I think a huge factor in people not being able to understand this game is that the game as a whole relies on understanding Solas’ character as written, and people are refusing to understand it
Solas is, and has been since his first appearance, an egotistical, hubristic, racist, manipulative, abusive and condescending asshole who regularly commits atrocities and pretends that being sad about them is enough penance. He is a terrible person who insists he’s actually the hero of the story. He is a liar and a manipulator, and he lies to himself as well. He uses other people like chess pieces and sacrifices them for his cause without much of a thought, and without them even knowing they are being used.
This is who he is. This is who he was always written to be. And veilguard is almost entirely about deconstructing that. Every member of the veilguard is a foil to solas. They are all who he pretends he is, and his false hero fantasy falls apart when you put them next to him.
Every single companion storyline is about that character successfully doing something that Solas is incapable of, but would be capable of if he wasn’t such a terrible person. And they all face a dark reflection of themselves and come out the other side mostly unscathed by that, aware that this dark reflection is not them because they are not actually like that.
Solas faces many of the same challenges the companions do, and fails each and every one of them, because, unlike them, he is not actually a hero. He is not a good person. He does not learn to accept that just because something is broken doesn’t mean there aren’t parts of it worth saving. He does not learn to accept the harsh truths and move forward. He does not accept that he is responsible for his own actions, even if someone else orders them. He fails every time.
Solas faces not one but two dark reflections of himself, Elgar’nan and Ghilan’nain, the prideful god who always thinks he’s right no matter the consequences, and the servant and lover of another god whose atrocities are not justified by having been pushed by their lover and mistress, but does not come out the other side unscathed because it turns out he IS actually like them. His reflections are accurate, they’re real parts of himself that he pretends don’t exist, not just twisted versions of their fears like they are for the companions. At the end of the game he even admits that yes, he is very similar to Elgar’nan.
Pretty much the entirety of veilguard is a very careful and deliberate deconstruction of Solas’ character and self image. We go through, in elaborate detail, all of his crimes, all of his mistakes, all of the reasons why he is wrong, why his actions are unjustifiable, why his regret doesn’t absolve him of responsibility, how he thinks it does anyway.
We completely tear down every single aspect of the image he has constructed for himself. We destroy every single excuse with clear examples showing that that was not how things had to go. Every justification. Every insistence it’s okay because he’s sorry. Every time he insists he knows best and we should leave him to it. Every single illusion that he is a good person is shattered. By the end of it there is absolutely nothing left, and his repeated attempts to keep up the facade come off as pathetic and ridiculous. In all his banters with companions he tries to use his usual tricks, pretty excuses, belittling comments, fake niceties and every time he’s completely shut down.
He tries to imply Davrin has a biased view of him from stories about the dread wolf, Davrin responds with evidence the truth is even worse. He tries to apologise to Harding, she comes back with a list of all the terrible things he’s done that an apology can’t cover. He tries to appeal to spite, spite points out he hurt Rook so why should he trust him. He comes up with excuses for killing Varric and Neve points out that there’s no pretty excuse for using blood magic on Rook in such a cruel way afterwards. The illusion is shattered. That’s what the entire game has been building up to. And it makes his last attempt at betrayal seem embarrassing, because we now see through the facade and know that he was too obsessed with himself to even consider we’d see it coming.
But the thing is a lot of people refuse to see this. This is where his characters been heading since the beginning. This is who he’s always been. But a lot of people ignore any and every negative thing about him, and then complain the game doesn’t make sense. Of course it doesn’t make sense. You’ve ignored every single theme, plot point, and piece of characterisation to make up a version of Solas in your head and that’s not the Solas the game is about. It makes complete sense when you see Solas as he truly is, as he was written to be. It’s such a good bit of writing when you actually let yourself experience it as it is and allow yourself to be open to the idea that the guy who is trying to commit his second genocide might be a bad person.
Mixed some Act 2 and 3 stuff for the companions so that I didn't have to ask the same thing twice.
The version of this for the HOF and the Inquisitor.
Does Hawke look more like Malcom or Leandra? Do they look like their siblings?
What is Hawke's personality and does it change during the years?
How did Hawke feel about Lothering? Did they like their home?
How did Hawke react when Malcom died?
What was Hawke's relationship like with their family prior to Lothering's destruction? Who are they closest to?
Does Hawke like Gamlen?
Who did Hawke join - the mercenaries or the smugglers? Is there a particular reason for it?
