#rook codex writing

[greypetrel]

Second prompt from @shivunin, thank you so much! This helped me a lot defining stuff and a direction where her companion piece should go! :3

(if you reader wants to send a prompt... Tis the prompt list )

21. A letter from an enemy regarding Rook

The paper was found crumpled in the office of a Venatori base at the Docks. The calligraphy is elongated and elegant, but written heavily on the paper.

Rufus.

I do not care how many people you need to employ: I want that child in custody, possibly before the end of the month. Deploy as many people as you see fit to get rid of the bodyguards she travels with, it's important she gets in our hands.

She was seen with elements that notoriously works with the SD, she will be the key to prove DP works with them and finally cut the head of the snake for good. I have suspects on who she may really be: investigations in Arlathan brought forth that Aldwir is not a family name there. Probably fake. Whatever that girl is hiding it will be ammunition for us and for the glory of the Gods.

Re: your concerns.

It's just a child, if you and your henchmen are so easily bested by a girl that didn't even learn how to get rid of acne, I am seriously doubting your position amongst our ranks, and your right on even belonging here. All the impediments you listed are but excuses for your incompetence, show me I understand it poorly.

Don't make me take care of this myself, I already gave you plenty of chances and here I am, explaining the obvious all over again.

And since we're still reviewing all the basics: I want her alive. If she's to die, let me decide that.

You won't get another chance. Lucilla.

[ellie-writes-games]

Spite Wants To Set A Flame

Lucanis (and by extension, Spite) have been helping Bellara with her romance novel. Flowery language and smut metaphors lead Spite to some surprising conclusions.

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗ prev Part 8 of Burn After Reading banter series next ╚══════════════════════════════════════════╝ Enjoying my work? You can leave me a tip on Ko-Fi | Have a request? Part of an on-going series of fan-writings. See the full Masterlist here.

As someone on the autism spectrum, I remember struggling with interpreting metaphor as a young person A LOT. As soon as it was introduced in Veilguard that Bellara was writing some smutty fanfiction, the first thoughts I had were "Oh, the neurospicy gang is gonna struggle." (Mainly Taash and Spite.)

This is fanfiction written by me, @ellie-writes-games. These are NOT actual screenshots from the game. Peace, love, and mad props to the DA writers.

[shivunin]

Rook Codex Writing Prompts

A list of 30 writing prompts inspired by other DA codex prompt lists. Contains no plot spoilers for Veilguard.

A letter to Rook about their exile

An entry from Rook’s journal

A letter from Rook to someone in their faction

A note from a companion to Rook about the Lighthouse

A conversation overheard between Rook and a companion

Healer’s summary of treatment for Rook’s wounds

Something written by a character from a previous game about Rook

A future historian’s analysis of Rook’s actions (Bonus: featuring a relevant primary source)

Rook’s shopping list 

Note found in Rook’s pocket

Report summarizing what is known about Rook by an allied or enemy faction

Rook’s daily schedule

A message between two companions about Rook

A letter from a faction leader to a companion about Rook’s actions

Rook’s packing list for travel to a quest location

Letter from Rook to their love interest

Rook’s notes on the Lighthouse/Caretaker

Notes between a companion and Rook regarding a personal quest

Inventory of personal belongings Rook left behind when they left their faction

Something written about Rook on a historical plaque

A letter from an enemy regarding Rook

An entry from an encyclopedia/travel guide about an aspect of Rook’s background (Bonus: followed by a note from Rook supporting or refuting its accuracy)

Excerpt from a play dramatizing Rook’s actions (Bonus: include a review of this play)

A letter from Rook to a faction leader

Notes taken by Rook when they were young/in training

A letter to Rook from a family member or close friend

Analysis of a piece of art created for/about Rook

Propaganda for or against Rook

Something written to Rook post-game

A note/letter that Rook never sent

[hyperions-light]

Ooooo A letter from an enemy regarding Rook?

🫡 Thank you for asking!

