweat, and his grip was far too weak for her comfort—but he had come through the worst of the entire ordeal no worse for wear given what could be expected from such a potentially grievous wound.

He was awake. He was alive. She had not lost him. That was enough.

The tightness in her chest gradually loosened with every labored but steady breath he drew into his rattling lungs. “...You look like shit.”

“Thanks. Pot meet kettle,” he remarked. He made to shift a bit to get more comfortable, but he winced as soon as he twisted his shoulders and thus jostled his bandaged torso. She leaned forward to cup a steady hand under his nape so she could flip and fluff the pillow for him. She swept his hair away from his damp neck and lowered his head back down with as much care as she could manage with her heart lodged firmly in the pit of her throat. She managed to do it all without giving into the tremor wracking her elbows and threatening to ricochet down into her hands. It gave him better leverage to gaze at her through glassy, dazed eyes. “Here I thought I would look as sunny as my disposition suggests.”

“It’s nothing new. Your age has been trying to catch up with you for at least as long as I’ve known you, old man.” Fenalan straightened, perched on the edge of her seat even though she draped her arms off her knees. “How are feeling?”

“As you so eloquently put it,” he drawled, “‘like shit.’”

“At least it isn’t ‘like death.’ You ventured dangerously close to it.” Fenalan lowered her chin to inspect the dried blood itching beneath her nails. “I cannot think of a worse idea than grappling with the Dread Wolf for his enchanted, world-ending ritual dagger. That certainly takes the cake, even over talking him out of his dastardly decade-long plot to use said dagger to tear down the Veil.”

Varric scoffed, but it tickled his undoubtedly dry throat and sent him into a wracking coughing fit. He clamped a palm over his wound as Fenalan snatched a waterskin from the side table and unstoppered it before holding it to his cracked lips to drink. He shooed her hands away once he had his fill and cleared his throat. His voice demonstrated a notable improvement now that he was no longer parched. “That’s worse than busting the scaffolding holding up an ancient statue imbued with probably enough arcane energy to flatten a mountaintop?”

“Touché.” She set the waterskin closer to the edge of the same table so he could reach it if he needed it. “But it really was a patchwork job for the weight of all that rested on it for his ritual. He really should have hired a carpenter.”

“Then we’d be ass-deep in demons.”

“I think I’d rather take that over this mess, honestly,” Fenalan muttered with a sigh, leaning back into the chair and pinching the bridge of her nose in a vain effort to dissuade the pressure building behind her eyes.

Varric squinted at her. “What do you mean? We stopped the ritual, didn’t we?”

Fenalan frowned. “You don’t remember?”

“Things got a little fuzzy after my friend stabbed me between the ribs, so forgive me if my memory’s a little patchy.” He huffed and shook his head, as though such a reprehensible action was no more offensive than having a tankard of ale spilled down the front of one’s favorite shirt. “What happened?”

“It’s likely a good thing you’re not standing,” Fenalan began slowly, pursing her lips as she gathered her scattered, racing thoughts. This is your responsibility now. Fenedhis. “How much do you know about the other elven gods?”

“Not a whole lot, other than from the few stories that survive. What’s left of the Inquisition has been conducting intensive research into ancient Arlathan ever since Chuckles dropped that revelation on us, but primary sources are scarce at best. You ought to know that better than most.”

“I do.” Fenalan swallowed. “Apparently he had them imprisoned…somewhere in the Fade? I’m still not exactly clear on that.”

He extended a finger. “I knew that much.”

“And they were…‘tyrannical, sadistic’ rulers wanting to be worshiped.”

A second joined the first. “Yep.”

“And they are blighted.”

His hand dropped to the sheet covering his belly as he stared at her. “Come again?”

“They’re blighted, Varric,” she repeated grimly.

“Please tell me you mean the ‘those blighted elven gods are assholes’ kind of blighted. And why are you using the present tense?”

Fenalan slumped forward and dragged a hand over her face.

“...Well, shit.”

“Yeah.”

“You’re sure we’re not dead?”

“Does this look like the loving embrace of the Maker’s bosom—or whatever you Andrastians believe—to you?”

“No, but it’s not the topside of Thedas, either.” He surveyed the room with a critical eye, grimacing at the strain of turning his head to and fro. “Rook…where are we?”

“Solas’ headquarters,” she informed him dryly. “The Lighthouse.”

“You’re shitting me.”

“I’m afraid not.”

“We’re in the Fade?”

She fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve to feel the familiar texture beneath her fingertips. “No, somewhere in between—or so I’ve been told.”

“The Crossroads, then.” Varric released a heavy sigh. “I’ve got to admit, I didn’t think I’d ever wind up back here.”

“You’ve been here before?”

“Not exactly.” He closed his eyes briefly before refocusing on her, more alert than before. “I told you about the day we found out Chuckles’ big secret, right?”

“The Inquisition was attending an enclave at Halamshiral,” she confirmed. “Orlais wanted it pulled under heel and Ferelden wanted it dissipated. The Chantry was caught in the middle of it all trying to mediate.”

“Right. I’m so glad you listen to my stories—see? It turns out that they’re all useful for something after all.”

“I never said they weren’t. You just use too much purple prose.” She nudged his ankle with her toe. “Go on.”

He exhaled heavily. “That wasn’t the first time we’d traveled through eluvians, or even passed through the Crossroads—although I’d never cared to repeat the experience, honestly—but it was the first time we ever saw glimpses of elven ruins between the mirrors. It was a network, all disjointed and labyrinthian…it was a clusterfuck, honestly.” Varric tipped his head back and stared up at the ceiling. “We were finding Qunari outposts left and right, dismantling them as we went to keep them from blowing up all the cultural centers of the known world. We were trying to figure out who in the Void this ‘agent of Fen’Harel’ character was that so benevolently decided to tip us off as to the Viddasala’s plan, and why there were all these connections to the ancient elves woven through all the stops. Puzzles and shit, history we didn’t understand. And, in the middle of all that…the Inquisitor was losing her arm.”

Fenalan watched a dour shadow pass over the dwarf’s face—an expression he only ever wore when he spoke of ill-fated friends and the travesties they suffered in his company. “The Anchor was consuming her.”

“It was eating her from the inside out, more like. Whatever kind of magic Solas had summoned to be able to enter the Fade was just short of corrosive to mortals. She wasn’t meant to bear the Mark—no one but he was—and she isn’t even a mage. And with him tucking tail as soon as he cleaned up his mess with Corypheus…” Varric ground his jaw. “...two years without him warding it nearly killed her before we ever got her to him. Not that we knew at the time that was his plan all along.”

Fenalan’s brow furrowed. “He set all that up to manipulate the Inquisitor into finding him? So he could…what, take the Anchor back after all that time?”

“He had Dread Wolf shit to do in the meantime, I guess.” Varric’s fingers tightened around the cotton. “He fixed it, in the end—if you could call petrifying what was left of her arm to crumble into dust ‘fixing it.’ I didn’t see him again until…all that happened. We’ve all been chasing him ever since, hoping to talk some sense into him. The Inquisitor insisted on that. Even after what he put her through, she still thinks there’s something left inside him to save.”

Fenalan’s lips thinned. “You wanted to redeem the same man who killed thousands by lack of foresight via a quick and quippy dialogue about changing his mind? You don’t seem as keen on the idea now as you were before.”

“We’ve already been through that song and dance,” he reminded her wryly. “Someone had to. The Inquisitor wasn’t here to do it, so I was the world’s next best shot. And she would’ve been inconsolable if I hadn’t given it an honest try. So much for that, though.”

“Would the results have been any different if she had been there? Why would she want to help him if he’s so dead set on destroying the world?”

Varric loosed another sigh, this time fretful, remorseful, and resigned all at once. “...I don’t know, Rook. She was closer to him than anyone else, except maybe the Kid—but maybe he doesn’t count since he could actually read the bastard’s mind. They were…close. It made me wonder sometimes. But if anyone could get through to him, it would be her.”

“Why? I thought he has a problem with humans.”

“Sibyl is…different.” Varric’s expression eased into the faint crinkling of affection. He so rarely used her real name—from protecting her or revering her, she was uncertain—that it took Fenalan aback at first. “She was from the very start, and that intrigued him at first. She didn’t speak a lick of Common when she got here, but she recognized enough El’vhen to get by until I caught her up to speed. It gave them something to bond over, and the rest is history.”

Fenalan’s face scrunched with confusion. “You’ve never mentioned that she’s foreign.”

“She’s so foreign that she makes the mysteries of Amaranth and Par Vollen seem like bedtime stories.” Varric’s eyes drifted shut, and Fenalan stiffened a bit as what little wakeful tension in his body began to relax while his voice quietened. “But that’s a story for another time. Remind me to tell you that one—it’s probably one of my best.”

Fenalan leaned over to grab his loosened hand. “Varric.”

“I’m just tired, Rook,” he rumbled and cracked his eyes open to give her the most earnest look she’d seen from him in a while, “I’m not going anywhere. You try getting impaled with a blade of pure lyrium and see if it doesn’t take all the fight out of you.”

“You’ll be lucky if I ever let you onto a battlefield again,” Fenalan croaked.

He turned his palm over and squeezed her fingers. “Let me catch another nap,” he told her, “have some of that fireside stew and flatbread you make with a red Antivan vintage waiting for me when I wake up, and I’ll be as right as rain in no time—battlefield or no. I can honestly take or leave all this adventuring shit at this point. I’m getting too old for it.”

Fenalan combed a few loose strands of hair off his forehead with her free hand, her brows knit and her teeth clenched. “We might be on short supply of mutton and wine, but I’ll tear this place up from the foundations if I have to. Just…” She swallowed roughly, her throat too tight to utter another sound.

“Rook. Look at me.”

She did, reluctantly. His resolute calm was far more effective a balm than anything else could be to curb the hot sting of her childhood fears and experiences welling dangerously along her lash line. She cleared her throat. “Yes?”

“You won’t lose me that easily,” he told her. “Got it? It’ll take more than an elven god to take my last life.”

“Just don’t keep flouting it about as if you’ve got the other eight.” She coughed and snuffed, turning her head down and away just long enough to get her bearings. “Promise me you won’t do something that stupid again, ma falon.”

“I promise I won’t leave you alone to deal with all this, at any rate. Just give me some time to get back on my feet and I’ll be watching your back again.”

Fenalan nodded stiffly.

