#in this case: nonbinary elf

[lucius-the-sinful]

i will continue to read your mid fantasy book as long as there is 1 (one) character i like.

[boiledkwamaegg]

my roommate made this meme of faenil and we were ugly laughing so hard about it for a while

[samusamab]

Objective Best Rooks for Each Companion Romance

Just finished my first full playthrough of Veilguard, so I now feel qualified to talk about the best/funniest rook race/class/faction combos for each companion romance. As always, feel free to argue if you want, but remember at the end of the day my opinions are always right (Government Mandated: this is a joke)

(PS: Race opinions may not be included, sue me. Also, light spoilers below, obviously. I'm pretty sure I got all the spoiler tags, but here's your fair warning just in case.)

Bellara: Grey Warden rogue. The bodice ripper girlie deserves a roguishly charming parter who is also a little dark and tortured, as a treat. Dating a Grey Warden feels like as close as Dragon Age gets to dating a superhero (but like, a broody one) and I think Bellara would love that dynamic. I have no strong opinions on race, but we'll say Qunari.

Taash: Elf Mournwatcher Mage. I may be biased, but I just finished a Mournwatcher Taash run, and seeing the way they talk about necromancy with Rook compared to Emmrich is so funny. Besides I think they'd enjoy a little goth elf to throw around.

Harding: The same combination as your inquisitor. Nothing better to me than establishing Harding having a strong type. Also very funny to imagine the inquisitor meeting Rook, the new partner Harding keeps telling them about, and they're a little too similar. Make Lace a little weirder and more fucked up (affectionate), she deserves it.

Davrin: Lord of Fortune Rogue. I see your "Davrin doesn't like the Crows because they're killers for hire" and raise you, faction of pirates and thieves that are literally just in it to beat people up and get as much loot as possible. It would be like if Isabella and Blackwall were a couple. I rest my case.

Emmrich: Mourn Watcher Mage. Listen, I know I already did this one, but let me be a little lazy. Admittedly, I am not an old man yaoi enjoyer (though I believe in their beliefs). So this one is mostly based around the idea of you Rook leaving to save the world, and ending up romancing the man who would've been their necromancy doctorate advisor.

Neve: Veil Jumper Warrior. Hear me out here, I'm obsessed with that one Neve voice line that reveals she knows nothing about the outside. Give her a wild child ranger-coded partner who lives in the cursed magic woods and would speedrun winning a season of Survivor. Make her have to go on hiking dates, it's enrichment.

Lucanis: Shadow Dragon Mage. Look, I know this is just Neve in a different font. But I'm obsessed with that Taash line about Lucanis and Neve dating where she implies their relationship has a predator-prey dynamic because he's a mage killer. Not that Lucanis is that kinky, but a Rook can imagine. Even if it ends up the other way, I'm all game for a short king magehunter getting tied up by his mage-dom.

Honorable Mention: I think it would be hilarious to romance Taash as an AFAB-Nonbinary Qunari Lord of Fortune. Just helping your hot coworker speedrun all of your own past life experiences. Please let me know if you've done this, and if it was worth it.

[cultkinkcoven]

really can’t stand people who refuse to even try with neopronouns or understand therians because to my autistic brain it is so fucking simple and I feel like it’s actually everyone else that are over complicating shit.

We came up with a couple terms to describe a couple ideas of self. He, she, they. I don’t use neos, but I do use he and they. I use he because I am masculine aligned and I use they because I am also nonbinary and not entirely masc. I don’t have any feelings towards myself that do not feel human.

But some of our gendered pronouns aren’t even enough, and on the realest note, my gender is probably somewhere between boy slut and freak, but I usually just keep that to myself. If someone feels like these words aren’t specific enough to them, fuck yeah make another one. Are you kidding me? You explored your own identity enough to have come up with a special custom term that perfectly describes you? That’s so fucking cool dude.

If a neurodivergent person with CPTSD feels extremely inhuman because of their psychology/ trauma or real world experiences with discrimination, (wow you mean the person everyone treats differently doesn’t feel very human?! that’s crazy!) but they do however have a very easy time relating and communicating with cats through their nonverbal social cues, if they feel comfortable and expressive wearing a tail and ears, and think of themselves as “cat”, okay??? cool? Cat is a homie, tf. Why wouldn’t I want to be friends with cat, cat seems to know how to have fun.

If a neurodivergent person with DID has multiple altars that are littles, and because of some experience, they experience their little as an animal, a puppy, or baby bird, …. okay??? cool??? I’m not really in any kind of position to tell chick that chick can’t fucking exist, and honestly it’s really none of my business how a system manages their littles. “oh they’re probably mentally ill” okay??? And perhaps they are? They’re still living are they not? They still exist, yes? So am I going to go out of my way to make their existence more difficult? I don’t really see the point!!!

If a neurodivergent person with antisocial personality disorder has never felt connected to humanity whatsoever and simply does not want to be referred to by human terms, it’s really not my place to debate about it.

It doesn’t even have to be that serious. You’ve always identified strongly with fairies? Be a fucking fairy dude. No one can stop you. You feel like you’re an elf? Okay! No one can control you, you are whatever the fuck you are regardless of how anyone feels. You can reinvent yourself tomorrow. Why tf not.

Is it really that hard to dynamically adapt language? Like, when people tell me they don’t know how they could possibly use xi xim or xe xer (pronounced with a Z) in a sentence, it tells me that they literally have a lower capacity for learning language. Like they’re not smart enough to apply pronoun grammatical rules to new words, they can’t even fathom the concept of a new word because they somehow believe that words aren’t made up by people but just pop magically into existence. You don’t have to get neopronouns but if you’re telling me you seriously cannot figure it out, I’m genuinely going to think you’re slightly dumb (unless you’re dyslexic, you get a pass I know it’s rough out here for y’all lmao)

It’s not that I think every case of neopronouns is easily explainable and super simple, because it doesn’t even have to be.

It’s more so that, with 7 billion fucking humans on this planet, it’s really not a surprise to me that some of them express their identity through non human terms. As someone with autism I can understand that, even if I don’t feel the exact same. There is always going to be some weird person who goes by knife/knives or bun/bunny. Im kind of just happy they’ve found something they can feel comfortable within. I genuinely cannot bring myself to care enough to argue with someone about it.

The whole “so I can identify as an attack helicopter?” thing is so stupid because if you were being genuine you could identify as a damn fighter jet. But y’all ain’t ready for that conversation because everyone who is passionate is too cringe for y’all to handle.

[fangbangerghoul]

Rook As Companion Template

(Template stolen from @bearlytolerant here)

The Basics

Name: Ghoul Gender: Nonbinary (she/they) Faction: Shadow Dragons Lineage: Elf Class: Rogue Personality: Laissez Faire Firecracker Preferred Weapon: Jagged Daggers Preferred Trinket: 2 small smooth rocks to roll between their fingers Preferred Style of Clothing: Loose, skin breathing causal Rivian style Hero Special Ability: The Dastardly Bastard (Headbutt that stuns an enemy completely and vertebrates through the surrounding 4, weakening them) or Death’s Songbird (Draws all enemies, once surrounded cuts through them) Favorite Gift: Handmade plushies Pet: Calico Cat- Dahlia Acquaintance Bond Level Status: Tolerable Fiend Friend Bond Level Status: The Cleaners Good Friend Bond Level Status: Righthand Dagger Hero Bond Level Status: Shadowed Accomplice/The Grim Reaper Romance Bond Level Status: Ghastly Lover

Lighthouse Living

Room Type: Attic Room Decor: cluttered collected knives/randomly acquired items (rocks, pockets of dirt/leaves) Favorite Food: Rabbit stew Favorite Drink: Mead Favorite Hobby: drawing/reading Favorite Hangout Spot: Highest point of the lighthouse leaning over the balcony Interactions with Pet: Lounging on couch, reading Interactions with Assan: races in a circle Interactions with Manfred: pretends to find gold coins behind his ear

Relationships

Greetings: - Acquaintance: “what are you looking at?” - Good Friend: “trying to escape everyone?” - HOV: “With the both of us, victory is always certain.” - Romance: “Welcome, lovely” Thoughts on Companions: Neve: Secretly wants to be a princess, prefers to have her as a companion in a fight Bellara: Too cheerful but appreciates her lack of filter Harding: Stubborn and her cooking scares Ghoul Emmrich: Enjoys admiring bone structure and hearing his interesting lectures Davrin: Too noble but a good time Lucanis: Silent but intriguing, a bit of a comedian Taash: Her favorite arm-wrestling opponent and favorite spar partner, Ghoul also has gained an interest in Dragons Comments About Biggest Rival/s: If related to companion quest: - “I don’t care if we share blood, I won’t concede to his whims.” - “Sometimes I wonder what things would look like if our lives played out differently, but then I realize I don’t actually give a fuck and cannot wait to stab the bastard.” If in battle: - “C’mon motherfucker!” - “A shame you met me today.” - “I can afford another concussion just to knock you out.”