My Dear Viago,

Greetings from Seleny; the weather is simply gorgeous here in the summers. I do hope you are faring as well in Salle.

I’ve been asked to write to you regarding a matter of discussion amongst some of the Talons. They have recently expressed concern about a certain member of your House, who is known for their unorthodox methods. I believe you know of whom I speak.

The others have found that this agent— while often as efficacious as you say— can be disruptive. They seldom carry out orders as directed. Their technique, while impressive, lacks discipline. Surely, House de Riva does not wish to be represented by such an indecorous individual. I can say for certain that your predecessor would never have allowed it.

We wish to extend our assistance (should it prove necessary) in removing this cowbird from your nest, so to speak. I have heard that the weather in Ventus is beautiful this time of year-- perhaps they might enjoy a sojourn in the Imperium? I can arrange it.

Do let me know if the thought appeals.

Yours Most Sincerely,

Emil Kortez, Fourth Talon

BONUS:

Emil,

It does not.

— Viago de Riva, Fifth Talon

[basket-of-cats-and-witches]

Codex entry: Rook Finally Joins Book Club

(yes this is a reference to Skyrim. Thanks to my friend Mika for helping me figure out the name XD)

--------------

Notes for our fifth book club meeting.

We finally managed to get Rook to join! Lucanis made something called pandoro as a bribe.

Attending: Lucanis, Bellara, Harding, Neve, Rook, Emmrich. (Davrin has a cold, promised he'd be here next time)

Book: The Frisky Wyvernian Waitress by [Name scratched out] (Chosen by…someone? Neve suspects the wisps.)

Notes taken by: Bellara

Notes:

-Lucanis threw this book out a window. Appalled at inaccurate depiction of wyverns.

-Emmrich impressed by amount of euphemisms. Said he'd never be able to think about “bread rising” the same again.

-Neve impressed someone had the good sense to obscure the author’s name. Is trying to decipher what's left of it to find who wrote this.

-Harding couldn't stop blushing. Complained about lack of plot and repeating phrase “Plenty of time”.

-Rook annotated their copy. Said it gave them “a lot to think about.” Emmrich was appalled they would mark up a book.

-Bellara (me) also annotated the book. Use as reference for writing later. For euphemisms, not for plot.

Wisps are banned from choosing books. Rolled a dice, Davrin is next. Neve says he'll be glad he missed this one.

----------------------

[queenmuzz]

Zea Ingellvar’s Codex

Based off this prompt. I will attempt to put one out each day

4. A note from a companion to Rook about the Lighthouse

Very accommodating of the Lighthouse to place my room beside yours, Rook!  Or did you decide that?

-Emmrich

Nope! It’s been blocked off until the moment you arrived.  And then suddenly, POP!  It opened up!  I honestly have no idea how it works.  I hope it’s not a problem… Perhaps the Caretaker could help you find a better place if you’d like, Professor.

-Rook

Nonsense! This works perfectly.  Very spacious, great storage for my books,  a marvelous view of the fade, and the stairs are wonderful for Manfred to practice his coordination.  My suspicion is that the Fade senses our desires and needs and does its best to accommodate us.  I will be studying and documenting this phenomena, should I have the time. Also, please, it’s just Emmrich.  

-E

Alright, glad to hear it!  I must admit that your quarters is quite lovely. Perhaps that’s why my own room is rather… simple in comparison.  I’m not complaining about it, honestly.  I guess I’ve just lived my life so simply, both in the Necropolis, and on the road, that the Fade didn’t sense that I wanted anything more.  

And, yes, I’ll try to remember, Emmrich.

-R

Well, you are welcome to my quarters whenever you’d like, Rook.  It will be nice to have another Watcher to share experiences with.  Manfred is quite adept at making tea, so we can always sit down and chat.

