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Aelia codex

Aelia tarot card. (See new image)

This article lists all codex entries in the The Antivan Crows section in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

The Training of Jacobus the Prodigy

Main article: Codex entry: The Training of Jacobus the Prodigy

*Please describe the Antaam.
Blade to the base of the horn at the ear. Or up from behind, between the ribs on the left. Slash back of ankle to hobble to get targets in range. My family name is the last thing they hear.

*Please describe the Venatori.
I don't care about the Venatori. Poison, I guess.

*Please describe the—
The rest of the page is obscured by a series of angry scribbles and several horned heads with X's for eyes.

Jacobus, knowing a potential target requires more than merely how you would kill them with blood in your own heart. That is not what contracts are. We will being again when you have had time grieve. I worry that you—

Heir's instruction is obscured by more scribbles.

Regarding the above, no doubt you and Viago have noticed that Jacobus has been gravely affected by losing his cousin. I would ask that in your roles as Talons, you consider how best to guide him and others who have felt similar losses. He shows immense promise, but left to fester in vengeance, he and others could soak the streets in even more needless bloodshed. That is not the goal of my teachings.

Heir

The Mark and Throwing the Wings

Main article: Codex entry: The Mark and Throwing the Wings

This instruction will not take the place of practice.

We do not hide. We move. And we need to show our path, so we know where to go, and the people know where we've been. But do not have time for stencils, or sigils.

Hence the Mark, and learning to Throw the Wings.

Vellum is scored, waxed, stitched into a sphere, and filled with colored liquid. The ball is weak at deliberate points, and if thrown properly (three turns for body length, ten for a street), it splashes into silhouette and wings.

Why so careful a throw, when splatter alone would mark a path? Is there anything we do that does not benefit from style?

—Instruction by Heir

Keep pressure up on the Antaam. I can keep us supplied, but we need fishers on the water. You'll be throwing tomatoes if I run out of squid ink

—Addendum by Fletcher

King's Draft: Action on Behalf of Antiva

Main article: Codex entry: King's Draft: Action on Behalf of Antiva

—As Seventh Talon, I give notice that the Antivan Crows have drawn a contract against the enemies of Treviso, the Antaam.
—It is not the Antaam.
—We aren't required to give His Majesty a point-by-point, but he's your blood, Viago. It is a courtesy to let him know we are going to war.
—The occupying Antaam are strong, driven, fanatical. They cannot be reasoned with because reason is just a weapon to be resisted. They can be killed, of course, but removing a leader does not remove their desire to be led. They are a force we must contend with, but they are NOT Treviso's true enemy.
—A name, Viago. Contracts require a stabber and a stabbee.
—Teia, you know my doubts. The Butcher took the city too easily, and there is dealing with the gods there that I dread to know. But I fear that the true enemy of Treviso is not known because they ARE known, merely unrevealed.
—"The Hand That Leashed Treviso." Is that nebulous enough?
—Yes, that is a series of someones we can eventually kill. But not something we can send my father.
—On to draft five, then. Neri, begin again.

Viago de Riva, Fifth Talon
Andarateia Cantori, Seventh Talon
Transcribed: Neri de Acutis

Demonology

Main article: Codex entry: Demonology

Calivan,

You really must stop using the classical categorization for demons. I've told you a thousand times: it's far too simple. Demons are beings of emotion. Emotion is complex. Pride is both self-esteem and mad hubris, darling. And those are the easy variations. A single word will not suffice.

Our work will delve into the depths of the soul. We will bring to light the varieties of demon that our foolish contemporaries cannot even imagine.

Did you see the fascinating work done by that southern cult? Fiery something-or-other. Fiery Promise? They attempted to seed demons into human flesh, to make them stable beyond the Veil. Imagine what we could discover if we did the same.

Zara

Vendetta

Main article: Codex entry: Vendetta

When seating is not limited by an occupation, all are welcome at the Cantori Diamond. But the most prestigious tables are invite-only for the signature house game of Vendetta.

In the game, played with a divination deck, Death and the Fool constantly trade ownership, eliminating a major arcana card with each pass. Hands are rebuilt with the minor arcana until Death at last takes the Fool, and best final draw takes the pot.

Outcomes can seem nebulous, and it is rumored the entire exercise is a silent way to discuss contracts while hands are kept busy and away from weapons.

These suspicions are always voiced by onlookers. The invited do not speak of Vendetta.

—From Games of Chancers by Philliam, a Bard!

The Heir

Main article: Codex entry: The Heir

A respectful draft from Viago de Riva:

We are grateful as always for your tutelage, and equally respectful of your privacy. I ask only the questions that have always been asked. And I expect no more than the answers always given. I am told this dance predates the song.