“Aw, come on. Don’t cry on the dwarf. I might melt, and then where would we be?” He tugged her hand gently, smiling despite the exhaustion obviously creeping over his entire frame. “You can tell me what you were dancing around confessing later. As long as you weren’t possessed by a demon or bound by any illicit magic rituals, we can handle it. Together.”

If only he knew. She doubted he would guess it, anyway. She suspected that Varric was going to have a fit once he found out about the not blood magic Solas had used to implant himself in her head.

Fenalan tightened her grip on the dwarf’s warming, roughened hand once more before she released him and stood on aching legs that protested every movement. “Get some rest, old man. I’ll see what I can scrounge up for supper.”

“I can’t wait. You’re one of the best cooks in Thedas, you know—and that’s a high bar because Sibyl was a damn good one…”

She waited until Varric drifted off and went limp before she sucked in a shaky lungful of Fade-charged air and slipped out of the room as quietly as possible.

[nerd-fandom-drabbles]

Paper Trail

Description: Lucanis wrestles with the possibility of betrayal as he delves into the mysteries surrounding his capture and subsequent disappearance. With Rook by his side, they piece together what few clues they have.

2461 Words

Characters: Lucanis Dellamorte and femme, elven Rook

Pairings: Lucanis x Rook, hint of potential Teia x Viago

Genre: Mystery???? Hurt and comfort.

Content Warnings: I'd rate this T for teen. Mostly for a few dirty words in English and Spanish and some adult themes. Adult themes: mentions of violence, betrayal, suspicion, sex. Spite being less of a physical gremlin and more of a voice in Lucanis's mind.

WARNING: Spoilers for all released Dragon Age: The Veilguard gameplay footage as of 10/26/24, The Wigmaker Job, and Eight Little Talons. Not necessary to have read the Tevinter Nights stories, though. I probably over-exposit for clarity.

Note: Probably will be OOC once the game comes out. Story details will probably be totally wrong, too.

Note 2: This is a part 1 of ???? If anyone actually reads it I might feel cute and write more.

Lucanis Dellamorte was tiring of sifting through papers. Although normally he was happy to compile and review intelligence dossiers or post-op status reports, today, he faced another beast entirely.

He sat at an old oak desk in Emmrich's library facing off against a tall stack of envelopes, the newest of which were freshly delivered. The twine bindings and wax seals all broken, their contents had been dumped out and arranged in some vague groupings for analysis. He had read through them all at least once already, but felt like he was missing something obvious. Exhaustion aside, he wasn't ready to stop digging for clues just yet.

He let out a big sigh.

His positioning in the room wasn't ideal and he knew he struggled to concentrate because of it. He would have preferred to be sitting with his back to a wall, as would be usual for him, but that wasn't currently possible due to the layout of Emmrich's furniture. It was already kind enough of Emmrich to let him use his space without a condition of said use being a complete reorganization of the room. So, he was instead situated as close to the door as he could be, relying on the sounds of footsteps, gait recognition, and the wide oak door's creaks to give away any potential intruders.

As a result, when he heard those familiar, soft-heeled footsteps make their way to the door, he already knew what to expect. Still, she opened the door ever-so-slowly and crossed the room quietly, maybe on tip-toes. Probably trying to surprise him.

“Boo!” she whispered, wrapping her arms around him and kissing his cheek, “Did I get you?”

“Ah, yes, mi amor.” He responded flatly, and softly stroked her arm, “You got me.”

“Lies,” she whispered in his ear, “What are you up to?”

“Tying together loose ends... or trying to, anyway.”

“Loose ends?” she asked and pulled away from him. He instantly missed her warmth.

She leaned against the desk now, pawing at his papers inquisitively.

“Old ship records. You're looking for details of your capture?”

“You know the one,” He leaned back in his chair, and met her eyes, now giving her his full attention.

And indeed she did. A year before they had met, Lucanis had been the target of a devastating kidnapping plot on his return voyage to Antiva from Tevinter. Venatori had surrounded and overrun his vessel, and with nowhere to escape, he was captured. He had spent nearly a year in their custody, subject to endless torture and experimentation in retaliation for the assassinations that earned him his moniker: “The Demon of Vyrantium.”

By the time Rook and Neve found him in his underwater prison, he had been saddled with more than a few extra demons of his own. One of them more literal than any of them could have expected.

She swallowed, “Hmm.”

“Months ago, when we were in Vyrantium looking for Zara, I went seeking the manifest of my ship from that night.”

“Alone? I would have come with you.”

“I... didn't entirely trust you yet.”

She wasn't hurt by this. Knowing everything he had been through, his caution was more than warranted. Still, she wished she could have joined him.

“Anyway, with the ship's captain having been killed in the attack, I went to the local port authority and asked for a copy of any documents. They said the ship I was on was with an independent trading company, and they'd inquire to the local merchant's guild.”

“And it took this long for them to get back to you?”

“It seems that particular ship had an incomplete record. It took months of back and forth between the three of us to confirm that some parts of the manifest simply did not exist.”

“Convenient.”

He shot her a knowing look of agreement. He gestured to the mountain of papers and envelopes on his desk, “This is the result of those exchanges.”

Her heart skipped a beat as his glance returned to her. The quiet intensity in his eyes never ceased to strike her.

“I've been scouring for clues, but... nothing stands out,” he said, rubbing his beard and leaning over his papers, “Any thoroughly incriminating evidence must have been among the redactions.”

“Still, there might be something they missed. Even a fake name or suspicious piece of cargo might be of interest to us,” Rook replied, and when Lucanis nodded, she then continued, “Have you shared this with Neve, yet? Following this sort of paper trail is her bread and butter.”

“Ah no, not yet,” Lucanis swallowed, “I wanted to reach a conclusion on my own before getting a second opinion.”

Rook sighed. She knew the real reason was that he was still sorting out who among the Veilguard he could trust. She had earned his good opinion through ceaseless dedication, honesty, and an uncanny ability to help him through his arguments with Spite. The hot, soul-bearing sex had probably helped, as well. The others on the Veilguard team, however, had presumably not been so lucky.

“Well, there is one thing. Something I expected to see that, conspicuously, wasn't there.”

“What?”

“I don't want to say. Not yet. Not until I'm sure.”

She sighed. This was a lot. “You know, your grandmother suspected that you were betrayed. By an ally.”

He stared blankly, “She said that? To you? When?”

“When Neve and I first met with Crows regarding your whereabouts. Before we met.” Rook fiddled with one of the pens on his desk, “She said it was why she didn't tell anyone about the fake body at your wake. She didn't know who to trust.”

“Mi amor. That is an important detail,” His forehead creased with frustration and he rubbed his furrowed brow, “Why didn't you mention it earlier?”

“I planned to tell you eventually, but I knew the rest of the Crows were looking into it and would report to you if they found anything. Besides, I didn’t want to add to your worries if there wasn’t anything you could do in the meantime.” She shook her head, “You had enough on your plate.”

“That is for me to decide, Rook. I know you were trying to protect me. But that was for me to decide.”

“I'm sorry. I... should have told you sooner.”

“I'm a big boy. Don't leave me in the dark.”

He could feel Spite weaving a sickly web in the back of his mind. She hides. She lies. And you think she loves you? He fought against the thoughts, knowing Spite's only interest was in isolating him further.

He met her pleading eyes and sighed; he was utterly unable to stay angry at her. “That changes things. She may have kept records of her thoughts on the matter somewhere... But where?”

The obvious place to look would be their ancestral home, however, this was Caterina they were talking about. She had kept a million secrets, and probably had a million different places to stash them. Plus, if Caterina had been correct, and the traitor was a close ally, it's possible they may have already been beaten to the punch, with any evidence destroyed or altered... But even if so, it was another lead.

He wondered briefly if she might have kept a safety deposit box in a bank vault somewhere. As next of kin, he would be able to get his hands on it, but anyone else would likely have more trouble. Anyone else except...

He thought for a moment, and then asked, “Who else knows about that little tidbit?”

“Uh, just those of us who were in the room, I assume.” She counted on her fingers, “Teia, Viago, Neve, and your cousin.”

“Illario?” He paled and she nodded, “Shit.”

“Why, what's wrong?” She paused in her tracks, blood running cool in her veins, “You suspect him.”

“He was supposed to be on that ship with me, but ran off on a 'job' last minute. If he bought a ticket, his name would have been on the manifest next to mine, but it wasn't. The page was ripped out.” He growled, “I know. Convenient.”

“Your own cousin? Luca, but why would he-?” She stopped, her mouth becoming dry, “Oh.”

“Oh?”

More secrets. Spite hissed.

“I've been... spending some casual friend time with Teia.”

He raised an eyebrow. This was news to him. Not good or bad. Just... news.

“What? She's fun! And I think when she and Viago finally hook up, they'll be great for double dates.”

He cracked the slightest hint of a smile. He actually liked that idea, even if the chances were slim. Those two were utterly hopeless.

“Anyway, she told me about your rivalry.”

“Rivalry? What rivalry? There is no rivalry.” At least, no more than any other set of boy-cousins around a similar age.

“She also told me you'd say that,” she chuckled dryly, “That Illario was always comparing himself to you but you always brushed it off.”

“What? No, that's a misreading of the situation,” he shook his head, “No, I was just older, and so he followed me around like a puppy.”

“Vhenan, I love you. But you are literally brushing it off right now,” he let out an annoyed little groan, and she continued, “You were Caterina's favorite. Everyone thinks you should be the heir. He's barely even a contender. He's jealous.”

He blinked. He had considered Illario a suspect, but hadn't been able to pin down a compelling motive. There had been conflicts in their past, over everything from jobs to girls, sure, but enough to collaborate with their enemies to take down family?

And jealousy? What even was a little jealousy among relatives, anyway? He was jealous of Illario's even bronze skin, ease with women, and ceaseless, grating charm, but he would never wish him harm over it. They were different, yes, but that was what made their friendship work.

Still, he was pulled back to the Wigmaker job. That entire night, Illario had seemed preoccupied with the possibility that Lucanis would be selected by Caterina to take on the role of First Talon in her stead. In fact, Illario had asked on one - no - two separate occasions, what Lucanis would do if she tapped him. In response, Lucanis had been honest and told him that he had no desire for the role, and would prefer Illario have it for himself. But he'd also been honest that Caterina could force him into it if she wanted to, and that they would need a plan to convince her to name Illario instead. And at the time, Lucanis had assumed that was enough to sate him.

But maybe he'd gotten impatient. Maybe he was more ambitious than Lucanis had given him credit for? Maybe he wanted his dear cousin out of the picture entirely?

