the-scarlet-rot

[the-scarlet-rot]

Long before the introduction of color film, a Russian chemist and photographer named Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky used an innovative technique. He took three individual black and white photos, each through a colored filter (red, green, and blue), to create fully colored, high-quality pictures. The photo of this woman, taken by him, is around 107 years old!

[the-scarlet-rot]

Dreadtober 2025

Even though we are still in the full heat of summer, the cold months are fast approaching! What better way to prepare for their inevitable arrival, than by planning how we’ll be indulging into the darkest desires of our hearts?

Celebrate the month of October with 31 days of Solas x Rook inspired fiction, art, and any creative medium your heart desires, following the Dreadtober 2025 Prompt Lists.

Choose between the regular and NSFW editions—or mix and match! Whether you're going for haunted longing or Blight-fueled filth, this is your chance to dive into angst, and horror with our beloveds.

The Rules:

1. This is an event meant to celebrate the Rook and Solas ship and the community behind it. Even though the main focus of the event are Rook and Solas, other Dreadrook adjacent ships like Solrooklassan, Solrookvellan, etc. are allowed. Show us your polycules! Other ships may be mentioned, but in respect of the spirit of the event, do not forget that Rook and Solas must be central to your work.

2. Pick your prompt(s)! There are two prompts, general or NSFW for each day of the month. You may select or combine if you so desire.

3. All works should be new or posted for the first time after the event begins.

4. We do not condone use of generative AI in any way, shape or form. We want to see your creativity!

5. Make a Dreadrook inspired creation based on your choice(s). All mediums - art, fic, vids, gifs, game photography, mood boards, collages, edits - are welcome. Create what you love to create! You may submit multiple works (ex: one for each day) or combine them as you see fit. In case of combining prompts from different days, pick one prompt day to post your work!

6. Post your creation on the corresponding day and use the following tags: #Dreadtober2025 & #TheLighthouseServer, and @thelighthouse-server in your creation!

7. All fanfiction should be added to event collection on AO3, which will be open for submissions starting on October 1 st.

8. You do not need to participate on each day. This is for fun, igniting creativity, and community. Post what you want, what you can and when you can. Late submissions will still be accepted and promoted. Enjoy yourselves and support others!

All content, including Dead Dove, is welcome provided that it is tagged appropriately.

Full prompt list under the cut

The prompts are as follows:

1. Masks/Masquerade, 2. Demons/Spirits, 3. Possession/Abominations, 4. Deep Roads, 5. Blood Magic, 6. Blight, 7. Lyrium, 8. Necromancy, 9. The Fade, 10. Veilfire, 11. Evanuris, 12. Forgotten ones, 13. Tarot, 14. Memories, 15. Ritual, 16. Betrayal, 17. Eluvians, 18. Ruins, 19. Darkspawn, 20. Regret, 21. The Black City, 22. Bad Ending, 23. Wraiths, 24. Time Travel Gone Wrong 25. Vampires/Werewolves AU 26. Cursed/Summoning Evil/Priest AU 27. Psychological/Gothic horror AU 28. Slasher/The Final Girl AU 29. Deal With The Devil Trope 30. They Came Back Wrong Trope 31. Modern Halloween AU / Author’s Choice

NSFW Edition 1. Marking 2. Mirror sex 3. Voyeurism 4. Masturbation 5. Orgasm control/denial 6. Coming untouched 7. Breeding kink 8. Praise/degradation kink 9. A/B/O 10. BDSM 11. Overstimulation/sensory deprivation 12. Blood/knife play 13. (Blight) tentacles 14. Oral sex 15. Dom/Sub 16. Dubcon/Noncon 17. Impact play 18. Body worship 19. Wall sex 20. Possessive sex 21. Choking/gagging 22. Threesome 23. Biting 24. Hair pulling 25. Forced orgasm 26. Monsterfucking 27. Dacryphilia 28. Fingering 29. Hate fucking 30. Sex pollen 31. Author’s choice

[the-scarlet-rot]

Yes, I was wondering myself if this was happening ☺️

Do you guys have any plans to do a gift exchange event in the future? I think that'd be great.