Neri, our oldest, suggests there has always been a trainer, a tactician. He studied with Heir but not with you. House de Acutis records that Heir helped train their young at their founding an age hence. But of course, not you.

I would like to know what group is our benefactor, and properly reward their apparently ageless help. And when the expected answer is received, I of course will let the matter drop.

Written below in a fine hand:

There are skills of death that must transcend it. No other explanation is—or has ever been—offered. I am simply Heir to that task.

Main article: Codex entry: Banner of House Gegar Mercantile

Fletcher's house banner has a field of uniform color, but it shimmers with threads from a hundred different weavers.

The sharpest edge is keened by routes well-traveled and bonds maintained.
Trade is our talent, and coin is our blade.

We are House Gegar, and we are Antivan Crows.

Main article: Codex entry: Banner of House de Acutis

The de Acutis house banner is created with the finest weave, and is impeccably maintained, but proudly shows its age.

Let there never be doubt:
Our home is the nation we built and build.
Our rivalries are settled first and then forgiven.
We live by principle and lead by example.
Our kin are equal in blood or by bond declared.
We stood at the start and will stand to the end.

We are House de Acutis, and we are Antivan Crows.

Main article: Codex entry: Banner of House Egrativi

A banner commissioned for the newest house to declare for the Crows.

Let those of one wing find comfort and kind.
We choose to be kin.
We choose to be strong.
We choose how to fly.

We are House Egrativi, and we are Antivan Crows.

The Covenant We Grant

Main article: Codex entry: The Covenant We Grant

Insight into how the gods manipulate enemies of the Antivan Crows. Vellum with lettering seared into without pressure, as though the words emerged from the skin. It is directed at the Butcher:
This boon is yours, bound by the blood of beasts as our ancestors bound the blood of dragons to themselves. As they claimed the strength of fire, We have been granted the strength of form, of burning muscles, and taut veins.
Through this, We become strong again. Through this, We become more.
Carry this strength and join Us.

Another script is inked below, scrawled by a strong hand:
Why do you hesitate before greatness? You should have spread Our boon among your soldiers! I offered you a blade to crush our enemies, but you clutch your pen like a scholar. Do you even fight alongside your brothers? Your way is old and weak. My Antaam will bury yours.
- The Dragon King

A third script is hastily appended, presumably the Butcher:
I hate that oafish fool.

Exploring the Ossuary

Main article: Codex entry: Exploring the Ossuary

Lady Zara,

The work is progressing slower than anticipated. Though the artificers were confident that they could make use of the elven device maintaining the barrier, they were unable to extend its reach to more than a handful of yards in any direction. Most frustrating. I sacrificed the worthless fools. That gained us another six feet or so.

What we have thus far excavated has proved most interesting.

The structure appears to have served as a temple to the elven goddess Ghilan'nain. I had thought the tales of her creating various woodland creatures was mere superstition, but the holding cells and cages, with the remains of animals no one can identify, suggest otherwise.

You should visit. I think you will find the place intriguing.

You servant,
Calivan

A Letter from House de Riva

Main article: Codex entry: A Letter from House de Riva

Lucanis,

You're right. We knew they were coming. But the Antaam invasion still caught us unprepared. Buying a Talon was a move that paid off for them. Emil Kortez was too skilled. And we were too busy picking up the pieces when the strike came. Worse, they hit without warning and had us in their grip fast. Too fast. They bought someone else. Maybe a lot of someones. We haven't yet found all the throats that need cutting.

Now we have Qunari in control of all Antiva. Treviso is like their favorite toy. They flaunt the occupation here, showing off how they took charge of our poor, lawless people for their own good.

I know you just got out and too much has happened already, but we still have work to do.

Viago

A Letter to Lucanis

Main article: Codex entry: A Letter to Lucanis

Cousin—

Zara is dead. Perhaps you know that. When that demon took over—I wasn't sure what you might remember afterward. So know she is dead and our vengeance is taken.

You always took Caterina's adages on discipline to heart. Do you remember the night after the Moretti contract? We had so much wine, I barely do, myself. Yet you impressed that merchant prince and got us invited to the opera. You were always in control of the situation, of yourself, and now... When the demon spoke, I didn't recognize the man before me. To see you lose control is to see how much was truly taken from you.

You need time away to figure yourself out. Please, cousin: for the sake of the family, for me, take it.

Illario

Caterina's Search

Main article: Codex entry: Caterina's Search

A note attached to a stack of reports, maps, and other documents:

Lucanis—

I found these at the Diamond in Caterina's private room. They date back to the day your ship was "lost," the day you were taken from us, and chase the smallest leads from Antiva to Tevinter and back again.

