#codex asks

[mythals-whore]

23 for the rook prompts!

I was *so* intimidated by this one that it took me so long to conceptualize. I had to read some shakespeare about it and then took it a completely different direction. I made myself laugh with this one I must admit.

Link to the writing prompts here. I may post a few more anyway because they're very challenging for me and I'm having a good time (:

divider from this post

The following is an excerpt from the top of the third act of Lucius Castellar's play "Against All Odds"

Rook draws her dagger, before Fen'Harel can react, its pressed to his throat.

ROOK: Give me one reason I shouldn't.

(A beat)

FEN'HAREL: We need each other, Rook. You know that we do.

ROOK: It was my mistake. I don't know what else I expected from the God of Lies and Treachery.

FEN'HAREL: (pleading) I did what I had to do, Rook. You must understand that I—

ROOK: I trusted you.

FEN'HAREL: (regretful) I know.

(Rook presses the blade harder into his throat, maybe there's a trickle of blood)

ROOK: Tell me, was that a part of your spell too? Or am I really that foolish?

(a beat)

FEN'HAREL: You are no fool, Rook. I believe we both know that.

ROOK: I don't know anything anymore.

(They kiss passionately)

FEN'HAREL: It was real. You must know that whatever else, what I felt for you was real.

The following is a review of playwright Lucius Castellar's "Against All Odds" found in a Minrathous paper.

Everyone in all Thedas knows of Rook and her long campaign against the gods. Minrathous will not be quick to forget, as the city still bears the scars of the Blight. So it's hardly shocking that so many in our fair city wish to bear witness to the hero's tale. There have even been rumors that the subject of the play herself attended opening night—only to leave abruptly in the first act.

It seems likely that she was surprised, as many of us were, that Castellar's adaptation of the tale is unafraid to explore Rook's more personal relationships. Which is to say that the romantic side-plot is enough to make anyone blush.

Ursa Corbet's stage presence is both commanding and charming. A rather faithful portrayal of our protagonist. The chemistry she shares with co-star Saros Reisinger is electric and all-consuming. Reisinger's portrayal of the elvhen god, Fen'harel is larger than life, which so carefully juxtaposes his more human moments.

With dialogue that reads like poetry, an original musical score, and the incredible work of the technical mages, this play examines the complexities of identity, betrayal, and a hero's struggle against herself for the greater good. This is a must-see, and I encourage you to get your tickets before they're gone!

Intended to be a limited run, the show only played for one night. Rumors surrounding the abrupt shutdown were never verified. Castellar insisted that he simply felt the show existed best in an ephemeral state and has since refused all public appearances.

[chaosherald]

18 from the prompt list?

(Notes between a companion and Rook regarding a personal quest)

(On a crumpled sheet of paper)

Neve,

I'm so glad you are back and that you allowed me to try and make up for

Welcome back. I have some thoughts after our trip to Minrathous and I know you said you didn't need help didn't want help

fuck. Have I mentioned I'm sorry? All those people. fuck fuck fuck fuck

(On a fresh sheet of paper)

Neve,

I reached out to the Watch. We have a group of specialists - great spirits and mortal watchers - who deal with the retrieval of the funerary dead when families are uncooperative or the deceased are beyond reaching by normal means. That usually involves failed dragon hunts or shipwrecks or the like, but they have been called upon after battles or executions when the aggressors have decided sending a message is more important than showing respect to the dead. They are eager to unofficially offer their expertise in Minrathous, to make sure those killed by the Venatori are properly laid to rest according to the local customs. I know it doesn't really fix anything, but the offer is there.

(Written at the bottom of the page, in a different hand writing)

Rook,

It'll piss off the Venatori and help morale for everyone else. Tell your people to coordinate with Ashur.

And I meant what I said earlier. You came through for Dock town today. I'll let you know if I get any leads on Aelia.

(Codex writing prompts are here)

[hyperions-light]

@pixiedurango also asked for #28 on the Rook Codex Entry ask game! Thank you!

I have answered: 2, 3, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 24, 26, 28, 30

This one is for all Rooks everywhere lol

ATTENTION!!