Hey, hi, hello!

Sorry for a rather late answer, but yes, keep an eye out for an announcement later this week!

[the-scarlet-rot]

You know what makes me go a bit feral about solrook (or even just a non-romantic relationship between Solas and Rook)? Sure, the verbal sparring, the "I suppose I had you," and that devastatingly delivered "Please, Rook. I do not wish to fight against you," are all excellent contenders. But you know what really sends me spiraling deep down into a rabbit hole?

This bitch here.

"When you see the old world restored..."

When you see it. Not if. When. And as far as I'm aware (correct me if I'm wrong!), it's a line given to every Rook, regardless of how they treat or react to Solas, whether they hate him, pity him, or walk some shaky line in between. And that opens the door to so many beautiful implications.

It means Solas came to care about Rook, no matter what. Yes, he was furious that the ritual was disrupted, furious about the horrors they unleashed (because blaming Rook is easier than admitting the ritual was dangerous and poorly planned to begin with). Yes, he saw them as inferior, a meddlesome mortal playing with powers they couldn't comprehend. A means to an end he would exploit without hesitation. Yes, he used blood magic to make them believe their beloved mentor was still alive – after he killed him – and likely felt little to no remorse about it in the beginning. Yes, he betrayed them at the first opportunity, condemning them to what he believed to be a permanent stay in the Fade Prison, and he did so even if there had been something like a bond forming between them. Because to Solas, Rook was just a pawn to be used on the board – a rook to be castled by the king. And then they came back, just when he needed them most. And Solas is grateful. Relieved. A little stunned, honestly, because how did they succeed where he failed? And even though he still plans to betray them, still believes he has to, he no longer takes pleasure in it. This time, it hurts. This time, it costs him something. ("I'm sorry for this final betrayal… but I will do what I can to minimize the damage.") But at the very least, he can comfort himself with this: Rook will survive. Rook has to survive. If the world ends – perhaps when the world ends – they'll be there. And when they see it, when they understand what he has tried to achieve, they'll know it was all worth it. They have to. Because if they don't… then he'll be forced to confront the reality of what he's done, and all the means he has sacrificed for the end. Even then, Rook will be there. When. Not if.

It means he can't even imagine Rook dying. Not because it's impossible, but because he can't let himself believe it. He knows there will be casualties. The question was never if, only how many. He's accepted that price, planned around it, braced for it. ("But the return of my people means the end of yours," he says to the Inquisitor, admitting that it's a wrong answer, but resigned to it all the same.) He's told himself this a thousand times. He's heard the pushback – from Felassan, the Inquisitor, Varric, even Rook – and dismissed it all. He made his choice a long time ago, and he's ready to sink with the ship. He killed Felassan. He killed Varric. He accepted that the Inquisitor and every friend they shared might die. But Rook? Rook is the one life he can't picture losing. Even after he's hurt them, even after he's betrayed their trust, used blood magic on them, locked them in a torment of regrets. He can't, doesn't, won't see a future where Rook's dead, and dead by the choices he has made. His mind just… won't go there. When. Not if. Sure, if Rook tricks him, fights him, chooses defiance, he lashes out. His anger suppresses his reason, his pride overcomes his wisdom. But that's just instinct. But "when you see the old world restored" wasn't instinct. That was a slip. That was real.

And this, kids, is why I'll never understand how anyone walked away from Veilguard thinking Solas doesn't care about Rook. Obviously to each to their own, but that's just such a strange conclusion to reach, when, in my opinion, he very clearly does. By the end, they're one of the few people he still manages to care about. Maybe not the most – Mythal probably holds that title, even now – but enough that a future without them is simply unimaginable.

[the-scarlet-rot]

Solas: What if instead you left the Evanuris, and remained with me? Do you not wish for freedom from this struggle? Mythal: Be at peace, love. I will stop them. Solas: As you must. The blight is our mistake.

mods edits

[the-scarlet-rot]

“Sigh”

And these are the same folks who will freak out if the reverse is done. “Omg! This isn’t dreadrook or solrook! This is for Lavellen only! Same old double standard.

