Rookfest - A Celebration of Rooks

[rookfest]

ROOKFEST 2025 MASTERPOST

Dwellers, everything you need has been gathered here. Use this to your advantage

Links

Rules

FAQ

2025 Prompts

Event Moderators

Eluviana

AO3 Collection

During the event, please use #rookfest25 or @rookfest on your posts to make sure we see it!

[rookfest]

Farewell from the Lighthouse

Eons upon Eons, time so expansive it defied numeration, the Lighthouse sat abandoned. Still a beacon of its noble mission, purpose begat memory, and the light of its magic dimmed. With every connection made, every Rook that reached through the ether to tie themselves to another, an ember rekindled. You Dweller, brought this home back to life. Do not be a stranger.

After this absolutely whirlwind of a week, we want to say thank you to everyone who participated! None of us were truly prepared for the sheer volume and variety of Rooks. From Ask Games to Side Tourneys, you really took this event and made it your own. While the Caretaker returns to keep watch over the currents in the Fade, remember that the Rooks you met this week continue on so make sure to follow your favorites.

In a much more literal meaning, Eluviana will continue to stand as a place for you to find new Rooks to collab with and stories to follow. We will continue to monitor that blog for a bit, reblogging the applications as they come in (though they may lack the Rook Week Hype). 

Similarly, Cara’s Antivan Lucha Retreat is always accepting new talent! What better way for your Rook to make friends and fight for fun and not because it’s the end of the world! 

A short message from your mods:

@curiouswisp: Wow gang! What a phenomenal turnout to our first Rookfest. My heart could not be more full at seeing all the connections made, gorgeous art created, brilliant stories written, asks sent, creative mini events inspired, and so much more. I love all of your OCs so much, thank you for creating them and sharing them with all of us. I would love to do this again next year, but honestly Rookfest only ends when we stop engaging and creating with each other. Keep weaving your OCs together in art and stories, send those silly asks, tag people in OC games, and keep building this community that we hold so dear.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for playing along with us. 

basedonconjecture (now @juniper-and-dragonthorn): What an amazing week! The response from you all was more than any of us could have predicted, I think. Absolutely blown away by your enthusiasm! It was so heartwarming to see so many of you interacting and writing and creating with each other. Truly, the best reward for all the effort! To everyone who participated in some way—whether showing off your Rooks or taking quizzes or writing AUs—thank you so much!! I hope you all had as much fun was we did <3

@pixiedurango: What a whirlwind! 

The past week (and the weeks before the event even started) was such a wonderful rollercoaster. Getting to know so many fascinating Rooks and their creators, being able to open up one very niche niche with "Cara's Lucha Retreat" and seeing people genuinely enjoying to be part of it was such a blast and makes me so happy.

Seeing people connecting via the Eluviana profile is equally awesome.

Everything was about having a good time, making new friends, getting to know each other (better) and just being silly while playing dolls together.

I rarely saw so many happily gushing people raiding each other's ask boxes and comments. So I guess our happy band of misfits (aka the mods) achieved (with everyone's help), what was just a idea a few weeks back.

But what I love most about the whole thing, is, what seems to have become our new collective battle cry: 

"Thedas is ours now! Every day can be a Rookfest! And Antivan Lucha will never die!"

@tarasmom: Voices from my dreams demanded to speak, and I am but an oracle for their most petty demands. I had such a fun time preparing Caretaker blurbs - because the Lighthouse needs Rook and the Caretaker to function. I am so impressed by the quantity, quality, and breadth of work people created. I'm so happy to have played dolls with everyone and every fic or art where Mina or Basalit'reth or Feldspar (the pet rock) brought new sunshine to my life. I hope we can keep playing dolls together even outside of rookfest 

@biowaredisasterbisexual: This week has blown me away. I am in love with everyone’s Rooks, and more than that I am in love with the community that you all helped build here! Tag games, fics, art, playlists…everyone’s creativity, enthusiasm, and talent was humbling and I am so grateful to all of you for helping make this fandom what it is.  I hope you all had an amazing time, and I’m excited to see what else you do! Happy Rookfest to all!

@zennihilation: It’s your wisp with a knife, Zen. I want to say thank you to everyone who participated, whether you made a minigame, you jumped in on the minigames, or you cheered on from afar. And double thanks to my fellow mods, who always gave me words when mine came out uncouth. This entire thing was amazing and watching everyone’s rooks meet each other was the most heartwarming thing I could imagine.

@quaksi: WHAT A TURNOUT !!! The love and community that came together for this event was so so so much more than I could ever have anticipated and I am so moved by it. I still have to go through all the entries because there are SO MANY! Thank you for playing dolls with us and engaging in all our little events and, most importantly, each other! It fills my heart to see so many new connections made, this is what fandom is supposed to be and I am eternally grateful I got to be a part of this. Never stop !!!

Things to do now that Rook Fest is wrapped:

Make new Friends! Remember, Eluviana stands. Find a Rook that fits your vibe and reach out!

Join the Antivan Lucha Royal Rumble! Did you enjoy Tourney Day? Keep that Friendly Competition going in Cara’s Antivan Lucha Retreat!

Consider joining Rook’s Roost! A Rook-focused community with Ask Games and new Writing Prompts every week by yours truly. We’re even kicking off our Holiday event so now’s the perfect time to join.

Finally, thank you one last time. It’s meant everything to us.

EVERY DAY IS ROOKFEST AND ANTIVAN LUCHA NEVER DIES!

(in a very real way, the mods do deserve a nap)

[sketchytea]

day 5 of @rookfest - sightseeing / shopping

'shopping' with air quotes lmao. more like shopping in each other's closets. faction-swapped endras and celyn 🦅🐉✨

[rookfest]

The Fade can show us reflections from across the world, but it pales behind the comparison of seeing the beauty of this world. No wonder the spirits wish to return, and see it with you Dweller.