Fuck off, Spite. I feel you in there. The entity merely cackled and retreated to the deeper parts of his sub-conscious, done stoking his fire, for now.

Truthfully, Illario was only a somewhat skilled stealth infiltrator, but he certainly had enough skill to break into a lightly-guarded private shipyard and alter the records unseen. If the Venatori had reached out to him and made him an offer... maybe let him in on the plan to get rid of their Demon problem...

The simmering in Lucanis's blood turned to a boil. That made motive, means, and opportunity. He gripped the armrests of his chair so hard he thought they might break. After a few tense moments, he bit his thumb and muttered under his breath, “Ay, ese mierdito. Imbécil. ¡Bastardo, coño!” He clenched his fist.

The air in the library was thick with silence. It wasn't a huge outburst; he'd hardly moved, but still, Rook was surprised. She didn't have to speak Antivan to know that he was angrier than she'd ever seen him. This was highly unusual, to say the least, and she wasn't sure what to do. It was far more common for her to have to pry his feelings out of him, or ply him with alcohol or affection to get him to emote at all. And even then, even with Spite's chiding haunting his waking thoughts, she'd never seen him so volatile. And yes, the circumstances were dire, but there were still so many unknowns.

“Luca, please. We don't know it was him.” She firmly placed her hand on the table and leaned towards him, “Besides, doesn't this all feel a little too easy? Anyone – anyone – could have requested copies of these documents. They're public record. Whoever did this knew we would get them eventually.”

“So?”

“So... The page was removed. His name might have been on it, but we can't know now. This could all be a frame job to tear you two apart when you need each other.”

He blinked hard, breathing heavy, slowly coming down from his rage.

“You're right. You're right. Thank you.” He took her hand and gave it a little kiss, “I'm sorry I-”

“We need more information,” she interrupted his apology. It wasn't necessary. Not from him. Not now. His rage, though perhaps momentarily misdirected, was perfectly valid in her eyes. And she knew that when the time was right, it would be useful.

He gave her hand a little rub with his thumb and then let it go. He took a deep breath. He fastened the nearest group of papers with a paper clip and set them down on the desk in a neat stack. He took another deep breath, firmly gripping the desk's edge. He needed to set aside his feelings and think clearly. Think. After a moment, he looked up at her.

“Let's set up a meeting with Teia and Viago. You, me and Neve. If we meet at Caterina's, we can kill two birds with one stone: go through her effects to see if we can dig up anything, and get a status report on anything they've uncovered through their investigations.”

“That's a good plan, Luca.”

He nodded. To anyone else, his expression might look neutral, but Rook knew him well enough by now to see the distress clearly on his face. Something about where he held his tension, probably. To be surrounded by so many enemies, and not know who to trust? Her heart sank for him. No wonder it had taken so long for him to open up to her.

“I hate seeing you like this, vhenan.” She reached out and placed a tender hand on his jaw. “Come.”

She pulled him into a warm embrace, and he melted into her, nuzzling into her neck as she snaked her arms around to stroke his hair and lower back.

“We will find who did this. I promise you."

[ideasarestuckinmyhead]

Ok I just had a thought and I need someone to back me up on this this is not an ask. but maybe it will make a good story one day

Okay so hear me out Five Nights at Freddy's with some of the cast of yuurivoice.

Okay like say Alphonse, rookie, flower, and Casper went missing in 1987 and they were adults and at the relationships they have now and they were stuck into robotics but they were actually human robotics and one night seth, boo, auron, finn, Charlie get hired as security guards and turns out it was their long lost lover at the pizzeria but they didn't know until the last minute when the robotics were about to stuff them into suits when they finally remembered who they are and what this person is to them.

I think auron and rookbot would be an awesome scene like he is defending himself with this awesome moves while Rookbot attacks blindly and enraged until we're auron hits the head with a bat damaging the bot till he sees a body then as rook bot trying to back away scared till he said there name and auron realized what he did, and how he was going to fix them

I just thought of it do you see what I'm thinking!!!!

This is some good angst, bc when Auron realized who he basically killed he's just devastated. Then wonders if the other bots are like Rook, cue everyone finding out and just yeah.

[ritens]

dd2 has me doing mental gymnastics bc I don't really like interacting with canon all that much in ANY setting (nervously looks at wf, the chosen operator thing sucks, dont come at me).

puts this under readmore bc the ramble got too long oops just quickly going over Rau's story to see what canon events even tie in there at all.

It's just unfortunate timing in an unfamiliar place. Rau happened to be in Melve with his family, passing through really. Dragon makes a feast of his heart, he gets treated and dragged to Vernworth with strangers wanting to put him on the throne but he runs off because it's all too fast paced for him.

Disa does what Disa does best which results in Rau being enslaved on the Volcanic island with his memories missing.

He escapes the place, thank you Rook and goodbye Rook. Nobody picks him up from the griffon landing area and he simply wanders off on his own. (rather he wanders off BEFORE the soldiers arrive)

The guy spends a week trekking through the forests until he ends up in Vernworth again where Brant finally gets his hands on the stray Arisen to fill him in on his supposed duty.

Raures summons a mangled pawn at the big riftstone in the city and ends up leaving the thing alone at an inn for days to let him recuperate. During this time Rau runs the infiltration tasks in the palace for Brant.

Once Lane is good enough to walk, they set out for the Nameless Village and never return to Vernworth again. The pawn has his claws in the Arisen and does his best to distract the hero from his charge.

And the rest just doesn't happen for Raures. He sticks to his wandering lifestyle like he did with his parents before the Dragon scorched them and ate his heart.

They visit the Sacred Arbor at some point and travel to Battahl through illegal means. They assist those in need along the way because Rau is a stouthearted, kind man (if a little blind).

Brant is hot on their heels at times, exasperated beyond measure. Lane distracts him too by sending him the wrong way, but keeps Rau in the dark about the matter.

The pawn also murders Ambrosius on the beach as he detects the kind of energy is hidden in the small blue crystals. Better safe than sorry is the excuse he gives himself.

The (severely incomplete) bestowal of spirit was a mistake when it comes to Lane's OG master, Amaury LMAO he literally got all of the worst traits from the prick before the good ones could come in. Lane's learning those on his own now, through life experience. (((Exercises his sliver of free will to be a little bitch)))

After an unmentionable amount of time Raures loses his spark and is forced to retire as a New Arisen is made to pick up his slack and continue the cycle in his stead. He is devastated by the fact as the fog is lifted from his mind and realization finally washes over him.

He then notices that the pawn he adopted is still sticking with him despite his lost status. They have a falling out when Lane comes clean about his past and his motives and the role Rau unknowingly played in them.

Upset, Rau then FINALLY makes way to Vernworth to see if he can aid in any way. And Lane is left at Rau's cabin in the woods to think things through.

---

Raures is very dutybound so his initial reaction to Lane's manipulation, betrayal even, was very negative. But he eventually takes pity on Lane and goes to fetch the pawn before he can answer another Arisen's call and travel beyond the rift for good. Rau imagined himself in Lane's shoes and figured he would've done the same if he were in the such position.

Lane can no longer sense Raures either so their means of communication has got to become more direct too. It's difficult but they'll make it work.

---

Pathfinder is a tricky obstacle though I'm still trying to figure out what to do about that bastard. Rau does probably heed him. And he can very easily tell him that his pawn is corrupt and is getting in the way of his charge but there are many former Arisen who failed... How did they manage??? (or rather not manage)

[adrianasunderworld]

Imagine Twisted Princess AU with Headmistress Rosehearts AU.

Princesses have to suffer from the headmistress but the one who has to deal with her the most is Alice because she finds her annoying as she talks back without thinking of the consequences.

Rapunzel can see the signs of abuse that it made her reflect about her own mother.

From all the previous posts about Miss Yuu and how she is treated by the headmistress, all of that applies to the princesses and then some.

The strict dress code, the curfew, the slut shaming, the separation from everyone else and more, all apply here.

They're made to have a strict dress code. No more making their own uniforms or any of those other loopholes of theirs.

The lounge got shut down, so that means Ariel is out of work and that is one less income for Ramshackle. Because of the strict food rules in place, Tiana can no longer sell her lunches, so that's another loss of money for them. No internet, so Rapunzel can't take art commissions anymore either. They are just as bad off financially now as they were when they first came, Nothing but the bare bones necessities is provided for them and nothing extra.

Elsa is devastated when Crewel gets fired. She was the closest to him and she misses him a lot. Snow White wonders if Crowley is alright. Despite what everyone thought of the crow man, he had always been genuinely kind to her. Cinderella and Jasmine go to Trein for comfort. Because they don't know who else to turn to. One day Cinderella starts sobbing because living the headmistresses reign reminds her of her step mother.

Alice as the youngest and not technically a student, is often reprimanded by the headmistress, in lessons all day, and deliberately kept separate from everyone as much as possible. Because clearly everyone else is giving her a "bad impression that is showing in her studies and behavior."

Meg, Esmeralda, and Merida are the one though that mouth off the her the most. They have no qualms about talking back when something is unfair. Especially when she picks in underprivileged students.

All the one that she knows are close to any boys, she goes out of her way to keep separated as much as possible. Belle cannot see Leona. Tiana cannot see Azul. Merida and Ariel cannot see Floyd and Rook. Etc. Citing that it is a distraction and that some of the relationships were inappropriate.

Snow White came back to the dorm one day, bawling her eyes out, because a few of her admirers classmates, was helping her carry some stuff, and Mrs. Rosehearts kept bombarding her questions as if she had done something wrong and insinuated Snow was "easy".

And that's some of the stuff to be expected. Now this is all generic "Mrs. Rosehearts" horrible-ness. Not really anything @mangacupcake oc Felicity specific.

[lesbianwyllravengard]

Cool so @itsybitsybatsyspider had the genius idea that is a D:BH Star Wars AU, and I was so excited for theirs I couldn’t stop thinking about it so now I’ve formulated my own DBH star wars AU but it’s set on Mandalore and everyone is Mandalorian rather than Jedi/Sith/Rebellion/Stormtroopers etc. because I am obsessed with Mandalore/Mandalorian culture. (it ofc has simarkus and reed900 and chloenorth because. I’m a whore.) but I can’t keep doing this. I am so busy I cannot be writing all this. 

So anyways here’s about 8.6k words I wrote of what I’m thinking:

Mand'alor Carl, Clan Manfred, House Kryze, is the current Duke of Mandalore, and his son, Leo Manfred, is next in line for the throne when one day he goes missing. Carl sends the Mandalorian Royal Guard to find Leo, but they come back with nothing. No sign of where he’s disappeared to or why. Carl is devastated, depressed, and his health is declining, leaving him almost bedridden in his grief.

