#Rook Codex

[mrsdellamorte]

another day, another codex ✨for reference, amalia is my rook’s daughter!!

Codex Day #25: Rook’s notes on the Lighthouse/Caretaker

Lighthouse Findings

Written neatly in Thea’s handwriting on orange parchment. There is a tiny drawing of Amalia and Lucanis in the corner with a dried flower pressed between the margin.

We’ve been in the Lighthouse for more than six months now. It feels like we just got here. I can’t say it feels like home, but it is close. I swear my room here smells exactly like my old room back in Cumberland.

I’ve realized that changes can happen in real time here. For instance, a handle appeared on the outside steps when Amalia was walking. Incredible and absolutely needed with a three year old. There have been other… anomalies as well. The wisps and spirits here are being far too generous:

- My paints have all been replenished.

- Amalia is always finding new books.

- I complained I was cold once, and suddenly there were two new blankets in my room.

- There was a baking dish I saw in Minrathous and I randomly found the same in the kitchen with two new wooden spoons and a juicer.

- When I went to make coffee, I found a beautiful orange handmade mug from Rivani. One that I said was beautiful and did not buy.

- Amalia found new crafts in her hide away fortress under Neve’s room.

- I found my favorite blend of coffee beans in the library. Near new books. And another blanket.

- Amalia found old parchment that I tossed in the Circle, old notes and drawings. How?

- Antivan Red. Two bottles. Two beautiful antique sea glass wine glasses. Left outside my door…

- Amalia found a music box with a spinning ballerina in it, and wished with all her heart to find a tutu. And how funny, she found one in the music room…

- And finally… I came back from Nevarra to find new ribbons in my room. Velvet and silk, and in all the colors I was missing. They all match my armor.

Is anyone else finding strangely specific items that fit their wants or likes? I understand that the Lighthouse can aid us, but this… I have no answer for.

Added in Davrin’s handwriting: I’ve noticed that my room shifts to make room for Assan. But otherwise? Nothing as specific as your finds, though I would love cut wood and a new carpentry kit. And maybe new dinner items. Antivan food gets boring quick.

Added in Neve’s handwriting: Thea… have you considered that your “wisps or spirits” could actually be one very reclusive crow?

Added in Lucanis’ writing: Davrin. Antivan food is a work of art. Something you clearly know nothing of. I suspect your pallet is underdeveloped, since you Wardens only survive on dry rations and then go to the Deep Roads to die. Do not insult me or my food again. Also crows are not always reclusive, sometimes they just have trouble using their words.

[nerrels]

13. A message between two companions about Rook

28. Propaganda for or against Rook

Thanks @queenmuzz for ask! :D Sorry it took forever for respond!

13. A message between two companions about Rook

Virida Aldwir:

You noticed letter on Neve’s desk. It seems written in Bellara’s handwriting:

Hey, Neve!

Remember how I was upset after losing my toolset on last mission in Arlathan ruins?

I found them! Well, not actually me. Virida did it.

Today, when I came back to my room, my lost equipment was on the table with silly note next to it!

I want to properly thank Virida for spending her free time just to find it.

How do you think, what would be the best? Nice meal or maybe something useful? Like new sketchbook? Or maybe something for her blades?

Small note was attached to letter. Written by Virida:

“Be careful next time!”

There’s doodle of proudly halla with toolset in her mouth graciously running away from horde of darkspawns.

28. Propaganda for or against Rook

Virida Aldwir:

You find damaged poster of Venatori propaganda:

Be not fooled by their lies!

Kill the the leader of resistance! Bring her head and our gods will generously reward you for your service.

There’s stylized portrait of viciously looking Virida with two swords

Rook Codex Writing Prompts - link

[mercars-musings]

Hey! Rook Codex Writing Prompts ask: 13 ,16 and 25?

Omg Hi!! Tysm for asking :3 Sorry for the delay {IRL has been BUSY this week} {Answers Under the Cut} So, I already answered 13 & 16 which is posted Here !

25 is such an interesting idea, I know Az's younger backstory but haven't had a chance to write it yet so this was a super awesome chance to start that process with some of Az's journal entries! {1 is from when he was 12 and the 2nd from when he's 15} 25. Notes taken by Rook when they were young/in training!