[crimsonwolfveilguard]

Alternative Universes For Cassandra de Riva

Modern AU

While the original ModernAU post can be found here, I want to talk about it more anyway. Modern AU Cassie is a writer and singer-songwriter. Most of the singing/songwriting goes to the local theater and her friend’s cafè, but she has been known to dabble in singing at parties for friends. She’s a fandom nerd and captivates Lucanis with her inability to act neurotypical (joking, kinda).

Rescued AU

This is an AU I’ve flirted with a little. The idea is that Cassie never made it to the orphanages in Treviso. After her mother died, she was picked up by a loving older couple that treated her as their daughter. They live in Treviso and she starts working at Cafè Pietro, which is how she meets Lucanis. They meet wayyy earlier though and they end up falling in love over coffee and good books, Lucanis much needed escape from the Crows.

Exile AU

This one has a lot less planned since this one is just a thought. Like maybe 12% of the plan (get the reference and high five in the comments lmao). This is just everything from her canon happens until chasing Solas. The events of Veilguard don’t take place (as Solas doesn’t attempt to rip the Veil down), and she’s working as hired help while trying to stay away from the Crows who exiled her. She keeps up with Teia and Viago (loosely), and through a job gone wrong she ends up in the Ossuary. And that’s what I’ve got.

I’ll probably talk about these more in separate posts, but this is what I’ve got for now. While none of these started with Rookanis in mind, there’s a red string connecting these two which makes it impossible for me not to get them together eventually. Feel free to ask any questions and I’ll try to answer them :)

[rookfest]

Even in another life, the core of you remains the same Dweller, a spirit true to its original purpose.

[jukkaricity]

Rookfest day 7: Masquerade Ball

Look who is super late! It's me! <3

But much to everyone's disbelief I actually ended up drawing something AND you get to see it in two color variations!? How cool is that?

On the left, a classic Tevinter colors inspired attire and on the right, more Alectris themed colors.

Alectris is not a big fan of fancy parties, but she does enjoy getting dressed up, at least from time to time.

She's a decent dancer, but treats it more like an army drill than a graceful pursuit, so while she has good sense of rhythm and knows the steps, she tends to be stiff and absolutely hates it when someone tries to lead. She's just not the best dancing partner.

During a party she usually stalks the perimeter, nursing a single glass of wine, looking for anything or anyone worth listening in onto.

[handsignals]

A Shared Interest -- Siobhan & Nona (Rookfest25)

every day is rookfest, right??

I had the absolute pleasure of co-writing this fic with @the-bear-and-his-sunbird and developing an amazing familial dynamic between their Siobhan and my Nona. It's a little late for Rookfest, but we are sharing it now! Ellie, thank you so, so much for writing with me!

In which Siobhan and Nona, both wards of Vorgoth, finally meet and bond over beetles and adventuring through the Necropolis. Approx. 3.5k words.

"You should take that to Siobhan," a fellow Watcher told her as they reentered the parts of the Necropolis set aside for the living, leaving behind their excursion into the deeper levels. In Nona's hands, she held a well-crafted little box specifically designed for carrying insects, this one weighty with a newfound friend. Such boxes were a staple for her on adventures to the less… urban parts of the Necropolis, should she find a new insect (for categorization) or a wounded one (for caretaking).

She had heard the name Siobhan before, though she did not believe they had ever properly met, despite their shared history of Vorgoth's hand in their raising. More than once, she had been told of their mutual interest in the insect (particularly beetle) population of the Necropolis and, more broadly, Nevarra. She'd been told of Siobhan's work as cartographer to the Grand Necropolis, as well. Perhaps… perhaps the little friend in her hands would be sufficient inspiration for them to meet.

Not soon after setting down her bags and leaving behind her armor in her apartment, Nona found herself inquiring about where to find Siobhan, checking with other Watchers and with Vorgoth, who seemed almost keen for them to meet. Box in hand and a nervous flutter in her heart, Nona followed the instructions she was given to seek out Siobhan…

Siobhan stood in her little part of the laboratory and wrung her hands in frustration. For month's she had tried - and failed- to come close to a special kind of beetle that had been whispered to have shown itself in the hidden parts of the Necropolis. As the voices about this new species grew louder, so did her interest. It would make a fine addition to her research, especially if she could manage to breed them into something helpful for death rituals. In the last years, more and more people had asked for their deceased ones to be rid of flesh as quickly and cleanly as they could and Siobhan had tried to breed a beetle that was efficient, quick and did not overstep it's boundaries -bones were off limit!- to the best of her abilities.

She had doubled down on her research after Vorgoth had reminded her of her endeavor to meet Nona.

Apparently, she was another one of Vorgoth's former wards, and even better, one with the same kind of love for beetles as Siobhan. Back when she first heard about the other woman's fascination, it had been the first spark of the interest for them to meet, quietly feeding on every piece of information Siobhan got about the other Watcher. Since then, it had been only growing steadily, especially after hearing about Nona's work as a Death Doula, one who guided people through the last stage of their life.

It was emotional taxing work and one that Siobhan looked up to greatly. To care for another person during those frightening moments and be a source of gentleness and comfort, was something only few people could achieve. Apparently, Nona was an expert at what she was doing.

This is why it was only natural that Siobhan couldn't meet Nona without a proper gift at hand! Now, she was pacing around her table, a confused Crawla on her shoulder, muttering under her breath. While beetles were of no use for Nona's work, maybe… Siobhan could impress her with a special kind of beetle?

Just outside of the laboratory, Nona took a moment to take a breath, feeling the lutter of nervous butterflies in her belly at the interaction that lay ahead of her. She would not balk or flee, no, but… it was a bit nervewracking to approach someone she had not met before yet held such a close, near familial connection with. Would they see one another as sisters, perhaps— immediately or with time? Or would they simply be acuaintances? Or… friends, maybe, one day?