-E

[kmackatie]

Codex: The Chess Piece

[found on a table in Emmrich's room in the Lighthouse after a visit to Dock Town] A note from Rook, attached to a worn scroll yellowed with age: Professor, Overheard you discussing Dalish funerals with Bellara when I was speaking with Rana at the Wall of Light. I remembered a scroll that the Veil Jumpers unearthed that had sat in storage waiting to be catalogued correctly. I’m no translator, but my ancient elven is half-decent and I happen to have an interest in and personal connection to Falon’Din. —Rook P.S. Don’t tell Bellara where you got it from. I’m in enough trouble with Strife as it is.

After deep-diving on some codex entries for a different fic, an idea lodged in the back of my head to attempt to write a fic made up of codex entries that would add into my Rook's journey. Thus, this was born, in which I lovingly spent even more time deep-diving into codex entries and taking a crack at writing some.

Also spending over an hour creating a mock-codex entry in Procreate.

read on ao3 here

Rating: T Fandom: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Relationship: Rook / Emmrich Volkarin Characters: Rook, Emmrich Volkarin, The Veilguard Companions and NPCs Additional Tags: Character Study, Canon Compliant, Worldbuilding, Epistolary, Codex Entries (Dragon Age), Codex Entries for Rook, Male Rook (Dragon Age), Dalish Rook (Dragon Age), Mage Rook (Dragon Age), Developing Relationship, Dragon Age: The Veilguard Spoilers, self-indulgent expansion of Rook's character, Discussions of Past Relationship Words: 6,865

[ofcrowsanddragons]

Lucanis's romance list

[An untitled list, found next to a wisp in the main library]

Bellara asked what I looked for in a partner, and challenged me to put it to paper. Said I could burn it afterward if I wanted.

Kind

Cares about people

Understands me?

Isn't bothered by what I do for work

Enjoys the little things

Doesn't want to change me

I... don't think this is helping.

[inquisimer]

25. Notes taken by Rook when they were young/in training plzzzz :D

ehehe thank you!! and to @the-rebel-archivist and @shivunin for the same request (: I had fun with this one, which is about poisons, because of course it is lol

Rook Codex Prompts | 25: Notes taken by Rook when they were young/in training

-

Codex Entry: A Primer of Poison Reagents

A collection of hand-drawn botanical diagrams, labeled and annotated for their use in poison making. Some appear more artistic than academic. Errors and corrections have been marked in red ink.

Andraste’s Mantle

Herb, wyvern venom antidote. Slow boil chopped leaves, stems, and concentrator overnight to create an extract. Add one part for every three doses mixed. Below, in Viago’s handwriting: —Crush the leaves by hand, do not chop them.

Deathroot, Arcanist

Causes disorientation, dizziness, and hallucinations. Shave thinly and burn for aerosolized effect, or grind into paste for epidermal applications. Do not use in liquid solutions—substitute madcap essence instead. —Amend this after you revisit Ortega’s essay on different varieties of Deathroot.

Ghoul’s Beard

Alleged combustible if ingested. Combine with a stabilizing agent before use in any recipe. Do not mix with Rashvine Nettle. —We do not rely on alleged poison effects. Where did you hear this? Hastily scrawled below, in a script similar to the main report: —Lucanis swore it was true. —Refrain from trusting the Dellamorte boy with questions of poison. You are a de Riva, you should know more than him.

Mushroom, Deep

Fungi with hallucinogenic and lethal properties that grow underground near Blight and lyrium veins. Best used as an additive to dishes with strong flavor, to disguise their odd taste and scent. —This is so broad as to be useless. Redo it with acknowledgments for the variants.

Vasanthum Sap

Strong fragrance with little to no taste. Naturally toxic, but more potent if distilled. Harvest under Satina for stronger effects. —Specify the meaning of strong fragrance. Sweet? Foul? Amend with implications for use.

Added below the last entry, in Viago's handwriting:

Stop rushing through your studies. Be thorough. Do better.