Elijah, Clan Kamski, House Kryze, comes from a wealthy family who was close friends with Carl Manfred. When Elijah was a teenager, it was revealed that his father had had an affair with a working class Mandalorian - Maria, Clan Reed, House Kast - and Elijah’s father was cast out of the family, with his mother taking control of the wealth and Clan Kamski. Elijah never met the child of his father’s mistress, but he heard it was a boy just a few months younger than him. 

Markus, Clan unknown, House Kast, is an orphan foundling who attended the Mandalore Royal Academy and is a remarkable artist. Elijah Kamski is also a rising pioneer in advancements of Mandalorian armour and technology; he graduated the academy early due to his achievements, and ended up teaching a class at the Academy despite his young age. Markus takes this class, and is surprised to see someone around his age teaching it. Kamski notices Markus and his skills, knows he’s an orphan, and is all “Let me introduce you to my old friend, Carl. Who also happens to be the ruler of Mandalore but that’s not important.” Carl adopts Markus almost immediately. It starts as an ageing ruler’s last attempt at an heir, but then Carl grows to love the boy, and Markus takes care of him the best he can, while also learning his new responsibilities as the future possible ruler of Mandalore (it’s a voting system that chooses the ruler, but having an heir gives them an advantage because yknow nepotism and whatnot). 

Simon, Clan Phillips, House Vizsla, is the son of the Mandalorian Prime Minister, Caroline Phillips. His twin brother, Daniel, had a fight with their mother after their father John Phillips died in a planned assassination meant for Caroline, as Daniel blamed her for their father’s death. Daniel shunned the Noble life, leaving home to explore other planets in the galaxy. Daniel was favoured by their younger sister, Emma, who was sad when he left and decided to join the Academy rather than train to become Nobility. Simon, while not necessarily trying to follow in his mother’s footsteps, did so anyway, out of familial obligation. In his training, he met Josh, also House Vizsla, Clan Eldar, who was interested in the history and politics of Mandalore. Simon thought maybe Josh would make a better future Prime Minister than himself, but Josh wanted to pursue teaching, not actual politics. Simon spent a lot of time in the Sundari Royal Palace, both in shadowing his mother, and in performing his own duties. He became close friends with Markus, who wasn’t used to the royal lifestyle, and spent every moment he could either painting or hanging out with Simon, or both.

North, Clan Rook, House Kast, is a fiery and passionate Mandalorian who left her abusive family and joined the Mandalorian Royal Guard - the Mandalorian Protectors - when she was a teenager. Through the years she worked her way up the rank and became Head of the Protectors, and Carl Manfred’s personal Guard. North likes the old man, for he’s kind to her and took her in, but she grows disenchanted with Carl Manfred’s Mandalore, and longs for the stories of when there was real progress through action. She feels Carl has grown stagnant and is failing as a ruler meant to ensure prosperity in his reign. She stays loyal, however, and simply waits for the day Markus will become Mand’alor. While some of her tactics are more traditionally Mandalorian, as in aggressive, Markus sees her perspective as well as his father’s, and pledges to rule with a balanced mind. 

North and Simon grow close after they find they both don’t agree with the way Carl rules, and wish for more progress. Simon jokes that he’s not strong enough to be a warrior like her, and North teases that she’s not boring enough to be a politician like him. Josh appreciates Carl’s rule and sees no need to change it, but he doesn’t mind diplomatic advancements. He and North disagree over this frequently, and North believes Josh isn’t a true Mandalorian due to his pacifism. 

Once Markus is of age, Carl steps down and Markus is voted Mand’alor. He has the full support of his people, who are happy to see a fresh face on the throne. 

Simon and Markus grow closer, and fall in love, but once Markus becomes the ruler of Mandalore and Simon his prime minister, Simon worries they cannot be together because of their positions. Markus doesn’t care if it’s unorthodox, and begins to court Simon anyways. Carl of course approves, and often gives both Markus and Simon advice on how to make their relationship last despite their responsibilities. 

I need to note that every Mandalorian's iron heart - the hexagonal piece that rests at the end of their sternums on their outfits/armours - is different, whether it’s because of size, colour, shear, or position. However, Markus and Simon's are exactly the same in shape, size, and position. Their only difference is their colour - they both used to be the same colour, green, but once Simon noted that his was green like Markus's eyes, Markus changed his to be blue like Simon's eyes. Consider it an early step in Markus's courting of Simon. So to say, their iron hearts are compatible, wink wink. 

But before Carl stepped down, Elijah, taking progress into his own hands, decides to form a new sort of political faction he dubs “Kyber Life”, with the goal of inventing and producing technology, weapons, and armour that will spur Mandalorian advancements as well as offer new age protection in Mandalorian wars and battles, especially against the Jedi. Carl gives his permission, curious to see what Elijah has in mind, and trusting his vision. Elijah takes up residence on Mandalore’s moon, Concordia, and sets his base of operation there, because he doesn’t want anyone to think he means to undermine Carl’s rule. He hires working class Mandalorians to work for him, for good pay and free housing, and convinces his Academy mentor, Amanda, Clan Stern, House Vizsla, to join him and continue to guide him in his efforts. Kyber Life grows, and after spending years studying the Darksaber, Elijah invents the first Mandalorian Kyber Blaster. It’s revolutionary in design and is at first only introduced to the Royal Guard and Noble Mandalorians, but will be a very powerful weapon against the Jedi.

However, another mentee of Amanda’s named Perkins - Clan Vizsla and House Vizsla - grows ambitious and greedy for power, as well as jealous of Amanda’s favouritism for Kamski, and decides to join Elijah’s operation in an attempt to overthrow him. Elijah trusts him, unsuspecting of his intentions, and Perkins plays the role of loyal subordinate well. Then, Amanda uncovers Perkins’s plans, and threatens to send him to Mandalore to face trial for his illegal activities. It's believed that Perkins murdered Amanda. He then forces Kamski to resign or else Perkins will kill him too. Elijah doesn’t want to leave his faction under Perkins’s control, but Perkins has grown in following and Elijah knows he wouldn’t survive. So he flees back to Mandalore, to find Markus now ruling, and tells him everything that happened. As it stands, they cannot make a move against Kyber Life without more substantial evidence they could use to sway the public into seeing Kyber Life for what it has become, rather than what it was meant to be, lest they start a full blown war that they aren’t ready for. Despite Markus believing Kamski, he can’t do much without his people’s support, and so they all start a campaign against Kyber Life. 

Once Kyber Life was first founded by Elijah, and he began hiring working class Mandalorians to work for him, he met Kara, Clan Saxon, House Vizsla. Kara was trying to escape a distant member of her Clan, Todd, who was a member of the Black Sun crime syndicate and had tried to murder her. Kamski saw Kara’s wit and determination, and she became one of his leading developers of Kyber Life technology. But when Kamski was forced to leave, he told Kara of what happened and she left with him, unwilling to work for Perkins and loyal to Kamski’s vision. Kara returned to Mandalore to find that Todd had been killed by the Black Sun Syndicate’s leader, leaving his daughter Alice all alone. Kara didn’t hesitate to adopt the young foundling, and enrolled Alice in the Royal Academy so she could have a better future. 

Luther, Clan Andronikov, House Kast, had shunned his clan after escaping his adoptive father Zlatko who’d held Luther captive. Luther became a professor at the Royal Academy, and grew fond of Alice. He met Kara and they became quick friends, Luther promising to look after Alice during her schooling. Kara and Luther grew inseparable and decided to raise Alice together, as friends, and form their own new clan, which they dubbed Clan Jericho, vowing to take in any other Mandalorians who had also left their clans. (just as a note, the Kara and Luther ship is cute but I don’t personally ship it. I headcanon Kara as aroace! And I like her and Luther as best friends better. Also because men and women can be friends too.)

Hank, Clan Anderson, House Kryze, was a member of the Mandalorian Guard, which were local protectors rather than the Royal Mandalorian Protectors (basically, the Mandalorian police, but I refuse to call them that because fuck the police). Hank had a son, Cole, with another Guard member, but they remained friends and simply shared responsibility over Cole rather than get married. Hank had planned on joining Kyber Life before Kamski left, but then Cole’s mother died in a street riot and Hank had to raise Cole on his own. He didn’t step down from the Mandalorian Guard, but he did take on less responsibility, and was tasked with menial work, avoiding anything dangerous that could risk Cole losing his father too. Jeffrey, Clan Fowler, House Kast, was Hank’s closest friend and the head of the Mandalorian Guard, and looked out for him and Cole. 

Connor, Clan unknown, House unknown, was an orphan boy who lived with his older brothers in an abandoned house in the outskirts of Sundari City. He was too young to remember their parents, or much of their childhood. His eldest brother called himself Nines, and the other brother called himself Sixty, but Connor wasn’t old enough to have remembered their real names either. They changed their names to hide, so they couldn’t be traced to their clan, and tried to convince Connor to change his name too. But Connor didn’t want to change his name, he didn’t understand the danger, so they relented. To protect him though, Nines and Sixty only called Connor “Vod’ika” (little sibling) while they were in public, and “Connor” only in private. Connor didn’t know the word had a meaning, just that it was what his brothers called him, so Connor misunderstood and thought that their Clan name (last name) was “Vod’ika”. Neither Nines nor Sixty had the heart to correct him. Only Nines knew the trouble their parents had been in, only he knew they had been part of the Black Sun syndicate as well but had been killed trying to escape for a better life. They died saving the three brothers, and Nines took the blame for it. Sixty didn’t care about guilt and was full of anger for the Mandalorian royalty that let things like this happen to the Mandalorian people without caring to help them. Nines resented them too, though not as much, and Connor just did whatever his older brothers did. (Connor is the youngest, Nines the oldest, and Sixty middle child, because that's just their vibes, and as an eldest child myself I can say with full confidence that Connor most definitely is not.) 

When they were all adults, they heard about Kyber Life, and all decided to work there on Concordia both for extra protection and the money. When Kamski left, they stayed, believing Perkins Vizsla’s lies that the Mandalorian Royalty was corrupt and greedy, and wanted to eradicate Kyber Life for daring to advance. Connor was the first to realise the true ways of Kyber Life, and he left without telling Nines or Sixty, because even after revealing his findings to them, they were too loyal to Kyber Life. Connor instead joined Markus’s side, becoming his advisor against Kyber Life. It was the first thing Connor ever did without his brothers, and he was scared, but he wanted to take Kyber Life down, and his brothers didn’t believe him. 