Squaring her shoulders, she adjusted her hold on the box and stepped through the doorway. The laboratory hosted a great number of different research efforts, pursued by Watchers of all passions. Nona did enjoy seeing what her colleagues were up to, what advancements were happening, and this was no exception. But she had a goal, and that goal was just ahead.

The woman she saw seemed oddly familiar, in some way, and Nona did wonder if she had seen her… irrelevant. They were meeting now, and that was what mattered. She cleared her throat and said, "Siobhan…? I am terribly sorry to interrupt."

When Siobhan heard her name, she almost jumped out of her skin. The sudden movement,made poor Crawla fly up and circle above their heads, leaving Siobhan to stare at the elven woman that had appeared in front of her.

She allowed herself the fraction of a second to take in all that she could see - intricate hairdo, sharp eyes but soft smile - before bowing slightly. "Don't be. I was ruminating anyway. I'm indeed Siobhan."

This must be Nona.

All this time spend preparing for them to meet and be left with empty hands was quite a dreadful feeling. But the presence of the other woman did not feel unwanted at all. There was something familiar about her, although Siobhan couldn't quite place it, besides the faint itch at the back of her mind at the way her eyes crinkled.

To overshadow her nervousness, she stretched out her hand and let the rhinoceros beetle land on her outstretched finger, bringing her down between them. The beetle stretched out one of her legs as if wanting to greet. "And hello from Crawla, too. How can we help you?"

Nona felt terrible for startling Siobhan and her companion, her expression immediately apologetic. She quickly bowed in return, as was polite, then watched as the rhinoceros beetle descended to rest on Siobhan's hand. The sense of kinship she felt with this woman blossomed all the more; regardless of where they had come from before their earliest moments, there was something mirrored in both of them.

"Oh, goodness, Crawla, was it? She is beautiful," she breathed, inching just a step closer to look without intruding into personal space. She wanted nothing more than to reach out and so gently touch her fingertip to that extended leg in greeting, but she resisted the impulse for the time being. The box in her hands buzzed lightly, the occupant mildly agitated by the sound of voices, perhaps.

"I was told I should come see you, because I think I found something you may be looking for," Nona said, holding up the box now for Siobhan to see. It was an intricate bug cage, meant to ensure air and light filtration while keeping any insect within comfortably safe. "I was down in the Murmuring Fields with an exploration cohort, and we noticed that new occupants were… quite clean."

Siobhan softened as soon as she saw how Nona eyed Crawla, as if she was the most delightful thing that Nona had seen today.

When the box in Nona's hand buzzed, Siobhan looked down immediately and her eyes widened. She listened attentively to her words but her gaze was locked on the tiny friend in the cage. It was a small beetle, unassuming in size but with a most beautiful coloring. It's elitra was a mix of milky gray swirls, camouflaging it on the body, while the rest of the body was a deep green. The Antenna's were long and almost bushy, with dark eyes that mustered her.

"You… found them," Siobhan breathed and felt her stomach somersault; the disappointment of not being able to gift them to Nona was mostly forgotten, leaving excitement in it's wake. "I was indeed looking for them. Oh, you must tell me everything you have observed about them and --if you wish- what brought you down there in the first place! Do you want something to drink?"

The expression on Siobhan's face sparked a shared excitement in Nona and she resisted the urge to bounce on her toes, not wanting to jostle the little beetle in her hands. "Did you hear about them? From someone, or from the Necropolis? And, oh, a drink would be lovely— we just returned, so I haven't settled much. Water, or tea, if you have it? Or if you want to take this little friend, I can get tea started…"

Nona held up the little box, offering it to Siobhan. "I joined a group of Watchers who heard of a sorrowful soul down in the Murmurs. They had hoped I would be able to apply my skills toward one already beyond death, to help them understand. I had never been to the Murmurs before, surprisingly, so I was keen to go. I had been hoping to uncover some new friends for my own little ecosystem, as well. Thankfully, it was a success. On both fronts," she said, before catching herself. "Oh, I am… rambling, apologies."

"Oh, I heard the tolls of the Necropolis first and then whispers from the other Watchers," she said, pointing to a seat for Nona next to the table. "If you'd put the little friend on the table or maybe underneath the magnifying glass…" She pointed to a cage like object on the upper end of the table, with a movable glass on top, while beginning to move to a cupboard. "Then I'll fix us some tea. Do you have a preference or do you want me to give you something I have?"

As she started to prepare the water, she turned around to Nona, locking eyes with her, despite -or maybe especially- because of the happy nervousness in her. "And don't worry. I like rambling. So, please do tell me about what you do. Your work fascinates me to no end."

Nona moved to the magnifying glass, her fingers moving with both care and confidence as she opened the travel cage and moved the little needle into the magnifying cage. She leaned down for a moment to watch it explore the new space, the corners of her eyes crinkling up a bit with her smile. "Oh, any herbal tea will do, if you have one? I'm not terribly particular."

She scooted up into the chair that had been offered and found herself in locked gaze with Siobhan. Something about it was… comforting. Soothing, maybe. Siobhan gave her such a familiar feeling, despite them not knowing one another until now. "Oh, gladly, but only if you tell me more about your current projects after. If you don't mind?"

Nona leaned a bit against the table, her feet not quite touching the floor as she sat. "Primarily, my work is focused on the transition from life to death, whatever form that may take. I generally work with the living in their final time, the months or weeks or even days before they pass, to help them prepare for the transition. My goal is for those who pass to feel safe and as unafraid as possible. In the Murmurs, this particular soul never quite realized that they had passed, but it was told to them suddenly. I went down to help them process the change. It was such a unique experience, to speak with someone already passed on about such matters. They view the present so differently than we do."

