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== Involvement == |
== Involvement == |
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| − | {{SpoilerLF| In the [[Exalted Age]] an Antivan Crow named [[Calien]] who was an [[Apostate]] [[Blood magic|Blood]] [[Magi|Mage]], spent the [[Fourth Blight]] aiding the [[Grey Wardens]] after the fall of [[Antiva City]]. He was instrumental in breaking the siege of [[Anderfels#Settlements|Hossberg]] and participated in the Battle of Ayesleigh where the [[Archdemons|Archdemon]] [[Andoral]] was slain. |
+ | {{SpoilerLF| In the [[Exalted Age]] an Antivan Crow named [[Calien]] who was an [[Apostate]] [[Blood magic|Blood]] [[Magi|Mage]], spent the [[Fourth Blight]] aiding the [[Grey Wardens]] after the fall of [[Antiva City]]. He was instrumental in breaking the siege of [[Anderfels#Settlements|Hossberg]] and participated in the Battle of Ayesleigh where the [[Archdemons|Archdemon]] [[Andoral]] was slain.}} |
| − | }} |
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If Zevran joines the Warden, his former comrade [[Taliesen]] confronts them in [[Denerim]] and offers Zevran the chance to return to the crows and conceal his initial failure to kill the Warden. If Zevran's approval is high enough, he rejects Taliesen's offer and kills him to protect the Warden. If not, Zevran turns against the Warden and is killed fighting alongside his fellow crow. |
If Zevran joines the Warden, his former comrade [[Taliesen]] confronts them in [[Denerim]] and offers Zevran the chance to return to the crows and conceal his initial failure to kill the Warden. If Zevran's approval is high enough, he rejects Taliesen's offer and kills him to protect the Warden. If not, Zevran turns against the Warden and is killed fighting alongside his fellow crow. |
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| − | The Warden may also choose to work for the Crows, with quests given by Master [[Ignacio]]. Ignacio reveals that the Crows originally believed that Loghain was the best hope for Ferelden against the [[Darkspawn]] and hoped to [[Fereldan Civil War (9:30 - 9:31 Dragon)|eliminate]] Loghain's political opponents so he could unify Ferelden and lead the defense against the Blight. However the Warden's successes convinced them they were an acceptable alternative and that the assassinations the Warden carried out eroded Loghain's support while furthering their own agenda. |
+ | The Warden may also choose to work for the Crows, with quests given by Master [[Ignacio]]. Ignacio reveals that the Crows originally believed that Loghain was the best hope for Ferelden against the [[Darkspawn]] and hoped to [[Fereldan Civil War (9:30 - 9:31 Dragon)|eliminate]] Loghain's political opponents so he could unify Ferelden and lead the defense against the Blight. However the Warden's successes convinced them they were an acceptable alternative and that the assassinations the Warden carried out eroded Loghain's support while furthering their own agenda.}} |
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{{CodexConditionalParagraph|If Vigilance was forged|}} |
{{CodexConditionalParagraph|If Vigilance was forged|}} |
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| − | The master smith of [[Denerim]], [[Wade]], forged the legendary blade [[Vigilance (Greatsword)|Vigilance]] from the bones of an [[Queen of the Blackmarsh|ancient dragon]], for Ferelden's Warden-Commander however the blade was eventually stolen by the Antivan Crows. However the Crows subsequently lost the blade. |
+ | The master smith of [[Denerim]], [[Wade]], forged the legendary blade [[Vigilance (Greatsword)|Vigilance]] from the bones of an [[Queen of the Blackmarsh|ancient dragon]], for Ferelden's Warden-Commander however the blade was eventually stolen by the Antivan Crows. However the Crows subsequently lost the blade.}} |
| − | }} |
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{{SpoilerDA2| |
{{SpoilerDA2| |
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If [[Zevran Arainai|Zevran]] survives the events of the [[Fifth Blight]], then [[Hawke]] meets a disguised member of the Crows, [[Nuncio]]. Nuncio claims to be a lawman from Antiva and asks Hawke to [[A Murder of Crows|track down]] an murderer who is revealed to be Zevran. Upon finding him, the truth is revealed and Hawke [[Codex entry: Zevran Arainai (Dragon Age II)|learns]] that the Crows are being torn apart from within by the elf, who seeks to seize the leadership. |