Gavin, Clan Reed, House Kast, was raised by Maria Reed in a poor home in Sundari city. (I headcanon his mom’s name being Maria, idk why.) Maria had been part of the Mandalorian Guard, and she knew Hank and Fowler, but she left after sustaining a debilitating injury to her leg due to a bomb that exploded in the town square where she had been standing guard. Because of this, she encouraged Gavin to attend the Academy rather than join the Guard because she cares about his safety. Gavin tries to go to the Academy, he really tries, but he’s not doing the best, he has the Mandalorian equivalent of undiagnosed ADHD. And then Maria’s health starts to decline, and she can no longer do her mid pay job, so Gavin quits the Academy and joins the Guard so he can get paid and take care of her.

Gavin quit the Academy just a few days before Kamski first began teaching there.

Gavin met his father all of two times, and neither of them were good times. Maria told Gavin that his father was the head of Clan Kamski, and Gavin knew who Elijah was, but they’ve never met. When his father is outcast from Clan Kamski, Gavin doesn’t ever see him again. He has no interest in meeting Elijah and he’s jealous of Elijah’s wealth and stability when he’s struggling to support himself and his mom. He doesn’t resent his mother though and he doesn’t regret it. Mandalorians have a strong sense of family, and he’s bitter that Elijah doesn’t seem to care about his family. 

Gavin manages to help his mom back to health, but by then he’s been in the Guard for too long and doesn’t bother going back to the Academy. Maria feels like it’s her fault but Gavin doesn’t blame her. He’s also made friends with Hank and Fowler and enjoys his work. 

Once Kamski returns to Mandalore after leaving Kyber Life, he meets Chloe - Clan Wren, House Vizsla - who took his place as the professor of science at Mandalore Royal Academy. He doesn’t mind, and they become friends and Kamski respects her. Kamski decides to run for president of the Academy and he wins that election. This is how he starts his attempt to raise support against Kyber Life: he does lectures at the Academy on how he started Kyber Life, how he wanted it to be, and what it has become now that Perkins Vizsla has taken over. He basically starts a highschool revolution. 

Chloe was very sweet and compassionate, but she at times had a very traditional Mandalorian mindset about progressing through more action-based means. On one of the few times she was able to visit the Palace, she began a conversation with North, who was surprised to find that someone as innocent looking as Chloe was so on the side of violence. North… fell in love with her pretty quickly, and Chloe took every chance she could get to visit the Palace and see North. Markus and Simon both saw how the two women acted around each other and would tease North relentlessly about not acting on her crush. Simon even offered to tell Chloe for her, and North threatened to kill him if he did. 

A while later, after Connor has left Kyber Life, Nines is sent on a mission to eradicate a noble family of Mandalorians whom Kyber Life claims stole from them. Kyber Life says this noble family is going to try to attack KL with their stolen gear, and Nines must go and assassinate them before they attack. Nines goes in the night to assassinate them, but Connor tipped off Markus’s Protectors with the condition that they don’t hurt Nines, and Markus agrees and sends them to ambush Nines. Nines fights them all off, but Gavin overhears the commotion on one of his rounds and shows up, sees Nines beating up the Royal Guard, and he gets in on the fight. While Nines is busy fighting North, the only one left standing, Gavin takes advantage of his distractedness and takes him on. Gavin is the only one who manages to take Nines down, mostly because Nines isn’t expecting it and is busy fighting North, and Gavin helps the Protectors shackle Nines. Gavin goes to leave but North stops him, asks him to come with them because he helped take down Nines and deserves to be rewarded. Gavin doesn’t want to, he doesn’t care, but North insists, and Gavin gets the idea that he can’t say no to this. So he goes with them, and helps report to Markus what happened. 

Connor asks Nines if he realises what he’d actually been sent to do. Nines relays what Kyber Life had told him, and Connor and Markus reveal that the family he’d been sent to assassinate was actually two noble women and their two small children; they hadn’t stolen anything from KL, and they weren’t planning on attacking Kyber Life either. Kyber Life wanted them dead because they were working with Kamski to spread the word about Kyber Life’s true nature, and KL wanted them silenced due to their money and influence. Nines is horrified, he didn’t know, and he hadn’t realised how bad Kyber Life had become. He says he would gladly join Markus, but he understands if Markus chooses not to trust him and chooses to execute him for attempted murder. Markus pardons him, trusting Connor’s judgement of his brother and giving Nines the second chance Markus feels he deserves. Nines wants to go back for Sixty but Connor fears Sixty still won’t leave, because he’s more intensely loyal to Kyber Life than either of them ever were. Connor suggests Nines goes back as a double agent instead, and they’ll give him fake proof that he “killed” the family, while Markus sends the family into hiding. Nines agrees, and leaves. 

After Gavin took him down, Nines kept his eyes on him, and as Nines is leaving, he pauses before Gavin, looks at him, and turns back to Markus. Nines informs Markus that Gavin was the one to take him down and that perhaps his skill was being wasted on the regular Guard. Then Nines winks at Gavin, and leaves. Gavin is already drooling over him but tries to play it cool. 

Markus decides to promote Gavin to the Mandalorian Protectors due to his service, and Gavin is honoured and accepts the offer. This also means that he and his mother now get to live in the palace, and they get a room that’s bigger than their entire home. Maria is proud of him and he's grateful she finally gets the life of comfort and stability she deserves. 

One day, while Gavin is training with North on his new duties as a Protector, Elijah comes to the Palace with news on their efforts against Kyber Life. He passes Gavin and North, and pauses. He’d heard, of course, that a “Gavin Reed” had joined the Mandalorian Protectors, but he hadn’t expected it to be his half-brother - but upon seeing Gavin for the first time, Elijah knew it was him. He introduces himself, acknowledging how they’re related, and Gavin is a little abrasive, but Elijah doesn’t care. He’s fascinated by how different they are. North tells him to fuck off in a friendly way, because he’s clearly making Gavin uncomfortable, and Elijah leaves. Later, when Gavin tells his mother that he met Elijah, she insists that Gavin invite him over because she has to meet him. Gavin speaks to Elijah the next day and begrudgingly asks him to come over and meet his mom, and Elijah agrees. Gavin dreads it but Maria is very excited to meet Elijah. Gavin and Kamski don’t get along at first; Gavin still holds resentment that Elijah never seemed to care about him or his well being, and Elijah doesn’t understand why he should have because they didn’t know about each other’s existence until they were teenagers, and Elijah was already getting busy with his early teaching career and technological advancements. They’ll eventually start to get along, but they’re going to clash for a bit at first. 

Finally getting into his new role as Royal Protector, Gavin makes friends with North surprisingly quickly; they both have the same sense of crude humour, and get along well. Then Gavin meets another one of the Protectors, Tina - Clan Chen, House Kast - and finds she’s very similar to them as well. They become their own little friend group within the Protectors. Tina had a crush on North for the longest time, but claims that she’s over it now and is just waiting for the right woman to come along. Gavin still teases her about it though. 

Nines returns to Concordia with his fake evidence of having killed the family, and Perkins believes it. Nines goes to Sixty and brainstorms how he could possibly try to convince his brother that Kyber Life is the enemy, and they were wrong. Nines presents his evidence to Sixty, who does believe him, but he just isn’t ready to believe that Kyber Life is in the wrong yet. He thinks that, while KL’s methods are pretty violent, the royal family doesn’t care about them and would rather see them all killed than help them, so he is going to keep following Kyber Life’s mission. He doesn’t rat out Nines, but they grow tense. Nines is only hanging out at Kyber Life to keep looking out for Sixty, but Sixty seems entirely committed. 

On Mandalore, Hank gets word that Gavin has joined the Royal Protectors and wants to bring Cole to see the Palace. Gavin manages to get them a visit, and as they’re walking the halls, they run into Connor. Cole likes him immediately; he thinks Connor is super cool and smart and tall, and he wants Connor to give him piggyback rides around the Palace, to which Connor happily agrees. As Connor talks with Hank, he reveals that he doesn’t know his real Clan, or his House, as his parents had died when he was too young to remember, and he’d been raised by his older brothers. Hank starts to have a soft spot for this kid who lost everything and was now doing everything he could to help others. Hank is around more often after that, and he takes Connor under his wing, treating him like a son. 

Back to Kara and Luther, their new Clan Jericho has gained many new members, adult and child alike, and they’ve reached the ears of the Mand’alor. At first they’re worried Markus might be mad at them for doing something untraditional, but Markus is nothing like that, and he is happy about what they’re doing. He makes Clan Jericho an honorary Royal Clan, meaning it now has the full protection of the throne and House Kryze, like a legitimate Clan. Kara and Luther are beyond joyful. Simon falls in love with him even more. Alice makes friends with some other foundlings at the Academy and invites them to join her clan. Connor hears about Jericho and, while he’s sad there wasn’t anything like that for him and his brothers when they were young, he’s happy that so many Mandalorian children are being adopted and dubbed “Foundlings” now. Kara asked Connor if he’d like to join Clan Jericho, because he doesn’t have a Clan either, but he holds off. He feels like the only Clan he’d want to belong to was Anderson, thinking of Hank like a father. Hank knows Connor is already an adult, but Mandalorians are committed to their families and belonging to a Clan, regardless of age; so when Hank asks Connor if he’d like to join Clan Anderson as his adopted son, Connor wholeheartedly agrees. He only hopes Nines and Sixty will want to join him when they return to Mandalore.

On Concordia, Nines keeps in secret contact with Connor, who was named an enemy of Kyber Life. Connor tells him about Hank adopting him, and that Hank would be more than happy to adopt him and Sixty into his Clan as well if they wanted. Nines wants to - Connor has talked a lot about Hank, and Nines appreciates him beyond words for taking care of his youngest brother for him - but he just can’t leave Sixty behind. Nothing seems to be working though and he’s not sure what to do. He just hopes that Sixty will see the truth before it’s too late. 

Sixty’s loyalty and devotion to Kyber Life doesn’t go unnoticed, and Perkins decides to name Sixty his acting General. Perkins sends him on solo missions, with the intent of spying and retrieving information that would benefit KL, as well as assassinating rival faction/syndicate members and disrupting trade. Perkins suspects Nines, and is trying to use Sixty to have leverage over Nines in case he tries anything. 