How does Hawke feel about taking care of their family? Do they feel like they're carrying a burden or do they assume the responsbility?
What are their thoughs on Mythal/Flemeth?
What's their first impression of Varric?
During their first year in Kirkwall, did Hawke recruit everyone? And what are their opinions on the whole group?
Who is Hawke closest to in their group?
Is there someone, from the Kirkwall gang or an NPC, that Hawke does not like? Why?
How does Hawke feel about blood magic?
How does Hawke feel about the rising tension between mages and templars?
What happened to Bethany/Carver after the Deep Roads expedition and how does Hawke feel about it?
Does Hawke like the Arishok?
How does Hawke feel about Cullen? Do they like him?
What was Feynriel's fate?
Did Hawke help Aveline get laid married?
Did Hawke help Merrill fix the Eluvian? And did Merrill break the eluvian or is it intact?
How does Hawke feel about the whole Anders-Justice situation?
What are Hawke's thoughts on Fenris and his opinion of mages?
Is Bartrand dead or alive? Did Hawke let Varric keep the red lyrium?
Did Hawke recruit Sebastian? What are their thoughts on him?
How did Hawke feel about learning the truth of Isabela's artifact? Did they feel betrayed or did they understand her?
What were Hawke's thoughts after Leandra is found dead? Did they blame themselves or someone else? How did they grieve?
Did Hawke initiate a relationship with any of their companions? If so, why were they attracted to that companion? Was it a frienship or a rivalry romance?
Did Hawke gain the Arishok's respect? And how did they handle the Qunari invasion?
How does Hawke feel about being the Champion of Kirkwall?
What are Hawke's thoughts on Meredith, Orsino and Elthina?
How does Hawke feel about helping Meredith and Orsino?
How is Hawke's relationship with their love interest after 3 years?
If Bethany/Carver is alive, how is their relationship after so many years like? And how is it after Leandra's death?
What is the fate of Merrill's clan?
How does Hawke feel about Anders behaviour (in regards to him being secretive about the 'potion') in act 3? Are they suspicious of him or are they understanding?
Did Hawke find Charade and how do they feel about discovering a new cousin?
How is Hawke's relationship with Gamlen after all these years?
How does Hawke react to the explosion of the Chantry? How do they feel about Anders's actions and do they kill him or let him live?
Who does Hawke side with - Mages or Templars? And why?
What does Hawke do after they flee Kirkwall (if Viscount, after they are disposed by the templars)?
Do they try to keep contact with the other companions?
How does Hawke react when Varric publishes the Tale of the Champion? Have they read it?
veilguard is finally here yall!!!!! and now a set of character building questions for rook, because i wanna know all about them! there will be more question lists as I play the game, but those will be marked with spoilers and under a readmore for the next sixty days