12, Cassus, 9.38 Dragon: So, I'm not allowed to mix the potions together for a while again. We'd got off to a good start this time too, mum was telling me all about the herbs we needed and why. She said that she thought if she explained it to me slower that I would start to get it, and I did!!! But when everything was mixed she told me to get another potion off the shelf so we could mix them because, I guess doing that makes this one stronger, or something? Anyway, I did, but then the pot boiled over and the stuff all over the floor, and a bit on her I think. She said I picked the wrong bottle but I was SURE I got the right one! Now I'm not allowed to mix potions for a fortnight! I'm only allowed to help her with gardening stuff again. It's not fair! I know I got it right, I'm gonna check tonight when shes asleep so I can prove it to her. Update: Why do all the potions have such weird spelt names? It's not my fault that two of them have like all the same letters! 1, Parvulis, 9.41 Dragon: Today was my first day at the circle, it's… weird. Dad said it would probably not be nice here y'know with the horns n stuff - but I thought he was probably just being dramatic like he always is. I think he might have been right though… I've tried saying hello, like mum said I should but… everyone just stares at me. I'm around other people for the first time in like ever? But, it still feels as lonely as my bedroom, but like worse? At least my bedroom was my own, and I didn't have every Altus asshole acting like I wasn't welcome here. I'm a mage just like them! I'm Tevene! So why does it feel like this is about to be the longest 6 months of my life? At least I get to go home for a week in Pluitanis I guess. ~ Tysm again for the question! Sorry it took so long, it's been and continues to be a busy week IRL for me so I've not been able to post half as much as I wanted to this week!! D:

If anyone wants to find out more about Az please feel free to ask me anything from this ask game!

[paramortality]

Rattles, Rattles, in the gardens

With the leaves and the spirits you shake

How is it your heart never hardens

Rattles, Rattles, down in the crypts

For wisps you stop, all the time you take

How many times will you take the hits

Rattles, Rattles, eyes on the Fade

And spirits, they know you too well

How to rest will you ask to be laid

Rattles, Rattles, of these charnel walls

Stillness shrouds that above is your hell

How your flame is eternal in these halls

[dovesnroses]

Hmmmm “Note found in Rook’s pocket”? 😊

Thank you! I was inspired to do both Rooks: MW and Crow Rook :)

---

10. Note found in Rook’s pocket:

MW Rook

My Darling Rook,

I’ve accompanied Manfred to his lessons today. If you wish to join us, please dress warm. There’s a chill in the air. Perhaps afterward, we could go up to the city for supper.

Your Emmrich

----

Crow Rook

A scribbled-on piece of parchment that has been folded so many times it has started to wear around the folded edges. The ink has smudged a little, but the contents are still legible. The last line is bold as if the author has traced it over and over again. 

Where the land meets the sea A nation’s first defense From border to crown Our bond, the strength of the tide that pushes and pulls through our veins Changing the shape of the land for our people No enemy shall erode our great city

I am house de Riva, and I am an Antivan Crow.

[charliebear2105]

I wanted to have a go at these codex prompts specifically #30 A note/letter that Rook never sent. The letter is heavily inspired by the letter that lemony Snicket sent Beatrice.

She was going to read out the letter to Emmrich after the tearstone battle. He'd eventually find it in her office.

My dearest Emmrich,

My brother suggested I write this letter. Something about getting all my thoughts in order and before you tell me off, yes I went to see avi by myself but the streets were surprisingly calm considering the sudden eclipse. I just needed to go somewhere where I wasn't rook, I was just Isha.

I'm not very good at jotting down my innermost thoughts and I'm probably just going to be rambling. I suppose I should get on with the reason for this silly letter.

I'm sorry for the words said in our argument. Personally, I wouldn't call our disagreement an argument. In my experience arguments usually ended with a black-eye but that's neither here nor there.

Either way I shouldn't have said it but the truth of the matter was is that I'm scared. I'm sodding terrified.

I'm scared that I'm leading you to what could be your death. I'm scared we won't succeed in the fight against the gods but mostly I was scared you didn't want me anymore, that you finally came to your senses and realised that I'm just a silly dwarf.