If [[Zevran Arainai|Zevran]] survives the events of the [[Fifth Blight]], then [[Hawke]] meets a disguised member of the Crows, [[Nuncio]]. Nuncio claims to be a lawman from Antiva and asks Hawke to [[A Murder of Crows|track down]] an murderer who is revealed to be Zevran. Upon finding him, the truth is revealed and Hawke [[Codex entry: Zevran Arainai (Dragon Age II)|learns]] that the Crows are being torn apart from within by the elf, who seeks to seize the leadership. |
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| − | The Antivan Crows also attempt to assassinate Hawke during an [[Mark of the Assassin (quest)|ambush]] in [[Hightown]] after being hired by either the [[Cavril]] family or [[Friedrich]]'s surviving family. However the Crows' assassination is foiled by [[Tallis]]. |
+ | The Antivan Crows also attempt to assassinate Hawke during an [[Mark of the Assassin (quest)|ambush]] in [[Hightown]] after being hired by either the [[Cavril]] family or [[Friedrich]]'s surviving family. However the Crows' assassination is foiled by [[Tallis]].}} |
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{{SpoilerTSG| |
{{SpoilerTSG| |
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| − | King [[Alistair]], [[Isabela]] and [[Varric Tethras]] break into the [[Archive of the Crows]] and into the Crow-run prison called [[Velabanchel]]. They discover that [[Maric Theirin|King Maric]] was held captive there until he was released by [[Yavana]]. The Crows, led by [[Claudio Valisti]], attempt to capture Alistair under the orders of [[Aurelian Titus]], but Varric and Isabela foil their plans, killing Claudio and his troops. |
+ | King [[Alistair]], [[Isabela]] and [[Varric Tethras]] break into the [[Archive of the Crows]] and into the Crow-run prison called [[Velabanchel]]. They discover that [[Maric Theirin|King Maric]] was held captive there until he was released by [[Yavana]]. The Crows, led by [[Claudio Valisti]], attempt to capture Alistair under the orders of [[Aurelian Titus]], but Varric and Isabela foil their plans, killing Claudio and his troops.}} |
| − | }} |
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{{SpoilerDAI| |
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Recently several high ranking members of the Antivan Crows have been assassinated with no contract given for their deaths. Some claim these deaths are the results of a single operator whom they refer to as 'The Black Shadow'. |
Recently several high ranking members of the Antivan Crows have been assassinated with no contract given for their deaths. Some claim these deaths are the results of a single operator whom they refer to as 'The Black Shadow'. |
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== Hierarchy == |
== Hierarchy == |
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The Antivan Crows are seemingly compartmentalized into family houses, in imitation of the great noble families of [[Thedas]], with each member of that house, from its leader to its rank and file assassins taking the house's name as their family name. The leadership of the Guild as a whole seemingly lies with the Eight Talons, and their respective houses, while lesser Houses are referred to as cuchillos (knives). |
The Antivan Crows are seemingly compartmentalized into family houses, in imitation of the great noble families of [[Thedas]], with each member of that house, from its leader to its rank and file assassins taking the house's name as their family name. The leadership of the Guild as a whole seemingly lies with the Eight Talons, and their respective houses, while lesser Houses are referred to as cuchillos (knives). |
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* '''Talon''': A high-ranking member of the Crows. As of approximately 9:38 Dragon Age [[Claudio Valisti]] is the Third Talon; the others are unknown. |
* '''Talon''': A high-ranking member of the Crows. As of approximately 9:38 Dragon Age [[Claudio Valisti]] is the Third Talon; the others are unknown. |
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* '''Guildmaster''':<ref>Referenced in [[Codex entry: A Letter From Zevran]].</ref> A leader amongst the Crows, possibly of a larger group. |
* '''Guildmaster''':<ref>Referenced in [[Codex entry: A Letter From Zevran]].</ref> A leader amongst the Crows, possibly of a larger group. |
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{{SpoilerDAO|style=short| |
{{SpoilerDAO|style=short| |
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| − | If [[Zevran Arainai]] is romanced in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'' and the Warden sacrifices themself against the Archdemon, the epilogue will state that he eventually travels to Antiva in his grief and assumes leadership of the Crows. In this case Zevran may be a Guildmaster, or master. |