1. How old is Rook?
2. How did Rook get the nickname? What do they think of it?
3. What was Rook’s life before their faction?
4. Which faction did they join, and why? How long has it been?
5. What was life like for Rook before joining the Veilguard?
6. What was the reason that brought Rook to Minrathous?
7. Why does Rook agree to join the Veilguard?
8. What makes Rook a good leader?
9. What is Rook like on the battlefield?
10. Does Rook know their history? Do they know of the HoF, Hawke, the Inquisitor?
11. Does Rook keep up with current events? (How aware of the situation are they at the start of the game?)
12. Does Rook have any family? Do they keep in touch?
13. Did Rook bring any trinkets/sentimental items to The Lighthouse?
14. What does Rook see when they look in the mirror?
15. What’s the first thing people notice when Rook enters a room?
16. Got any tattoos? What’s the story behind them?
17. How’d Rook get those scars?
18. Their fondest childhood memory:
19. What is Rook’s love language? What love languages do they respond best to?
20. What’s it like to see them smile? Their laugh?
21. What does Rook’s voice sound like? One of the voice options available, or do they have a different accent/voicecast?
22. Most embarrassing memory as a teenager:
23. What does Rook wear in the off hours? Do they like dressing up?
24. Does Rook have any nightly rituals before bed?
25. How does Rook like to spend their free time?
26. Rook is in charge of the grocery list. What’s on it?
27. When was the last time they cried?
28. Does Rook have any pets/animal companions?
29. Any vices?
30. What is Rook’s class? Did they choose it?
31. What specialization does Rook pursue? What called them to it?
32. How would a desire demon tempt Rook?
33. What do fear demons look like to Rook?
34. How does Rook begin their day?
35. Ultimate comfort food meal:
36. What would Rook say are their flaws?
37. Does Rook ascribe to a faith?
38. Did Rook have any relationships before Veilguard?
39. What is their room at The Lighthouse like?
40. Describe Rook’s bed:
41. What’s on their nightstand?
42. Something Rook regrets:
43. Is Rook the type to gossip?
44. What is Rook really good at?
45. Who was Rook’s closest friend before joining the Veilguard?
46. What does it take to earn Rook’s trust?
47. What’s Rook’s temper like?
48. A color, flower, animal, and weather to describe Rook:
as veilguard's premiere comes closer, an ask game with a couple of lore-heavy questions for your warden/hawke/inquisitor — answer for all three in your canon worldstate, or for the protagonist of your choice.
your Warden/Hawke/Inquisitor's opinion on Orlais?
are they skilled in The Grand Game?
opinion on blood magic?
attitude towards Andrastianism?
attitude towards the Chantry?
attitude towards the Qun?
if they had to choose one person most important to them, who would that be?
who do they hate the most, and do they have an arch-nemesis?
what is their love language?
are they good horse riders?
what are their religious beliefs, if any?
attitude towards Mabari?
their thoughts on the Grey Warden order?
who are they closest to from their family?
preferred weapon of choice?
do they get sentimental about their weapons or armour?
what were they like as a child?
do they have any irrational fears?
are they afraid of death?
where would they like to be buried?
what is their biggest regret?
have they ever been to Tevinter?
do they have, or want to have, children?
what languages can they speak?
what did they plan for their life to look like before the events of the game happened?
1. Where was Rook born? Were they raised by their parents? If not, who raised them/where did they grow up?
2. Does Rook have any living friends/family? Does this change as they get older? Do they try to stay in touch with any living friends/family after joining the Wardens?
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?
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. When did Rook first learn about Grey Wardens? Had they always wanted to become one? Had they ever met one before joining?
6. What does Rook think about darkspawn and the Blight? Are they scared of them before joining the Wardens? Does becoming a Warden change their opinion of the darkspawn and the Blight?
7. When and why did Rook join the Grey Wardens? Was it their choice, or were they forced to? Did they join in order to save their own life?
8. How did their Joining go? Were they the only survivor? What did they think when they learned what the ritual entails? Did they try to run away, or did they do it willingly?
9. Does Rook enjoy being a Grey Warden? Do they make any friends within the Wardens? Does Weisshaupt feel like a new home to them, or more like a prison?
10. When does Rook learn about the fate of all Grey Wardens? What do they think of the Calling? Are they afraid of it? Do they look forward to it, someday?
11. Why did Rook to disobey orders & lead their squad into the Deep Roads to seal the darkspawn tunnel? Were they genuinely trying to save the most lives, or was it for personal glory? Do they like being called a hero by the villagers/young Wardens?
12. How do they feel about angering the First Warden? Does Rook choose to leave their posting, or are they ordered to take time away from the Wardens? Are they happy to get away, or do they wish they could have stayed?
13. Was Varric in the village Rook saved? If not, how do they meet him? 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!
*Most of these are based on the 4 LI in game, but I'm trying to keep most questions vague enough that if your warden romanced a non-companion NPC, the question still works. Also these are during and post-game related questions.
What was the Warden's first impression of their LI? And what was theirs first impression of the Warden?
What attracted the Warden to them - their looks, personality, or something else?
What was it about the Warden that attracted their LI?
When did the Warden realize they had feelings for their LI? Did they tell someone about it?
When did their LI realize they had feelings for the Warden? What did they do about it?
If the Warden was to give their LI a token of their affection, what would it be and why?
Did the Warden employ any tactics to 'seduce' their LI? (aka, stuff that they did to show they were interested)
Who confessed their feelings for the other first? How did that conversation go?
Where was their first kiss? And how did it go?
Did they keep their relationship a secret or do others know? Who was the first to find out they were together?
Do they sleep together often?
Do they make plans for the future? If so, what are these plans?
What is the Warden's fondest memory of their LI? And what is their LI's fonder memory of the Warden?
What was their biggest fight/discussion about?
When it comes to sex, who propositioned the other first?
What is the Warden's favorite thing about their LI? And what is their LI's favorite thing about the Warden?
Do they have things in common (ex. similar character traits, same class, etc.)?
What are their biggest differences?
During or post game, do they go on out on dates? If so, what do these dates look like?
If the Warden was knocked unconcious in battle/got seriously injured, how would their LI react?