And before you interject, yes, I know I'm being daft because you’ve never made me feel small or stupid. I've never felt anything like how you make me feel, you treat me like I'm a precious gemstone or some goddess. It is very intoxicating.

I lost my chain of thought. What I was trying to say is that I know you're scared too and that's ok because we can be afraid together.

I know you think yourself a burden, a chore I would have to labour through, but my dear wonderful Emmrich you are a gift sent by whatever divine being there is and if the price for your love is grief then I would pay it tenfold for you.

Honestly I thought the conversation was going to go in a different direction. I thought since we were nearing the end of our adventure you were pondering the future, our future.

I assumed you'd ask me to join you nevarra and that you would panic that it was too big of a ask and I would make a joke that you had nothing to worry your brilliant mind about.

I never thought about what would come after, I just assumed that I would die in the fight against the gods, we are facing terrible odds, and if not afterwards I'd thought I’d go to my calling but that's not what I want now.

What I want is to join you in Nevarra, to see all your favourite places, to teach Manfred wicked grace and tell him stories at night, I want to go to bed with you every night and wake up with your scent on my pillow because let's face it I'm not going to wake up with you, what kind of madman wakes up at 4 in the morning. You are but that's besides the point.

I want it all, Emmrich. Every last morsel that you'll give me. I want to see the world through your eyes and be glad for the insight it gives me into your beautiful soul.

Whatever happens next, I want you to know that I love you and I will love you forever. Till I die and after I'm embraced into the stone, and when I find my way out of the deep roads, I'll drift about forever, till I find you again..

I will love you with no regard to the outrage of whoever opposes our union. I will love you if I never see you again, and I will love you if I see you every Tuesday. I will love you as we grow older. I will love you no matter what happens to you or me. I will love you if we succeed. I will love you if we fail. I will love you even as the world goes on its wicked way.

I love you always. Continuously and without reward or witness.

I love you Emmrich.

All my love and devotion,

Eternally yours,

Isha

[wickedwitchofthewilds]

28 for the Rook Codex writing prompts?

Thank you!

[A poster torn from the side of a tavern near Hossberg bearing a crude sketch of an Elven woman and a warning written underneath]

An upstart that goes by the name "Rook" is spouting spurious lies about a resurgence of the Blight that is without evidence and merit. A babbling fool who blathers about ancient gods and changes within the Blight. We Wardens know the Blight better than anyone else. We fight and sacrifice our lives to protect Thedas from its threat. Do not believe the lies of this outsider. Anyone known to be cavorting with Rook will be questioned by The First Warden and subject to corporal punishment and potential imprisonment. Any information about the whereabouts of Rook is to be delivered to The First Warden immediately.

-Why did they make my ears so damn big??? I look like a I could hear a conversation in Orlais while in Minrathous (Elauthin)

-The First Warden definitely doesn't like you (Bellara)

-He's also calling you a liar and calling for Wardens to turn you in for imprisonment. Evka and Antoine won't but the other Wardens might just to avoid punishment. Best be careful out there, Rook (Davrin)

-Hey Elle, do you think you could hear [portion scratched out] (Taash)

-Hey Taash, did you [portion scratched out] or did you chicken out again? (Elauthin)

-Not cool, Elle (Taash)

-Lucanis, I want to take out a contract (Elauthin)

-On Taash or the First Warden? (Lucanis)

-HEY! (Taash)

-I was going to say the artist but I'll take the First Warden (Elauthin)

-Consider it done (Lucanis)

[castor-redd]

(Plunking away at the Rook Codex prompts to shake off the writing rust. Hope the formatting sticks; my text editor doesn't play nice with Tumblr, it seems...)

Rook Codex #15: The Wetlands Checklist

A large sheet of paper has been taped to the bookshelf in the Lighthouse’s library. Rook’s cursive adorns it in large, looping letters, many of which have been drawn over for emphasis. And underlined. And underlined some more.