Companies operating within the purview of the NORTHERN THEDOSIAN SHIPPING CONSORTIUM are advised to keep watch for an individual calling themselves ROOK. They have been sighted in ports and markets throughout Northern Thedas violently destroying the property of member companies. Surveyors estimate they have caused over 105,851 gold in damages via wanton destruction of CRATES, BARRELS, ASSORTED POTTERY, and MISCELLANEOUS CARGO. Members are advised that ROOK is armed— DO NOT APPROACH! This is a DANGEROUS individual! If sighted, members are advised to contact the local authorities*. ROOK has been demonstrated to act with especial prejudice against members associated with the following groups:

- VENATORI

- ANTAAM

- OLD GODS

- TEMPLAR ORDER (KIRKWALL)

The NORTHERN THEDOSIAN SHIPPING CONSORTIUM cannot be held liable for any damages incurred to member property as a result of this individual’s interference, or as a result of association with the aforementioned groups.

* Assistance of local authorities has sometimes proven ineffective.

[hauntedgarden95]

1 and 17 from the oc asks

1. Two crows caught whispering at the Cantori Diamond after Rook's return:

"That's who they think is going to save the world?"

"Isn't that Viagos walking disaster?"

"Yeah that's the one that got kicked out a year ago, remember? The only reason they're still alive is because Viago has a soft spot-"

"Shhh! Shhh! He's looking at us!'

17. An excerpt from The History of Antiva:

…Adriel de Riva and Lucanis Dellamorte stepped away from the Crows permanently but not before faking their deaths. It was only found years later that they had lived long and happy lives away from the spotlight of being the Hero of Thedas and the leader of the First House of the Crows. When House Dellamorte fell, the de Riva clan wasted no time in swooping in and establishing their control. However….

[queen-scribbles]

For the OC Codex prompts: 1, 4 and 8 for Tala Mountainsward?

1.an overheard conversation about your OC

"You know why they let her stay, right? You let a half-orc roam free for too long they go all feral and savage and'll rip your throat out. Like the full ones."

"Really?!"

"Yeah, that's what my uncle used t' say. Lettin' her stay is a way t' keep her civilized an' protect decent folk. Hoping if they raise her long enough it'll stick even when she leaves."

4. a letter from your OC to their love interest

(caveat on this one: Tala is still very early act 1, so anything relating to her/Halsin is potentially subject to change)

Dearest~ I know it's an odd way to start, but hopefully you'll never need to read this. Hopefully I can burn it and tell you anything important in it myself and repeatedly. But given my situation circumstance, I feel it's best to be prepared. On that note, I love you so much. I hope you know that, but I want to make sure to be clear about it. I love you and I'm so glad we met, whatever the circumstance or what come after. I love how passionate you are when you care about something, I love your kindness, I love your sweet tooth, I love the way you kiss the back of my neck when you think I'm asleep, I love how you help people. My life is many times better for having you in it, however much of it I have left. I want it to be a lot. I want many ye a whole lifetime to be yours, my heart, and I want...

I want to be happy. Together. Lathander, let it be so. But even if not, I've been happy. Because With you. I want to be sure you know that. All my love, T

8. your OC’s doctor/healer talking about their injuries

"It was an oddity, to be sure, just not for the reason you might think." The dwarven man wipes his hands on a rag and starts rolling down his sleeves. "I don't get a lot of clerics as patients b'cause they tend themselves. But this one... she had a nasty set a' scratches on the back of her leg-- from a gnoll, she said. They were in a spot she couldn't reach or see to do it properly herself, and her energy was shot b'sides. Comin' to me was a good call for her; they were real deep gashes, and there was some dirt and such in one, likely would've gotten infected without proper care. Sweet as pie and most cooperative patient I've had this century, lemme tell you. Chatted while I was working, barely flinched as I stitched her up. She thanked me, paid me, promised to follow the care guides I gave her. And a couple days later a bag of larkberry tarts was waitin' on the steps of my clinic with a thank you note. Not signed, but it didn't need t' be."

Codex Asks

[justanartsysideblog]

Elenaril 14 & 15?

