Instead of simply answering the writing prompts normally, I write little scenes that answer the question directly or indirectly.
This way I want to try out whether I like writing stories and fanfiction in English
Do Emmrich and Ava have different cultural backgrounds? If so, do they ever share parts of their culture with each other?
Thank you @zennihilation
[...] Ava’s fingers closed a little tighter around Emmrich’s adorned hand. Though they stood close—so close—hand in hand amid the sea of blossoms in the gardens of the Grad Necropolis, her attention was not, as it so often was, on the dashing necromancer beside her. No—her gaze lingered elsewhere, drawn with quiet wonder, and perhaps a shadow of unease, to the procession slowly drifting past.
Figures in flowing gowns and fine cloaks. Faces veiled, or lost in the shade of broad-brimmed hats. Graceful and solemn—an almost theatrical rendering of the final journey to the grave.
It was not the first funeral procession Ava had witnessed. Of course not. It had been more than three moons since she began living in Nevarra with Emmrich and Manfred. But never had she been this close—close enough to read the sorrow on the mourners’ faces. And never had she seen a burial held within one of the crypts of the Necropolis itself.
She had grown up in Rivain, after all. There, the dead were given to flame. The rites surrounding the practice varied from one region to the next—but in the end, nothing remained to bury. These customs here should have felt foreign to her. Strange. Even unsettling. But as she searched within herself for such feelings, she found none.
Instead, there was only a quiet reverence. A hush. And beneath it all, a melancholy sort of beauty—something solemn, something tender, in the way death was handled here. As though grief itself might be softened by the care with which it was carried.
The quiet, all-encompassing hope that, after all is said and done, something remains—something more than endless silence.
And with that feeling came her own quiet hope: that, in learning to understand these unfamiliar emotions, she might, in turn, take away a little of Emmrich’s fear of the end. [...]
Does your Rook fall for their partner at first sight? If not, what moment made your Rook realize they're in love with them?
When does the partner realize that they're in love with Rook?
How long does it take for them to officially get together? Did any of the other Lighthouse members have any suspicions beforehand?
Do your Rook and their partner share the same faction? If so, does that affect their relationship at all? If not, what is your Rook's opinion of their partner's faction? What is the partner's opinion of Rook's faction?
Do they have different cultural backgrounds (e.g. a Rook who was raised in Antiva with Harding who was raised in Ferelden)? If so, do they ever share parts of their culture with each other? If they're similar, how do they celebrate their culture together?
What is their favorite thing to do together? Do they share any hobbies? Does your Rook teach their partner their own hobbies? Does the partner teach Rook theirs?
Are they a physically affectionate couple? Are they fine displaying those affections in public or do they prefer to be in private? If they're not, how do they prefer to show their love instead?
What does their ideal date look like? Do they go on much?
Does your Rook bring them out often? How are they like on the battlefield? Do they banter much?
Do they have any nicknames for each other? Who uses terms of endearment more?
Who says "I love you" first? What is the other's reaction? Who thinks it first?
Any inside jokes?
What song(s) do you associate with them?
Does your Rook get their partner any other gifts (besides the one already in-game)? Does the partner get Rook any? Any gifts that are particularly special?
What was the partner's reaction to Rook being imprisoned in the Fade? How did they cope? How did they react upon seeing Rook again?
How did your Rook react to getting trapped in the Fade and separated from their partner?
What is your Rook's favorite thing about their partner? What is the partner's favorite thing about Rook?
When all is said and done, where would they like to retire together? Is marriage in the cards for them? Children? Pets?
I don't know what your general interest is in EmmrichxAva….
But I'm not a native speaker and maybe I wanted to slowly try my hand at writing fanfiction…. So if you want-… I write “mini” scenes for the requested prompts.
(Or with your Rooks if you are so brave-… I don't know how good I am at taking over characters).
Thank you to: @teamtakagi, @virenasalin, @knowlsey, @larknnightingale, @tiravi and @superk191
I'll just sneak in number 1 because it goes well with number 2!
Buckle up! It's a long one.
Was Ava born in Rivain, or Tevinter? If not, where were they born?