Does the Warden and their LI ever get jealous? Are they possessive or chill?
Who said 'I love you' first?
When did the Warden realize that they loved their LI? And when did their LI realize that they loved the Warden?
If their LI was to ask anyone for romantic advice, who they would ask and why?
Does the Warden ask anyone for romantic advice?
Between the Warden and their LI, who has more relationship experience and does it affect their relationship in any way?
Does the Warden have a pet/nickname for their LI? Does their LI have one for the Warden?
If their LI were to give a token of affection to the Warden, outside of the ones presented in game, what would it be?
What makes the Warden worried about their LI (like, a specific action they take, how they fight, a specific character trait,etc.)
How does the Warden and their LI show their affections?
What are other people's reactions about their relationship?
Does their LI learn about the ultimate sacrifice? If so, what is their reaction to it?
If the Warden dies, how does LI react? Do they ever move on?
If the Warden survives, what does their future with their LI look like? Do they stay together?
How do the Warden and their LI cope with the Calling? Is it something that hangs over them?
Do you have a ship name for the Warden and their LI?
Is there a song (or various songs) you associate with the Warden and their LI?
How does the Warden comfort their LI? And how does their LI comfort the Warden?
Is there any secret that the Warden keeps from their LI or are they an open book?
How far is the Warden willing to go for their LI?
Is there any actions that the Warden takes that their LI disaproves of? Would their LI make their concerns heard?
Do they share their things with each other? Do they borrow each others clothes?
If the events of the game did not happen, do you think that the Warden and their LI would have still found each other/have had a chance?
Have the Warden and their LI ever talk about children?
What is the Warden's favorite body part of their LI? And what is their LI's favorite body part of the Warden?
In the scale of priorities, where is their LI in the Warden's life (as in, do they always come first or does someone else/somthing come first?)
What is their favorite thing to do together?
If the Warden survives, how does their LI react to being with a living legend? Does something change in their relationship?
Have their met the other's family? If so, how did it go?
How does the Warden and their LI act when the other is away?
Lots of posts about who Felassan is in the Masked Empire out there these days. All factual. All important. All leaving out his most defining trait.
Felassan is a fucking weirdo. He's so over everything. He says the most insane shit. When asked about it he pulls "idk, I'm Dalish?" out of his ass and doesn't even have the decency to make it sound true.
He eats bark, kids. All you Solavellan girlies out there need to know a couple of centuries of putting up with your man's bullshit leaves you chewing random pieces of bark and teaching stray lesbians to murder like it's a social experiment.
I mean, if you think about it, Felassan's slow arrow worked. By refusing to get the Eluvian key, he bought just enough time for Solas to grow attached to the world, just attached enough that he could be either saved or stopped.
best part about the little we know of elgar'nan from datv is that he's fully bought into his own shit. he fully thinks whatever he's doing is going to bring about some better, safer world with him as it's leader. he's a tyrant who still sees himself as some benevolent father of his subjects and he's so unbelievably wrong that it's just. wow, buddy. you live like this. it'd be tragic if i didn't want to stab you with ten thousand knives
meanwhile ghilan'nain doesn't gaf and is playing irl spore which is even funnier to me
The thing that makes me absolutely feral about Elgar’nan is how he just gives his acceptance and protection like it’s a Costco free sample. If you kneel, of course. Like, the fanfic possibilities here are fucking endless.
Does he decide Rook is his new pet project and try to raise them up as another Evanuris because the man clearly hates being alone and goes full nuclear meltdown when Ghilan’nain dies?
Does he want Rook on his side just to start a Fuck Solas Club™? I knooooow Elgar’nan is dying for someone to gossip with. “Solas is such a little bitch. Did you see his murals? So self-indulgent. Anyway, come sit on my lap and agree with me.”
Or maybe he straight up wants Rook to fuck him and worship him, preferably at the same time? You’re telling me that giant, beautiful, angry bastard doesn’t want someone groveling at his feet one minute and riding him the next?
Before Blood of Arlathan, there was supposed to be another quest in the game - Darkness Falls. The astrolabe was breaking down, there was no way from the camp, because the eluvians weren't working either, and it was getting dark. The Lighthouse defense was slowly fading. Emmrich and Bellara came up with a plan to fix it. Rook had to go to one of the islands near the Lighthouse to get an elven artifact that could repair the astrolabe. But to get there, the help of the spirit was needed. Thus, the player had to choose who to take with them - Manfred or Spite.