Banter Subject with Neve: If a Shadow Dragon should sleep with a Threads/Is a case ever really solved Banter Subject with Lace: How do plants stay alive/Archery tips Banter Subject with Bellara: Exchange of smutty romance recs/Dalish History Banter Subject with Davrin: Creatures and pet-ability/drinking stories Banter Subject with Taash: How to look like a Dragon/Exercise routines Banter Subject with Emmrich: Philosophy of serving Death/Can I have a skull for my room Banter Subject with Lucanis: Who has been awake the longest/Best kill moves Bonus Spite: ‘Yes and’ games/sharing vengeance stories

Unlock Personal Quest:

under construction and tied to Elgara Vallas

Romance

Flirt/s: "You wear things well.", "I admire how you hold your stance in battle.", "Think you can cut out someone's heart? .... Would you like to try mine sometime?" Date Location: Top of an abandoned tower in Mirathous Date Activity: Watching the sun set and the stars come out or being chased by Venatori Term of Endearment: Lovely, Beloved, My Heart Show of Affection: Hidden notes in their items, random sketches left in their room when not around, more physical proximity

[dasmutquisition]

Smutquisition 2025 sign ups are open

We are a go!

You have until the 29th of Jan 10am GMT. Nominations are remaining open for the next week in case of latecomers. If you are nomming Rooks please do so in the format of Male Elf Rook, Female Dwarf Rook, Nonbinary Qunari Rook, etc. (If you don't I will just put them all through as Dwarf requests) And here's some handy code for use in your description box. You can use it to hide Veilguard prompts. Just take the spaces out of the html.

<details ><summary >Veilguard Spoilers</summary > Your prompts go here</details >

And by 'can', what I really mean is please use it to hide Veilguard prompts. (But not your DNWs, don't hide those!)

[vitaeplaysda]

Finally a complete set with all my planned Rooks! It's just a first take, depending on the CC and the game and how I will feel in the next months they will change for sure. Also the clothing is all random. Purple because... it's Rook. Time to go back to Elgar'dad, commissions and other artworks. I will talk about them under the cut!

◆ Nadir "Lil'Rook" Lavellan

Elf ◆ Transmasc nonbinary ◆ he/they Antivan Crows ◆ Orb/Knife Mage (Spellblade)

My little baby, my firstborn, the first Rook I designed. Used to work as a lil kid in Skyhold's kitchen, until he met the demon Enfenim in that abandoned library hidden there, befriending him (it's another OCs of mines, check my pinned!)

Long story short he gets adopted by my Lavellan after his magic manifested, in the kitchens. Near boiling oil. The left side of his face and shoulder is covered in burn scars. Still he grows up to be a great but VERY unlucky mage, to the point he considers himself bad news and slowly starts to embrace this side of him in a selfdeprecating way. After yet another incident, he leaves her mother and their community, deciding he wants to make just one single good thing for her: finding Solas. Hiding his identity he ends up joining the crows, finding out he's quite good as an assassin. Relationship wise I brutally ship him with Elgar'nan, but more specifically he's in a weird... double triangle romboid (?) relationship with also Sulenan and Bellara??? (aka Sulenan also has a relationship with all of them but Bellara and Elgar'nan don't deal with each other.... unless the game will state otherwise >:D) He's hella young, in his early twenties, but usually fakes his age and tries to pass as someone older. He's also the shortest elf you'll ever meet.

◆ Saara(?) "Rook"

Qunari ◆ female ◆ she/her Veil Jumpers ◆ Bow Rogue (Arcane Archer)

She's meant to be the real Rook, you know, the one who Varric recruits. Qunari who was taken in by a (very open minded) Dalish clan. I'm still unsure if she was born in the Qun or not, in any case she embraced the elven culture as her own. She can be considered diplomatic and understanding, a good bean. The idea behind her is linked to the Qunari having metallic like skin... I wanted to make a golden one since they're usually grey in games. I'm not sure about the name Saara just because I remembered now Sera has a very similar sound. We shall see if I'm going to change it.

◆ Sulenan

Elf ◆ Male ◆ he/him Shadow dragons ◆ Two handed Warrior (Slayer)

I idealized him as a... mortal form Elgar'nan would use to mingle and learn the hell has happened while he was gone but he became a whole unique character. A Liberati of dalish origin, he's one of the angriest characters I have, hating humans for what they've done to his people and their rotten society, hating the chantry for its comforting lies, hating the elvhen gods because... well apparently they're evil now. In the end he's just very lost and heartbroken, desiring only for things to get better. Alas he's also practical and knows you gotta make your hands dirty if you wanna achieve anything. Headcanon wants Elgar'nan can control him through Vallaslin, I also fantasized about Sulenan sharing the same blood of his god. He feels comforted by Bellara's presence tho, his "Official" relationship it's going to be with her. For the headcanon chaotic one check LilRook above 👀

◆ Anarca

Qunari ◆ Agender nonbinary ◆ they/them in game but any pronoun works Mourn Watch ◆ Staff Mage (Deathcaller)

It's just... chaotic. Take the Dnd core rules and turn them into a person. They're unpredictable, at times taking a kind choice, while another time they will act in scary ways. It isn't like they don't like rules and push against them, for Anarca rules simply aren't part of their world. Beside their peculiar behavior, Anarca loves to experiment but mostly they want to have *fun*. You want to see the skeletons dance? You'll have that. Look wise people are always scared as they're extremely tall, most of their face half covered by hair with just their horns poking out.

◆ Veronica

Elf-blooded Human ◆ Female ◆ she/her Grey Wardens ◆ Shield Warrior (Champion)

Melancholic gal whom had to join the wardens in order to survive not so different from the Hero of Ferelden and also the token human (?) of this group. While she has a rooted sense of duty which made her a good warden, she still misses and fantasizes about the kind of life she would have gone through if she stayed among nobles, instead she had and still has to fight monsters and to come into terms with her Calling being closer than not. The idea was to have her romance Emmrich, letting her coming to term with the concept of death through him.

◆ Raibeart

Dwarf ◆ Male ◆ he/they Lords of Fortune ◆ Daggers Rogue (Sabouter)

The cheerful and funny guy of the group but also the most clueless one. Honestly he doesn't know why he joined the Veilguard... he probably doesn't even know he's part of the Veilguard. Still, he isn't one to ask complex questions to himself or others, somehow he's able to work with whatever is at hand, navigating through every situation, hopefully bringing a smile on people's face in the meanwhile. He's goofy but still charismatic and enthusiastic, a disney princess in the body of a burly pirate drawf.

[daughterofninemoons]

Dear trans people (mostly directed to transfems)

Because there is a disproportionately high ratio of transfems to any other gender on the internet, sometimes it can feel other issues get drowned out, like the frighteningly high amount of SA/rape cases against transmascs, or the blatant discrimination of intersex people in alot of communities (even the trans ones!!!) or the rigid enforcement of this whole skinny androgynous elf stereotype being pushed on the nonbinary gender(s), or the predatory marketing of chest binders to ignorant people with breasts, or a myriad of other issues that i see go ignored a concerning amount of times. Yes, transfem issues are real issues that need to be addressed, yes TERFS and bathroom bills and sports and other things are problematic for transfems but they arent only problematic for transfems. Intersex and non binary people are also seen as problematic in the eyes of transphobes, transmascs compete in the wrong gender because people refuse to accept who they are, basically all of the community is fetishized. These problems are real and encompass the uphill struggle some trans people face (including transfems) to even have their existence and humanity acknowledged. The only way to win in this sick and twisted fame that is public perception, we need to stand as a community, which means respecting one another’s needs and listening.

Also a more specific issue: When knowingly commenting on someone who is trans, and saying something like “omg i wish i had your body your [body part] is/looks so [traditionally masculine, feminine, and/or androgynous feature]” directed at someone trying to transition out of said gender (for example a transfem commenting on a transmasc “oh my god i wish i had your body your hair is so long and femme and your hips are so effeminate” can be extremely dysphoria inducing, as pointing out an effeminate part of someone trying to become a man and vice-versa can hurt on a visceral level, a notion that you wont change and youre just what your body is. This is not to say transmascs must only be big strong hairy dudebros, be whatever the fuck you want, be a god damn 1:1 human replica of a fucking pokemon for all i care. Imagine someone walked up to a transfem and said “omg i love your shoulders theyre so broad and manly” that’s not okay right? (my previous statement about style also applies to transfems)

Love and kisses (or not if you arent into that),

- Max

[lilhumanoid]

New Fic: Red Foods

https://archiveofourown.org/works/66324568

Astarion and Jamie Cross (Tav) are unexpectedly babysitting Gale's neurodivergent daughter, Ella. It's Friday, which means they're meant to go to the farmer's market and the blood co-op. Star decides to skip the blood co-op—it is not a place for mortal children, darling—but Ella has other ideas. -- The first of a series of nonconsecutive one-shots in the modern era ✨with flavor✨. Events occur post-Netherbrain, post-Cazador, post-everything, with all my headcanons (see notes for the lore).