Ava was born around 9:17 Dragon in Tevinter, in the city of Minrathous itself. Her mother was a slave owned by a yet unnamed magister, which meant that Ava was also born into servitude.
Were Ava raised on the sea, in a city, or somewhere else entirely? Did she grow up with her parents/family?
Ava spent her early childhood in Minrathous as a slave. As soon as she was old enough to walk steadily and hold objects, she was put to work performing simple tasks. It didn’t take long for her to learn the cost of disobedience. The lessons left their mark—quite literally—etched into her skin in a web of scars that remain visible to this day.
Her time in the capital of the Imperium came to an end around 9:23 Dragon, when her magical abilities first manifested. While there are indeed slaves in Tevinter who possess magic, Ava's mother was determined to give her daughter a chance at a better life. Risking everything, she managed to smuggle Ava aboard a ship, where the girl hid as a stowaway bound for Rivain.
What became of her mother afterward remains a mystery to Ava to this day.
When was Avas magic discovered? Were she sent to a Circle for training? Were Ava trained in secret? How was she affected by the Mage Rebellion? Was Ava affected by the Annulment of Dairsmuid’s Circle in 9:40 Dragon?
Ava’s magic first manifested when she was six years old—relatively young, though not entirely uncommon. Alongside her magical abilities, she developed the rare gift of being a spirit medium. It was likely this very talent that drew the attention of a seer in Dairsmuid, who took Ava in. Without that intervention, she might have vanished into the city’s underbelly like so many other abandoned and orphaned children.
In the beginning, Ava was trained like many young girls within the Circle of Magi in Dairsmuid. But her path toward becoming a seer was all but predetermined—her deep connection to spirits and demons made it inevitable.
The Mage Rebellion itself had little direct impact on young Ava. However, she narrowly escaped certain death during the Annulment. She had been within the city when the Seekers arrived. Her first instinct was to rush to the aid of her newfound family, unaware of the true nature of the chaos unfolding. It was sheer luck that a group of Lords of Fortune found her before she could reveal herself to the Seekers. Though they had to drag the frightened, flailing child away with some force, Ava quickly came to understand that the mercenaries had, in fact, saved her life.
Afterward, the young seer-in-training was secretly taught by a mage who maintained close ties to Isabela.
How did Ava learn about the Lords of Fortune? Did she always have an interest in treasure hunting?
Ava was, in many ways, raised by the Lords of Fortune. After the Annulment in 9:40 Dragon, she was trained by a mage and seer who shared a close friendship with Isabela.
Though Ava herself was never exactly a natural-born treasure hunter, she did everything she could to support the Lords in their endeavors.
Did Ava have any specialisations/specific talents within the Lords of Fortune? What did she enjoy doing most for the Lords?
In the past, Ava worked alongside the Lords of Fortune. Her role often involved communicating with spirits or demons that haunted ancient ruins and forgotten caves.
It was her role as a seer—and all that came with it—that brought her the most fulfillment. She took joy in sharing her body with spirits and in being a spiritual guide for those who sought answers.
How does Ava feel about being reprimanded by “many Rivaini leaders”? Are she upset at being forced to leave for a while? Do she agree with the decision, or do she think the Lords should have let her stay?
Ava’s initial reaction was, above all else, fear. She knew all too well the wrath of the nobility and wanted nothing more than to avoid drawing their attention. Even if this time it wouldn’t lead to whippings or being denied food—like it had back in Tevinter—the mere thought of being noticed was enough to fill her with dread.
Still, she wasn’t truly upset about the Lords’ decision. Her entire life had been shaped by others—where she should go, what she should become. This was hardly any different. And besides, as much as she had enjoyed her time with the Lords of Fortune, it had never truly felt like home. She had never felt fully Rivaini, nor had she ever believed she belonged among a band of heavily armed mercenaries and treasure hunters.
Does Ava like travelling with Varric & Harding? What do they think of each? What do she think of the mission to stop Solas?
It likely took quite some time for Ava to warm up to the two dwarves. She had to slowly come out of her shell before she could show the qualities that would later earn Varric’s deep trust.