In the game, the astrolabe is already broken. It can still be fixed, but this is a side quest, it doesn't play a role in the plot. This will only give you a discount at the Caretaker's workshop and an alternative look of the library.
However you can still find mentions of the Lighthouse Malfunction in the files.
Some of this content can be activated in the game using modding tools. For example, sky textures that look like twilight.
There's also malfunction lighting. I'm not sure I triggered it correctly because it looks like horror for epileptic people. But maybe it's just unfinished.
The localization file contains many lines of deleted dialogues from this quest. Hard to say whether they were voiced.
It all started with Davrin meeting Rook outside.
Rook: Davrin? You know what's happening?
Davrin: Something's strange with the Lighthouse. Emmrich said to find him.
Emmrich's room, where he and Bellara discuss what to do next.
Rook: The eluvians don't work, and neither of you know why?
Emmrich: The astrolabe in the main hall is out of alignment. Until we correct it, the Lighthouse's protective wards will slowly fade.
Rook: And if we don't correct it?
Bellara: Without the wards, we'll be open to all sorts of bad stuff. Raw magic, demons, the work.
Bellara: Well not yet!
Emmrich: You know, it's more than just the wards. Half the artifacts in my room have shut down, and I don't know why.
Bellara: Right Professor.
Option: What caused this?
Rook: Why'd the astrolabe break?
Emmrich: We're not sure. The Lighthouse is so old, it could just be time.
Bellara: It certainly wasn't caused by a greater spirit, or a sudden swell of magic. And yet...
Emmrich: Well. Let's turn our thoughts to repairs.
Option: We've seen worse. Haven't we?
Rook: This can't be as bad as some of Arlathan. Can it?
Bellara: In Arlathan, we could leave. Sometimes. But we've got a plan.
Option: Well, still standing for now.
Rook: I'm sure our senior necromancer would warn us if we were about to be crushed.
Emmrich: Well, it would be more akin to being etherically attenuated than crushed.
Bellara: It won't come to that! We've got a plan.
Option: We'll solve it together.
Rook: We've got you and Emmrich, the rest of the team. We'll figure it out.
Bellara: Oh! We already have a plan.
Option: What's the plan?
Rook: How do we fix it?
Bellara: We figured that out! Mostly.
Emmrich: Bellara's tracked down an artifact we can use to repair the astrolabe.
Rook: Tell me where.
Bellara: Professor Emmrich found this magic... thread from it that leads to one of the floating islands.
Rook: How do you two even know this artifact exists?
Bellara: A receptacle in the main hall came to life when the astrolabe malfunctioned.
Bellara: I've seen them in Arlathan. Inserting the right artifact will make repairs.
Emmrich: Yes. All of which we determined before you clambered up the astrolabe.
Bellara: I had to double check!
Rook: Okay. We need to get to the island with the artifact to fix all this.
Emmrich: It's on one of the floating islands. You'll need help reaching it. Spirit help.
Next, Lucanis, Manfred and Spite take part in the conversation.
Side note. This is just my guess, but I think some of Lucanis' lines in this quest differed depending on whether the player had completed the Inner Demons or not.
Lucanis: You want Spite to help?
Emmrich: We require both of you, Lucanis.
Lucanis: Never!
Lucanis: Emmrich. Unlike Manfred, Spite does not love doing what he's told.
Emmrich: Perhaps, but Spite grows so much more aware when he works with you, Lucanis.
Lucanis: Or you could send Manfred.
Emmrich: Unsupervised?
Bellara: Hmm. Manfred could probably find a path to the island for Rook.
Manfred: (Excited hiss.)
Option: Why doesn't Emmrich do this?
Rook: Can't you find this spirit path, Emmrich?
Emmrich: Certainly, but—
Rook: But you and Bellara have to stay here and stop the roof from collapsing?
Emmrich: We have a few days before anything really bad happens. But it's safer.
Option: I'll take Manfred.
Rook: You ready to go Manfred?
Manfred: (Excited hiss.)
Emmrich: Oh, if he must. Don't let him out of your sight!
Option: I'll take Spite.
Rook: You up for this Spite?
Lucanis: No.
Lucanis (Spite): (Inhales.) Smells like... fear. Sweat. And frustration.
Lucanis: (Deep groaning.)
Lucanis: (Sighs.) I'll—we'll be outside.
Rook: What's this artifact I'm after look like?
Emmrich: Same shape as the astrolabe, but much smaller. The path to it should start near Harding's room.
Emmrich: Bring it to the main hall once you've found it. We'll ensure the Lighthouse is warded again.