Team, The Hossberg Wetlands is a miserable place. It makes Dock Town look like the Cantori Diamond (sorry Neve). It’s cold — enough for snow, but not enough to freeze the fetid swamp water, so your boots will always be soggy and half-frozen. The mud reeks, and clings to everything; you’ll be washing it off yourself for weeks to come. And the blight… There is not an inch of the wetlands that has not been tainted. If I could order you all to stay at the Lighthouse while Davrin and I trekked out there, I would. But I know none of you would listen to me on that. So instead, I order you all to please just follow this packing list. - Clean water. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER IN THE WETLANDS. DO NOT CLEAN YOUR WOUNDS WITH IT. DO NOT MAKE FOOD OR POTIONS OR POULTICES WITH IT. Assume it’s all blighted.* (scribbled underneath, in small, cramped letters is an addendum: You can bring whatever non-alcoholic drink you wish. But bring water too!) - Rations. DO NOT EAT FOOD FROM THE WETLANDS. Assume it’s all blighted.* - Warming balms. I’ve stocked a bunch in the infirmary. You can’t count on fire in the wetlands. - Flint and steel. Yes I know I just said you can’t count on fire in the wetlands, but better to be prepared in case you can. And no, you can’t swap this out for a tinderbox, because your tinderbox is going to be too soggy to do anything. - Oil, for helping to light fires. - Scraps of cloth to tie around your mouth and nose; there will be plenty of Darkspawn, and plenty of Darkspawn blood flying around. Cover your face as much as possible. If blood gets on the cloth, burn it and replace it before the next fight. - Long sleeves, pants, gloves or mittens, scarves, hats, coats, etc. — keep your skin as covered as possible. Both to ward against the cold, and against the blight. - Extra clothing, for when you inevitably fall in the swamp. - At least one extra pair of boots. The more waterproof, the better. As many socks as you can fit in your pack. You will get frostbite if you walk around with frozen, wet feet. * I know at least one of you (Taash) will point out that the people in Lavendel are drinking the water and eating the food, and not dropping dead from the blight. And that’s true — they’re not dropping dead. Yet. Don’t take any chances, I beg of you. BRING ONLY WHAT YOU NEED. Emmrich, that means no books; Lucanis, that means no coffee. Etc. etc. Space for that sort of stuff is better dedicated to what you need, like food and water (no, coffee doesn’t count!) and extra clothing. (Also Emmrich, I’ll be honest, if you fall in the swamp with all your books strapped to your back, I’m pretty sure you’ll drown before we can pull you out.)

(Another paper has been tacked to the end, letters scrawled in a hasty hand, but still bearing the signature grace of Rook’s penmanship.)

Fine, you can bring coffee or tea or hot chocolate or whatever. Just bring water too.

A collection of smaller papers have been stuck to the larger one, forming a chain of responses penned by different hands.

Good list, Rook. Right out of the Warden training manual. —Davrin There’s a Grey Warden training manual? Would either of you happen to have a copy I could borrow, or better yet, add to my library? Literature on the Grey Wardens is so scarce. —Emmrich Figure of speech, Emmrich. Though, there are some manuals, but they’re chained to tables at the Weisshaupt library. A secret order has to keep its secrets, and all that. —Rook A shame, but understandable. —Emmrich

Makes Dock Town look like the Diamond? Well, now I have to see it. —Neve Do you, though? Do you really? —Rook

I bet I could fish Emmrich out. I’m strong. —Taash Could you stave off the hypothermia and frostbite that would follow? What about the blight? Every body of water in the wetlands is tainted — even if you can’t see it, the blight is always there, lurking below the surface. —Rook That’s your job. I just said I could fish him out. —Taash Fret not Rook, my books will remain here. I wouldn’t want to run the risk of damaging them with the damp anyway. —Emmrich