From the very beginning, however, she was like a sponge when it came to new knowledge. The two world-wise dwarves likely taught her much about life in other parts of the continent—things that may have been second nature to Varric and Harding, but that Ava had to learn from scratch.
Even though she knew little about the mission at first—and perhaps didn’t even want to know—she soon came to understand just how important it was to stop Solas. She realized what it would mean if the Veil were destroyed—not only for the mortal world, but also for the denizens of the Fade, to whom she felt an even deeper connection than to anyone else.
And so, it wasn’t long before she gave everything she had to the mission.
Thanks again for the questions!
This was my first time answering questions about my OC in this way, and it was more fun than I thought it would be!
1. Was Rook born in Rivain, or Tevinter? If not, where were they born?
2. Were they raised on the sea, in a city, or somewhere else entirely? Did they grow up with their parents/family?
3. For Mage Rooks, when was their magic discovered? Were they sent to a Circle for training? Were they trained in secret? How was Rook affected by the Mage Rebellion? Was Rook affected by the Annulment of Dairsmuid’s Circle in 9:40 Dragon?
4. For rogue/warrior Rooks, what drew them to their preferred method of fighting? Did they discover it early? Do they like fighting? How & where did they train?
5. Was Rook a galley slave on a Tevinter ship? Did they buy their freedom, or escape? How did they manage it?
6. How did Rook learn about the Lords of Fortune? Did they always have an interest in treasure hunting?
7. When did Rook join the Lords of Fortune? How did they join? What did it entail?
8. Did Rook have any specialisations/specific talents within the Lords of Fortune? What did they enjoy doing most for the Lords?
9. Had Rook been hired to accompany other Rivaini nobles or similar expeditions in the past? Were they successful? Did they get along with the nobility?
10. How did Rook learn the Rivaini noble was going to sell the dangerous artefact to the Venatori? How did they get trapped, and how did they manage to free themselves?
11. Did they plan on killing the Rivaini noble to stop them, because of the betrayal, or was it an accident? How does Rook feel about it? Is this the first person they’ve killed?
12. How does Rook feel about being reprimanded by “many Rivaini leaders”? Are they upset at being forced to leave for a while? Do they agree with the decision, or do they think the Lords should have let them stay?
13. If Varric wasn’t one of the people on the expedition/caught in the trap, how does Rook meet them? Do they become part of the team to stop Solas right away, or does it take some time for Varric & Harding to fill them in?
14. Does Rook like travelling with Varric & Harding? What do they think of each? What do they think of the mission to stop Solas?
———
For use as writing prompts, as an ask game, etc! Enjoy fleshing out your Rook's origin!
As far as I’ve seen, it seems to be pretty common in the fandom these days to view Nevarra as being most closely inspired by Germany/Prussia.
So… as a real-life German, I’ve been coming up with little headcanons for days now when it comes to a potential wedding between Emmrich and Ava.
Thanks to Rook’s Roost for the weekly prompt!
Johanna describes Emmrich as someone who enjoyed going to parties – and based on how he behaves in the game, I’m sure he would insist on having a real wedding. With everything that goes with it. Even if Ava, as an introvert, would be perfectly content with something smaller – just with family and close friends.
IMPORTANT: I’m referring here to my versions of Rook and Emmrich. That’s why I’m using "bride" and "groom" – but of course, this could just as easily apply to same-sex couples! <3
So... here are a few traditional German wedding customs that could be adapted to Nevarra:
Polterabend:
On the evening before the wedding, there's a small celebration where guests smash dishes and porcelain. According to tradition, the noise is meant to scare away evil spirits. Sweeping up the shards together symbolizes cooperation and unity in marriage. Just don’t break any glass – that’s bad luck.
In Nevarra, there may be no need to drive away evil spirits – but perhaps it's a way to attract the attention of more favorable ones?
Carrying the Bride Over the Threshold:
Many evil spirits try to haunt the couple on their wedding day. But with a few tricks, they can be outsmarted. It’s said that these negative beings especially lurk at the doorstep when the couple enters their home for the first time as husband and wife – and they’re not wishing the bride well. To trick them, the newlywed husband carries his bride over the threshold.
And let’s be honest – Nevarra certainly has its fair share of superstitions!