Journal note
The Lighthouse is normally shielded from the raw magic of the Fade, but something has gone wrong. The team must repair the ancient devices keeping their headquarters safe and hidden, before the wards fail and chaos envelops them.
Companions in the library:
- Why's it so cold all of a sudden?
- I'm cold now too. Why can't I see my breath?
- See the astrolabe up there? It normally keeps the Lighthouse steady, but something's amiss.
- Magic, probably. Not my specialty this time.
- Bellara and Emmrich will fix it.
- Speaking of which, where was Manfred going in such a hurry?
- Bellara and that death mage said they'd fix things.
- Hey, was Lucanis arguing with Spite when he passed by us?
Rook: Manfred must already be outside.
Rook: Lucanis must already be outside with Spite.
In the courtyard.
Rook: Can you help turn on this portal to the island, Manfred?
Manfred: (Happy hiss.)
Rook: Thanks!
Rook: Spite? Can you activate this portal to the island?
Lucanis (Spite): Finally!
Lucanis (Spite): Rook. Needs me. Everyone. Needs me.
Lucanis: Ignore him.
The full picture is unknown, only some details. Rook moved between the islands around the Lighthouse, for this Manfred or Spite held the portal for them. Unlike Spite, Manfred needed to be directed to the waypoint.
Lucanis has some raw animations in the files when he's in Spite mode holding the portal for Rook.
Rook: Think you can help find a path to it?
Manfred: (Curious hiss.)
Lucanis (Spite): It's here. The path. I will take it.
Lucanis (Spite): Move!
(Thunderous rumble.)
Manfred: (Frightened hiss.)
Rook (Mourn Watch): We both grew up in the Necropolis, Manfred. We can handle whatever that was.
Rook: I don't know what that was either, Manfred. Let's keep going.
Manfred: (Happy hiss.)
The path to the artifact is blocked by a barrier that can be lowed by wisps.
Rook: A barrier?
Manfred: (Concerned hiss.)
Rook: Maybe it's part of the Lighthouse's defenses.
Lucanis: I see it. That barrier could be the Lighthouse defending itself.
Rook: We'll need a wisp here.
Rook (Mourn Watch): Manfred? Would you do the honors?
Manfred: (Excited hiss.)
Rook (Mourn Watch): Thanks Manfred. And hail the eyes of the dead.
Manfred: (Very excited hiss.)
Rook: Where do we get a wisp?
Rook: Unless you can call one up Manfred—wait. Can you?
Manfred: (Excited hiss.)
Rook: It worked! Thanks Manfred.
Manfred: (Pleased hiss.)
Rook: They won't answer.
Lucanis: They will.
Lucanis: Call.
Lucanis (Spite): COME. OUT. OR I. WILL FIND YOU!
Rook: That worked?
Lucanis (Spite): Curiosity. Is predictable.
Rook finds an artifact.
Inscription on a Plaque
A talisman to repair the protection of our sanctuary. Caution: Misuse may sever you from the flow of all things. Crafted by she who was once a servant, but now works happily to set our people free.
Rook: That has to be the artifact Emmrich needs.
Manfred: (Excited hiss.)
Lucanis (Spite): Trash. Stinks of magic. Mine. Is better.
On the way back.
Rook: Wait here, Manfred. And don't wander off, Emmrich would kill me.
Manfred: (Happy hiss.)
Lucanis: We'll wait here and make sure the path doesn't strand you.
Suddenly the gods cut off the path that leads Rook to the spirit companion.
Elgar'nan: At last. The Dread Wolf's little soldiers.
Rook: Elgar'nan?
Ghilan'nain: We have scryed you out by the blood of my dragon on your hands.
Ghilan'nain: Solas erected veils of secrecy around his old lair. We've had such difficulty finding it.
Rook: That was the gods!
Rook: Manfred? I'm trapped up here! Can you help?
Manfred: (Concerned hiss.)
Rook: They trapped me here!
Lucanis: We'll find you a way down!
Manfred: (Loud hiss.)
Rook: A path. Good work Manfred! Meet me below.
Manfred: (Tired hiss.)
Lucanis (Spite): Do. What. I. Say!
Lucanis (Spite): Now!
Rook: I see the path! I'll meet you two down below!
Lucanis (Spite): (Panting.) Go. Now.
Lucanis: Is that the gods? Are they closer?
Rook: It's just voices. They aren't here yet!
Elgar'nan: Oh, but we shall be soon.
