Work Text:
The Antivan Crow Background of Dragon Age: The Veilguard is arguably the one most connected to their Rook already. But what if worse? This mod leans into Rook being Viago's Favorite, replacing a few of the Codex Entries and collecting notes and letters from Rook's peers in House de Riva using the only language they understand: Backhanded compliments and thinly veiled threats. There are also post-scripts to Viago's Dear Idiot from Rook's housemates wishing them well.
Thanks to ittanotte, DemonicPersephone and ConceptualHorizons for writing such lovely (for de Riva levels of lovely) messages!
Download the Mod for Frosty Mod Manager. For those who can't install the mods, here are the letters written to your poor, harried Rook de Riva.
Post-Script for 'A Letter Dated Six Months Ago'
Get your shit together ASAP. Viago's pissed and he's making it everyone's problem - Juan
Hueso shed a feather. Yes the tip is dipped in poison as Viago insisted. No you can’t throw it away, so shut up and take it. Viago makes my life hell when he’s grouchy. - Sen
Codex Entries
A Letter from Micah
Replaces 'On the Invasion', By DemonicPersephone
Of all people who could finish Dareth's contract, I didn't expect it would be you.
Still, good job. At least Jacobus thinks so. Can't say I heard any praise from Viago, but that's nothing new.
Stay in Treviso for a night next time? Come have a drink? It would be nice to tease you to your face for a change.
- Micah, House de Riva
A Letter from Juan
Replaces 'Demonology'
Look who finally came back. They still won't tell us what happened or how why Viago's pulled a full turnabout with your 'exile.' Not saying you deserved exile, but you coming back to Treviso is just as dumb. The Antaam are still here. Maybe you lend a hand with that for once? Or have your knives rusted being out there?
And you're running with the Dellamorte's now? Have some fucking self-respect.
- Juan, House de Riva
PS: If someone set your shit on fire, it wasn't me.
A Letter from Senka
Replaces 'Seeking Zara', By ConceptualHorizons
You’re really back after that brilliant display of idiotic impulsivity!? Damn. I might be impressed for once. You know, if you squint really hard and happen to be three sheets to the wind.
If it had been me Viago would have tried to drag me into the shadows by the tip of my ear. He’d get all scowly and huffy, determined to berate me for my “stupidity”. Pft. We both know any such attempt would NOT have gone in his favor.
Still, it would have been entertaining to see him try.
Whenever you are in Treviso, and I happen to be free, you'll have to tell me how you managed not to wind up another Zevran Arainai, your name whispered like a curse amongst the Crows. You can regale me with tales over the ten or so drinks that you now owe me, but who’s counting?
That is, assuming you make it out of your current clusterfuck. You’re in charge of a team now?! So what, is this a group of rejects you’re lying about and labeling as experts? That’s scary as hell, by the way.
Though I do hear mention of “THE” Demon of Vyrantium. A Dellamorte? Really? You’re so fucked now. Better be on the tips of your toes, watching your actions. You’ve managed to land yourself in the company of one of the most important Crows in our organization.
You really do know how to barely keep your head above water, don’t you?
If you need someone to check Viago, put a blade to Dellamorte's throat, or keep your ego under control, make sure you send my payment via Hueso or Sangre.
A Crow never abandons a contract.
Even for a dumbass like you.
Chao.
- Senka, House de Riva
A Letter from Jessa
Replaces 'Antivan Lemon Thyme', By ittanotte
Dear "Rook",
Your failure-fueled ascent continues to keep the houses cawing. Where once, mention of your name (your old name) would be met with dark looks and muttered curses, it now inspires intrigue and praise.
The same cannot be said of the Demon of Vyrantium. Word is circling that he botched a contract in Weisshaupt. Very unusual, considering his reputation as a consummate professional.
With so many Talons now gone, House de Riva is in an advantageous position. Embarrassing Catarina's favoured grandson would certainly catalyze our rise to power. So tell me true, dear brother: did you slip a little something into his drink so that he would miss the shot?
I have been asking Viago what the play is here, yet all he does is scowl and call me 'idiot' in return. But you will tell me, won't you?
Before you answer, remember that we shared a bunk as fledgelings. I have more than one embarrassing anecdote that would make even a fresh hero like you look like a hapless whelp.
Write back soon and stay sharp, dear brother. I pray (in vain, I'm sure) that you will not embarrass the de Riva name.
Jessa, House de Riva
A Letter to Rook from House de Riva
Dear Fellow Idiot,
You did it. You really did it, you scene stealing piece of shit. You took out Ivenci (hated them for sure) and broke up the garrison. The Antaam are actually leaving and staying gone. The job you were sent out a year ago for or however long it’s been.
And Viago’s happy? The old goat was actually smiling today, and Teia wasn’t even in the room.
You broke the occupation and made Viago happy. I guess we have to stop picking on you now. We won’t, but know that we thought about it for a second.
Viago wants us to prepare for a frontal assault, forgetting once again we’re not an actual army. But who else is going to make sure you come back? You may be an idiot, but you’re our idiot. No one gets to kick your ass but us.
See you when we see you.
Juan and the rest of House de Riva
At the end of the message is a list of signatures and several crude drawings. The letter was sent along with several Trevisan specialties and poison mixes.