Check it out! It's chapter one of my first BG3 fic ->

My hcs/lore for the modern AU are below the cut <3

(I live in the US unfortunately so that's where this modern AU takes place)

• The Absolute ruse was a technofascist plot by the then-government. The party stopped it about 15 years ago and have since settled down in Washington State.

• Spawn!Astarion is a model and influencer. He's secretly also a vigilante, part of a small group of free vampires that hunt vampire lords and liberate enslaved spawn.

• Star is partnered with Jamie Shayne Cross, a nonbinary half-elf who gained blood magic abilities from Mephistopheles as a kid. Jamie was appointed head of a nonprofit that resists technofascism after taking down the Absolute. Star & Jamie live together in a frankly ridiculous penthouse paid for by brand deals and money stolen/inherited from the late Cazador Szarr.

• Vampires are very sensitive to sunlight, but it won't kill them unless they're in a direct beam for several hours. They don't have reflections in mirrors, but they *do* appear in cameras/photographs. Their fangs are retractable unless they're very hungry, in which case they descend and can't be pulled back until the vampire feeds. Their eyes only go red when they're hungry. Some progressive cities, like Seattle, accept vampires living openly, and there are blood co-ops selling ethically sourced blood.

• Gale is a professor in the University of Washington's College of the Arcane. He lives ten minutes from Star & Jamie. He said this was in no way intentional (he was lying). He's a single dad of two half-elf kids, Evan (he/him, 9) and Ella (she/her, 4). Evan is an budding wizard who's obsessed with frogs and bugs, and Ella is a brilliant neurodivergent girl who loves foxes and constellations. Ella has a special bond with her Uncle Astarion.

• Wyll and Karlach are married and live in Tacoma, Washington, where Wyll's a journalist and Karlach's an engineer. They have three kids: Mara (she/her, 12), Jules (they/them, 8), and Gale (aka Lil G, he/him, 6). Mara's the top of her class and wants to be an engineer like her mom, and Jules plays old flash games on emulators and enjoys baking. Lil G is in his dinosaur phase and badly wants a sword.

• Shadowheart is a non-practicing Selǔnite. She lives near Olympia, Washington, on a small farm, where she provides animal-assisted grief therapy. She adopted a daughter, Sabrina (she/her, 13), whose parents were murdered by Sharrans. Sabrina loves skiing, drawing comics, and trying weird science experiments.

• Lae'zel is in the Astral Plane and Minthara's in the Underdark—they visit sometimes. Jaheira's retired and lives in Florida, where she supports Everglades restoration. Minsc and Boo live nearby and run a web show for kids about conservation. Halsin's returned to his druid commune in Colorado.

[slecnaztemnot]

Representatives of factions in Veilguard

Apart from our companions, it seems that each faction in the Veilguard will be represented by a pair (or more?) of main NPCs. Some of them already appeared in the trailer!

Antivan Crows

Viago de Riva and Andarateia Cantori (Teia)

Fifth and Seventh Talon of the Antivan Crows, respectively. We met them both in Tevinter Nights and in the comics (Deception, The Missing). Viago is bastard son of Antivan King and master poisoner. Teia is an elven thief and seductress. Her raise in ranks was considered controversial, since she had no connections and is not of noble blood.

They are dating (kinda sorta?)

Grey Wardens

Evka Ivo and Antoine

Evka is a formerly Orzammar dwarf who was saved by a Grey warden and joined their ranks. Antoine is an elf from Orlais, who was tainted and saved by Joining. We met them in Tevinter Nights, protecting a village from a very non-Darkspawn threat, in short stories on Bioware website and in comics The Missing.

Shot from the trailer:

They got engaged in the short story, its seriously cute!

Veil Jumpers

Irelin and Strife

Irelin is a Dalish elf from clan Morlyn. She is a shapeshifter mage. Strife is a former city elf from Starkhaven who joined Dalish as adult. He is a capable archer (and older, at least 50-60). We meet them in Tevinter Nights, short story on Bioware website and in comics The Missing.

They were both confirmed to appear in GameInformer article, which I sadly can't link due to GI being shut down. Irelin also appears in the shot of the trailer.

Images from comics

Mourn Watch

From now on, this is speculation, nothing confirmed in trailer or other media. For Mourn Watch, I think the representative NPCs will be:

Audric Felhausen and Myrna

Audric is a formerly city watch member who now works for Mourn watch and guards/catalogues library. We learn something interesting about him in Tevinter Nights! Myrna is a mage who we meet in the same story he appears in.

Possibly in this shot next to door, as spotted by a friendly redditor!

Lords of Fortune

Again, no confirmation. We meet one Lord of Fortune in Absolution, though Bioware said the cartoon is its own thing and not connected to Veilguard.

In Tevinter Nights, we meet two possible candidates:

Hollix, nonbinary Lord of Fortune, who is expert at disguise. We might have already met them, but we wouldn't be able to tell! Probably human, but its unclear?

Bharv is a dwarf and experienced Lord of Fortune from Rivain.

No pics here either!

Shadow Dragons

This group is most enigmatic, as its completely new to us! It was never mentioned in any of the Dragon Age media before Veilguard. We do meet Neve in Tevinter Nights, though she isn't a member there yet (or she doesn't mention it).

Of course, one has to wonder if we weren't shown any NPC members bcs they will be some of the returning companions. Options include:

Dorian, our beloved companion from DA:I, who returned to Tevinter to fight injustice. He has the advantage of being always alive (unlike other companions, like Iron Bull).

Maevaris Tilani is a character from comics and also appeared in Tevinter Nights (and was mentioned in War Table mission). She is a Tevinter Magister, trans woman and also kin to Varric through marriage. She kicks ass and I sincerely hope we meet her!

Fenris, our beloved companion from DA2! He is a former elven slave and recently appeared in comics as someone who helps others escape slavery, which aligns with Shadow Dragons missions. He can die in DA2, but only in a very specific case - so I wonder if Bioware will pull Leliana with him and just say his lyrium tattoos saved him from death.

What do you think? Any opinions? Who are you most excited to meet?

[he1chouarts]

Get to know Veryn (Tav)

Basics:

full name: Veryn Shadewalker

titles: None

nicknames: Ver (by his mother), my Sun/little sun (by his companion)

gender: Nonbinary, presents masc

pronouns: He/Him or They/Them

sexual orientation: Pansexual, Panromantic (he's a lover AND a fighter)

marital status: Unmarried/Single

age: 30

place of birth: Baldur's Gate, Lower City.

residence: Pre-Nautiloid incident, Baldur's Gate. Post-game, the Underdark (with Astarion)

occupation: Entertainer and thief (by trade and necessity)

species: Half wood elf, half human

known languages: Common, some Elvish, Thieves' Cant, bit of Gnoll (he's got a soft spot for animals and dangerous, misunderstood things)

Appearance:

height: 5'11"

build: Slender, athletic

eyes: Ersatz Eye (blue), otherwise "Elf Summer" (gold/hazel)

hair: "Feywild Trickster" in blonde strawberry 3 with a touch of neutral grey highlight

tattoos: Beholder Gorgon on his throat

other distinguishing features: Pierced ears with a couple cartilage cuffs on the right ear. Typically seen with a cat eye deftly smudged on his eyelids in a color called "Justiciar" (a pigment his mother often used)

style: Not a lot of baggy clothing, and not a lot of exposed skin. He isn't a prude, just finds that bulk can slow one down, snag on things, be easily grabbed. Rogue gear pretty standard. He isn't vain when it comes to clothing but he keeps his face pristine. It's quite literally been his money-maker.