Whatever Varric and his friends did in their pursuit of Solas caused a ripple through Venatori ranks. It made them slip—and allowed Caterina to discover what was hidden in our waters this whole time.

She never stopped looking for you, Lucanis. I thought you'd want to know.

—Teia

The Joyous Wyvern

Main article: Codex entry: The Joyous Wyvern

And so the joyous wyvern ran,
Over field and through the wood,
Until she reached her long-missed cave
And thought, "yes, this was good."
—Excerpt from The Joyous Wyvern by Giullia Calvano

(Note attached in Lucanis's handwriting:)
Emmrich, do the books here come from outside the Fade? Or did the Lighthouse create them? This was read to me as a small child; I have not seen a copy since. How is there one here?

(Below, in Emmrich's handwriting:)
A fascinating line of inquiry. No doubt it is tied to the Lighthouse's enchantments. If we could find a copy of the book back in our own realm, and then compare the two texts, we might learn if the one you found was taken from your memory.

(Scrawled in Neve's hand:)
More proof this place senses pieces of our thoughts.

Antivan Lemon Thyme

Main article: Codex entry: Antivan Lemon Thyme

Lucanis,

I feel we got off to a bad start. Okay, I didn't trust you. I know you don't hold it against me, but we're in this together. I can tell you don't always feel like you belong, and I should've made you feel more welcome.

I was thinking a plant might be nice, but your room has no light. I could find something that doesn't like light. Or there's room in my garden if there's something you want to plant? The Ossuary didn't have much greenery and I'm happy to share.

Harding.

(Written on the reverse:)

The apology is unnecessary, and there is no need to trouble yourself. My room is fine and your garden is your own.

However, if you'd like a suggestion: there's an Antivan lemon thyme that would be nice to have fresh.

—Lucanis

Questions On Demonic Possession

Main article: Codex entry: Questions On Demonic Possession

Why do demons seek to possess the living?

History claims that they are malevolent spirits, the first children of the Maker, angry at their creator for turning from them and jealous of those creations he considered superior. They stare across the Veil at the living and do not understand what they see, yet they know they crave it. They desire life, they pull the living across the Veil when they sleep and prey on their psyche with nightmares. Whenever they can, they cross the Veil into our world to possess it outright.

We know that any demon will seek to possess a mage, and upon doing so will create an abomination. Most of the world does not know, however, that the strength of an abomination depends entirely on the power of the demon that possesses the mage. This is true, in fact, of all possessed creatures. One demon is not the same as any other.

Demons can, for instance, be classified. Enchanter Brahm's categorization of demons into that portion of the psyche they primarily prey upon has held since the Tower Age.

—Excerpt from The Maker's First Children by Bader, Senior Enchanter of Ostwick, 8:12 Blessed

Scrawled below in Lucanis's handwriting:

Emmrich declares this categorization "limited by Nevarran standards," and Neve claims it makes the matter over-complicated based on what she's seen.

Either way, it speaks only of mages again. Every text says I should be dead or impossible.

There must be something else.

The Dellamorte Vineyards

Main article: Codex entry: The Dellamorte Vineyards

Viago,

Do you have a map of the Antaam's movements through Antiva? Or records of their activity?

From an offhand remark, I learned a vineyard south of Treviso was burnt to the ground. It was one owned by the Dellamortes. I visited a few times. I remember the sign at the front gate with its brightly-painted vines. Caterina was ensuring the families impacted were taken care of; I should ensure the same.

Lucanis

(Note attached to Viago's reply:)

Vi has attached everything you need to know and more. I've added a list of every contract closed with an Antaam as the target. We have suffered, but the Antaam have never been unchallenged.

I have a bottle from the vineyard you mention. We'll drink it when Treviso is ours again and it will be all the sweeter.

Teia

Seeking Zara

Main article: Codex entry: Seeking Zara

Lucanis,

Here's everything I could find on Zara. At least when she's in Minrathous. As you know too well, she's frequently absent from the city—from the country itself half the time. Those trips are for longer than people think. Rumor has it she gets an imposter to sit in Magisterium meetings for her. She wants the glamor of power without the boredom.

She used to sponsor magical research in Minrathous, but that stopped abruptly. Likely when she took her hobbies elsewhere.

Neve

(Attached to Neve's notes:)

Teia,

Zara will have associates in Treviso. If these notes can help track them down, used them. Perhaps a frequent guest at her gatherings or money we can follow since it left the Tevinter Imperium. Zara is vain, egotistical, and cruel. Expect nothing less from those who sought her favor.