[solasfenheral]

vg is a game where there a lot of parts I enjoy on paper and then you have to reckon w execution that keeps like. keeps immediately killing narrative tension before it can build

[greypetrel]

From the codex prompts, 20 for Priscilla, 21 for Niamh! 💗

Hi Mo, thank you so much! Also for the list, is such a lovely one! :3 The second will come in its own post!

Tis the prompt list

20. Something written about Rook on a historical plaque

A golden plaque under a statue, placed in a mostly reconstructed little square in Dock Town, Minrathous. The statues depicts a tall woman standing, one hand on a gold conch-shaped shield placed in front of her legs, the other holding the lyrium dagger -the blade is a crystal and it glows when it's dark- in front of her heart. The figure is looking up at the sky, with a serious expression on her face that doesn't really fit the bow-shaped hairdo. A golden plaque is affixed on the pedestal.

Priscilla "Rook" Laidir. Shield of Minrathous, Godslayer, Lady of Fortune. Saved Minrathous in its darkest hour, the Magisterium pledges respect.

Someone has written on the golden plaque with some pasty, thick paint that an expert eye could distinguish as lipstick. The more expert eye could also distinguish a small spell imbued in the paint that prevents it to melt in the rain, or be cleaned by any means. There has been many attempt at cleaning the plaque, but the writings keep appearing, changing the colour of the lipstick and with slight enhancing to the spell. This week's graffiti are in deep magenta and recites:

Dock Town *above Minrathous, which has been crossed thrice with a paint stroke*

Assholeslayer, what would Andraste think, you heretics! *above Godslayer, equally crossed with a stroke*

The Magisterium is a group of silly clowns playing at who can wear the ugliest robe (except for Pavus and Tilani, they slay <3) *after an arrow pointing at the last sentence*

Above the plaque there's a writing in the same paint and calligraphy that never changes, and always recites:

Remember the Veilguard, and those who only made it in spirit. For D.

[ellie-writes-games]

Lucanis Lunchboxes: Inedible Minestrone

What if Lucanis packed Rook lunchboxes with little notes in them throughout the main story?

On the map, a "!" icon appears in the hallway just outside Rook's room in the Lighthouse. A temporary chest here holds a one-of-a-kind Valuable and a letter from Lucanis that is added to the Codex. Triggers after the Act 1 pantry scene, Lucanis romance only.

[SPOILERS] Read the letter from Lucanis below the line:

Spite's first attempt at cooking. He hasn't gotten the hang of it quite yet, but he's trying! What would you want Spite to try to cook for you? (He's open to suggestions.) I'm planning on writing more of these with the longer-term goal of modding these notes into DA:TV.

Maybe one day he'll even make something edible. We're all rooting for him.

Enjoying my work? You can leave me a tip on Ko-Fi | Have a request?

Part of an on-going series of fan-writings. See the full Masterlist here.

This is fanfiction written by me, @ellie-writes-games. These are NOT actual screenshots from the game. Peace, love, and mad props to the DA writers.

[nerrels]

13. A message between two companions about Rook

28. Propaganda for or against Rook

Thanks @queenmuzz for ask! :D Sorry it took forever for respond!

13. A message between two companions about Rook

Virida Aldwir:

You noticed letter on Neve’s desk. It seems written in Bellara’s handwriting:

Hey, Neve!

Remember how I was upset after losing my toolset on last mission in Arlathan ruins?

I found them! Well, not actually me. Virida did it.

Today, when I came back to my room, my lost equipment was on the table with silly note next to it!

I want to properly thank Virida for spending her free time just to find it.

How do you think, what would be the best? Nice meal or maybe something useful? Like new sketchbook? Or maybe something for her blades?

Small note was attached to letter. Written by Virida:

“Be careful next time!”

There’s doodle of proudly halla with toolset in her mouth graciously running away from horde of darkspawns.

28. Propaganda for or against Rook

Virida Aldwir:

You find damaged poster of Venatori propaganda:

Be not fooled by their lies!

Kill the the leader of resistance! Bring her head and our gods will generously reward you for your service.