Personality:

positive traits: Bold, compassionate, empathetic, cheerful, adventurous

negative traits: Risk-prone, avoidant, emotionally evasive when it comes to himself, overconfident

likes: Stealing, the arts, commonfolk, nighttime, heights, eating

dislikes: Slavers, gods, pursuit of power, people who don't like animals, tradition for the sake of it, group think

fears: That no one will ever truly know him.

phobias: Sickness/disease, extremely confined spaces

hobbies: Reading voraciously, eating (I guess he's a Faerun foodie, robbing people gave him a distinguished palate), fishing

skills: Stealth, dual wield mastery, performance (music, singing, acting, you name it), sleight of hand "magic" tricks on bystanders

quirks: Obviously needs little sleep but overheats easily and likes to keep Astarion by his side through as much of the night as he can manage (letting Astarion feed nightly helps). Talks to animals by any and every means. Can't whistle.

pet peeves: Being asked to do things for free. Animal cruelty. Wasted time. Being bored.

Family:

mother: Van Essa de Vannedicque (human)

father: Alfyr Shadewalker (wood elf, clan elder)

siblings: Only child of Van Essa. His father likely sired others before him, though.

spouse/lover: Astarion (spawn)

children: None, and while they tend to like him, he doesn't want any of his own.

pets: Scratch & Owlbear cub, literally any animal that will be nice to him

notable close relatives: He knows no family other than his mother and deceased father. Because of how he and his mother were forced out of the wood Alfyr called home, he assumes he'll never know how much family he has kicking about in Faerun. Van Essa may have descended from a respectable house, but she never talked about her own family. It was as if her ties were severed and she only really had Veryn. Veryn was always too afraid to probe further, and she died before he got the chance to overcome that fear.

best friend: A Tiefling child who lived in the wood of his people, oddly enough. He never saw her again once exiled, and never knew how she came to live with a relatively small clan of elves. He can no longer remember her name, but he has an odd affinity for Infernal creatures because of her. As an adult, no one in particular. He had many friends and some lovers, but had a way of keeping them at arm's length. During the Elder Brain fiasco, Lae'zel was definitely his closest confidante other than Astarion, and Astarion took a bit longer. They were both playing each other for different reasons, which was never the case with Lae'zel. Call it a poor sense of self-preservation, but much like with Astarion, Veryn liked her from the moment their eyes met. Draw a blade on this guy and he's all in...

rival/nemesis: Haarlep, post-game (more rival/annoyance)

Faves:

time of day/night: Nighttime, preferably from outside the Gate.

weather: Cool and still at night, sunny with a slight headwind at daybreak.

breakfast food: A porridge or curry, anything from a bowl that can be proper stuffed in his maw.

dinner food: Expensive meats (nicked, of course).

snack food: Bread, fried things on sticks, sweet buns

colours: Shades of blue

songs: Nothing like belting The Elf Song to a bunch of drunkards for coin before you rob them blind later

Other random stuff:

a cherished item: He forces himself not to be sentimental, but he'll hunt his mother's favorite makeup (the aforementioned pigment called "Justiciar") down to the ends of Faerun as if his life depends on it.

first love: Probably Astarion. Definitely has had at least one previous "lover," he's not a prude or standoffish, but that's probably why Astarion is the first. Nothing he's ever experienced can compare to what they've been through, and he's still a young man, even by human standards. It made him realize what romantic love really feels like (and it's beautiful and terrifying).

usual mood: Calm, contented, perhaps a bit mischievous

defining moments: His most defining moment is the one thing he never utters to anyone until Astarion is able to get it out of him once the bond between them has progressed in strength. His father was a bizarre elf—a strange obsession with dark arts had taken him over in his late age and he was twisted by it. Veryn doesn't fully understand the degree to which he held power over his mother, but it was enough to have her visiting the wood despite Alfyr's increasingly erratic and abusive behavior. For whatever reason the other elves in the clan grew cold toward them, and a fateful incident left a young Veryn with no choice but to murder his father. They only escape the wood by the grace of what good temper remained in some of the other elders who didn't buy their cries of innocence and banished them from the High Forest forever as a result, essentially stripping Veryn of his Elvish identity. After the Elder Brain, his most defining decision is to stay with Astarion in the Underdark and work to find a way to help him return to the sun safely. He also entertains Astarion's reverse determination to extend Veryn's lifespan by some magical but non vampiric means.

[newtthetranswriter]

Soulmates? Soulmates.

Paring: Soren x nonbinary half elf reader

Summary: You were born to an elf and a human in a world where elves and humans don't get along. At the age of five you lost your parents and end up being adopted by the King and Queen of katolis. Shortly after the queen passes, your soulmate bond appears. now you have to try and keep your true self hidden while hearing the thoughts of your not so bright soulmate.

Word count: 6687

A/N: so, this my attempt at a multi part fic, it is a soulmate au cause I'm a sucker for them let me know if you like it and want to read more.

MINORS AND AGELESS BLOGS DO NOT INTERACT

Warnings for this chapter: Death of parents and talk of assassination.

Series Masterlist

Being born to an Earthblood elf and a human really was not the best thing to happen to me. Sure being connected to the earth arcanum is amazing, when I was younger and still lived near the border of Xadia, my elven father taught me how to use planet magic. I learned how to help crops grow faster and stronger, I also learned how to do minor healing spells. I bet you are now thinking well you got to learn magic. How can that be so bad, well I’ll explain.

You see being half elf, I don’t exactly look very human. While I do have five fingers like humans, but my ears are pointed and have a pair of short branch like horns that sprout from the top of my head. You may be also asking how on earth do you hide that from humans, and there is a fairly simple answer. When I was younger it was easy to hide with hats or head scarfs, but as I’ve gotten older, my horns have become more difficult to hide. To help hide them when I was about five my family took me to The Moon Nexus deep within the human kingdom of Katolis and requested help from the guardian of The Moon Nexus. Lujanne was able to craft a moon opal necklace that created an illusion that made it look like I had normal ears, and no horns. The illusion also makes it so that if someone were to ruffle my hair they wouldn’t feel the horns either. 

There are two other things I need to address before we get into our real story. Firstly not only does this world have magic, elves, and dragons, but everyone here has a soulmate. Soulmate bounds can appear in numerous different ways, some are born with tattoos that match, some can hear each other's thoughts, some can feel each other's pain, basically if you can think of it as a connection it has probably happened. I’ll tell you about my connection later. Every creature, human or elf, has a soulmate. In most cases humans have human soulmates and elves have elven soulmates. On rare occasions a human will be paired with an elf and they are both forced to make hard choices: do they find their soulmate and risk both of them being killed because of disagreements between the two peoples or do they forget their soulmate and try to live normal life without them. My parents were one of these rare mixed pairs, obviously they chose to meet and had me. 

And secondly, like I said before when a human and elf soulmate pair chose to meet it almost always ends poorly. You see when my small family was leaving The Moon Nexus after getting an illusion to hide my true self, we were spotted coming from the Cursed Caldera. My father had yet to cover his own horns and one of the humans who spotted us reported it to the knights of Katolis. We were unaware of them following us until we decided to set up camp a few miles away as it was getting late. As we were about to eat dinner the knight ambushed us pointing their swords at my father.

“Step away from the woman and child, and you won’t get hurt.” yelled one knights as he moved closer to our small family.  

Frightened by the sudden yelling and pointed weapons, I hid behind my mother trying to get as far from the swords as possible. “ Please, you don't understand, I’ve done nothing wrong. This is my family.” I heard my father say as he tried to explain the situation, hoping they would let us go.

The next things I heard were the sound of a bow being fired, something hitting the ground and my mother’s scream of agony. It took me a moment to understand that the knights took my fathers protest as an act of disobedience and one of them shot him. My mother’s scream was one of horror and of pain as she felt her bond with her soulmate snap as my father died.

“You’re safe now, we will get back to town safely.” I heard one of the knights say as he started to pull my mother off the ground, as she had fallen to her knees from the pain in her chest. Apparently my mother was not willing to leave her soulmate's body as she fought with knights to get back to my fathers corpse. I had completely spaced out at this point, having just heard my father be killed and hearing my mother’s cries for her lost love. I didn’t even hear my mother shout at the knights for killing him, or the sound of the knights telling her he was better off dead, and lastly I didn’t register the sound of the same knight who shot my father taking another shot. All I know is that one second my mother was cursing at these nights and the next I was an orphan being carried away by a group of knights who had just killed my only family.

At age of five I had lost both of my parents in the span of a couple minutes all because of an ancient feud between humans and elves that I didn’t and still don’t understand. At the age of five I had to hide my true self from everyone because if anyone found out I would be killed as well. Being a half-elf orphan in a human kingdom was hard. No one even looked my way not because of what I am but because after that night I stopped smiling. No one wanted a kid who didn’t show joy or happiness. That is until Shortly after I turned eight.