+ | If [[Zevran Arainai]] is romanced in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'' and the Warden sacrifices themself against the Archdemon, the epilogue will state that he eventually travels to Antiva in his grief and assumes leadership of the Crows. In this case Zevran may be a Guildmaster, or master.}} |
| − | }} |
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* '''Master''': A high-ranking assassin who accepts and handles assassination contracts.<ref>As witnessed with [[Ignacio|Master Ignacio]].</ref> |
* '''Master''': A high-ranking assassin who accepts and handles assassination contracts.<ref>As witnessed with [[Ignacio|Master Ignacio]].</ref> |
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Antivan Crows who achieves the rank of Talon are given a ceremonial [[Gift of the Talons|dagger]] from the Guildmaster and sent to assassinate a target using that dagger alone. The greater the risk, the greater the good omen for the Talon's future. |
Antivan Crows who achieves the rank of Talon are given a ceremonial [[Gift of the Talons|dagger]] from the Guildmaster and sent to assassinate a target using that dagger alone. The greater the risk, the greater the good omen for the Talon's future. |
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| − | == |
+ | == Known members == |
| − | {{ |
+ | {{See also|Category:Antivan Crows}} |
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* [[Ignacio]] |
* [[Ignacio]] |
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* [[Taliesen]] |
* [[Taliesen]] |
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== Gallery == |
== Gallery == |
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| − | <gallery widths=" |
+ | <gallery widths="199" captionalign="center"> |
Crow assassin HoDA.jpg|A Crow assassin in ''[[Heroes of Dragon Age]]'' |
Crow assassin HoDA.jpg|A Crow assassin in ''[[Heroes of Dragon Age]]'' |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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| − | <references |
+ | <references/> |
[[ru:Антиванские_Вороны]] |
[[ru:Антиванские_Вороны]] |
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Revision as of 14:35, 20 October 2018
The Antivan Crows, also known as House of Crows, are an elite organization of thieves, spies, and assassins which are renowned throughout Thedas.
Background
Through their deadly reputation and exotic poisons, the Crows practically rule their homeland. Though honor among such an organization is generally dubious, they do adhere to one standard: contracts are met and agreements are kept. Failure to eliminate a mark means the life of the operative is also forfeit. The Antivan Crows are a driving political force in Antiva, often hired to assassinate Antivan nobility or even royalty. Zevran implies the Crows are an important part of Antivan society as a whole.
When the Crows are hired for a job, generally one master handles the contract. However, if the master is unable to complete it, then other masters can be hired. It is even possible to hire the entire House of Crows, however that would be extremely expensive. There is only one known case where this occurred.[1]
History
The Crows started as an arm of the Chantry. In the hills north of Treviso, an order of monks used the herbs grown in the gardens of their abbey to oppose the rule of a despotic duke in the only manner they could.[2]
The Crows and Queen Madrigal
One of the Crows most infamous assassinations was that of Queen Madrigal. The Queen failed to return from a hunt and was later found with four swords through her body. One of these swords was a replica of Hessarian's Blade of Mercy.
Captain Aristade was charged with investigation of the murder. After several Crows died while being tortured for information he came to realize that no amount of pain would break the Crows. The guild's notorious reputation was well earned.[3]
Involvement
Arl Rendon Howe hires Zevran Arainai to assassinate the Warden, Alistair and their allies as they are the political enemies of Regent Loghain Mac Tir.
After Zevran's assassination attempt fails and his supporters are killed, the Warden may kill Zevran, recruit him or to let him live and send him away. If Zevran joines the Warden, his former comrade Taliesen confronts them in Denerim and offers Zevran the chance to return to the crows and conceal his initial failure to kill the Warden. If Zevran's approval is high enough, he rejects Taliesen's offer and kills him to protect the Warden. If not, Zevran turns against the Warden and is killed fighting alongside his fellow crow.