It could not be more obvious my art is of Rook and Solas, and I still get Solavellan's tagging it as their ship. Since when does Lavellan have both their arms intact? Or wear Rook's Grey Warden armour?? Lavellan's (at least in Solas ships) aren't usually male either, AND my blog name is literally 'Solrook'??? How tf do you mistake my art for Solavellan???????

[the-scarlet-rot]

Thank you for the rec! And I’ll be checking some of the others out. There was so much content for Dreadrook week, I missed some stories.

Dreadrook Solstice Revelry 2025 - Fanfic Edition

Here I go sharing my fanfic recommendations from our beautiful community and sharing so much-needed love to the creators. Thank you to my home and my loved ones at @thelighthouse-server for this event and the opportunity to chat about my favourite people without sounding like a weirdo!

The Bingo Cards to play with are here

This is for the creators and fanwork edition card!

A1 - Has written a one-shot

The one-shot I haven't stopped thinking about since Dreadrook Week is The Blighted Path by @the-scarlet-rot. The premise! The premise!!! The haunting note found atop the Lighthouse, Rook being thrown into a reality where they lost and blighted, possessive Solas. Everyone should give this a go!

C2 - Has written more than 50k

With writing so much, I do fail at starting long fics, but this summer I have promised myself to read at least 3, and I started today! Wish me luck.

This one can also fall under new discoveries, I have just added it to my list and am eager to delve further into the story. Finished reading the first chapter of Dread Rook from the Dread Rook series by @julie-spirit-finn

Next on my list is Depending on the Story by @laughingnell. What I witnessed of her writing during sprints, I have always been amazed by the talent, and I know I will be losing sleep over this fic.

Also just added to the list i'm a waking hell and the gods grow tired by @amellderiva .

Since I have been rambling for a moment, I'll drop myself here too, for my own fic, The Dread and The Flame, is currently over 130k words, projected to reach anywhere between 250-300k, so if you're searching for a long ride, here it is.

B3 - Under-rated writer

A Tense Exchange by Scarlett_Anna (@smol-and-smad)

It's a freshly posted fic, but I need everyone to go and give it a shot. Lush writing, incredible Solas' inner monologue and the ending??? I need more.

A4 - Writing a WIP

Do you want to read Solstice Revelry set in ancient Arlathan after some unfortunate events land Rook in the past, her path leading to young, hot-blooded and cocky Solas? Well, say no more, for @idunnaldwir is working on one and is sharing snippets on her blog. Little birdie told me that the story is coming out soon (whatever that means in writer terms)

C4 - New discovery

the death of a peace of mind by @amellderiva. The way she writes Solas' inner monologue is so delicious! The premise is fun, pre-DATV, the writing style reminds me a lot of my favourite authors - it's catchy, biting and immersive. Calypso De Riva has quickly taken hold of my heart, and I can't wait to sink my teeth into her other works.

C5 - Has written more than 10k

Another one stuck in my head since Dreadrook Week.

the rhythm of eternity by phoenixhowl

Haunting, dark, decrepit, Nosferatu-like Solas, Mourn Watch Rook, writing that gets under your skin and draws you to the darkness.

[the-scarlet-rot]

So, we dealt with elven writings (tevene is kinda alike) but what about nevarran language in datv?

There's no actual alphabet (as far as I know but maybe anyone has already done it) but the Grand Necropolis welcoming new visitors so I gave it a try.

During "Walking the Graves" quest you're following Emmrich throughout the Memorial Gardens. You may notice just a few gravestones with translated inscriptions:

Letters match, and it's enough to decipher a part of the alphabet:

(it doesn't look fancy but I was too obsessed with the idea itself, so im sorry. let's hope anyone will do it better)

As you see some letters are missing. I don't really know if I can find more to add but I'll try.