What the Bride Should Wear:
Something blue symbolizes loyalty – often a blue garter.
Something new represents the new life the couple is beginning together.
Something old stands for the bride’s life up to this point – usually a beloved family heirloom.
Something borrowed is a token of friendship, often a handkerchief from a happily married friend.
Something gifted comes from an important person who is meant to continue supporting the bride.
Veil Dance:
This old Germanic custom typically takes place at midnight. The bride’s veil is stolen during a dance and then torn into many small pieces. These are distributed to the bridesmaids and other female guests, who are believed to benefit from the couple’s blessing.
Languages: Trade tongue, Rivaini, Tevene, some Qunlat
Origin: Born as a slave in Minrathous - after her magic awakened, she was smuggled out of the city by her mother - stranded in Rivain, the Lords of Fortune took her in - through her strong connection with spirits, a Seer took her in and trained her
Personality: Ava is a quiet person—the kind of person who doesn’t immediately stand out in a room and generally prefers to stay in the background. The spotlight isn’t for her, and too much attention quickly makes her nervous. She often comes across as somewhat emotionally reserved—which she explains by saying she prefers to experience strong emotions through her role as a spiritual vessel.
However, if you take the time to get to know her better, you'll find that behind the reserved façade lies a bright and curious woman with a fondness for bad jokes and meaningful conversations.
Joining the Veilguard:
The idea of joining the Veilguard was not really hers. But in the end she was sent along with her superiors for the cause. As an expert on spirits and demons with perhaps a different approach than the necromancers from Nevarra. Also as a general spiritual advisor for Rivainis.
She is also good at creating enchantments - especially protective spells against blood magic and control spells suit her particularly well.
On missions she prefers to stay in the background and support her team members.
In combat: If she does have to join the battlefield herself, she often asks spirits for help. Either as healers or general supporters - but also for violent confrontations.
Should it come to the extreme, she is also prepared to share her body with demons. Despite the danger they pose compared to other spirits.
this Post will be updated and change with time when new thoughts, ideas, and such are added
General Information about the Basis of the AU.
All our Rooks exist with one another. They no longer have the nickname of Rook. They make up what I can only describe as an army.Â
They find themselves joining the Veilguard becoming Agents of the Veilguard (much like in inquisition) by their owns means. Maybe some were recruited by other Agents, maybe they were forced to tag along by their Faction leaders, or maybe they just joined because they felt like it. Who's To Say (you is who!)Â
The main base of Operation is a Lighthouse Adjacent to the Canon lighthouse in game.Â
Design of lighthouse done by @i-creatied-au
The lighthouse shifts to the needs of those in it. So if some need a smaller island away from the main building for any reasons it obliges.Â
Joining the Veilguard + Factions
Now with our Rooks no longer being The Rook™ it means they didn't travel with Varric or got kicked out of their Faction due to the in-game reason that caused the attention of Varric in the first place. they Can partake in some of the events
I.e. have a hand in the war of Banners, help with the darkspawn, be apart of the ruin expedition, etc.Â
It just means that they aren't the main cause of it.Â
Names
now we talk about names. With each faction assigning a name to our characters you can handle it differently.Â
You can manage to work it in with the others who decide to keep the name (being some distant Cousin somehow or being adopted alongside them)Â
Or you can completely rid your Rook of that name, give them a new one or just leave them without a last name.Â
With crows it's easier to work in as house names and all that, but if you want to switch your Rook from house de Riva and give them to another house you can! (I.e. switching them from De Riva to Cantori or Arainai)Â
@elfmaid brought up an idea for the Veil jumpers. That there's a dalish clan that will essentially adopt those who want to and let them have the last name Aldwir (the name of the clan)
Canon stuff!
The companions are distant from our rooks. They can have some interaction but they aren't very prominent to our stories. They are busy and have much more important stuff to handle than slumming it up with the agents.Â
This AU Is focused on our rooks and their relationships (friendships, family, lovers, enemies etc.) Bring in Canon companions' waters that down a lot because obviously we love them! How can we not!?Â
Timeline
Since dragon ages timeline is the way it is so everyone basically had made their own. I thought I would share just a little bit of info that sets a timeline (loosly)
Viago within the AU is around in his early 40s
Teia is around her mid 30sÂ
Inquisition was 10 years prior to the events of the veil guard (Best explanation is using ages. Aria is 28 currently but when the inquisition started she was 18) it's 9:52 dragon that’s about it with timeline.Â
The Rook™
After Alot of debate with myself over how to handle The leader of the Veilguard here's how we'll handle that.