There’s stylized portrait of viciously looking Virida with two swords

Rook Codex Writing Prompts - link

[hyperions-light]

Hmmmmmm. For the codex prompts - can we see an entry from Rook's journal, please?

For sure! Thanks for asking! [Codex prompts here] 2, 17, 21 have been asked/answered!

Hello journal,

Emmrich says I should write in you to ‘process my feelings’ or something. Am unsure what he’s talking about and do not understand the function of this. You write things so other people will read them, right? But Emmrich said this was supposed to be private? Told him I would try it, but I am skeptical.

Perhaps he’s lying about it being private? Doesn’t seem like him, but maybe it’s like when Viago leaves paperwork around that he ‘doesn’t want me to see’ so that I’ll go handle whatever he doesn’t want to deal with. If I asked Emmrich about it I wonder if he would be offended?

He said that I should “write out the events of your recent experience in order to reflect upon them.” Suspect this will be very dull, since at least eighty percent of what I do is stab people.

What do the others write in their journals? I’ve seen Taash and Lucanis writing in theirs, and there is no way they’re ‘processing feelings’. We all agree the best way to stop being sad is to grab the nearest dangerous object and kill someone with it. (I also think tackling Viago to the floor and getting him to fight me is a good solution, but no one else is willing to do that. They’re missing out.)

Yesterday we went to Minrathous because Neve had a case to work. I think Lucanis and Emmrich went shopping. I don’t know, I was with Harding and Bellara— we were trying to find something for Bel to mess with. Did find some weird magical artifacts in a back alley in Docktown, but she didn’t even look. Brought one of them home to see if she might work on it later, but it’s just sitting in the Fish Room. Hope it doesn’t explode.

She’s really worried about everything with Anaris and her brother. I told her it would be fine, and I was mostly not lying, even— I’m sure we can just punch him until he calms down and then bring him back here? I know he’s killed people, but I mean... Lucanis and I are Crows. They can’t expect us to care that much about that.

I suppose it’s different because Bellara knew those people. And it’s not his job, or anything, he’s just a murderer.

I’ve known a lot of murderers, though (not assassins. murderers), and they’re mostly fine. It seems like Cyrian already feels bad about it, so he’s a lot more pleasant than some of the ones hanging around the Drowned District. We just have to figure out the right incentive to get him to stop, and then he can stay here until they aren’t trying to capture him, anymore. (I saw a cell in the Veil Jumpers’ camp. Not taking chances.)

Hopefully that’s fine with everyone. Will they be upset? I guess he can have the Fish Room if they don’t want him in the rest of the Lighthouse. I’ve slept in more uncomfortable places than the library.

I wonder if they think that I’ve never killed an innocent person. I heard Lucanis tell Davrin that he doesn’t believe he has, a while ago, and all I could think was that he was lucky. I guess if you’re the grandson of the First Talon, you don’t have to get your hands as dirty as the rest of us. (Or he was lying to appease Davrin. Don’t think he cared about Dav’s opinion at the time, though.)

Varric cares about protecting innocent people SO much. I have no idea why he wanted me to be his second. I don’t think he and I even share the same opinions about most things.

I did save him, but it could have been anyone being taken by the Antaam— he didn’t owe me anything more than anyone else. The rest of them just thanked me and ran off; I guess he maybe felt bad, since he was there when Viago kicked me out? But he didn’t have to leave me in charge.

I don’t like it. I wish he would hurry up and stop being injured. I would like to stop making decisions.

Should burn this. Especially if it’s not actually private. But maybe will ask Emmrich about it first?

Goodbye (forever?), journal

[basket-of-cats-and-witches]

Book Club Cont'd

Notes for our seventh book club meeting! Much needed after everything lately.

Also adding our snacks, because I need to remember these for later.

Attending: Davrin, Rook, Emmrich, Harding, Bellara, Taash [has been added in, scratched out, and added in again later]

Neve is dealing with stuff in Docktown, and Lucanis doing Crow…stuff.

