hey its Derelict | he/him #no silver linings: post-apocalypse | #terenne: medieval fantasy | #the scythe: modern scifi more information about my characters & projects here!
content warning(s): (18+) NSL contains mature themes and graphic depictions of violence. please read at your own discretion! ♡
No Silver Linings is a tale of survival and perseverance; of one's ability, or lack thereof, to forge onward in the face of insurmountable odds. Do tales of the supposed indomitable human spirit hold up under extreme scrutiny?
NSL is a passion project, a learning experience, a love letter to a favorite genre of mine and the myriad of potential stories that can be told within it.
If you read any of my work, it means the world to me. If you enjoy it, if you take something meaningful from your time with it, even if you simply check it out in passing- I’m forever grateful and completely appreciate your time and thoughts. Cheers!
So, it's officially one year of this game. Seemed like I should at least say something to mark the occasion, so here goes. Slightly personal over-emotional gushing incoming.
This time last year, I was not in a good place. Life had hit me with a pretty colossal and devastating upheaval, and I had no idea how to handle it. I felt like everything was spiralling out of control.
I knew the new Dragon Age was out, but the fandom had frightened me away a long time ago and the love was mostly gone. I wasn't excited for it. But when everything else happened, I was desperate for a distraction. Figured, what the hey. Let's try this new game. Maybe it'll surprise me.
And it did! So much. It had me almost immediately, perfectly scratching the Dragon Age itch I hadn't realised I still had. It reminded me of all my favourite parts of DA2 -- my favourite of the entire series. Rook was such a fun and engaging protagonist. The prologue pulled me back into that world, and the main storyline was so interesting that it had me desperately wanting to rush through it just to see what happened next. I had to keep reminding myself to take my time and see everything it had to offer.
Then it developed into this lovely and meaningful story about grief and community and hope for the future even when it all seems hopeless and what can I say? It got to me. Even if I hadn't been in the emotional state I was in at the time, it would've gotten me.
It reignited passion for a series I'd all but forgotten, and ultimately helped me through one of the hardest points of my life. I cannot overstate how much that meant to me. I love this game. I'm so glad it exists. It's so goddamn important to me.
I don't normally participate in fandom -- certainly not the Dragon Age fandom, with its colourful reputation. When the reception was what it was, I almost gave up on trying to find others that felt the way I did. I resigned myself to quietly enjoying this game in a lonesome corner, as I had done with the other three.
Instead, Veilguard was the gift that kept giving. I found a wonderful community and lovely, beautiful people, who inspired me to share and gush and be so brave about OCs and loved this thing as much as I did.
Firstly, the entire Veilguardians Discord. I don't know how many of you will see this, but if you do, know that I'm eternally grateful to have met all of you, and count so many of you as good friends. You all are some of the kindest people I've ever met, as well as a wonderful support. You were all so welcoming to my awkward and painfully shy self, and talking to you frequently has been the highlight of my day amidst some of the darkest depression.
Secondly, the Shadow Dragons Corner Community. For all the discussions, the amazing art, and the excited vibrating at each other and freaking out over each of our respective characters, and the mutual love we all have for our favourite faction. With specific shoutouts to @sketchytea and @derelictjunk for managing the community so well and fostering such a good environment and creative space.
All the people who've run events, for your tireless work in engaging with and supporting the fandom. It wouldn't be what it is without you, and even though I don't participate nearly as often as I'd like, know that I'm so deeply appreciative and honestly in awe of you.
Finally, all the lovely people who've become mutuals; @nadas-dirthalen, @aetherflowers, @woundedsoul12, @rooks-dagger, @thehallaandthegriffon, @dancing--lights, @sandcastlekings, @corvidaerook
I'm sorry I don't participate more. But you've all been so lovely and open and welcoming that you inspired me, someone who's never really done the fandom thing before, to really try engaging for the first time. I cannot overstate how absolutely monumental you have been.