At the age of eight I was greeted with something that would shock any kid. The royal family was traveling around Katolis to meet their subjects and see the status of their kingdom. Now you may be asking what that has to do with me. Well, the answer is simple, Queen Sarai saw me sitting alone and weak in the street and couldn’t bear watching a young child not much older than her first born son suffer in such a way. She decided then and there I would be brought back to the castle with her family. King Harrow tried to protest, commenting on how they already had two children and it didn’t make much sense to pick up a random kid from the street, but being the kind yet headstrong woman she was, Harrow had no choice but to agree. And just like that I was adopted into the royal family.

It was weird having a family again, Sarai treated me like her own child and tried her best to get me to open up. It was still hard for me to smile, after a week of being in the castle I had quietly told Sarai about what happened to my parents and accidentally let it slip that I was half elf. She was such a kind woman but I thought she would have me killed for it but she assured me that no one would find out about it unless I wanted them too, even going as far as hiding it from King Harrow. Being able to share that part of me again brought me joy but it was short lived.

Not long after I had joined the royal family, I lost another person who was very important to me. While on a trip into Xadia, to find a magical item to save two kingdoms, my adoptive mother gave her life to save the life of The high mage of Katolis. While I may have only known her for a few months, it felt horrible losing another mother figure and the only person I could be my real self around. To top everything off not only did I lose my adoptive mother but after years of hoping my soulmate bond would never manifest it happened, an hour after I was told of Saria’s passing.

I had been sitting alone in my room crying to myself about life being extremely unfair. I heard a small voice in the back of my head, but it wasn’t mine. Hey, who’s crying? I heard the voice of a young boy ask, but it seemed like he didn’t understand what was going on. I realized almost immediately.  

Of all the times for my soulmate bond to appear it had to be now. I thought to myself not knowing if he could hear me, but my suspicion was confirmed when I heard his reply.

What do you mean soulmate? Wait, don't answer that I think I heard my dad say something about it. So you’re my soulmate, does this mean we are going to be best friends? Anyway, why were you crying? Is everything okay? I heard the boy ask. I had to admit it was nice knowing that there was someone I could talk to right now, who hopefully wouldn’t judge me.

Nothings okay. My adoptive mom just died. I just got her and she was taken from me just like my first mom and dad. I don’t know why this keeps happening to me. I responded to him letting my feelings out that I hadn't voiced since King Harrow told me and Callum that our mom was gone. But I guess if you’re okay with hearing about my problems we can be friends. I followed up trying to make it so my first conversation wasn’t all bad even if I still was sure I wanted a soulmate after what happened with my parents and now seeing King Harrows face after telling his two adopted kids that his own soulmate was gone.

I’m sorry, you lost your mom, moms? I’m not sure which is right but I don’t mind hearing your problems, that's what friends are for. If you don’t mind me asking what happened to your first parents? Also I’m _____ what’s your name? The boy on the other side of my bond said, I was confused by the pause in his last question, but figured it was probably an aspect of our bond.

I don’t think we can share our names through the bond. It’s probably to stop us from finding each other before we are supposed to. And I don't mind you asking about my parents, they were killed in front of me a few years ago. I don’t want to go into detail but after that I spent three years living in the streets before I was taken in by a lovely couple. I left out the fact that it was the king and queen because I didn’t want my soulmate to feel different because I was now royalty by association.

 It’s nice to know someone took you in, I don't know what I would have done if my soulmate was left to take care of themself in the streets. Can we share where we are from with our bond or do you think it will also get blocked? My soulmate responded accepting my answers and questioning if we could at least know where we both are in the world.

I don’t think so, if it’s trying to keep us from meeting until we are ready it probably won’t let us say places. I responded, it was kind of frustrating that i can’t even know if my soulmate is in the same kingdom as me or if they’re an elf or human. But that’s just how some bonds are, some give you all the information you need to find them, while others make it impossible to meet before a set time and place. Hell, even with the ability to hear each other’s thoughts we could be looking right at each other and not know until the universe was ready for us to know. Anyway it’s getting late it was nice of you to talk to me, I guess I’ll think to you tomorrow. I said getting ready for a restless night.

The last thing I heard before falling asleep was a gentle goodnight soulmate. It brought me a small sense of happiness knowing that even though I begged the universe to skip me and not make me have to be bonded with another, it didn’t listen and gave me a connection when I needed it the most.

That was ten years ago, I still talk to my soulmate every day. I’ve gotten closer with my adoptive brothers but I still haven’t told them or Harrow about me being half elf, I just don’t know how they would respond. I did however accidentally tell my soulmate about my heritage. It was a couple years after our bond formed, and I was outside playing with my younger brother Ezran when I had tripped and cut open my knee. I had momentarily forgotten about the person on the other side of my mind, and had silently wished I could just heal myself. What i wasn’t expecting was to be integrated by my soulmate about the comment.

What do you mean heal yourself? Wait, can you do dark magic? My dad and little sister practice dark magic, I’m not a fan of it, it’s kinda sad. I was startled at first but hearing that his family practiced dark magic confirmed my belief that my soulmate was at least human. It was also nice to hear that he didn’t fully agree with their practices.

I don’t use dark magic, it’s horrible and cruel. I responded, how could I ever think of hurting innocent creatures for my own gain.

Ok, but how could you heal yourself, oh my god are you an elf? Hearing his question I froze for a moment. Do I tell him the truth or do I try and say it was just a joke, but then i realized he would find the truth anyways so might as well just tell him.

I’m Half elf, please don’t tell anyone. I know we don’t know each other, but i can’t risk people finding me, i don’t want to end up like my mom and dad. I begged him not to tell anyone. He may not know my face or name but if he shared that his soulmate is half elf, he may be pushed to find me so they can get rid of me. Especially your father, if he really does practice dark magic he might try to find away to get to me. Just please I like my life as crazy as it has been.

I don’t think my father would do that, but if it concerns you that much I guess I can keep it a secret. If you are so worried about people finding out does that mean you live in a human kingdom, I know you can’t say which one but, it’s nice to know we are at least on the same side of the border between the human kingdoms and Xadia. He responded, it was nice that he was willing to keep it a secret even if he didn’t believe people would try to use him to find me. If you don’t mind, how do you hide that you’re part elf, I would think you have distinct features that would give it away.

Yeah I live in the human Kingdoms, and I wear a special necklace that’s enchanted with moon magic to create an illusion. It hides my pointed ears and Horns, but those are the only things that make me look like an elf. I appreciate you keeping it a secret. After that I closed our connection for a bit to have time to myself. We both have the power to open and close the transmission of our thoughts but can sometimes just slip, which is how that conversation started.

Back to right now, where I am sitting watching my younger brother Callum be taught the art of Sword fighting by one of the crownguard. It was honestly amusing to watch, Callum sucks at anything that requires physical aptitude, so instead of training it was more Soren smacking Callum repeatedly with a wooden sword.

“Parry, Parry, You’re dead.” Soren said, hitting Callum in the forehead with the hilt of the wooden sword.

“You know Callum if you actually listened to Soren you might learn how to fight.” I shouted from my spot on the bench. The only response I got was an eye roll before he was once again smacked with the wooden sword being knocked to the ground, followed by a “you’re dead” from the knight enjoying beating up the young prince.

“Really? Are you sure? Even if I was wearing armor?” Callum asked from his place on the ground.

“Even if you were wearing the rarest legendary armor forged by Sunfire Elves… Super dead.” Soren chuckles leaning into the boy's face.

Callum scoffed “I’m terrible at this!”

Soren just responded with a yep and helped Callum to his feat. As much as I wanted to stay and watch Callum get his ass beat by Soren repeatedly I decided it was time to go somewhere else to relax. It totally had nothing to do with the fact that I noticed Claudia approaching, that girl just gives me the creeps. Don’t get me wrong she’s always been kind to me but knowing what she would do if she found out what I am, has put me on edge around her.

“Well I'm gonna go find Ez, see if he wants to go steal some jelly tarts with me. See you jerks later.” I said getting up and leaving.

After a few hours I was just sitting with Ezran and Callum eating jelly tarts, when a guard knocked on the door and informed us that King Harrow wanted to speak with us. We all just shrugged and left towards the Throne room. Now I have a slight idea what was going on, there had been murmurs all day about something happening tonight and I had a feeling it wasn’t good.

When we entered the throne room we were greeted by the High Council gathered around the war table off to the side of the room. Seeing this I knew exactly what was happening. I didn’t say anything because I know whatever we are going to be told will be a lie to try and protect my brothers from the truth.

“Kids! You’re going on a trip. To the Banther Lodge!” Harrow said with what seemed to be excitement, but I could tell he was hiding something. Callum and Ezran shared a look of confusion before Callum spoke up.

“But… It’s spring. That’s the winter lodge.” Callum said, perplexed as to why we were being sent to the Banther Lodge all of a sudden.