One day, Sixty is sent to take a small ship and plant bombs on some trading ships set to arrive on Mandalore the following morning. He’s told the ships are actually carrying war supplies that the Mand’alor intends to use to weaponise more Mandalorians to help attack Kyber Life. Before Sixty manages to complete his mission, he’s caught and captured by the Captain of one of the ships. When he wakes up, he’s being held in the ship’s brig, and the Captain begins to question him. Sixty angrily tells the Captain everything, saying he has nothing to hide, because he thinks his cause is just. The Captain reveals that, yes, there are weapons and other such supplies on this ship, including datapads and school supplies, because they’re being delivered to Elijah Kamski, not the Mand’alor, and they’re for the Academy, not the Royal Protectors. Sixty is confused, doesn’t believe the Captain, but the Captain decides that if Sixty doesn’t cause trouble, he’ll drop him back off on Concordia and be on his way. Sixty asks for the Captain’s name, and the Captain tells Sixty to call him Allen. 

Rather than take him to Concordia, Captain Allen goes directly to Kamski on Mandalore and informs him ahead of time about who’s on board. Kamski knows from Connor who Sixty is, and promises to keep him contained so Allen can leave Mandalore safely. 

David, Clan Allen, House Rau and Captain of the Concord Dawn Protectors, was old friends with Kamski when they attended school together prior to the Academy. Elijah had informed him both of Kyber Life’s founding and subsequent corruption, and of Elijah’s campaign to bring them down, being aided by the Mand’alor himself. Captain Allen, as well as those of his House on Concord Dawn, pledged to help bring down Kyber Life before they took over all of Mandalore. Kamski informs Allen of the state of things on Concordia, and Allen gets the idea to contact an old friend who could help him wreak havoc in Kyber Life’s headquarters. They won’t manage to stop KL entirely, but they could at least fuck em up and leave em bleeding. Kamski agrees and informs Markus, who gives his permission so long as Allen and his men act on behalf of Concord Dawn, rather than the throne. Allen happily agrees.

Sixty is of course furious at being lied to about being taken back to Concordia, but while in captivity, Kamski gets Connor to come talk to him. Connor tries everything. Sixty simply thinks he’s been fooled as well, and refuses to do the same. Connor is at a loss for what to do, but then Markus joins him and speaks to Sixty himself. He listens to Sixty’s story about the Mandalorian Royals not caring about him and his brothers, their Clan, and leaving them to die. Markus answers his questions, explains his perspective, and manages to get Sixty to relent, and finally see that where Kyber Life once had a vision of growth, they now have a vision of greed, tyrannical dominion, and control. (Basically Markus uses his knee-weakening Leader Voice and Pretty Words to convince Sixty to “deviate” from his loyalty to Kyber Life, lol.) Sixty is broken down from everything he once believed in, but Connor takes care of him, and so does Hank. 

Nines didn’t know any of this was going on, just that Sixty had gone on a mission and hadn’t returned. He became worried, and tried contacting Connor, but was caught by Perkins. Perkins and two of his men overpower Nines and hold him down, but just before Perkins manages to execute Nines, blaster fire from elsewhere causes Perkins and his men to flee. Nines gets up to see unfamiliar figures approaching him. They reveal themselves to be Captain Allen, two of Captain Allen’s fellow Concord Dawn Protectors, and a fourth man who says his name is Daniel. Nines mistakes Daniel for Prime Minister Simon at first, and Daniel admits they’re twins. But that’s besides the point. They all tell Nines their plans to just fuck up Kyber Life best they can before they get caught, and Nines agrees to help, using his insider knowledge. They have to be quick though, because Perkins already knows they’re there, and that Nines is now set free and Pissed Off. They blow up a bunch of shit, steal some tech, Nines gets a whole new set of armour, and then they leave, chased away by the returning blaster fire from Kyber Life, but all safe and alive. 

They land back on Mandalore, near Kamski’s place so they’re not associated with the Mand’alor, and they all make the journey to the Palace. There’s a happy, teary reunion between the three brothers, as well as between Daniel and Simon, as the latter had genuinely believed he’d never get to see Daniel again. They catch up, and Daniel tells stories of all the planets he visited, how he met a Jedi and didn’t just attack them, how there’s word of a galactic war starting with droids and clones but who cares about that lol. Daniel also reunites with his mother and sister - Emma is more than happy to have him back and won't let him out of a hug, and he and Caroline have a silent mutual understanding before they embrace too. 

~

A year after all of this first went down, Markus feels they finally have enough support against Kyber Life to take them down. He doesn't want a war, but he will lead one if they force his hand. (North approves.) 

Amidst all of this, everyone's been working together very closely and have grown closer as a result. 

Hank has finalised his adoption of Nines, Sixty, and Connor into his Clan. They are all now Clan Anderson, and they couldn't be more happy or grateful. Cole, too, is overjoyed to now have three new older brothers. 

Chloe and North got together, and it was actually Chloe who began courting North first. North is just a simp and Chloe is such a supportive girlfriend (which is a canon word in star wars lmao). 

Gavin and Nines aren't together yet, but there's lots of tension and it's only a matter of time. 

Markus has plans to propose to Simon - he was going to wait until after Kyber Life was taken down, but when he talked to North about it she told him to cut the shit and ask him before, give them both something else to look forward to after. So Markus takes Simon to the Palace garden, alone, and proposes, and of course Simon says yes. They agree to hold off getting married until after Kyber Life has fallen. And Simon has learned by now that no matter how many times he brings up his concern that they shouldn't be together because of their positions, Markus won't hear it, and now Simon doesn't care either. 

Kara and Luther become more involved with the royal business, especially with the Academy's collaboration. Kara and Luther, with help from Kamski and Chloe, were able to trace lots of corruption - both within the Academy, and on Mandalore itself - back to Kyber Life, and have gathered it as evidence to help Markus. 

Markus confronts Perkins Vizsla and tells him that if he doesn't shut down Kyber Life immediately and cede all of Kyber Life's property to the Mand'alor and his people, they will go to war. Of course Perkins refuses, because he cannot be negotiated with, and so Markus as Mand’alor leads the Mandalorians into battle against Kyber Life. 

Kara and Luther stay on Mandalore to provide backup and protect the children of Mandalore, the new foundlings of Jericho, and the Palace. Nines, Connor, and Sixty join Markus's Protectors to fight alongside them. Markus leads front and centre. Josh stayed behind with Kara and Luther, unwilling to fight unless absolutely necessary. North of course is more than willing. Markus tried to get Simon to stay behind, but Simon refused to not be by Markus's side through any fight. Markus lost that argument, so Simon came and fought right at Markus's side, North on his other side. Connor and his brothers used their previous knowledge of Kyber Life to help infiltrate it, and Sixty admitted that he knew of others who had wanted to leave KL but didn't feel safe to, but they would join Markus if he called to them, so he does, and they join. 

A huge battle ensues on Concordia. Markus even got any Concord Dawn Protectors who could join him, to join. Captain Allen took his place alongside Connor, Nines, and Sixty, the latter being slightly fascinated by this mysterious Captain who had lied to him and thus saved his life. Daniel joined too, as did Chloe, but Kamski - not much of a fighter - stayed back to provide technical support. Gavin of course is with Markus's Protectors. He and Nines had a moment before the battle started, and Gavin almost kissed him, but held back. He could wait. 

During the battle, Markus gets shot by a Kyber blaster in his iron heart in just the right way that it flies off. It protected him, of course, but it's damaged and won't protect him again if he gets hit there. Simon pulls him away from the fray to tend to him, and begins to replace Markus's broken iron heart with his own. "Our iron hearts are compatible. You have to take mine." Markus refuses, and tries to push Simon away, but Simon once again wins the argument and gives Markus his iron heart. Markus makes him promise not to get hit, and Simon says he'll try. 

They manage to infiltrate Kyber Life successfully, and move to apprehend Perkins and take him in to face justice. But when they get there, Perkins has a very much alive Amanda held at blaster point. Turns out Perkins had simply imprisoned her within KL to use as leverage when needed, which was now. Markus wasn't going to risk Amanda's life if he could help it, so he tries to stop and reason with Perkins. North insists he just kill him. Simon says nothing. Perkins demands they leave and allow KL to continue operating as usual, or he'll kill Amanda, and then everyone else. Markus can't let that happen, and tries to appeal to any compassion Perkins may have left for the people of Mandalore. But he has none. Then Amanda tells Perkins to kill her - she means nothing, she can do nothing more, and she won't let herself be what keeps Markus from acting for the betterment of his people. She won't be used as a tool against her Mand’alor. Perkins agrees with her, but before Markus can react, Perkins aims his blaster at Simon instead of Amanda, and shoots. He hits Simon square in the chest, and Simon flies back, unconscious. 

Markus absolutely loses his shit. He yells and ignites his jetpack, flying directly into Perkins before the latter can ready his blaster again. He takes out Perkins and they begin fighting. Markus bests him, and continues hitting him. He probably would have killed Perkins, but North steps in and pulls him away. She orders Gavin to cuff Perkins, and he does. Markus snaps out of it and runs to Simon. He's still breathing, but it's shallow, and he's unresponsive. Markus leaves immediately, Captain Allen flying him back, so he can get Simon to the Palace's medbay ASAP. Connor bros help the Protectors cleanup and round up the last of Kyber Life's supporters, loading them all onto the other ships to take back to Mandalore. 

In the Palace medbay, Markus is told that Simon is alive, but fading. They'll do everything they can, but they can't promise anything. They tell Markus that the blaster bolt didn't fully enter Simon's chest and the wound was cauterised before he could bleed out, so there's hope, but they still can't be sure. Markus doesn't leave his side for a second. He doesn't eat, or sleep, and only leaves briefly for the restroom, but eventually stops doing even that. He's there for three whole days and nights. Everyone's worried for him, and his absence is causing the trial against Perkins and Kyber Life to be postponed. North voices her concern that the longer they wait, the more they risk Perkins trying to escape before his trial. But Markus is incorrigible. He's a mess, and everyone is concerned. North tells Chloe that she's worried that if they lose Simon, they may lose Markus as well. 