What if I make the coffee beforehand, and put it in my water skin? —Lucanis You have a problem. …But fine. Just leave the beans and the whatever-press at the Lighthouse, please. —Rook Lucanis, can you make coffee for me too? Since you’ve banned me from making it myself and all. —Neve Orlesian press, Rook. And certainly, Neve. Perhaps we could make an exception this once, and you could brew a few cups too — I’m sure that concoction would be an effective weapon against the Darkspawn. —Lucanis Please, no. —Rook If Lucanis can bring coffee, can I bring hot chocolate? I’ll make it beforehand too. I bet having something warm to drink out there would be really nice! —Lace Can I have some too? —Taash Of course! —Lace Oh, I can make tea! I know Emmrich would want some. Would anyone else? —Bellara I would like some, thank you. —Davrin If we could all take this just a little more seriously, that would be great. Thanks. —Rook What if I make the coffee beforehand, and put it in my water skin? —Lucanis You have a problem. …But fine. Just leave the beans and the whatever-press at the Lighthouse, please. —Rook Lucanis, can you make coffee for me too? Since you’ve banned me from making it myself and all. —Neve Orlesian press, Rook. And certainly, Neve. Perhaps we could make an exception this once, and you could brew a few cups too — I’m sure that concoction would be an effective weapon against the Darkspawn. —Lucanis Please, no. —Rook If Lucanis can bring coffee, can I bring hot chocolate? I’ll make it beforehand too. I bet having something warm to drink out there would be really nice! —Lace Can I have some too? —Taash Of course! —Lace Oh, I can make tea! I know Emmrich would want some. Would anyone else? —Bellara I would like some, thank you. —Davrin If we could all take this just a little more seriously, that would be great. Thanks. —Rook

One lone note — with fresher ink and brighter parchment — has been tacked atop the rest.

Holy shit. The Anderfels suck. —Taash

[thetrixiegoth]

2. An entry from Rooks journal.

(Rook writes her journal as if she's writing to someone. It helps her to get her thoughts and feelings out if she feels the writing has a purpose)

Well. Shit. Just when things seem like they can't get any worse, fate instantly says, "Hold my beer," and walks up, and sucker punches you in the gut. Weisshaupt was a mess. Nothing, and I mean nothing could have prepared us for that. We lost so many. Even before we arrived, the casualty rate was high all because of that absolute..

(There are several lines of just crossed out words)

...moron, formally known as First Warden. His need for glory above all things got people killed. However, thankfully, by some small unknown miracle, he managed to see reason.

I have to admit the temptation to hit him right in the face was so high! It was only Emmrich's praise for managing to talk the First Warden down that made not doing so worth it.

(The text stops abruptly here, but pressed in with the page is a single griffin feather)

[i-had-bucky]

i have nothing to do at work tonight, so i'm amusing myself working on the Rook Codex asks post answers. This one makes me laugh

A conversation overheard between Rook and a companion

“We’re literally living in the Fade, Davrin,” Rook sighed, as though they’d already had this conversation many, many times.

“I’m just saying,” Davrin said, “it looks just like all the other ruins in Arlathan Forest. Who’s to say we’re not just up really high, huh?” 

There was a quiet thunk, as though someone had let their head fall against a table or a wall. “The literal spirits wandering around, Davrin.”

“There are wisps in the Necropolis. And Arlathan. And Minrathous.” A pause. “And Spite and Manfred are always wandering around.”

A single, exhausted groan.

Then, another voice, equally exhausted. “Do you want me to stab him for you? Poison him? I could poison him. Viago used to do it to Illario and me when we annoyed him.”

[kakibot]

This post has a very narrow target audience, Lucanis romancers who chose the "I also love coffee!" option during the Treviso coffee date.

A big shoutout to everyone else who has baked the Nevarran Hazelnut Torte before me because they made me panic less when I reached the "why is this just a big ole lump" stage. 🖤

[mrsdellamorte]

♥️✨🌞The Enchanter from Nevarra🌞✨♥️

I finally finished all the codex entries for Thea!

The prompt list is from shivunin!

They were so fun to do and I was able to tell Thea's story in them! Lucanis is mentioned in them a lot as well as other NPC’s and veilguard members, and the most important: Thea’s daughter Amalia

You can find them here! ♥️🫶🏻✨🌞

[nerrels]

🍂 What was it like the first time Rook killed someone? How did they react afterwards?

Thanks again @queenmuzz for ask! Sorry it took me forever to answer!

If sentences will sound weird, I’m not native speaker. So, that's it!

Virida Aldwir:

When Virida was 16, she was hunting with her adoptive elf father, Varalan. They were chasing some ill and/or aggressive animal. Varalan was also teaching his daughter the importance of being quick and confident with her decisions while hunting. If she has any hesitation, it could lead to more pain or worse and put someone in danger.

They separated to find this animal. While Virida was searching, she noticed an unknown thin and pale elven girl running away from someone. That “someone” was human man. Young qunari followed them. When man cornered elf girl on break, screaming at her, Virida focused and make a shot. Few seconds, man fell into river. She grabbed girl’s hand and run away, looking for her father. Together they make sure no one searching for them and got home.