Siobhan chuckled to herself. She had always been taller than most, which gave flooded her with a strange sense of protectiveness at how Nona barely touched the floor. Quickly, she shook her head. She is an adult woman, probably capable of taking down many enemies, don't be weird.

"I'd love to talk to you about it."

With nimble fingers, she managed to pry out one of her favorite herbal blends -lavender, whispering root, orange peels- and prepared the tea set for both of them while she listened to Nona talk. When the other woman was done, she put everything down in front of her and poured them both a cup. There was a solemn awe in Nona's voice as she talked about the guidance she provided. Siobhan was once again reminded how important Nona's line of work was, as death was truly one of the scariest passages one could go through.

"I can imagine. To have such an once-in-a-lifetime experience…Oh, what it must have told you!"

She thought about it for a moment before shaking her head fondly, raising her own cup from the saucer. "The soul can be glad that you were there to guide it along and, humbly, I think you can be very proud of yourself for being able to help it as gracefully as you did." She took a sip of her drink and smiled at the familiar taste on her tongue. "Remind me to ask for you, when my time comes. Word has traveled that you are the best."

"Hopefully, only when I am considered very ancient," she added with a wink and put her cup down. "My work has proven to be… different? Partly, I breed beetles for the cleaning of the bones after death, to fulfill the wishes of the deceased and give them the respect and autonomy both in life and death. The other time I map out the Necropolis. People say it's futile, as it keeps changing and hiding but I don't believe so. The flows of the Necropolis are distinguishable as are their passageways. I am trying to connect them to a map that changes with the Necropolis, mainly because I think we should always be able to find our loved ones and our way home…"

Nona lit up when the cup was set down in front of her, inhaling the soft and herbal scent as she picked it up. "Oh, this is just lovely, thank you…"

Surprise flickered across her face when Siobhan said she had heard of Nona's work, that others spoke of her, and her heart warmed at the thought. To know she had made such an impact brought her nothing short of joy. When Siobhan said that she would like to call on her, hopefully once ancient, Nona smiled and lifted her cup in a gentle cheers. "May there be many years and wandered halls before you need call on me, Siobhan. But I would be so honored."

Shifting in her seat to get comfortable, Nona watched Siobhan speak of her work, and took note of the way (as many Watchers did) she seemed to find peace in the discussion. There was passion and pride alike, an altogether familiar feeling, and Nona hoped to remember the way Siobhan's face looked as she discussed her passion for beetles bred with honor to the dead and for giving definition to the halls and floors of the Necropolis, so that one would always find home. She smiled and said, "Honorable causes, both of them. The Necropolis inspires us to serve and care in unique ways, and I had been told that I should take this little friend to you promptly because of your expertise in beetles. I'm so thrilled I found it!"

She set her cup down after taking a sip, then offered, "And perhaps while we take a look, we could maybe discuss a venture into the unmapped halls of the Necroplis, together? I love exploration, you see, and it seems we have that in common."

"Thank you, truly," she smiled and scooted closer to the table. "But, I must admit, we may have ignored our little friend for far too long.It's already pouting."

Adjusting the lens so that both Nona and her could see, she pulled out a notebook and scribbled down. The bug almost looked like it had been waiting for the attention before scurrying around the cage once more. "Outward those bugs often look unremarkable to hide themselves but this is green and white… Could be an adaption to the Necropolis halls, as to hide among the green tiles and white bone? Unusual. It seems to be agile and healthy."

Opening a drawer, she pulled out a small bone with pieces of meat still attached and carefully dropped it inside the cage. "Two questions. First: Is there anything unusual you observe about the bug right now? And: What area in the Necropolis would you be most interested to go in together?"

Nona joined Siobhan at the cage, eyes wide with wonder as they watched the bug skitter around it. "Oh, look— yes, very agile and healthy, I agree. I had only noticed the beetles because I had been sitting quietly for some time, so perhaps they deemed me… safe enough? For them to come out?"

She watched as Siobhan put the piece of bone in the cage, then shifted to lean closer to the lens, observing quietly for a long moment. "… oh. It's delicate. Siobhan, you should come see. Look, it touches the meat and the bone and then… carefully works around the bone. I wonder if… maybe it is unable to digest the bone, so it is avoiding it?"

Nona glanced up as she shifted aside to make room for Siobhan to look. "Oh, there are so many places I would love to explore with you. There is one floor — I believe it's called the Defiant Gardens— that is thick with plant life, so the ecosystem there is unlike anything I've ever seen…"

"Waited? Then it must have quite the considerable insight about it's surroundings…" As Nona called her to see, Siobhan almost pressed her nose flat against the glass. The beetle was indeed behaving just as Nona had described, working slowly and carefully around the bone. "It is delicate. Oh, how lovely. Well, it is especially considerable how well it is avoiding it. It seems almost more sentient than some usual breeds. That level of planning, of careful preparations. I have never seen a bug quite act like that - except for Crawla's kind and some assorted other's."

She smiled brightly at her. "I think you might have explored so far that you've discovered a new kind. This is only thanks to you, so… I believe actually you need to name it now. Because if you do not, I will name it after you and you may see this as a gentle threat."

Scooting back, she put down another note and let the quill hover over the parchment. Cocking a playful - and only somewhat nervous - eyebrow at Nona, she said: "And the Defiant Gardens do sound lovely. I am so very fond of gardens and would love to explore the perimeter there with you. Even better, I mapped out the first entrance room of the singing halls one floor above and had wondered what was below. So, when you're ready, I'm ready."

Nona stood beside Siobhan to observe the beetle as it meticulously cleaned the meat from the bone, eyes bright with wonder. And then Siobhan smile, telling her that she had made a new discovery. "Oh— do you think so? But— wait, this is our endeavor, not just mine."