After the third day, Simon becomes stabilised, but he still hasn't woken up. Markus finally manages to leave, but he's distracted the whole time. He begins the trial against Perkins, but he's especially cold. No one - besides Josh - really disagrees with how Markus is treating Perkins, because everyone hates Perkins, but it's definitely not right of him to do. Nines offers to help him, legally, as he's had the most experience with and knowledge of Kyber Life and all of its proceedings. Nines becomes something of Markus's lawyer, and Josh represents Perkins - not because he wants to, but because he's the only one who can do so in a fair and just way (as in, without just killing Perkins then and there). Kara helps with the legal proceedings as well, and brings the Academy students and foundlings of Jericho to act as the jury alongside the people of Mandalore, saying that their future generations have been greatly impacted by Kyber Life and Perkins's actions, and thus must be included in bringing them to justice. Markus agrees, and only steps in when necessary. Simon's Council takes their place too, but without Simon they appear a little lost. Markus relates. 

Kamski attends a bit of the proceedings, but he's too angry with Perkins as well to hear him out. He also hears of Simon's state, and goes to try to help him. He gets the help of Amanda too, and together they work with the medics to try to heal Simon completely. They work on him for another day, but despite Kamski's improvised gadgets, Simon doesn't seem to be getting any better. On the fifth day, Hank visits the Palace with Cole in tow, meaning to check up on his now adopted sons. Alice tags along, as she's been bored in the Palace since Kara began working with the legal proceedings, and she's friends with Cole now. They go to see Simon as they'd also heard of his injury, and that he hadn't woken up yet. The medics let them come up to his bed. They both like Simon, as he's always been nice to them and has even played with them before when he wasn't busy, so they're sad to see him this way. 

The medics, Kamski, Amanda, and Hank watch as the two children look at each other and seem to have a silent conversation, before they both place a hand over Simon's chest. Hank goes to stop them, but Amanda stops him, and tells him to wait. There's a slight glow at their hands - not a real light, but something of an essence, an energy. After a minute, both children pull away. They glance at each other and laugh. Then Simon jolts up, wide awake and panting. Everyone except for the kids and Amanda are shocked about what happened. Once the medics get Simon calmed down, and confirm that he's been completely healed, Amanda explains to everyone that Cole and Alice are force sensitive children. She says she sensed it as soon as she met them, but said nothing. She also tells everyone they must be protected, and kept away from the Jedi, at all costs. Hank more than agrees, and promises to relay the information to Kara. 

That afternoon, Markus is leaving the court to visit Simon again, and sees him sitting up in his bed. Markus runs to him, holding him as tight as he can without hurting him, and he cries. It's the first time Simon has seen him cry, and his heart breaks at Markus's state. 

Once he finally calms down, and after he's finished kissing all over Simon's face, he is called back to the court to finish his ruling against Perkins. He manages to give a final, fair ruling, and tells Perkins that he is only being shown mercy because he failed to kill Simon. Markus promises him that if he had killed Simon, he would spend the rest of his life rotting in hell. Perkins, for once, has nothing to say. He's taken away and thrown in a special jail aboard one of Concord Dawn's ships. Simon is proud of Markus's ruling, but a little concerned with how everyone's acting towards him. 

Later that day, North tells Simon everything that happened while he was out: mostly how Markus behaved as a result of Simon's state. Simon is entirely understanding, because he knows if they had been reversed, he would've acted the same. In fact, he doesn't believe he would have shown Perkins mercy regardless, had he harmed Markus. And so he's proud of Markus. But North insists they talk about it, because she is disappointed with Markus lmao. Simon agrees. 

He confronts Markus about it. Markus admits that he couldn't act as Mand’alor while Simon was hurt, that he was constantly scared and spiralling and couldn't focus. Simon reiterates his fear that they shouldn't have gotten together because of their positions. Markus tells him it would be worse if he couldn't have Simon by his side in every way. 

For the first time since being made the ruler of Mandalore, Markus is unsure of his place. He tells Simon he thinks he should step down, pass the title to someone else. He says he feels weak - that if Simon had been lost, then he would have been lost too. He can't rule without Simon, he can't BE without Simon. Markus says that no matter how hard he tried to keep this from happening, Simon has become his priority. And Markus knows that isn't fair to his people. But he can't help it. Simon feels guilty of course, though Markus tells him not to be. That if he didn't have Simon now, he would truly be lost. 

They start to discuss who might take Markus's place as Mand'alor. Then they hear a scuffle break out down the hall, and they rush to see. It's a conflict between two foundlings, no older than 15, but they are almost immediately broken up by Kara. She separates them and chastises them, and she is as strict as she is caring. Markus and Simon meet eyes, and share a nod and a smile. She's perfect. 

Markus asks Kara to run as Mand'alor elect against him, and at first she refuses. She says she'd vote for Markus over herself any day. Markus says that's exactly why she's perfect for the role. She finally agrees to run, only under the condition that Markus agrees to run Jericho for her in her place, becoming Jericho's honorary leader. Markus graciously accepts. Kara still thinks she won't win against him, but she doesn't know that Markus plans to reach out to the people on her behalf. Markus tells the Mandalorians exactly why he wishes to step down, and the majority believes his decision to be honourable, and so they do not hold it against him. Likewise, Kara had made quite a name for herself on Mandalore, both through the Academy, and through Jericho. The people are more than happy to accept her as their new ruler, and she wins the vote. 

Kara takes her new place as Mand'alor, with Alice and Luther living in the Palace with her. Everyone who had lived in the Palace stays too, as she refuses to let Markus leave his home just because he's no longer their ruler. She also seeks his council, and makes him her Advisor as well. Simon remains as her Prime Minister, North the head Protector, etc etc basically everyone keeps their same positions except for Markus. 

Markus meets a Mandalorian woman named Rose who had been responsible for most of the foundlings reaching Jericho safely, and her son Adam, who was wary of the foundlings at first but now considers them family. Rose is honoured by Kara as well, and she and Adam are granted permission to grow Jericho’s reach outside of Sundari City.

Alice and Cole take up training with Amanda, who is also force sensitive and has evaded the Jedi her whole life. She shows them how to wield the force as Mandalorians, not as Jedi. To value love, and connections with other living beings, more than politics and control. To value family above toxic individualism or needless separation. To be better than any Jedi in the Order could hope to be. (Is it obvious yet that I despise the Order? Anyways.) Amanda enlists the help of Lucy, an old friend of hers who she says is the wisest force user she's ever known. Lucy is another Mandalorian, and she's very strong in the force and wise beyond her years (think Rebels epilogue Ahsoka - that's who she reminds me of). Lucy has the force gift of Precognition, meaning she can see visions into the future. Cole and Alice both have force healing, which Alice picked up learning about in the Academy library and told Cole all about it. Amanda has psychometry, so she can sense the past through the force's echo (inspired by @itsybitsybatsyspider <3)

During all of this, Nines spending more time at the Palace for the trial meant he and Gavin had even more time together. As soon as he sees Gavin again, Nines kisses him without hesitation, saying he's making up for Gavin's indecisiveness before the battle. Gavin kisses him back. They finally start dating. Connor, Sixty, and Hank are all fucking relieved. 

Tina gets over her crush on North and meets a cute Mandalorian woman during one of her rounds. They start meeting up and eventually start going out as well. Gavin thought he'd get to stop hearing Tina go on and on about pining over a pretty girl once she finally got a girlfriend, but alas, now she's worse about it. Only fair, as Tina had to listen to him pine over Nines for a whole year. 

Simon and Markus finally get married, and it is glorious. Kara oversees it as the new Mand'alor, and Carl officiates. North is Markus's best man, and Daniel is Simon's. Josh is the ring bearer. 

A few weeks after the wedding, a stranger appears in a strange ship and in strange armour. He looks almost like a bounty hunter, not a single Mandalorian look to him. However, once he removes his helmet, he reveals himself to be none other than the missing and thought dead Leo Manfred. Carl is both ecstatic that he's alive and absolutely furious that he left allowing Carl to believe he was dead for so long. Markus is happy to finally meet his brother. Leo is jealous of him at first, but eventually warms up to him. Leo never wanted to be Mand'alor, and he's glad someone as capable as Markus took his spot, and now Kara. He also gets along surprisingly well with North, and they become a dynamic duo who play pranks on everyone. 

North one-ups Chloe by proposing to her first. Chloe is surprised North really wants to marry as she'd seemed adverse to it before, but North says she decides she wants to marry as long as it's Chloe. Even more surprisingly, when Chloe says she wants to start a family and have a Clan of their own, North wholeheartedly agrees, and they immediately set out to take in Foundlings of Jericho. 

Markus and Simon are taking it slow in the adopting kids aspect, unsure of whether or not they will, but they spend enough time looking after Emma as she and Simon have grown closer recently. Mandalorians are very reverent of their families, of family units and clans, and Markus and Simon know that if a child in need crosses their path, they'll rise to the challenge together. 

Kara rules with a firm yet gentle hand; she is patient and kind, passionate and bold, wise and strong willed (think Duchess Satine with the same fire, but Kara is not a pacifist coward oops). Alice doesn't plan on taking her place someday, and Kara isn't going to take away her childhood to raise her as the next Mand'alor. Alice and Cole have become best buds and they have so much fun learning from Amanda and Lucy about the force. Emma watches in too, and likes to play with them, but she's not force sensitive like they are. They don't care though, they're just happy to have another friend. 

That’s kinda all I’ve got now. Maybe, someday, I will write this as a whole fic. But definitely no time soon. I just had to get all my thoughts out.

[tokyopewpew]

Veilguard Breakdown Part 3

I'm consistently going over post limits so this is going to continue to take awhile. This is reactions to the FINALE and major ending choices (and the beginning of my criticism of the criticism of the game) Spoilers under the cut.

Oh my god what a long and drawn out fraught miserable amazing devastating final Fight against Ol Ghil

Ok more like five final quests. holy shit holy shit

The choice between Dav and Harding?? Fucking impossible. Miserable. i will never be able to handle it. Nor Varric. Oh my god. My heart hurts. I’m sick to my stomach. Miserable. But that’s good writing baby. You got me to care.

I literally keep ping ponging back and forth between which could be worse. They’re both so bad.

For me, Davrin dies a hero’s death. Assan was a protector until the end. I couldn’t do that to Harding, or Taash. Harding deserves an apology from Solas (spoiler: boo she doesn’t get it edit: ok damn she does get a weak ass one!! i just didn't get that banter?? Man I wish I got more banter). I chose Davrin because the griffons are set up to have their new beginning. They are his legacy, but Harding hasn’t had the chance to share the Titan’s memories. It still fucking hurt so bad tho. Assan…

I also chose Bellara to disable the wards. Which I ultimately really liked Belara’s final thing with the blight better than her actual main quest so i’m super happy to have chosen her. Her having the archive and using it when it suits them but also being like you aren’t MY GOD and fucking Elgers up. Amazing heroic moment. And she survived! Hooray for being a hero!

did have to restart a section because I accidentally killed Emmerich which was um. The Worst thing to see knowing his problems with mortality and giving up lychdom to revive Manfred? That got my jaw cracked to the floor.