“Eh. Winter is coming eventually.” The King responded thinking for a moment.

Ezran looked more confused by what we were going to do there. “What will we do? Everything fun there has to do with snow or ice.”

“Maybe you can invent new versions using dirt and rocks. You could build a dirtman! Or what about mud-sledding? That could be a thing!” Harrow said, trying to cheer up the youngest of his children.

I just rolled my eyes at this. “It’ll be fine Ez, we can find something to do while we are there.” I said ruffling his hair, trying to cheer him up. God why do adults lie to kids, like they aren’t protecting them just prolonging the inevitable. I thought to my soulmate, maybe he would agree with me.

I’m not sure, maybe they just want to keep kids innocent for as long as possible. The world can be a really messed up place. I smiled at his response, he’s right I should try to keep it so Ezran and Callum can be happy kids without having to face the dark truths of our world. What brings this up though, is everything ok?

I’m not sure, my adoptive father is sending me and my brothers away for a last minute vacation and it’s obvious he’s hiding something. I responded to him before realizing we were being ushered out of the room, and being told to go pack. As I walked out of the door King Harrow tapped my shoulder signaling me to stay back for a moment.

I complied, understanding he wanted to say something to me without the boys hearing it. “Is there something else you need me to do, your highness?” I asked, still not willing to call him dad even after ten years of him treating me as his own.

“You know you don’t have to call me that,Y/n. But anyway I know you figured it out, you have always been very observant. I just ask that you don’t tell them until after everything happens, please try to protect them from the harsh truths that await them. Please help Ezran because he is so young and will have to deal with so much, please just help him.” King Harrow asked, he knew i wouldn’t say no, he knew I loved Ezran and Callum, so much to the point I would do anything for them.

I looked him in the eyes so he knew I was being honest. “I promise I will do everything in my power to help both of them. All I ask in return is please tell me what is happening? I understand it is something big and probably not going to end well but I need the details, so I can explain it to them when the time is right.”

“You do not need to concern yourself with the details. If everything goes as we plan, everything will be fine.” Viren said, making his way around the War table. I completely forgot that pompous ass was here. “Don’t worry your pretty little head princess. Now go be good and leave the safety of the King to the adults.” I sneered at the dark mage. He knew that I resented that title. It never felt right not only was I not royalty by blood, but I did not identify as a woman. Everyone in the castle respected that and just called me by my name, except Viren, it’s like he has a personal vendetta against me.

As I was about to snap at Viren for his comments, I was interrupted by King Harrow. “Everyone but Y/n out, I would talk to them privately.” With that the High Council left to give us the room. Once the room was empty and enough time had passed for there to be no one lingering by the door, he turned back to me. “I wanted to talk to you about this privately because I know you have your reasons for hiding it and I know you trusted Sarai, but shortly before our trip to Xadia she told me about you. I know you are part elf and you wear that necklace to hide it. I’m not mad, you have been a great older sibling to my sons, and are a very important member of the family.”

I was shocked, he’s known for ten years that he was raising a half elf and said nothing. He trusted Sarai’s word that I wasn’t a threat and let me live here like a normal human for a decade. Before I could thank him for his kindness he continued. “I believe that with your guidance and support Ezran can change the way things are. Please make sure he doesn't hate elves after tonight, tell him and Callum the truth when you get to the Banther lodge please. Help him forgive them and create a bond between our worlds. As for what is happening tonight, there are reports of Moonshadow assassins gathered in the woods, preparing to kill me tonight under the full moon. Viren is trying to find them or find a way to stop it, but we both know Moonshadow elves aren’t easy foes to best. I ask you to keep your brothers safe and help them forgive even after this. I did horrible things to the people of Xadia and those actions can only be repaid in blood.”

I couldn’t find any words. The man who took me in as a child and raised me like his own wants me to help his sons forgive a group of assassins, and work to bring peace between the human kingdoms and Xadia. It was mind blowing. “You have my word, I will do everything I can. And thank you for accepting me for who I am even if I wasn't the one to tell you.” With that being said King Harrow gave me a gentle hug before walking me out of the throne room.

I slowly made my way back to my room in the castle to pack my bag for the trip tonight completely lost in thought. I didn’t know how I was going to get my brothers to forgive a group of assassins for killing their father, after all I still haven’t forgiven the knights who killed my birth parents. I also had no clue how they would react to me being part elf, they have spent their whole lives being told elves were evil and now I'm supposed to tell them and an entire kingdom of elf hating humans that the king’s adopted child is one of them.

Hey soulmate, are you free to chat? I asked hoping my other half would be able to help me through my thoughts. Even though he tended to be a dork, when it came to serious conversations he was rather helpful with figuring things out.

I’m a little busy at the moment, there is a group of assassins after the King I work for, and I’m currently looking for them, but what’s up? I was completely shocked, what were the chances of two kingdoms facing an assassination attempt at the same time. I started to piece everything together, my soulmate was a member of the Crowngaurd, a group directly in charge of protecting the King, and he was currently out looking for a group of assassins. My adoptive father is a King currently writing out his last goodbyes to his kids because a group of assassins are planning to end his life tonight. Hey soulmate you still there, what’s going on why’d you get all quiet.

Are the assassins Moonshadow elves? I asked knowing that if the answer is yes, I know who my soulmate is.

Uh yeah, how’d you know? 

I took a deep breath before responding. I know because they are coming for my adoptive father, The King Of Katolis, which means we have already met on multiple occasions. I wasn’t sure if he would hear the part about Katolis because if the universe isn’t ready for us to figure it out yet, it won’t let us say places, but there are too many coincidences for it to not be time to figure it all out.

Wait you’re saying you’re Y/n, King Harrow’s oldest kid, but you’re part elf, what, i’m confused. I could hear the perplexion in his voice as he also connected dots but was confused as to why the King of Katolis would adopt a half elf. I laughed to myself as I placed my belongings in a bag knowing I would be leaving my home shortly, but hoping my soulmate would be back at the castle soon so I could look him in the eyes knowing who he really was to me.

Just get back to castle before me and my brothers are forced to leave for the Banther lodge. I want to wish my soulmate luck to his face before he fights a group highly trained assassins. Met me at my room when you get to the castle.

Wait I know who you are but how do you know who I am, I haven’t said my name. I chuckled to myself again.

It’s not hard to figure out that the great crownguard Soren is on the end of my mind, after all how many crownguards have a father and sister who practice dark magic. I laughed as I could hear him chuckle at my comment. 

It wasn’t long before I heard the sound of armor making its way to my door followed by a rather loud knock. I swung the door open to immediately be wrapped in a huge by the tall blonde. “I’m so glad I found you.”Soren said with his head buried in my shoulder.

I hugged him back, pulling him into my room. “ I feel the same, now I need you to promise to stay safe tonight, I know it’s your job to protect the king but I need you to make it out alive. I can’t lose you after I just found you.” I said looking into his eyes.

He was about to respond when there was another knock at my door, when I asked who it was, it was another guard coming to inform me that I needed to find my brothers and get ready to leave. “Hey I’ll be fine, and I’ll do everything I can to keep your dad safe. And don’t say he isn’t your dad, because he is, he’s been there for you for ten years. Now you promise that when you get back, I get to see beyond the illusion you wear. I want to see the real you.” Soren said after the guard had left my door.

I nodded in agreement before leaving the room to look for my brothers, the guard wouldn’t have told me to find them if they were where they were supposed to be. As I walked the halls I ran into Callum, who looked like he was also looking for Ezran, so we started looking together.

As we walked in silence only calling out occasionally for Ezran, Callum stopped suddenly. “Ez, is that you?” He paused to look around, while I looked at him confused. “Hello?” When there was no response we continued on down the hall looking for the boy and his glow toad.

After a few feet we both stopped feeling a presence behind us, Callum started smiling thinking it was Ezran, “You know you can’t sneak up on me.” he stated as we turned around only to be greeted by a Moonshadow elf with her blades pointed directly at us. “Uh, Uh, you’re not who I thought you… You’re one of those with the pointy…”

“Oh, you don’t like my ears?” the elf responded, unamused by the boy’s rambling.

“No. I mean, yeah. Yes, I do, I guess.” Callum said, fumbling over his words. I rolled my eyes at his stupidity.

“He meant the pointy swords.” I responded, for him before he kept putting his foot in his mouth. We both tried to step back from the blades.

“That’s far enough. I’m looking for someone.” The elf said.

Before she could continue her statement and ask questions Callum opened his mouth again. “oh , uh, did you check back there?” He pointed at a curtain, once the elf had turned away, he grabbed my hand and started running down the hall.