Happy birthday, Veilguard. You gave me a reason to keep going when I had none, inspired me to write when I worried I'd never be able to again, brought me into a beautiful and loving community, and allowed me to create characters that I adore.
i go by Derelict on most socials, so my tumblr username was a product of that convention.
as for the actual username, it came from my obsession love for Mass Effect 2. specifically, the mission to recover the reaper IFF. something about the phrase ‘derelict reaper’ they kept repeating just scratched my brain perfectly, and the super tense atmosphere made it an instant favorite. to attribute some meaning: i guess i adopted the moniker with hopes of evoking adjacent feelings in my own works as that mission did for me!
Recovered from a Ventus battlefield as an infant by Imperium soldiers following an escape attempt by a group of elven slaves, attempting to use the chaos of an ongoing battle to cover their exit. Altirez is returned to Legatus Charon Mercar, who, feeling partly responsible takes in and raises the child as one of his own. With a tumultuous family life and military career, Altirez grew increasingly frustrated with his position in the Imperium. He eventually took matters into his own hands, quickly catching the attention of the Shadow Dragons, who were quick to induct the like-minded operative into their ranks.
Andreissa De Riva | Antivan Crows | Duelist
Andreissa grew up on the streets of Treviso scrounging whatever she could to get by. She caught the attention of the Antivan Crows when a con she’d undertaken went awry. A noble she’d planned on robbing had instead lured her into a trap; Andreissa took his life in her attempt to escape. The noble had been under Crow contract, and the messy circumstance of his death would lead to the operative’s ‘retirement’. Hoping to prolong what time he had left, the Crow extracted Andreissa from the scene and took on the task of training her as his replacement.
Bersaar Thorne | Grey Wardens | Champion
Bersaar was a loyal follower of the Qun, for a time. The vanguard of a Beresaad, he quietly followed orders and didn’t question his faith or their practices. This was until his sister broke from the Qun and fled Par-Vollen. After months of interrogation, Bersaar was tricked into partaking in an operation to recover the Tal-Vashoth as a test of loyalty to the Qun. When he was ordered to charge his sister’s camp, Bersaar made his choice. Soon he and his sister found themselves on the run from Ben-Hassrath agents and assassins; knowing the Qun avoided conflict with the Grey Wardens, he decided the safest place for them would be amongst their ranks.
Miriam Ingellvar | Mourn Watch | Deathcaller
Invoking a forbidden ritual to claw her newborn back from death, Miriam’s mother, a well respected and decorated member of the Mourn Watch, traded her life for her daughter’s. Hoping to spare Miriam any undue scorn for her own breaking of the Watcher’s sacred tenets, her mother cast a powerful geas with the last of her strength. Aided by a fellow Watcher, Vorgoth, all knowledge of Miriam’s mother was wiped from the Mourn Watch’ halls: save for the wraith who’d assisted in the casting. Presented as a peculiar find in an inner sanctum by Vorgoth, Miriam was raised collectively by high ranking members as a child of the Watch.
Rynvi Aldwir | Veil Jumpers | Veil Ranger
During an escape attempt by a group of elven slaves in Ventus, infant Rynvi was separated from their family amidst the chaos. Scooped up by a fellow elf from the group that’d successfully made it out, the pair fled to safety and eventually joined up with a Dalish clan that would help form the recently established Veil Jumpers. Rynvi was raised primarily by a select few respected clan members, including the elf that’d recovered them from the battlefield, for whom Rynvi adopted their surname. Rynvi quickly rose through the organization’s ranks despite their impulsive tendencies, training new recruits and leading expeditious into dangerous territory.
Jathom Laidir | Lords of Fortune | Slayer
After infiltrating the Lords of Fortune under the guise of a liaison for Orzammar, Jathom’s Carta handlers instructed him to funnel any recovered Dwarven lore and artifacts to the criminal organization. Jathom followed orders, for a time; though when he’d found himself experiencing true comradarie and a sense of belonging amongst the Lord’s ranks, he underwent a crisis of loyalty. Eventually, Jathom attempted to quietly cut ties with the Carta and continue operating honestly with the Lords, however the organization wasn’t known for allowing their operatives to walk away.
threw together these sheets for my Rooks*! having now played all the factions i can confidently say the shadow dragons still have my heart. love them all tho.