She worried at her bottom lip for a moment, contemplating as Siobhan shared her interest in exploring. The fact that Siobhan had not yet fully mapped the area meant it would be the perfect sort of exploration. Oh, that would be absolutely delightful…

"Yes, I think we should make a plan for this. I would love to explore with you— I believe I am free after a ceremony tomorrow, so maybe…? Oh, but a name! Would it be silly to call them Ingellvar's Beetle? Then it could be both of ours."

The still pen found movement once more. A quick sketch was followed by a name: Ingellvar's Beetle.

"It's not silly at all," she said quietly, gentle joy rasping her voice. The day had truly gotten better than she could have expected and to think that it might be followed by even more exploration together tomorrow….

Lifting the parchment up so Nona could read, she added. "Congratulations to our first ever shared research."

For a moment there was the short fear that Nona could only take her along out of obligation rose but then it calmed again. Seeing how excited the fellow Watcher was at Siobhan's research (and vice versa), her worries were shushed aside. "Actually, I love exploring. Haven't been taken on a venture in quite some time, so tomorrow after your ceremony sounds lovely. I'll pack my parchment and some refreshments?"

Nona smiled so warmly when she heard the rasp in Siobhan's voice, knowing immediately that she had made the right choice. She leaned in to read the parchment, then said, "Our first ever shared research and, hopefully, the first of many to come, Siobhan. Can you imagine what we might uncover when we go exploring?"

She picked up her tea to take another sip, then moved about to observe the beetle again. "Oh, yes, parchment, refreshments. Maybe a bedroll? Who knows, maybe we might end up spending a night down there, if we find anything particularly fascinating… I like to be ready for anything. Oh, it's going to be a lovely time…"

[rookfest]

Dweller you've grown much in our time apart. Your personal touches bring the Lighthouse back to life.

[sketchytea]

day 4 of @rookfest - alternative universes

hunger games au endras and finch. endras is an unholy blend of haymitch, finnick, and katniss--a district 8 victor who won their games 12 years ago and has been in the torment nexus ever since

cue latest tribute finch, who refuses to let him give up on them, earns his begrudging respect, and finally wins against all odds. chaos ensues

finch belongs to @lesbijkas

[rookfest]

In the Fade, dreams and nightmares are just as real as our world, these other worlds shine through.

[crimsonwolfveilguard]

From the Rookfest quiz! Cassie got the butterfly ballgown and I’m actually really excited about it. I think I’m gonna draw her in a butterfly gown. For now, just wanted to post this since I did the quiz.

[rookfest]

Dweller, your garments are as enchanting as the Eluvians that connect this place. The fade shines with your presence.

[crimsonwolfveilguard]

Cassandra de Riva's Hobbies & Interests

I never actually got around to doing more of the Rookfest stuff like I intended so here's what I had that never got posted. :)

Hobbies

Painting/Drawing: She was given art supplies for the first time when she became a Crow (by one of the Crows training her) and she fell in love with the arts. Painting moreso than anything else, since she loved the way that the colors stood out on canvas and that she could feel the texture (once it dried obviously). She carried it into her adult life and while she doesn’t do it often, she always adores when she gets to.

Reading: Unlike the others, there’s no big story here. She learned to read after getting to the orphanage and really enjoyed being able to escape in books.

Chess: Cassie used to play chess with the other fledglings. This is the only one of her hobbies that she doesn't really enjoy doing. She keeps it up as a way to keep her mind sharp and executing strategies.

Piano: Cassie actually learned how to play the piano at one of the “away houses” that the Crows have. The older couple that ran the house always played/sang together after dinner and dishes. While the other fledglings normally took to doing other things, Cassie sat with them and listened. After a little while, the older woman taught her how to play. (This is also where Cassie learned how to hold a tune.) Now she plays the piano in the music room for the others or when she’s alone.

Crochet: Cassie had a friend at the orphanage (who she stayed friends with even after she joined the Crows), who did a lot of knitting and crocheting. She convinced Cassie to try it, and Cassie loved it. Loved learning new techniques and loved the feeling of yarn in her hands (most yarn, at least). She makes little things for all of the Veilguard members while they’re having meetings.

Writing: She did a lot less of this before Bellara picked up writing. She used to help her friend Gina (who is a published author of Antivan thriller novels) with brainstorming and being a soundboard, but very little writing of her own. Bellara asked for her assistant one day and over several glasses of wine for Bellara and whiskey for Cassie, they came up with some stellar ideas. Cassie writes those little characters that she created with Bellara when she has some time to spare.

Interests

Poisons: Viago instilled in her the need to learn about poisons, that they are one of an assassin’s greatest tools for the perfect murder, but Viago’s passion for it is what really sparked her interest. She loves to study poisons and the effects that they have on the body (especially Viago’s notes about them).

[rookfest]

Strength can come in so many different forms, Dweller. Your mastery is echoing through the Fade in all its colors.

[mushrooms-x-moss]

Post-Tourney Media Interviews🎙️

Check out the exclusive stills we received from the media interviews following this weekend's 2025 Lighthouse Tourney! 🤩

^Ilene @kabsey & Zalan @blackwall-my-tiny-husband

^Rook / Ayla @mushrooms-x-moss & Turvi @davrinsleftpectoral

^Esha @in-the-drowning-deep & Eris @grand-crow

^Ayanne @cute-ellyna & Cyri @mythals-whore

^Sabine @guacamolleee & Dom @introvertedfangrl

^Lydia I. @sorcerousadventurer & Jericho @sandcastlekings

Got a your own story to tell from this year's tourney? Use this template to make your own media stills! 🎙️💕

⚔️ Final Tourney Results, Scrapbook, & Walkup Playlist 📚 Back to Lighthouse Library

[rookfest]

Strength can come in so many different forms, Dweller. Your mastery is echoing through the Fade in all its colors.