When the elf had realized she had been tricked, she started to chase after us. We made our way outside with Callum trying to block the elf’s path with armor stands he knocked over in the hallway. We saw a couple guards and shouted at them that we were being followed. I managed to watch as the elf jumped past the guards and swept their legs out from under them using her blades.

“Hey you swept the leg!” Callum exclaimed leaving both me and the assassin confused by his outburst.

“What?” she asked before stepping closer to us.

“Uh, uh, nothing” Callum said before grabbing my hand again and started running up one of the many towers in the castle coming to the doors of the High mages office. “Lord Viren! Claudia! Anyone!” He shouted as we pushed into the room.

All of sudden we were knocked over by the elf once again pointing her blades at us, now we were cornered. “Neither of you have to die.” She said, stepping closer to us.”There are only two targets tonight.”

I looked at Callum confused, “Wait, two? What do you mean?” I asked the elf, only thinking they were after King Harrow.

“I’m here for the King. And I’m also here for his son, Prince Ezran.” She said moving her blades closer to both of our throats.

We both looked up in shock. “ You can’t. That’s not fair. Why would you hurt someone who’s done nothing wrong?” Callum asked, voicing our shared question.

She pushed her blades closer to our throats, the tips now making contact with skin. “ Humans cut down the King of the Dragons, and destroyed his only egg, the Dragon Prince. Justice will not be denied.” She said matter-of-factly.

I watched as Callum thought of what to say next, when he spoke I definitely was not expecting the words he said next. “I see. Well, then, you’ve found me, I’m Prince Ezran.” I looked at him like he was crazy as the elf processed his words.

I was about to protest when we heard a small voice coming from a large painting, “Callum, Y/n” We all looked towards it slightly confused before I registered who was on the other side.

“Psst Callum, Y/n” ezran called again.

“Shh, go away.” I whispered back as I was closest to the painting.

“But Y/n, I found something.”

The elf stepped closer to me and the painting. “Are you talking to that painting?” she asked, confused by what she was witnessing.

Callum chimed in. “Uh, why would they do that? ‘Cause it’s not a good time.” He said getting a little louder towards the end.

Before either of us could stop her the elf reached over and swung the painting forward, revealing Ezran holding Bait and a jelly tart. “Uh… Jelly tart?” he asked, holding it up to the elf.

“Kid, get out of here.” Calum Said pretending he didn’t know his own little brother.

Ezran looked at me confused and concerned, before addressing our brother. “Callum, What’s going on?” I could hear the concern in his voice not understanding why his siblings were in the high mage’s office with an elf who was currently pointing blades at them.

“Callum? I thought you were Prince Ezran. You lied to me.” The assassin said, realizing she had been tricked.

I started to move into the passage with Ezran as I looked at the elf bewildered “How is he lying worse than you trying to kill someone?” I was amazed she felt offended by a lie when she was here to kill my brother and his dad.

After Callum had moved closer to us, Ez held up Bait for the elf to see him clearly, and asked “Have you met Bait? Say hello to my little friend.” And on queue the glow toad started to glow extremely bright blinding the elf. Taking this as a chance to escape we all moved down the passageway before closing the painting again and running as fast as we could. “Guys, follow me. I have to show you something.” Ezran said as we made our way through the tunnel.

After running for a little while, we could hear our new elf ‘friend’ chasing after us. “You’re only making this worse.” We heard her call out.

“Worse how?” Callum said, antagonizing our hunter. 

“Hey Callum, here's a great idea, don’t antagonize the elf assassin who is chasing us with the intent to kill.” I said, trying to keep up with Ezran as he turned down another path.

“This way” He yelled as we rounded another corner, only to be met with a dead end.

Callum was not impressed with our brother leading us to a dead end and popped off with “We’re trapped. What do we do now?”

Ezran approached the wall and handed Bait over to me so his hands were free before saying. “Time for a puzzle.” He then started to push the different rocks in the wall while saying “Rock, rock, stone, rock, stone, stone. Rock, stone, rock, stone, stone…”

“Wait, what's the difference between the rocks and the stones?” Callum asked, interrupting Ezran’s concentration.

The smaller boy let out a goan before saying “Ugh! You made me do stone instead of rock.” and then he returned to pressing the pattern into the wall. “Rock, rock, stone, rock, stone, stone, rock, stone, rock.”  I just looked at the boy confused, but figured he probably knew what he was doing.

After a moment Ez turned to us and grind as the floor behind us opened to reveal a spiral staircase into a hidden room below. “Wow” was all that came out of Callums mouth before we all made our way down the stairs. 

At the bottom of the stairs, we were greeted by what looked like a dark mages supply cupboard. There were jars of animal parts and random books all around the room. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The first thought in my head was to ask Soren if he knew about this place as it obviously belonged to his father, but I decided against it as I know he was getting ready to try and protect the king's life. I figured I would let him reach out to me the next time he needs to speak with me just to not interrupt him and his job. 

I failed to notice that Ezran had closed the staircase but I did hear the conversation that followed.

“You’re sure she won’t be able to follow us?” Callum asked.

“No way. It took me over a month to figure out that combination.” Ezran said feeling proud of himself, before the sound of the passage opening again revealing the Moonshadow elf. “But how did you…” Ezran started confused as to how she figured it out so quickly.

She just smirked at him before responding with “ I just pressed the stones with the jelly handprints.” Ezran groaned facepalming leaving a handprint of jelly on his face.

I watched as she inspected the shelves lined with jars, and stepped back lifting her blades and pointed them at the three of us. “What is this place? Runaan was right. There’s nothing in humans worth sparing.” She stepped closer to us.” Times up. Humans destroyed the egg of the Dragon Prince. There must be justice.”

I pushed Callum and Ezran behind me remembering my promise to protect them, making eye contact with the young elf, “You’ll have to get through me.” I watched as she looked me up and down her eyes catching on the moon opal hanging around my neck before stepping closer placing the tip of on of the blades against my neck.

“Realy?” she asked, ready to take out whoever she has to inorder to complete her mission.

“Wait!” Ezran exclaimed. Stepping out from behind me looking towards a corner. “You need to see something.”

She rolled her eyes at this, “I’m not falling for that flashing frog trick again.” She said pointing the blade at Ezran.

The glow toad in question flashed red before Ezran responded to the statement. “He’s a glow toad. But there’s no trick this time. Please, look.” He pointed at an object covered in a cloth.

The elf hesitated, but eventually agreed. “Fine. You uncover it. Slowly.” She stepped back still pointing on blade at Ezran with the other pressed to my neck still.

Ezran walks over to it “I can hear something inside, something alive.” he said as he pulled the cloth of the mystery object. We were all stunned as it revealed a large glowing egg.

Slowly approaching the egg, the elf gasped. “It… it can’t be.”

Me and Callum both watched stunned as Ezran and the elf turned to face us. Callum then voiced what we were all thinking. “ The egg… It wasn’t destroyed.”

[barbearic]

Ooh 7-15 and 17 for any of the lads you wish to talk about

oooooo!!!! soz ive been sitting on this for a while :3

Fýrulf!

7) Can you think of a song that either describes them or fits their vibe?

Ulvhednar's Natt

8) If their mind was run like Inside Out, what emotion would be at the helm?

anger lol

9) If they can cook, what are some of their favorite things to make?

.... he cannot. he eats raw meat half the time

10) What do they do when they get home from work/school/etc for the day?

at the end of the day, he'll just find someplace to bathe (usually a river) + make camp for the night. he's a simple man with simple needs and he hates being in any settlement larger than like, a small village. he's more likely to camp in the woods than stay in an inn.

11) How do they sleep? (Position, hours, quality of sleep, etc)

like wolves, he's crepuscular (in an ideal world, anyhow) with a preference for being awake at night. he can sleep anywhere from 4-10 hours without adverse effects, and tends to be an extremely light sleeper. he rarely remembers his dreams, + he sleeps curled up in a ball or flopped over on his back

12) Describe something that has sentimental value to them.

wolves generally only live 13-14 years in the wild; when his wolf-kin "mother" (the alpha female wolf who he had the closest bond with as a child) died, he was allowed to keep one of her bones. he's strung the knuckle-bone onto a necklace that he wears every day.

(his clan is about 2/3 werewolves and they're kin-bound to the wolf packs living in the forests around them; wolf cubs and clan children are all raised communally)

13) They’re going out today; to where is up to you. What’s something they’re likely to come home with?

hunt trophies, usually!

14) What is their phone like, if they have one?

he doesn't, but if he did the screen would be absolutely shattered + barely usable. he refuses to replace it as long as it can still make calls

15) What’s something they would do if they weren’t worried about judgement?

he's not worried about judgement, ever. he only cares about the opinions of adopted packmates; if he's adventuring with a group, he's more likely to school himself into something resembling civilized behavior. he still has a tendency to not care if he's covered in blood, though

17) In three words, how would you describe the aesthetic of their living space?