—Lucanis

Lucanis's Logbook, 1

Main article: Codex entry: Lucanis's Logbook, 1

Dawn:
- Exercises
- Breakfast

Mid-morning:
- Weapon maintenance
- Inventory

Midday:
- Meeting with Neve and Harding (Solas and blighted gods)
- Midday meal

Late afternoon:
- Exercises
- Meeting with Bellara (Lighthouse and eluvians)

Evening:
- Supper preparations
- Correspondence with Crows

Nearing midnight:
- Study

Every hour seems accounted for, but it is difficult to know for certain. There was no day or night in the Ossuary. Now, at this Lighthouse, the sky offers little hint to the true time in the world.

Lucanis's Logbook, 2

Main article: Codex entry: Lucanis's Logbook, 2

Dawn:
- Exercises
- Breakfast

Mid-morning:
- Weapon maintenance
- Meeting with Neve, Harding, and Bellara (possible movement from gods)

Midday:
- Midday meal
- Search library

Late after— (the handwriting abruptly alters:)

a PEACE
cut from the ALL
golden stranded weaves
PROTECTION CAGE
keep them OUT
keep me IN

(Drawn below is a decagonal diagram of perfectly even, intersecting geometric lines.)

Lucanis's Logbook, 3

Main article: Codex entry: Lucanis's Logbook, 3

scentsing the BEYOND
rememburnings from before
when one was infinity
not a small shade
not a SHARP hooked claw
in a gut
takemeouttakemeoutletmeout
riiiiip

(The handwriting abruptly alters:)
When did this start? I drifted off. It was after I spoke to Harding. He can't have been here long. The candle was out, but not much lower than when I lit it. It may still be evening. Or he blew it out and it's been hours.

I'll ask Emmrich or Neve for an estimate of the time.

Lucanis's Logbook, 4

Main article: Codex entry: Lucanis's Logbook, 4

Late afternoon:
- Exercises
- Discussion with Taash (Crows)

Evening:
- Inventory with Bellara
- Supper preparations

Bellara has ambitious plans for future meals at the Lighthouse, which she leaves to the two of us. I've been tasked with suggesting substitutions where ingredients are not available. Some of her own suggestions are rather inventive and would create a balanced flavor profile. Viago speaks often on the art of masking certain tastes. Perhaps I should set up a meeting so they can compare notes; perhaps enemies of House De Riva won't last much longer.

If Rook is in a romance with Lucanis:

Nearing midnight:
- Reading

If I have lost an hour this night, it is only to Rook. But lost is wrong. It is an hour found. An hour more clear than any other.

Lucanis's Logbook, 5

Main article: Codex entry: Lucanis's Logbook, 5
If Rook helps Neve and the Shadows stop the blighted dragon in Minrathous and prevent a Venatori coup[confirmation needed] ...

Dawn:
- Search the library

Mid-morning:
- Discussion with Neve (archives in Minrathous)

Midday:
- Discussion with Emmrich (Mourn Watch records)
- Discussion with Harding (Inquisition associates)

My reading on possession has become lax over time, but that will be rectified.

Reading list:
- Abominations, a thorough study including records of conversation taken from 9:10 Dragon to 9:23 Dragon by Enchanter Kidara, of the Ostwick Circle
- The Possessed and What We Don't Realize from The Weekly Truth in Minrathous, author name unknown
- The Kirkwall Incidents, author name withheld
- On Envy and (Spite trusts nothing to do with envy demons)
- The Wardens have dealt with possession. Would their records on the subject survive anywhere?

If Rook helps Lucanis and the Crows protect Treviso civilians from the blighted dragon and resultant blight poisoning[confirmation needed] ...

toes wiggle
when he drinks the brew
a small shade
and a wounded spirit
sitting
there is STILL
we are still

Drawn below is a decagonal diagram of perfectly even, intersecting geometric lines. Additional lines extend past the central diagram and reach the edges of the page.

there is an INFINITE
there is a SHELTER
there is a STORM outside the center

The handwriting abruptly alters:

Spite says he went nowhere and it has only been an hour or two. His measurement of time seem more accurate than the others here. So, to resume...

Late Evening:
- Exercises

On the Invasion

Main article: Codex entry: On the Invasion

Treviso has always been a free port. Even the Merchant Princes respect this. Their fortunes exist because we trade and work where we will.

So of course, the first act of the Antaam invasion was to blockade our trading ships with their dreadnoughts. Then they somehow took out our guard outposts in a single evening. After that, the Antaam built fortified camps right inside Treviso, positioned as though they'd already figured out where to choke off resistance.

Or as though someone drew them a map.

The Butcher seems capable. He has, irritatingly, a gift for anticipating acts of sabotage. But I want to know what traitor gave that monster our city before we see him dead.

—From Viago's diary

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