[iedistis]

Happy Rookfest! Day 2: Hobbies and Interests

The lighthouse is brimming with life again and so many faces return with new stories to tell! But who can keep track? Don't you worry! There is one table reserved for the most prolific busybodies of all Fade residents. Can you earn your seat at their table? Bring your juiciest, most scandalous, Ooooh-inducing pieces of gossip to them and try your luck!

Happy @rookfest to all of you!! To celebrate I am giving away a free bust of your Rook in this style! You can enter the raffle by reblogging this post with some gossip about OTHER attendees Rooks!* Maybe you know them better than anybody else and have some stories never heard before, or perhaps you've spied what they're up to at Rookfest and want to share? Azzurra, Rukhana, Filomena and Sebastian want to know everything! You can join until the 26th of November 2025. I will contact the winner after, delivery will be towards the end of December.

Now come little birdies, they are waiting for you!

Rooks from left to right: Azzurra de Riva belongs to @trash-nerd Rukhana Ingellvar belongs to @curiouswisp Filomena Ingellvar belongs to me :) Sebastian de Riva belongs to @evans-endeavors

*only one lot per person (not piece of gossip) but feel free to add as much gossip as you want!

[curiouswisp]

Last day to enter for a chance to win some lovely art of your Rook!! Share some gossip with these busy bodies as your entry. Good luck!

[chaosherald]

Amara's Dance Card - Part 4

(Part 1 here, part 2 here, part 3 here, original post here)

@elishnord

Zea and Amara spotted each other across the room and immediately walked towards each other, laughing, twin butterflies in green and violet.

"I have to compliment your choice of costume," Zea said, taking Amara's hand and spinning her in a circle.

"Likewise," laughed Amara, returning the favor. "We look like two spirits from the same forest."

It was a simple thing. A meeting and twirl and the glitter of gold and silver, smiles exchanged along with butterfly charms - green for violet and violet for green - before the two parted ways. Zea back to Naimy waiting by the wall and Amara to have a word with her fellow watchers.

-

@woundedsoul12

Riley and Amara partnered for a slow and stately Basse Danse, standing side by side and sweeping their feet along the floor in a line of couples.

Amara glanced over her shoulder, meeting Riley's smile. "All of the dances should be this tempo."

Riley laughed. "This is great, but I'm pretty sure we could handle something a little faster."

"You can maybe -"

Any reply Riley planned to make was cut off as a nug wearing a bowtie ran into the formation, followed quickly by several Lords of Fortune shouting something about the master of ceremonies getting away. Riley quickly grabbed Amara by the waist, pulling her to the side before they were both run over.

Amara, arms now around Riley's shoulders, stares up at him. The music, slow and stately, still playing. "You know - this feels kind of familiar."

"Yeah," said Riley. "Like we should just be standing like this and swaying or something."

"And like we've done it before," Amara said, feeling the beginning of a blush though she couldn't explain why.

"Huh," Riley looked towards the ground, a small smile on his face. "Another life, maybe."

"Maybe," said Amara, matching his smile.

-

@lycheecatee

Queenie led Amara out to the floor as a tango was called.

Amara laughed nervously. "Oh, you really don't want me to try this one. I can never remember all the steps."

Queenie grinned. "I'm not concerned about the steps. The tango is an attitude. A display. You and I are going to be so fierce, so breathtakingly stunning, that everyone else is going to forget all about the steps too."

"So we're overwhelming them with our good looks and killer attitudes?" Amara grinned, setting up in an incorrect but dramatic pose with Queenie.

"Exactly." Queenie shifted them both slightly - better angles, of course - and met the eye of the first of many passerby who paused to stare and winked. For a moment, the poor soul seemed to forget how feet worked as he almost fell over.

Amara grinned. "This I can do."

-

@apothe-cary

Lucas and Amara stood on the edge of the dancefloor, studying one another and their respective drinks.

Amara finally broken the silence, chuckling with no humor. "We should get shirts made."

"My parent saved Thedas and fucked off to the Fade and all I got were a pile of issues and this shirt?" Lucas asked drolly, holding out his glass.

Amara clinked her cup to his. "It's a shitty club."

"The shittiest," Lucas agreed. "Shall we waltz over to the bar for a refill?"

"Please."

-

(More to come <3)

(Thank you @rookfest for hosting!)

[rookfest]

Dweller, the connections you have made here will reverberate in the fade for ages. I have been fortunate to bear witness to them.

[serialsforbellara]

What Really Happened

In collaboration with @brightbreezeblog and based on the wonderful idea of @mushrooms-x-moss

“Oof, that would have been a close match, but I’m sorry to announce that the ruling stands! Gemma de Riva is disqualified!”

At the ring of the announcer, Gemma sighed heavily, knowing it was coming. Looking at Akela across the sparring circle, she could see his surprise and a touch of fear in his expression. She and Akela had been very closely matched. Quick on their feet, using Crow-trained moves against each other, they had fallen into an easy dance. He had some unexpected moves, but so did she. Throughout the match, she could see the joy of competition on his face. The oohs and aahs from the crowd had been exhilarating for her too. And then she slipped. It wasn’t intentional. It was muscle memory. Her Crow training had one big difference.

Crossing to him, she stashed her dagger back into its sheath and held out a hand. Gathering all her courage, she said, “I am so sorry, Akela.”

“You threw a fireball at my head!” Akela looked at her outstretched hand suspiciously. “Why?”

“It just happened.” For her to do this to anyone, why did it have to be Akela! When the match had been announced, she had sought him out to get to know her fellow Crow better. After finding they shared a lot of common interests, Akela had confided in her distrust of magic. Not being a mage, he wasn’t comfortable with being unable to control magic. Hearing her tale of how she had been trained to merge her magic with knife play had interested him, but she also never saw the worried look leave his face until a new subject had come up. Searching for a positive in this situation, she said, “You dodged it excellently.”