Meanwhile, in safety in her home, Virida was shaken, but not upset about the kill. After all, when her parents were killed by slave traders, she could be in same position as this girl.

Nailynn Thorne:

Nailynn was 22, living her peaceful life with her clan. She never thought of harming others, even with her magic. Elf will be soon become new Keeper of her clan, after all, who will protect them from any danger. One day, when she, her girlfriend and another friend were searching for lost animals deep in the forest, trio found them blighted and next to them darkspawns. Leader of darkspawns seems like more intelligent than others. In a fight, injured Nailynn and Leader were last standing. Eventually, elf burned darkspawn, but was weak by blighted blood in her.

Hour later, Nailynn was found by two grey wardens. One of them was human and another elf from their clan. They were investigated strange darkspawns but lost their track. Wardens decide to take her and others to Warden’s post nearby and gave them a chance, at least.

After Joining ritual and finding out none of her friends survived, young mage was crushed and devastated. She wished they just run away.

Teighan Ingellvar:

Tei was 18 with their first living kill as fresh Mourn Watcher. They was patrolling, when suddenly dwarf heard screams in on of Necropolis’s halls. Coming there, Teighan saw robbers threatening young MW students. Young Mourn Watcher ask them to leave this place and return everything they stole. She gave them 3 warnings but thieves ignore them. After few swings of their maul, none of the robbers were alive. Even the ones who asked for mercy.

Despite of saving their lives, students were a little disturbed by Tei’s quite demeanor like they don’t just killed bunch of people few minutes later.

original post Woe! Rook ask game be upon ye! - link

[ellie-writes-games]

Spite Wants To Set A Flame

Lucanis (and by extension, Spite) have been helping Bellara with her romance novel. Flowery language and smut metaphors lead Spite to some surprising conclusions.

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗ prev Part 8 of Burn After Reading banter series next ╚══════════════════════════════════════════╝ Enjoying my work? You can leave me a tip on Ko-Fi | Have a request? Part of an on-going series of fan-writings. See the full Masterlist here.

As someone on the autism spectrum, I remember struggling with interpreting metaphor as a young person A LOT. As soon as it was introduced in Veilguard that Bellara was writing some smutty fanfiction, the first thoughts I had were "Oh, the neurospicy gang is gonna struggle." (Mainly Taash and Spite.)

This is fanfiction written by me, @ellie-writes-games. These are NOT actual screenshots from the game. Peace, love, and mad props to the DA writers.

[shivunin]

Rook Codex Writing Prompts

A list of 30 writing prompts inspired by other DA codex prompt lists. Contains no plot spoilers for Veilguard.

A letter to Rook about their exile

An entry from Rook’s journal

A letter from Rook to someone in their faction

A note from a companion to Rook about the Lighthouse

A conversation overheard between Rook and a companion

Healer’s summary of treatment for Rook’s wounds

Something written by a character from a previous game about Rook

A future historian’s analysis of Rook’s actions (Bonus: featuring a relevant primary source)

Rook’s shopping list 

Note found in Rook’s pocket

Report summarizing what is known about Rook by an allied or enemy faction

Rook’s daily schedule

A message between two companions about Rook

A letter from a faction leader to a companion about Rook’s actions

Rook’s packing list for travel to a quest location

Letter from Rook to their love interest

Rook’s notes on the Lighthouse/Caretaker

Notes between a companion and Rook regarding a personal quest

Inventory of personal belongings Rook left behind when they left their faction

Something written about Rook on a historical plaque

A letter from an enemy regarding Rook

An entry from an encyclopedia/travel guide about an aspect of Rook’s background (Bonus: followed by a note from Rook supporting or refuting its accuracy)

Excerpt from a play dramatizing Rook’s actions (Bonus: include a review of this play)

A letter from Rook to a faction leader

Notes taken by Rook when they were young/in training

A letter to Rook from a family member or close friend

Analysis of a piece of art created for/about Rook

Propaganda for or against Rook

Something written to Rook post-game

A note/letter that Rook never sent

[art-bloob]

i am a warden romancer first and a person second