Oh man, you know how to hit hard, don’t you Tress?

14. something written about your OC, post-Trespasser

The Inquisitor endures.

The loss of her arm has taken its toll. We were terrified when The Iron Bull returned with her unconscious, with a high fever and in great pain. We thought we would yet lose her for several days, but she is strong. She would not abandon us while we still need her guidance.

It seems she forgets that her arm is gone, from time to time. Marielle says that she often tries to grab her tea or a piece of parchment while in her rooms, and has tripped and tried to catch herself, only to no longer have the arm to do so. It is hard to see her like this, but she carries herself well. She tries her hardest not to show weakness, and to keep us from realizing how much pain she is still in. 

She has begun learning to use a saber from Michel de Chevin, to compensate. It must be difficult to use a sword with a new hand, especially when she was known for weilding a two-handed greatsword. She does not complain, despite how she must feel.

We will be alright. The Inquisitor will not fail us. Whatever awaits us, she will lead us well.

15. something written to your OC by a younger member of their family. (Elenaril doesn’t have a younger sibling, but she does have an older brother, so I went with him)

Little sister,

Keeper Deshana has told us you are safe, but I wished to hear from you myself. Winter has begun to set in, and we are hard-pressed to send or receive word, but an Inquisition courier passed us near our northernmost trading post, and I asked if they would send this on to you. 

Are you well? These rifts haven begun to open throughout the Free Marches, and many of our travel routes have been cut off until we can find a way to move safely around them. We have lost two of our warriors and several scouts already. Seran and Ilrith are among those lost. I know you knew them well. Keeper Deshana has sent word to the other nearby clans. Maybe if we stay together we will have a better chance of surviving this new threat. 

Your apprentice Harrith has done well with his work. It is not as fine as your own, but the armor and weapons are usable and durable. Our little Norana has reached her sixth year, and enjoys weaving with her mother. She will make a fine seamstress yet!

Mivha and Lemvhen have bound themselves together, and we recently celebrated their union. Your absence was sorely noted. Your steady presence is missed. Many of the younger hunters and warriors want to fight, but we must keep ourselves safe first and foremost. Keeper Deshana has been hard put to keep them from running off to prove themselves by felling a demon.

We will be heading to Wycome to spend the winter, and I will go to the city to check for any letters, should you decide to write back. I know it must be frightening, to be near so many shemlen, but perhaps you can do more good there than the hahrens think. 

Stay safe, and remember your clan. Maybe Ghilan’nain guide you safely, and Mythal protect you and grant you her wisdom. 

Lemlan

DA:I Codex Prompts

[chaosherald]

For the codex asks 25. Notes taken by Rook when they were young/in training

(Thank you for the ask! Codex Prompts Asks Post is Here)

(A scattering of pages recovered from a partially burned student journal in the Orphan’s Dormitory. 9th Kingsway, 9:33 Dragon. Believed to belong to Amara Ingellvar. The rest of her personal property is missing or was gifted to other students. All signs indicate she left on her own and of her own volition.)

(In a careful but childish hand)

A is for Admiration, to give credit to what is good.  B is for Bravery, to overcome fear as you should C is for Curiosity, to wonder at the world and how things fit D is for Determination, to never stop or quit

(Added in the margins, likely at a later date. The handwriting is more mature but shows signs of haste and/or a lack of care.)

A is for Anguish, to drown in sorrow’s care B is for Bitterness, to regret what isn’t there C is for Contempt, who scorns the world complete D is for Despair, full of lies and deceit 

***

- have never seen Vorgoth angry before. They said they would speak to Tomas and that no one should talk like that. (An arrow points here from the margins <- “He was talking about the Hero of Ferelden who ended the blight. How maybe there is some use for those barbaric knife ears after all. His tone was mean. Decorum was angry.”)  I am glad the blight is over. I think it was very fast and just down south. Many of my friends are coming back. I still do not know why they had to go home. I didn’t know they had other homes. Does everyone? No, that is silly. Some of my friends were still here too. And some of the ones who left wrote me letters. That was very nice. Sybil wrote me a letter. I’d never gotten a letter from someone before.