Brushing off her compliment, he glanced up at the quiet crows watching them intently. “I don’t like winning by disqualification. We should get a rematch.”

“They already decided we don’t. It was my mistake, not yours. It’s not a perfect win, but it’s a win.” As guilty as she felt, she was never going to admit that had she not thrown that fireball, either they were going to dance all night, or he was going to win. Some of his moves had been surprising. Too many more and she would have run out of tricks to counter them. Knowing Akela was more competitive than she was, she was surprised that he seemed to be sharing in her guilt. “You’re still in the tournament. You need to show everyone that Crows are king! You and me, we’re going to practice, in case you get paired against a mage. I will teach you how to not let a mage launch a fireball at your head.”

A small smile appeared on his face. “Really? You would do that?”

Scoffing, she returned the smile. “Disqualified or not, whoever beats me better be the tournament champion. But in return, you’re going to show me that thing you did. You know, with the dagger and your left leg and the elbow? Where did you learn that?”

“Only if you tell me about that move with the two right hand thrusts and the left foot turn.” Taking her hand, he pulled her into a hug and patted her back gently.

The crowd cheered.

[rookfest]

The stories they tell of this will stretch across the Crossroads.

[hawkesflight]

Rookfest day seven: Masquerade Ball

What is your Rook most interested in at a ball? Dancing? Secrets? Romance? Food?

Probably the food and people watching. Nat is shy and a bit of a wallflower. Whenever they're at a social gathering without their Talon, they can be found wherever the food is. Food keeps them occupied and could be a conversation starter.

Even though they keep to themselves mostly, they do love being there. They love being surrounded by joy seeing all the hijinks and shenanigans, and for a more practical reason, it improves their observational skills through watching how people work.

i tried drawing nat in something ✨️fancy✨️.

Viago insisted that they dress up this time and Teia was more than happy to pick the outfit ♡

@rookfest ♡

[rookfest]

Dweller, your garments are as enchanting as the eluvians that connect this place. The fade shines with your presence.

[sketchytea]

day 3 of @rookfest - families / factions

tfw your faction also becomes your family. feat. @lesbijkas' rook finch mercar, who is canonically endras' found-family sibling and they exist in each others' respective rook-verses 🐉💕

as feat. endras old hairstyle prior to cutting their hair for the nessus job and then growing it out completely differently during veilguard

[rookfest]

The echoes of who you were reflect through the Fade, shaping who I see now Dweller.

[apothe-cary]

Books & Bee’s

It’s crazy because I’ve known @genjyoandgojyoandhakkai for so long and we’ve never collabed till @rookfest-eluviana so I’m super grateful to have been able to work with them on this. I hope they continue to build a strong friendship 🥺 they are so cute

Baishan sat behind his counter, his reading glasses on as he read one of his newer arrivals. He flipped through the pages, enjoying the smell of the new book and the uncrinkled pages. He was careful with the spine of the book only opening it enough that he can read the pages but not harm the book. Baishan heard a little ring of his bell, a new customer walking in. He put a book mark into the book setting it down and placing his readers on top of his head, “Welcome To Baishan Books And Bees. Anything I can help you find?”

The newcomer glanced around the bookstore, then stepped close to the counter and lowered his voice.

“Do you have any books on the history of the Crows, or specifically House Dellamorte? Oh, and I was hoping you might also have Varric Tethras’ last novel, too. My friend has been talking about it and I wanted to get a copy for myself.”

Baishan made a bit of a face crinkling his nose slightly, “ugh, Crow stuff. Hold on a minute.” He bent down behind his counter in a very small drawer and pulled out two books. “Honestly my least favorite types of books are crow related. All of it is always behind my desk. Can’t let just anyone read that stuff.” Baishan opened a log book as well, “These can’t stay with you but I can lend it for a week. Crow books and history of the Dellamortes. Need your name , House and Talon.”

Baishan set his journal and pen on his counter top for the other to sign. Then he moved from behind the counter looking through his shelves. “As for Varric Tethras, I wouldn’t be a good book store keeper without it. His work is quite popular.” He gestured to a small section of the story labeled Popular Series, anything that wasn’t romance ended up there which was a very small section but he did keep them around if they were well sought after work.

“Aydenne de Riva, and my Talon is Viago de Riva,” the silver-haired Crow said with a smile. “And yes, I know what they say about my house and my Talon. I’m under orders to tail a certain Dellamorte and I need something to read so I figured why not kill two birds with one stone?”

He fidgeted with the hilt of his dagger before asking, “You look like you know a few things about the Crows. I don’t suppose you know much about the Dellamortes, do you? Illario, in particular?”

“A thing or two is an understatement, Cantori Crows get the best gossip.” Baishan let out a little chuckle then sighed, “Unfortunately I don’t need gossip to know a lot about Illario. I know the bastard personally, the only thing he is good at is the bed. But that is common knowledge to everyone at this point. He has a different crow every week around his arm.” He scoffed, “Of the Dellamortes, I don’t trust that one. Sneaking around, playing with crows, even playing with non crows. You’d think he’d be consistent. Everything about him is messy. If you want to jump down that rabbit hole, I'm willing to give you more information.” Baishan scribbled down in his notebook the name of the crow and his talon, he’d ask why the De Riva were trailing a Dellamorte but unfortunately when it came to namely Illario, Baishan was out of the capacity to care. And best not to ask about Crow business of other houses.

“It’s nice to meet a member of House Cantori,” Aydenne said politely. “I...have heard a lot about your Talon and mine and their relationship, but I don’t get to meet members of the House very often. What’s your specialty?” He blushed. “Other than books. Mine’s common ingredients that can be used to poison someone, which reminds me I can probably find some books on botanicals here too, right?”