The Warden may also choose to work for the Crows, with quests given by Master Ignacio. Ignacio reveals that the Crows originally believed that Loghain was the best hope for Ferelden against the Darkspawn and hoped to eliminate Loghain's political opponents so he could unify Ferelden and lead the defense against the Blight. However the Warden's successes convinced them they were an acceptable alternative and that the assassinations the Warden carried out eroded Loghain's support while furthering their own agenda.
Conspirators lead by Bann Esmerelle hire members of the Antivan Crows to kill the The Warden-Commander of Ferelden, but they are slain in the ensuing confrontation.
If Zevran survives the events of the Fifth Blight, then Hawke meets a disguised member of the Crows, Nuncio. Nuncio claims to be a lawman from Antiva and asks Hawke to track down an murderer who is revealed to be Zevran. Upon finding him, the truth is revealed and Hawke learns that the Crows are being torn apart from within by the elf, who seeks to seize the leadership.
The Antivan Crows also attempt to assassinate Hawke during an ambush in Hightown after being hired by either the Cavril family or Friedrich's surviving family. However the Crows' assassination is foiled by Tallis.
Recently several high ranking members of the Antivan Crows have been assassinated with no contract given for their deaths. Some claim these deaths are the results of a single operator whom they refer to as 'The Black Shadow'.
Hierarchy
The Antivan Crows are seemingly compartmentalized into family houses, in imitation of the great noble families of Thedas, with each member of that house, from its leader to its rank and file assassins taking the house's name as their family name. The leadership of the Guild as a whole seemingly lies with the Eight Talons, and their respective houses, while lesser Houses are referred to as cuchillos (knives).
- Talon: A high-ranking member of the Crows. As of approximately 9:38 Dragon Age Claudio Valisti is the Third Talon; the others are unknown.
- Guildmaster:[4] A leader amongst the Crows, possibly of a larger group.
- Master: A high-ranking assassin who accepts and handles assassination contracts.[5]
- Assassin: A member of the guild without greater rank.
Recruitment
The Crows usually employ elves because humans often find them attractive, giving them an advantage over their target. However they also have a large number of Human recruits. They train their recruits from a young age, and have no problem killing them if they make a mistake. It seems to be an effective method, though they would have everyone believe it takes some special skill to do what they do.
The Antivan Crows buy orphaned or enslaved elves and humans when they are children and force them to live together in tight quarters. The only way they can survive the brutal process and prove themselves worthy is by surviving every test the Crows throw at them, including killing their peers.
Antivan Crows who achieves the rank of Talon are given a ceremonial dagger from the Guildmaster and sent to assassinate a target using that dagger alone. The greater the risk, the greater the good omen for the Talon's future.
Known members
- See also: Category:Antivan Crows
- Ignacio
- Taliesen
- Zevran Arainai
- Cesar
- Rinna
- Nuncio
- Claudio Valisti: Third Talon of the Antivan Crows in 9:38 Dragon Dragon
- Calien d'Evaliste: An Antivan Crow during the Exalted Age who was involved in the Fourth Blight
- Ezio Valisti: Third Talon of the Antivan Crows as of 9:41 Dragon[6]
- Callisto di Bastion - Killed King Guiomar the Younger of Antiva
Trivia
- In Dragon Age: Origins, Sten asks Zevran why they are called "The Crows." Zevran replies that he heard at one point they were considered being called the Kestrels, but claims that the name "didn't sing, didn't dance".
See also
Codex entry: The Crows and Queen Madrigal
Gallery
References
- ↑ Mentioned by Zevran Arainai and Ignacio.
- ↑ Bioware Wiki. Assassin on BioWare wiki
- ↑
Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 64
- ↑ Referenced in Codex entry: A Letter From Zevran.
- ↑ As witnessed with Master Ignacio.
- ↑ According to the guest announcements in the quest Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts, in Dragon Age: Inquisition.