Book: The Hand that Grasped the Sky by E. Morris (picked by Davrin).

Snacks: A smoky tea called Lapsang (provided by Emmrich), paired with smoked meats (Davrin) and dark chocolate (Rook).

Notes taken by: Bellara

Notes:

-everyone cried reading this one.

-Taash was disappointed that the Iron Dragon was a Qunari [Scrawled later in a different hand: IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A WOMAN, DRAGONS HAVE QUEENS. -Taash]. Quit book club, learned that there were several dragon fights and a woman who turned into a dragon, came back.

-Harding says book is oddly accurate to Inquisition events. The name of the author sounds familiar. Was confused as to why “Scout Lake Hardwood” was a man.

-Davrin was also surprised at how accurate the Wardens were. Hated “that Greywall guy” for impersonating a Warden, admitted he had a decent redemption arc.

-Rook loved the romance. Said the amount of paperwork mentioned wasn't real to life, and that it “must've been a pain” getting it all done on time. Harding told them they “needed a Josie”.

-Bellara (me) was annoyed at how charming the Dread Wolf was. Even though he betrayed everyone, still got attached.

-Emmrich disapproved of the depiction of necromancy, but said “it made sense for Doren, considering the original source’s lack of reverence for the dead.”

Overall a good read, but too close to current events.

[Added later] Harding just yelled “THE QUARTERMASTER!” And ran to the Eluvian.

Rolled a die, Rook is next. Excited to see what they pick!

[queenmuzz]

Zea Ingellvar’s Codex

Based off this prompt. I will attempt to put one out each day

5 . A conversation overheard between Rook and a companion

“Hey Davrin, I’ve got a hypothetical question for you.”

‘Uh, okay, what’s on your mind, Rook?’

“Let’s say someone you care about is about to attempt something that if it goes wrong, it may kill them, but even if successful, will change them permanently.  Do you openly support them?  Stay quiet?  Try to change their mind?”

‘By ‘someone you care about’, do we mean a family member?  Friend?’

“Uh… friend… close friend”

‘Uh-huuuh, sure.  So, does this friend know the risks?’

“Oh, yes, he-I mean, THEY have been well aware of the consequences, but they’ve been working towards this for over half their life.”

‘But you disagree.’

“No, not disagree.  Honestly, what they’re going for.  I know they’ll be great at it, that of all the people in the world, I think they are the best at it. It’s just-“

‘That whole ‘they could die’ thing’

“Yeah, that is something I’m terrified about.”

‘I get you, Wardens have something quite similar, not that I am at liberty to talk about it, but yeah, I could understand why you’d be hesitant to let them do it. If I knew close friend was about to attempt it, I'd be hesitant on supporting them, knowing what I do now.’

“Honestly, I think they’ve prepared enough that the chance of dying is almost impossible, but my main worry is actually very… selfish.”

‘Huh?’

“It’s what happens to them afterwards.  The way they’ve described it, it’ll change their perception of well… everything.  Life. Death. Spirits.  Time itself.  The flow and ebb of magic that even an accomplished mage couldn’t sense. I want them to accomplish this, it’s been their dream, and I know they are probably the best person in all of Thedas to put that power to good use but… what does that make me?  Does that make what we have seem… insignificant?  Will they even care about me after they change?”

‘Rook… You want my honest opinion?’

“Of course, that’s why I asked you specifically, you don’t mince words.  That’s why I appreciate you and Taash”

‘I think… you’re getting worried over nothing.  If he cares for you right now, no amount of mystical ritual or opening up his senses would change that.  It’s built into him, and taking that away would mean he’s become a completely different person.  And the way you describe it, who he is isn’t going to change with this, he’s just going to be able to feel more.  

Uh… hypothetically speaking’

“Yes…  hypothetically.  Thank you, Davrin.”

‘No problem… wait, is that Manfred… eavesdropping on us?’