Rook is an enigmatic force. No one knows a thing about them. Not their gender, race, Faction, nothing!
Which means that we can do the funniest Thing ever and have a million different descriptions of Rook and have our people fight over who they really are (making it a running gag in stories and such.)Â
Big plot decisions.Â
This will mainly talk about Minrathous vs. Treviso and how that will be handled.
This will happen chronologically.Â
The only factions that will be there will be Crows, Dragons, and jumpers (unless your Rook found their way to veilguard on their own without anything from their faction)Â
Each rook can chose Themselves what city they will go lend aid to (i.e. Aria going to Treviso to help there with the Antam rather than Minrathous)
So far There is no set in stone what city the main Veilguard Will have a focus on. But the idea is there will be a poll you can choose for your city to be saved because we love the city or against it for angst Potential. (We love Angst!)
The city will still be devastated but The affects lessened a little do to the aid from Our rooks.Â
Examples
Treviso will still have blight but the Agents will have a hand at getting civillains out of there safely and helping with water and food. Less people blighted and sick
Minrathous will still have Venatori control but the rooks can help protect the ciztens and make sure they are safe while dealing with venatori. Less people killed on the streets and not as many dragons have to get in hiding.Â
Removing the biggest damage completely makes the venatori, blight, gods and such feel not as threatening. Sure, we have manpower, but sheer manpower can't stop it all. Especially when everyone is split up in two different cities.Â
Now on to Our Rooks YIPPIEEEE!!Â
So i'll start it off with the Factions
Each faction will have one Advisor (and possibly someone assist them)
The Advisor's basic deal is to be the main source of information from each faction and to handle out the missions (side quests) that their Faction is asking For help with. They will be the ones in constant contact with the Faction leaders and in charge of reigning in their faction within the lighthouse (well trying to)Â
Now here's the thing about the Advisors. There doesn't need to be one for every faction. It's just a fun extra role to world build the AU more!Â
Current Advisors
Aria (me!) - CrowsÂ
Esha ( @i-creatied-au) - Shadow DragonsÂ
Ezra ( @lunammoon) - WatchersÂ
Caspian ( @seizethemage-main) - Veil jumpersÂ
Jin ( @wickedadaar ) - Grey Wardens
Now introducing The Rooks
You can do it however you like. We started falling into posting an Introduction on what changes in their story; what their personalities Are like and how they ended up joining the Veilguard in a singular post. As a way to let each other get to know our sweet rooks.Â
(At some point I have a plan of maybe having a big link to everyone's introduction for easy access for everyone eventually. we'll see.)Â
The Main Tags for the AU
#RRAU
#Rooks roost auÂ
#RookiverseÂ
Then finally the tag where I will put information about the AU and such
#Rook Roost AU Info.
The most important thing about this AU is have fun! This is a fun collaborative AU for the community. Most of the relationships that started between different rooks all began with us having fun with different art, banters, and writing prompts. It's truly the soul of this AU.
Origin: Born as a slave in Minrathous - after her magic awakened and she realized she was a spirit medium, she was smuggled out of the city by her mother - stranded in Rivain, the Lords of Fortune took her in - through her strong connection with spirits, a Seer took her in and trained her
Personality:
Ava is a quiet person—the kind of person who doesn’t immediately stand out in a room and generally prefers to stay in the background. The spotlight isn’t for her, and too much attention quickly makes her nervous.
She often comes across as somewhat emotionally reserved—which she explains by saying she prefers to experience strong emotions through her role as a spiritual vessel.
However, if you take the time to get to know her better, you'll find that behind the reserved façade lies a bright and curious woman with a fondness for bad jokes and meaningful conversations.
The template is by @otherpigeon! You can get it on their Ko-Fi Page.
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