Baishan let out a little chuckle, “I’m a sniper with a bow, good for ranged attacks that need a quick exit. The only call me for the most dramatic assassinations. Shot in the middle of a political party, things of that sort.” He pointed to his well organized shelf, “This shelf here will give you want you need ok botanicals, from the names of ingredients to the plants common information themselves. Please browse, make yourself comfortable. If theres more you wish to know, I’m at your disposal.”

Aydenne thanked Baishan and headed to the indicated shelf. He lost track of time flipping through the books, looking at illustrations, trying to memorize properties and names and descriptions. He selected two, did some quick mental math, then added the Tethras book and another likely romance, and made his way back up to the counter.

“So. About Illario Dellamorte. Without giving too much away, I am trying to learn about his habits and places he likes to go. Did he ever take you to any places that seemed...more questionable than normal?” Aydenne blushed. He wasn’t trying to assemble a romantic dossier on the guy, but his questions definitely sounded like he was.

“Are you a shy one, Aydenne?” He teased, “I don’t mind the shy ones.” Baishan laughed then leaned against his counter, “Plenty of crows are adventurous, in alleys, roof tops, behind the diamond, Illario is the adventurous sort. What’s odd was a spot in the drowned district. It wouldn’t be my first choice, let alone the last pick. Balcony overlooking everything, good place to spy, to stay hidden. Illario however is somewhat smart, he keeps things close, but never too close. I’d start there. There’s something he’s keeping an eye on, and that’s a great place to keep an eye on everything.”

“Not shy just...quiet, I’ve been told,” Aydenne said, standing a little taller. “Or maybe that’s shy, I don’t know. I like talking to you, though. I’ll be sure and check the spot in the Drowned District. Something’s off.” Digging in his pockets for money to pay for the books, he asked Baishan, “How much do I owe you? For the books and for-” he gestured to Baishan, clearly asking if there was something he could do for the other Crow to repay the tip.

Baishan shook his head, “On the house, I enjoyed our conversation. Just make sure to come back. I’ll gather more gossip for you if you do.” He flashed him a playful wink.

[rookfest]

Secrets and mysteries weave themselves through the ether of the fade, bringing much amusement to the wisps. Your presence has been missed, Dweller.

[apothe-cary]

Drinks With Fists Or Not-

A wonderful collaboration with @lotusfueltofire and their Rook, Angel. Along with getting to throw my grumpy, big mouthed rook at them, Lucas. Thanks to @rookfest-eluviana for giving me courage to ask all these lovely people for collabs.

They found themselves at a lovely beach party where things get just a tad rough. They do bicker cutely.

It wasn't as if Angel got drunk fast - on the contrary, he would forego most lightweight drinks in favor of stronger, distilled beverages. But he got to admit, this Rivaine draught was quite… strong. So he watched the scene unfold in front of him with some amusement - a bunch of men trying to fight, but missing so many punches the scene was funny.

"Ayo, think you're gonna land one of these punches one day?" he asked, gulping another time from his bottle.

Lucas wobbled foward to grab Angel's bottle, "Don't you think you need to run back to your flock, bird brains?"

One thing Lucas hated more than anything was a party especially lord parties which usually ended up with everyone fighting an this time wasn't any different. Of course, he was going to drink away his problems and the lightweight that he was things escalated quickly with the crowd who wouldn't stop moving. "Will you quit moving?!"

"I'd hold someone for you, if you asked nicely," Angel said amusingly, nodding to the fighters surrounding Lucas. "But I think that'd hurt your delicate pride. Is this how the Lords fight?" he goaded.

"At least Lords fight by their own want. Don't crows have to ask permission from their talons? So sure, go ask your talon if you can hold someone for me." Lucas smirked, throwing a fist at one of the other fighters.

Angel shrugged off. "Pretty sure that if I break a few noses tonight, my Talon will be proud of me. Structure would make you a better fighter."

"I'm not taking advice from Talons pet." Lucas rolled his eyes, hoping over the bar to grab a wine bottle. "I'm getting real tired of this and not enough drinks in here." He unscrewed the cap of the bottle, flicking it off in Angels direction.

"You're not even on my level, Lucas, I kill people for a living - doesn't matter if I'm the teacher's pet or not."

"Here I thought all the flips and cartwheels were a circus act. Or is that a crows dramatic flare." Most of the lords and dialed down, Lucas leaned against the counter drinking the from the bottle of wine, "I'm not saying you don't do your job or that you are in a different league. Just saying I wouldnt take your advice. Lords fight for fun or to blow off some steam, solve issues with fists and move on, I don't need structure because it's not our nature. I'm not a killer."

"You don't need to be a killer to be a brawler. But it helps. The training helps. Sometimes training don't have to be in a faction, life can teach you a couple of lessons." Angel resumed his drinking, still not drunk, but a bit affected by the alcohol. "And the dramatic flair is an Antivan thing, not a Crow thing," he added, smirking. "We even have ways of spilling blood in different patterns for the… dramatic flair."

"I brawl just fine when I am not drunk for your information. Stop judging me, life lessons are for old people. I'll figure out how to knock the daylights out of you at some point. Just not in my current state." He hiccuped, "You all are a weird bunch, blood patterns for fun."

"Fun means different thing for different people. And alcohol or no alcohol, I can still beat your ass," Angel lifted his cup for a toast. "For the day you'll actually manage to do so."

Lucas side eyed him, but lifted his bottle reluctantly before taking another drink, "Whatever, Talons Pet. I'll just ask Juan to help me." He grumbled.

"Oh, double up on me, huh?" Angel questioned amusedly. "Guess it'll take two of you to take me down."

"Don't get cocky." Lucas rolled his eyes, setting money on the bar top for his drink. "See you, bird brains. And next time, I'll punch you." He stuffed his hands in his pockets, hiccuping on his way out.

[rookfest]

Dweller, the connections you have made here will reverberate in the fade for ages. I have been fortunate to bear witness to them.