Rook: We have to hide the Lighthouse. I need to get this artifact to Emmrich!
Rook (Mourn Watch): I'll get us around this. Stay here Manfred. Watcher's orders.
Manfred: (Obedient hiss.)
Rook: Sit tight, Manfred. I'll get us around this.
Manfred: (Consoled hiss.)
Rook: Done! Come on Manfred.
Manfred: (Happy hiss.)
Lucanis (Spite): (Inhales.) Wrong. Wrong. Wrong!
Lucanis (Spite): Stench. Of pride! Old. And stale!
Lucanis: Calm down.
Rook: I'll get us past this. Spite, just concentrate on making this path exist.
Elgar'nan: You thought we wouldn't notice you harrying our forces.
Elgar'nan: But I assure you: I see all.
Rook: Get... get out of my head!
Elgar'nan: It would be wisdom to simply submit. To obey.
Ghilan'nain: We will make far better use of this place, and yourselves, than Solas ever could.
Elgar'nan: And learning what the Dread Wolf has told you all.
Rook: We don't answer to you!
Ghilan'nain: They resist. We are not close enough to Solas's lair.
Elgar'nan: Distance will be of little consequence, after we visit Arlathan.
Rook returns to the Lighthouse. Manfred and Lucanis falling over with tiredness.
Manfred: (Unhappy hiss.)
Rook: Manfred?
Rook: You all right? Maybe Emmrich should look you over.
Manfred: (Sad hiss.)
Rook (Mourn Watch): The local astral instability must have overtaxed you when you channeled the path.
Rook: You're not used to channeling this much magic for spell-casting.
Rook: I've got to get to the main hall. Emmrich will help you after.
Lucanis: Do you have the—ugh!
Rook: Lucanis?
Rook: You two okay?
Lucanis: Spite wore us both out to make that path.
Rook: Did doing all this magic... hurt you?
Lucanis: It doesn't matter. Get to the main hall.
Ghilan'nain: The Fade is clouded. Obscured.
Ghilan'nain: We must find these mortals.
Elgar'nan: I am keen to explore Fen'Harel's vaunted refuge.
Ghilan'nain: We can reshape it. Repurpose it. And the mortals within.
Companions in the library:
- Does anyone else... hrm. Thought I heard a voice.
- Is that the gods?
- Are the gods here? Right now?
- They're saying stuff... in my head?
- If Emmrich doesn't fix that astrolabe—damn it. I can hear them!
- Don't listen. Block them out!
- The gods are trying to bring the Lighthouse down on our heads!
- They won't get the chance. This is our home now!
Ghilan'nain: My finest work. An Archdemon like no other. Planned for, nurtured, improved.
Ghilan'nain: Slain by mortals.
Elgar'nan: When we free the blight, you will raise a thousand Archdemons as your host.
Ghilan'nain: Dark. Shifting. The Dread Wolf's lair hides his underlings.
Ghilan'nain: Everywhere sounds different now.
Ghilan'nain: The blight calls as well. It will take great effort to unleash it all from the Fade.
Rook: Here's the artifact!
Emmrich: Just in time! Place it into the receptacle.
In the game, Rook fixes the astrolabe by activating the device. But during malfunction this was only 50% of success. Restoring the Lighthouse's defenses also required manipulation by Emmrich and Bellara.
Companions in the library:
- Were the gods almost here?
- They're gone right?
- They're gone!
- I can't believe the gods were so close to finding us.
- Hey. Glad you made it safely.
- I don't feel them anymore. But Rook's got to tell us what happened.
Rook: I'll fill everyone in.
Lucanis: I'll make coffee.
Team sofa conversation or in the kitchen dunno.
Davrin: Glad to see the Lighthouse is once again our home sweet home.
Emmrich: The artifact that fixed the astrolabe is a miniaturized suppressing element. It negates Fade energy!
Emmrich: Including the gods' magic. We are hidden from their scrying.
Rook: Thanks to you and Bellara.
Bellara: Professor, about that artifact...
Emmrich: It's safe to remove, if you'd like to study it.
Bellara: By seal and light. By the indwelling flame.
(Magic crackling.)
Bellara: The spellwork was straightforward, but I sense quite a few interlocking mechanisms inside.
Bellara: I've never seen anything like it.
Rook: Harding.
Harding: But it's all over, Rook. Right?
Option: It mostly worked out.
Rook: If Manfred hadn't been here, and Bellara didn't know about that artifact, and Emmrich hadn't fixed it...