*in my canon Altirez is Rook, and the rest are more companions on the team under his leadership
mash all of your playthroughs into one continuity its fun…
Though he’d enjoy nothing more than forcefully putting the Dread Wolf in his place, Altirez is able to stow his emotions in the moment. While he began the final push towards the Archon’s Palace on a warpath, after recovering Bellara from Elgar’nan, Altirez’ grief-stricken mind begins to clear. Thinking of what is at stake for him personally and those he’d be affecting most by risking a fight, he opts to act on Inquisitor Lavellan’s suggestion of appealing to Solas’ nature. To Altirez’ relief and admitted surprise, Solas eventually relents after a confrontation with and release from Mythal’s essence and is joined in the fade by Lavellan; intending to act both as companion to and warden of the last elven god.
Afterwards, Altirez continues his work in Minrathous alongside Neve and the Shadow Dragons. He reclaims his role as the organization’s go-to agent regarding elven victims of the Imperium, also acting as liaison between the Dragons and Veil Jumpers; working closely with Bellara to offer refuge to those freed from remnant Venatori sects. The two remain living in The Lighthouse, maintaining its eluvian for quick travel to and from their allies without having to be apart from one another for long; and keeping access open to their visiting companions.
Andreissa De Riva - Trick
Few have ever been able to influence Andreissa, and her self-assurance remains on full display in her final confrontation with the Dread Wolf. Though she does believe deep down Solas could be convinced to bind himself to the Veil, she also acknowledges she’d be sending him in alone, without the scorned Inquisitor Trevelyan as companion to keep him in check. Believing the solitude would eventually drive Solas back into the deceit and trickery of Fen’Harel, she opts not to give him the opportunity. Forcefully binding Solas to The Veil after switching out the lyrium daggers, Andreissa can’t help but let some smugness slip as she gets the last laugh over the Dread Wolf.
Afterwards, Andreissa and Davrin are both committed to following through on their promises. Sticking by one another’s side, they postpone their planned quaint retirement for a time, returning to Treviso to aid with the final stages of removing the blight and corruption from the city. With the support of the First Talon, Andreissa is able to settle her remaining debts and effectively retire, though Lucanis assures her he will continue pestering her with enticing contracts hoping for her eventual return to their ranks. Davrin likes using them as kindling for their cabin’s fireplace.
Bersaar Thorne - Fight
After witnessing Elgar’nan taking Bellara and the death one of his closest allies at the hands of Ghilan’nain, Bersaar’s patience had already begun to ware thin. Following the revelation of Varric’s death and Solas’ manipulation of his memories, he was now cemented on his warpath to the Archon’s Palace. After witnessing the destruction wrought by the elven gods firsthand and remembering warnings given by Inquisitor Cadash, Bersaar decides the elven god of trickery and deceit has run dry any remaining goodwill and denies him the opportunity to scheme his way out of consequence once again. Supported and trusted by his companions, the team follow his lead and manage to distract Solas long enough for Bersaar to wrench the lyrium dagger free and bind him to the Veil with a satisfying final blow; as Fen’Harel curses the mortals that dared to stand against him, Bersaar feels increasingly at peace with the decision.
Afterwards, Bersaar splits his time amongst the companions and allies’ that need him most. He spends most of his days with Neve in Dock Town, supporting her investigations or acting as a bit of extra muscle, should a job require it. The two still hold some reservations about letting themselves fall too hard due to the dangerous nature of their work, but during quieter moments together their care for and loyalty to one another is impossible to ignore. He’s also made it clear that, should he not be preoccupied with obligation to Neve or his other companions, he will continue supporting the remaining Wardens however and whenever Antoine and Evka call upon him.
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