Amazing awesome set pieces and animation for the finale. Final fight was not hard at all. I got a bit OP’ed tbh lmao

FUCK YEA TO THE HAPPY SOLAVELLAN ENDING THO! Or as happy as they can be

Solas and Inquisitor in the fade together sigh. Forming it to their quiet idolized life of study and magic. That juicy thick, raspy Thank you, Rook got me. Him crying was SO well animated and voiced. Sad wet egg.

The hilarious non serious version is that she’s like oh my fucking god I am sick and tired of Chantry bullshit. I don’t want to be in charge anymore. Please the south is so fucked and everyone is gonna be so mad at me regardless and I cannot fucking deal with it again. Please take me away.

THE MYTHOLOGY of her actually having an end like Andraste??? Wild, genius, so big brained. Another instance of people being very Literal tho and applying real world relationship standards. Or I guess being mad it doesn’t fit their canon? Idk it’s very odd to me to get such a different read on Solas. Like he fucking hates the material world, idk how his story could end anywhere but in the Fade drenched in magic? I also am gonna choose to believe they aren’t completely cut off from the rest of the Fade. One, because the prison was opened when Solas released the Evanuris. Two, together they should be able to release the binds of the prison. And three, the Fade is Dreams, where mages can be fully conscious in the Fade. So she’d be able to visit people in their dreams, and like fully communicate with Dorian

There’s SO MUCH dialogue i missed so I’m gonna have to read like a script. LIKE SORRY I KNOW IT GOT MENTIONED ELSEWHERE BUT LUCANIS HAS A SNAKE? i know for like venom and poison and stuff but oh my god. I feel like I got so little banter but that’s my fault for fast traveling and sprinting everywhere. Punished for being too good at game.

NOW WE GONNA TALK ABOUT THE HARD CHOICES:

God take the game away from idiots complaining about the hard choices. Do you want the game to be gritty, dark, with hard choices? Or do you want it to be a point system where if you do enough good, you can save everyone? YOU CAN save most everyone! if you didn’t do that you can lose like the whole team!

Like saying it affected you deeply and gave you actual GRIEF over these characters is a GOOD NARRATIVE! they made you care THAT MUCH! and it DOES have to be between those characters because that’s what makes it such a hard choice! If they let you sacrifice your least fav companion and walk away unscathed emotionally THAT WOULD BE CHEAP.

How many times do they have to say we’re fighting the gods?? We won’t come out unscathed, Solas saying we have to make the hard choices, make sacrifices. i’m coming from Origins and DA2 where someone has to die or compromise their morals A LOT to kill the archdemon and no matter what you do Kirkwall ends in tragedy.

It's also REALLY EASY to talk shit on Solas and be like "well I wouldn't let anyone die, I wouldn't sacrifice people to win." WHICH HE TELLS YOU, if you do it right you won't have to make that call, they'll do it anyways (and subtext of you'll still feel responsible for it. It will still feel like YOUR FAULT. That's his whole deal, his whole problem, is feeling responsible for his own AS WELL AS other people's decisions).

I’m trying not to be soft on the game but seeing people’s frustrations and complaints is a little between… I get it, i think that would have been nice, i think it could have been cool, i wonder what that game could have been…

But also i know enough about writing and game/general production that i totally see why they made the choices they did. I see the narrative arcs, and see the streamlining needed for the scale/scope/pace of the narrative and I can imagine where it would have gone if they DID go the other way people will ask... and still see why they chose to do it the way they did.

Also none of the choices have mattered across many of the games. Love DA2 but in game none of your choices really matter. The qunari still destroy the city and the Mages rebel. How it gets there matters to us playing it but in the grand narrative it doesn’t.

Same with the Warden. If one of the main options is for the Warden to DIE then they can’t have any Concrete story where they show up. They have to write to include ALL possible realities.

OVERALL VERY HAPPY! Very much enjoyed the game! I thought it was the most fun gameplay of all of them and I love my Solavellan ending and getting a new series of Ships to set sail on.

The next posts are going to be more into the production and game designing stuff I touched on a little bit here in the end.

[thebonerpit]

I finished Veilguard ;_;

Overall I really enjoyed it. I do have some issues but I also have a lot of things I absolutely adore. And tbh it's hard to judge it only on one playthrough because I feel like I missed a lot of companion dialogue etc. It's hard to compare it to any of the other games that I've had YEARS with y'know?

So spoilery things under the cut, be warned! And a lot of yapping.

I called Varric being dead about halfway through. As soon as that scene happened where he was like "ahh I'm tired, I need to go lay down" I was like oh either he's only alive because the Fade is sustaining him and it's draining slowly or he died back at the ritual, and yup. I'm actually kind of shocked they went there tbh! He's never been a favourite for me so I was ok with it but yeah it was wild.

DORIANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!! Oh my god the scream I scrumpt when he showed up. And he looks gooooood oh boy. And MAE! Literally the two characters I wanted to see the most ha ha. I was absolutely terrified something was going to happen to him though. I specifically saved Minrathous instead of Treviso in case he might have been hurt, and I didn't make him Archon because I thought it would make him a target. But I think he's fine regardless which is a relief lol.

I genuinely teared up the first time we meet the Inquisitor. The music in the background omg ;_; Hearing her voice again was incredible. I cannot BELIEVE all the shit that happened in the South though. I was reading those reports with my face like :OOOOOOOO the entire time. Redcliffe, Denerim, Kirkwall, all destroyed? WHAT? It kind of gives me some great ideas for fic though lol. I'm not upset about it because I think there's of course an opportunity for them to rebuild and they never said "hey btw all the characters left in the South are dead" so I'm saying they're not. The Skyhold mention also made me cry ha ha. Same with the conversation with Harding where she talks about all the Inquisition companions. I definitely think they did surprisingly well with callbacks to that game without basically any choices carrying over. Clearly some things were vague and they couldn't include everyone but I was actually quite happy.

Prince Sebastian Vael mention!!!!! Lmao I also screamed at that.

I loved seeing all the characters from the comics and Tevinter Nights show up like Strife, Antoine and Evka, Teia and Viago, etc. That helped to make it feel a lot more connected to the DA universe for me. Also some other cameos like VALTA (sort of lol), Johanna Hezenkoss, and Felassan ;_;

However, I'm really disappointed that there was literally NO mention of Fenris. He was with so many of those characters in that comic and some of them talk about their adventures, yet no one says oh btw Fenris was there too?? CRAZY. Also sad that neither Zevran or Merrill showed up simply because the story would have been incredibly relevant to include them. Instead we get Isabela... yay :/.

So the romance... once again I fucked myself over. I romanced Davrin and I was absolutely loving it. My Rook was as stoic as I could make her, down to business type, and she meshed so well with Davrin. They were absolutely adorable with Assan and they had such a cute scene where they admitted they were really falling for each other... AND THEN HE FUCKING DIED. WITH ASSAN. I was getting war flashbacks of Alistair lmao. I made him the leader of the other team because I trusted him to get the job done and I mean he did I guess?? But wow I did not expect any of your companions to die. And it HAS to be either him or Harding. Both of those options are so hard but did I really need to pick my fucking romance /sob. I didn't go back on my choice though because I'm fine with a bit of tragedy in my first run anyway but yeah it was pretty devastating. It was feeling very 'Mass Effect 2 suicide mission' so I was like great I've done all of their personal quests, relationships are maxed, we are GOOD... screw you Bioware lol.

The companions overall were... fine? Idk the only ones I really loved were Davrin, Emmrich, and Harding. I just felt like it was almost too easy to have everyone like Rook, and like each other. I missed Fenris and Anders constantly at each others throats. I missed Morrigan absolutely destroying Alistair every time he opened his mouth. I missed Blackwall and Dorian bickering but slowly growing into friends. There was almost NONE of that. Davrin and Lucanis had the tiniest bit of conflict and I got a few scrappy dialogues between Emmrich and Taash but they were all resolved so quickly. I wonder if the reactions to characters like Sera and Vivienne scared them off writing more complexity. Sadly Lucanis in particular was disappointing but I think he was much more closed off because I didn't save Treviso so maybe I'll get more out of him next time.

In the same vein, I didn't love how there were basically no opportunities to get disapproval from the companions. I think there was only one big moment where there were approval/disapproval notifs but almost all the rest were constant approvals. I liked the fact that in the previous games it was at least moderately difficult to get along with everyone in one playthrough. Like if you were bffs with Vivienne it's likely Solas would not have liked you. In this game I don't even think it's possible to have low approval?

One thing I really loved was the reactivity to your background! I played Mourn Watch and not only did I get a bunch of amazing dialogue options but I had special dialogue with Emmrich which was SO SWEET. I decided not to romance him because the Rook I made just didn't feel like a good match but man it was so cute to see them talking about life in the Necropolis and having someone who understood that. Really curious to see what the other factions have!

Combat was super fun as a warrior with the Reaper specialization. I was a necrotic damage machine lol. Throwing the shield was AMAZING and it gave you so much more range and motion in battle. I liked synchronizing abilities between party members and it was nice to not have to have 1 rogue, 1 mage, 1 warrior since the abilities can still work in a lot of different configurations. I wish the companions did a BIT more in battle... I definitely prefer the Inquisition AI for that for sure.

There were a lot of insane lore reveals (eg. the Evanuris originally being spirits and stealing Titan blood/life force to make their bodies was... WHAT) and most of them I thought were cool or interesting. I personally loved the teaser at the end for the Executors but I guess a lot of people didn't? Idk I don't agree that it invalidates any of the previous antagonists motivations or whatever because we don't know anything about what type of influence they would have had over them. It's way too early to speculate but I would be HYPE for that to play a role in a sequel (and maybe see what's actually "across the sea"???)

Ok I could really go on forever here lol but I want to finish with the ending. I thought it was beautifully done. I got the "true" ending where you use Mythal's essence to convince Solas to bind himself to the Veil (which, tbh, was very "Loki becomes the World Tree" y/y?) and my Inquisitor went with him. I think for a romanced Lavellan it's perfect imho. I don't know if it would have the same impact with another Inquisitor but idk even the whole scene with Mythal basically releasing Solas from servitude to her was quite emotional. Solas as a presence in this game was one of the best parts and I wish we had more convos with him in the Fade!