***

Miss Myrna asked today how I got to the upper levels of the eastern catacombs. I told her I climbed. She told me not to lie. I told her the Necropolis moved me up there. She believed that. (That was also maybe a lie? Kindness and Honesty both lectured me after. But the only other explanation is fade stepping and I am not a mage. Mages get sent away. Or have to take oaths and stay here forever. I’m not a mage.)

***

(A standard printing of the musculature of the back. The muscles have been carefully labeled with notes about their role in physical movement and support of the living form.)

***

(A rubbing of an epitaph) 

The Ingellvar Family In Service Find the Self I Know Love Transcends All Things Time, Sorrow, and Limits of These Physical Shells Spirit to Spirit, Hand in Hand, For Eternity Into the Fade and Beyond

***

- decided I have a right to know. I feel like I’m going to throw up or cry or scream, but if I don’t ask this is only going to get worse. Regret keeps following me. And Desire. And Hope. But if they knew something, wouldn’t they have told me already? Tomorrow. I will go to the senior enchanters and see what they know about me and when I was found and where I came from and if they don’t know anything -

(The writing cuts off abruptly here. The words are slightly smudged, as if the book was closed before the ink had a chance to dry.)

(not a tag thing, but tagging folks who might be interested in watcher/Amara stuff 😂 @blackwall-my-tiny-husband @davrinsleftpectoral @hedwigoprah @seaglassmelody )

[hyperions-light]

Thank you for doing the Maker's work around here! <3 Also hope you feel better. If not: have a virtual blanket and tea. If you feel like it and haven't done them: codex prompts 24 and 28 for either your oldest Rook (old as in age)

24. A letter from Rook to a faction leader 28. Propaganda for or against Rook

Thank you! <3 Hopefully I will be able to sleep for more than 2 hrs eventually lol

The Rook Codex prompts are [here] ! Have answered 2, 3, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 24, 26, 30, and I’m working on 28!

In the meantime, have 24! (I’ll do a separate post when I finish 28!)

Dear Myrna and VORGOTH,

It’s Rook. You remember— I deal with the hauntings. And the undead dragon, etc.

Emmrich said that you might be able to answer some of my questions about the Necropolis, since his voice gave out two hours ago. Here are the most pressing:

If someone is interred in the Necropolis and subsequently reanimated, can they then leave the Necropolis? For business reasons? Also, would they still be liable for any crimes they committed after their death?

Can you replace my skull with that of a large bird?

I have observed that there are MANY skeletons in the Necropolis who have weapons. Is that purposeful? Can I have weapons, as a skeleton?

Is the Mourn Watch interested in making a business arrangement with my employer? We do sometimes acquire extraneous skeletons.

How often do you need to feed the flesh-eating beetles? They only eat dead things, right? (URGENT)

The Necropolis moves. My house also moves, sometimes. Do you know how to get the Necropolis to follow instructions? The Lighthouse is very stubborn.

How many stairs are there in the Necropolis (best estimate)?

You may have noticed that I am excellent at re-killing the undead. Is that a job I can continue to have, as a skeleton?

Are the flowers in the garden magical? Do you need help growing them? Do you think we could grow them in the Fade?

How feasible is it to export large quantities of that spirit alcohol? Think they would love it in Antiva

Do you have any experience retrieving bodies from waterways? Do not want to to leave the Antaam corpses in the canals

If someone dies and then gets possessed by a demon, what is the most efficient way to kill them again? Need to settle an argument

VORGOTH, are you a ghost? Emmrich is too polite to ask.

Emmrich says you won’t answer this, but I’ll ask, anyway: Is the King of Nevarra alive? The First Talon would like definitive confirmation, either way

The skull of Johanna Hezenkoss says she left some of her books in the Necropolis, and that we can’t play her game unless she has them back. Do you know where they are?

Additional questions enclosed. Thank you for your time, &c.

[Five additional pages of questions are attached to the letter.]

L. de Riva

[Appended in a different hand]

P.S. My sincerest apologies if Rook has given any offense— please do not feel obligated to respond to this letter, and I shall do my best to divert any further questions from your desk. — Prof. E. Volkarin