HM. 1) portable. 2) utilitarian. 3) worn.

Ellórion!

7) Can you think of a song that either describes them or fits their vibe?

BEFORE they know who their patron is? Pruning

but AFTER? Champ

8) If their mind was run like Inside Out, what emotion would be at the helm?

HM. disgust probably, lmao. he knows how to hide how he actually feels about people, though— they're a charmer

9) If they can cook, what are some of their favorite things to make?

they can! probs cassoulet

10) What do they do when they get home from work/school/etc for the day?

more often than not, settles in with a book and reads with a glass of wine (after getting cleaned up and, ideally, changing into clean clothes. hates being in travel-stained/otherwise dirty/messy clothes)

11) How do they sleep? (Position, hours, quality of sleep, etc)

on his stomach (wings). they don't need to sleep (elven Aasimar), but they choose to fairly often since his patron communes with them through dreams.

12) Describe something that has sentimental value to them.

a strangely-shaped, golden pearl their patron gifted them

13) They’re going out today; to where is up to you. What’s something they’re likely to come home with?

a piece of jewelry, more often than not. he's fond of rings and necklaces.

14) What is their phone like, if they have one?

IF Ellórion had a phone, it would be impeccable. flawless screen, clear case to show off the actual phone, no pop socket or other accessories. very clean + simple.

15) What’s something they would do if they weren’t worried about judgement?

hmm.. experiment with their gender a little more. they're nonbinary but present.. elf-masculine (lol). he might wear more feminine clothes and drop the "he" in his he/they pronouns, if they weren't so concerned with how others perceive them

17) In three words, how would you describe the aesthetic of their living space?

clean, elegant, warm

Mordhron!

7) Can you think of a song that either describes them or fits their vibe?

The Hunter I

8) If their mind was run like Inside Out, what emotion would be at the helm?

mm. apathy? it's a Shadar-Kai, it doesn't really.. feel emotions

9) If they can cook, what are some of their favorite things to make?

it's fond of sauteed mushrooms, when they have the time!

10) What do they do when they get home from work/school/etc for the day?

it journals, actually. they like documenting their travels and any unique experiences it has

11) How do they sleep? (Position, hours, quality of sleep, etc)

Shadar-Kai (elf), so they don't sleep, but it tends to lay on its back when it meditates

12) Describe something that has sentimental value to them.

a white raven feather, brought with them from the Shadowfell.

13) They’re going out today; to where is up to you. What’s something they’re likely to come home with?

a skull, probably. it collects bones

14) What is their phone like, if they have one?

they don't + they wouldn't

15) What’s something they would do if they weren’t worried about judgement?

it really doesn't care about what other people think? why would it? it acts with propriety by Shadar-Kai standards and otherwise tends to be very detached from both itself + others.

17) In three words, how would you describe the aesthetic of their living space?

dark, simple, cold

Naendil!

7) Can you think of a song that either describes them or fits their vibe?

I Come With Knives

8) If their mind was run like Inside Out, what emotion would be at the helm?

same as Mordhron, apathy. he's also a Shadar-Kai

9) If they can cook, what are some of their favorite things to make?

he can cook basics for survival as needed; now that he's out of the Shadowfell and is, like. Experiencing Sensations, he enjoys spicy foods

10) What do they do when they get home from work/school/etc for the day?

patches himself up as needed (only so much as to stabilize larger injuries/prevent infections; the pain of healing is offered in devotion to Loviatar) and makes a little tea to relax

11) How do they sleep? (Position, hours, quality of sleep, etc)

same as Mordhron and Ellórion, he doesn't need to sleep. he's a cleric of Loviatar and incorporates self-flagellation into his meditations.

12) Describe something that has sentimental value to them.

the barbed circlet gifted to him by the first devotee of Loviatar he met, after he became a cleric; he uses the circlet as his holy symbol + focus for his magic.

13) They’re going out today; to where is up to you. What’s something they’re likely to come home with?

HM. probably a new knife of some sort. he collects blades

14) What is their phone like, if they have one?

if he did have a phone, he'd barely use it. it would be a nice model, but he'd pretty much only use it to text. doesn't care about protecting it the way Ellórion does; probably has a pop-socket on it and a case with a design

15) What’s something they would do if they weren’t worried about judgement?

be more open about his worship of Loviatar. he doesn't hide it necessarily, but he will be more careful to conceal his scars if he's going into a heavily populated area and more discerning about who he offers services to.

17) In three words, how would you describe the aesthetic of their living space?

sparse, sharp, dark.

[fancytrinkets]

Astarion/Tav fic - my list

A compilation of my (short so far) list of BG3 Astarion/Tav fic that I've written.

Little Chapters - 24K words, complete, rated M

Astarion PoV AND second person PoV This custom-named Tav is Tamar, a half-drow wizard who Astarion does not like but decides to seduce nonetheless. Tamar is nonbinary, they/them pronouns throughout, with masc body style + cock&balls in case that matters to a reader... (I mean it does get mentioned in a couple of scenes, such as in the House of Hope after fighting Haarlep, when Karlach comments: "Never needed to see your balls out, soldier," she told them while throwing their trousers at their face when the fight was done. "What were you thinking?")

Memento Mori - 1K words, complete, rated T

Astarion PoV, third person. Tav dies and two versions of Astarion (Ascended and spawn) react to the loss of their consort and partner, respectively. Male Tav, name of Tav is Tav, class not specified. Background is half-elf, which can be deduced by lifespan though not directly stated.

The Ascent - 798 words, complete, rated M

Astarion PoV, second person. They/them pronouns for Tav. This is a variation on my favorite chapter of my longer fic, Little Chapters. Astarion always knew he was going to ascend. And he does, but not at all in the way he was expecting.

[tauforged]

prev anon is a clown but also ‘designing a character as a man and then turning around at the last second and calling him a lesbian without changing any of his male traits or doing anything to indicate his sex’ is like… a pretty well established transmisogynistic caricature, just FYI. it’s fine for them to be a nonbinary lesbian or whatever, but doing the whole ‘it looks like a man it acts like a man SIKE it’s a woman’ trope is tacky at best if not outright harmful. I feel like changing their body type a bit to at LEAST more accurately convey that they’re meant to be fem-aligned (because they can’t be a lesbian if they’re not a woman) would be less problematic. just my two cents.

me: hey check out my new oc. originally i was just doodling without direction but i realized that every bland male character design becomes astronomically cooler when applied to a lesbian so i decided to make him a gnc butch. isn’t he cool i really like him

your dumb ass: errmmm but are they a BOY nonbinary or a GIRL nonbinary?? you need to be more specific :/// it’s problematic for me to not be able to tell the agab of this fictional water elf at first glance. have you considered making them a little more feminine, maybe adding some boobs or lipstick so i can tell they’re supposed to be a girl? i reaallyyy think you’d be better off getting rid of all those yucky masculine traits in case they make anyone uncomfortable :///////////

[lostplotbunniesbg3]

hello yes: tavXeveryone

tav is a dragon in elf/human form and make a harem of the whole crew as their hoard

nsfw/write what yha love lol

as long or short as you like (I like em loooooong though)

you can expand on the idea, I think it's a great excuse to get everyone together and with a tav in one big happy safe sexy puddle

(low key want to write this myself but I'm no good at Smut so I'll write the unsexy version eventually)

Another plot bunny appeared! Dragon Tav x EVERYONE

A very open idea, with a nice poly angle to bring all of our favourites together in one very sexy cuddle! For some idea expansion, we could look at the dragon Tav setting out to start their very own hoard - what self-respecting dragon doesn't have a hoard of precious things, after all? Except in this case, what this particular dragon finds to be precious is all the people they meet on their journey.

So, dragon harem fic where the Tav sees all of their hoard as special, maybe a little body worship in there and praise kink potential perhaps?

Who wants to play with this plot bunny?

Oh and OP? I want you to know - most of us smut-writers started out feeling just like you. We had an idea, but not the courage to write smut because we didn't feel like we had the skill. The secret, I'm afraid, is to just give it a try. Lots of us use a pseudonym unconnected from our main accounts too which can help build some confidence quietly if you might find that more comfortable to try, too. Have a look around, there are some lovely supportive writing communities out there who would love to help you get started and develop your skills!

I'm also assuming the gender of the Tav Dragon could be nonbinary here, or possibly any gender as the OP didn't specify - go with what calls to you, writers! We aren't going to look under the tail of the plot bunny to check this time ;)