More to it, in Memorial Gardens you get a tiny quest with bells to unlock the door. Every bell has an inscription. It comes together to a poem:

But why the hell I'm wasting time and is it connected with the nevarran alphabet anyhow? Well, I'm not sure about the poem but this is the door you need to unlock:

Look at the sigils and those 5 big letters in the middle. Now you can translate it.

It's "STORM".

Same devouring storm that has been mentioned here and there throughout the game as a great threat? Maybe.

[the-scarlet-rot]

But you love him?! Even though he did so much harm? Even if he is such a mess?? That's sick!! There must be something wrong with you! Yes, I love him exactly because he is so broken and did so much harm. I love him because he has an arc and a story. I love him because he knows he's broken and because he can be forgiven and change and do better. I love him because if someone like him can be redeemed and do better, surely I can as well. Because if someone like him can receive grace from others, surely I deserve it as well.

I love him because I do not see myself as a golden, righteous hero, but rather as a flawed work in progress.

I love him because I do not believe people are unredeemable, nor to be condemned forever.

This is the value of anti-heroes and even villains, to be mirrors of self awareness, but also self love. To be founts of catharsis.

[the-scarlet-rot]

Dreadrook Week 2025 Day 7 Alternate Universe:

The Blighted Path

Summary: While attempting to defend the Lighthouse against eerie fade creatures, Rook falls into a nightmare timeline where a lonely, blighted god seduces her into staying with him forever.

Snippet:

There was a creak of the bench as Solas rose. His wolf mantle slid off his shoulders and he tossed it aside. Bare chested, battle scars old and new glistening red, he approached her. He canted his head, studying every inch of her, lingering on her hair, her eyes, then sliding down her body. He touched her face, stroking the throbbing flush of her cheekbone with his thumb. There was a soft flow of elven words spoken as if she was meant to understand them, and then when she gazed at him uncomprehending, he sighed and chuckled fondly, “of course, I will have to teach this version of you.” His thumb swept over her lips, parting them slightly. Her tongue behaved itself, but it was difficult. This fever dream was the most terrible kind of temptation. It was wrong, and this was not her Solas, but the blood flame in his eyes burned for her.

For her.

[the-scarlet-rot]

Day 6: The Ending.

@thelighthouse-server

[the-scarlet-rot]

DREADROOK WEEK @thelighthouse-server day 7 - alternative universe ↳ interview with the vampire

[the-scarlet-rot]

The Ending @thelighthouse-server

[the-scarlet-rot]

Cut dialogue from Elgar'nan and Solas's verbal fight during Blood of Arlathan

Note: these lines are marked as unimplemented in the game files, and I've confirmed with a few friends that they didn't hear this dialogue in the game, just like I didn't, so I'm considering this cut content.

Solas: Our ancient army used to gleam like a field of diamonds in the sun. Solas: But as for your forces now… petty cultists and grunting darkspawn? Solas: Little wonder you prefer the shadows.

Solas: You know what surprises me most, though? I never thought to see you so eager to serve. Elgar'nan: I do not serve. I have never served. Solas: Do you not see how the blight has leashed you? You think its thoughts. You curry its favor. Solas: You wear its very corruption upon your face like vallaslin.

My DAVG Extracted Audio Masterlist

[the-scarlet-rot]

DreadRook Week 2025

Day 2 - Memories

@thelighthouse-server

[the-scarlet-rot]

THE DREADROOK WEEK 2025 BEGINS

May 5th-May 11th, 2025.

Prompts & Rules || Additional information || Ao3 collection

Day 1 prompts:

Fade conversations "You are ever in my thoughts"

Don't forget to tag your works with #Dreadrook Week 2025 & #TheLighthouseServer and mention us, @thelighthouse-server!

Reminder: there is no such thing as late submission! Post your creations when you are comfortable and do tag us in your work when you post them so they can be shared!

[the-scarlet-rot]

Fade Conversations

Solrook ship as text posts 1/??

for Dreadrook Week 2025 @thelighthouse-server