Rook: If we didn't have Spite, if Bellara hadn't found that artifact, if Emmrich hadn't repaired the astrolabe...
Harding: I know right? How are we even going to sleep tonight?
Rook: Count your victories.
Option: They came so close.
Rook: This was too close. Can't believe the damn gods were nearly on top of us.
Rook: But even with no warning, we slipped away.
Harding: Bet they're angry they failed.
Rook: They'll be mad. Good.
Option: But we still beat them.
Rook: We're still here. And only a little scared. Come on, that's something!
Harding: All right, the gods aren't infallible.
Rook: Damn right they're not.
Rook: And Manfred. Is he all right?
Emmrich: Exhausted. But he'll recover.
Emmrich: I'm afraid I won't be of much help, however, until I reknit his corporeal tethering.
Neve: That sounds calmer. Good work, Fred.
Manfred: (Tired hiss.)
Rook: And Spite and Lucanis. How are you two doing?
Lucanis: Fine. We're fine.
Neve: That's a lot better. Thanks Lucanis. And Spite.
Lucanis (Spite): Mine! I am. The stronger one! I... (Tired growl.)
Lucanis: Spite... may have overdone it. I can barely keep my eyes open. I think he needs a nap.
Lucanis (Spite): No! Sleep! Is weak—(Yawns.)
Harding: What's our next move?
Rook: Elgar'nan confirmed the gods want something in Arlathan. The Veil Jumpers might know more.
Harding: We actually got a message from them, before all this. Morrigan wants to meet. Didn't say why.
Rook: Okay. We'll ask the Veil Jumpers about the gods, and pay Morrigan a visit.
Journal note:
When the Lighthouse lost its magical protection, little did the team realize the cause of this breakdown was the elven gods attempting to track down Solas' old lair. With help from the others, Emmrich restored the wards and hid the Lighthouse again from the gods with an old, elven artifact. Bellara took the artifact for study, noting it had strange, magic-nullifying properties that could be very useful indeed.
There's an alternative post-malfunction convo. The speakers aren't fully identified.
Bellara: The suppression element is... doing what it does. Really well!
Emmrich: Direct nullification of the Fade energy that powers it. Ingenious.
Rook: The Lighthouse is stable? We're sure the gods are out?
Emmrich: Thanks to your taming the device, yes. The gods are blind to us.
Bellara: So we're safe here.
Rook: Good, good. Just one question, then.
Option: Everyone ready to hit back?
Rook: They probably think we're reeling, like they got us afraid of them. I say we get moving.
Option: What unbelievable assholes.
Rook: Anyone else as pissed as I am? They go where they want like they own it, like they're....
Bellara: Like they're gods?
Rook: No, they're assholes just... fucking up our house! I want a plan that hits back.
Option: Can we use it to attack them?
Rook: Can you get it small enough to shove up a god's ass? Asking for a friend.
Emmrich: We can study the suppression device. But the gods are moving now.
The rest of the party talk:
- See? They try to scare us, and instead, consensus. I want a plan.
- And me.
- Lick our wounds later. Get to business.
- Right. We need a plan. What do we know?
- The voices we heard. I don't think they knew we could hear them.
- Elgar'nan may intend a mass sacrifice.
- To do what?
- Then Elgar'nan's got plans for a ritual. He said he wanted "magical fodder."
- "From the dust of our empire." That's got to mean elves.
- Like the Wardens said. Guessing he's not planning anything good with them.
- This is tricky. Elves need to know the threat.
- Even if they know, they might try to get involved anyway.
- We've got a useful tool here, and we'll study it. But we can't let them take people now.
- Are they taking people, or are people joining them? The Venatori did.
- We've seen what they really are. Our "gods." More than once.
- So we know where they'll be, and we've got some idea about their plan.
- This may be our chance to take down Ghilan'nain. We'll talk to the Veil Jumpers and figure out what's going on in Arlathan.
- And if the gods are already there? Gathering "fodder."
- We warn them, but with care.
- Well, looks like we're going to Arlathan.
- Whatever happens, let's be careful. We can't afford to miss anything.
- We need to move fast.
- Doesn't matter. We stop it.
- Time to visit Arlathan.
And it seems that the Music Room and The Wolf's Den could only be explored after the malfunction quest.
The release version didn't include these Rooks' lines from there:
- I'm glad we got that fixed.
- A piano? I wonder who played.
- Wow.
- A hideaway inside a hideaway.
- Solas must've spent a lot of time here.
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