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This article is missing some information.
Missing 4 codex entries (current list covers 45/49 total entries). 4 entries found in game files, unknown if in game or cut content:Codex entry: Informant Notes: Past Work with Rana, Codex entry: Dock Town Intel: The Threads, Codex entry: The Archon's Palace and Codex entry: Neve's Case Notes: Loose Ends. Including these page is at 49/49. Help the wiki by adding the missing information. Remove the {{missing info}} tag when it's done.
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Fen'Harel tarot card. (See new image)
This article lists all codex entries in the The Shadow Dragons section in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
The First Case, Part 1
- Main article: Codex entry: The First Case, Part 1
Look—I get the sob story. You come by it honestly. It's a bad situation and you're in a tight spot.
But I don't
But I can't just
Let's get three things straight.
1. The odds are bad.
2. I'm not sure why you think I can help.
3. You don't have that kind of coin to offer and you know it.
I can't promise the end you're hoping for. (And don't pretend you're not hoping for it). I can try to find answers.
If you can work with that, then meet me at the Cobbled Swan tomorrow.
P.S. Don't sell that necklace. The one you kept touching like it was the last you'd see it. Whatever else, this doesn't end with you in debt. Not to me.
The First Case, Part 2
- Main article: Codex entry: The First Case, Part 2
You were right. I hoped my brother was alive. I hoped he'd managed to hide and that those letters didn't mean... but they did. But I'm safe now. And knowing the truth lets me... I'm not there yet, but I can start to let go.
And I have a niece. We're still getting to know each other. I think it's going well. How you managed to find her—I still can't believe it. I can't thank you enough. For everything.
By the way, I have some friends. They need help and no one will listen. I mentioned your name, and they think they can trust you. If you're willing to hear them out, they meet at the Lamplighter twice a week.
—L
Last Lead on Aelia
- Main article: Codex entry: Last Lead on Aelia
Rana—
Gallus has a lead on Aelia and it's good. No surprise. Tried to find you, but we've got to move. Can't lose this. That cultist would kill her own mother for "glorious Tevinter." Some random dockhand gets in her way and we know how that will go.
Not sure how long this will take. If I'm late tomorrow, can you pick up a paper for me? The Minrathous Truth. There's a story I want to read.
—Brom
Codex entry: Informant Notes: Past work with Elek
Aelia's Blood Magic
- Main article: Codex entry: Aelia's Blood Magic
Neve—
I share your frustration. Minrathous claims to hold blood magic in contempt. Those claims remain hollow. Too many mages use it in secret to enhance their power for status and vanity.
And the Venatori encourage it. They believe the first Dreamer learned blood magic from the Old God Dumat, and that we're denying ourselves the power deserve.
It's no wonder Aelia gained a following here. I've seen blood mages plant ideas in people's minds, but their hold is temporary, their control indirect. The "puppetry" you describe Aelia using—her ability to move and speak through Damas so completely and from a distance—goes far beyond that. She's seen as Lusacan's chosen.
The Shadows have taken your warning. We'll watch for anyone acting out of character. She won't enter our ranks.
Dock Town Thanks
- Main article: Codex entry: Dock Town Thanks
Kid—yeah I know you're reading this around the corner. Get this to Neve Gallus like you were asked. If she vouches for you, an extra fry-bread next time. Now get.
Gallus—
That's a pit you pulled us out of and that's all I'll say on it. None of your damn excuses or smart mouth, you hear me? Free fish next time.
—Hal
Neve's Case Notes: Wisps
- Main article: Codex entry: Neve's Case Notes: Wisps
It's not the room. Easy to rule out. I moved my stuff, but they followed. Back where we started.
What are they after? They focus on the notes. Sometimes they'll circle a bauble or two, but mostly the notes.
Why?
Curiosity? Wisps are known for it. Emmrich's got a paper or three on the topic. And lucky me, I've got a desk full of mysteries and other people's secrets.
So, say they like an unanswered question—is that it? Is it all the notes or certain cases in particular? Their interest seems random, but is it? What's the pattern? They avoid anything related to the Opal Rose case—a coincidence? Too easy.
Then again. Wisps.
Bellara asked if this was a real case and I was keeping official notes.
Yes.
The Shadow Dragons
- Main article: Codex entry: The Shadow Dragons
A notice found on a wall in Dock Town. A sketch of the Archon's Palace is crossed out in red paint.
They'll torch us if it suits them. They've done it before. They've bled our bodies and butchered our cities to feed their hunger for power. And they're always hungry.
Make them remember the Tevinter they've forgotten. The Tevinter hidden down here in the darkness beneath their towers.
The highbloods don't own us. They don't own Tevinter. If they will not share it, then we will take it from them. There are dragons in the shadows, too.
There are more of us than them. Bring the light.
Neve's Case Notes: Lusacan and Razikale
- Main article: Codex entry: Neve's Case Notes: Lusacan and Razikale
Elgar'nan and Ghilan'nain.
Old Gods of Night and Mystery. Doesn't that sound like something I'd get mixed up in? Makes my skin crawl...
Old Gods are tied up with our worst sins, or were always right and wonderful, if you ask the Venatori. Stories say they could whisper into people's minds from their underground prison. Is it just bad dreams, or Razikale leading you down twisted halls? Or maybe Lusacan, wicked child? Better stuff sun seeds into your pillow. Half price on the Narrow Road! Sun to scare the Dragon of Night. But Elgar'nan's the elven god of the sun. Asshole gets the whole damn day.
Look at superstitions? Doubt a pack of posies saves us, but might spark a thought.
Or distract the wisps until there's better leads.
A Note to the Viper
- Main article: Codex entry: A Note to the Viper
A water-stained and somewhat damp note.
It sounds like Maevaris will soon grace Minrathous with her presence. Keep her safe, will you? I hear your recent activities have brought the attention of powerful players. It was an inevitability, I suppose. One doesn't transform an empire by staying quiet.
We are on the cusp of something. Upheaval is often prelude to change and Tevinter is hungry for it. Tell Mae to call upon our allies in preparation. There were many, even in the Magisterium, who supported the Lucerni in our short-lived political experiment, and who support us still.
I will return as soon as I can. Even with my considerable charm, I have found it impossible to persuade a captain to sail when he believes it unwise. Sobering.
It is far too hot up here. And the humidity is a nightmare.
Your friend,
Dorian.
Abominations in Tevinter
- Main article: Codex entry: Abominations in Tevinter
Why do Tevinter mages seem less prone to demonic possession than those in the South? First of all, our mages are not immune to possession, and it does happen, as it does everywhere. But yes, abominations seem to show less frequently. This is not a question of talent, as some may believe.
The difference is one of acceptance and education. Here, a mage child is celebrated. Their magic is a gift, and they are taught—with objectivity—how to use it. They are shown possibilities, not just pitfalls. In my time in the South, I've seen how your mages are treated. You cage them—with templars, with walls, but most of all, with shame. They learn to hate and fear everything that they are. When they are told that every spell they cast may open them to possession, every magical action becomes fraught. Is it any surprise then, that magic becomes what they believe it to be—their downfall?
—Excerpted correspondence between Magister Dorian Pavus and Divine Victoria of Val Royeaux
Neve's Case Notes: The Viper
- Main article: Codex entry: Neve's Case Notes: The Viper
More new faces in Dock Town looking for work. Say they're refugees from the front, but the scars tell a different story.
The shutdown of that textile mill north of Asariel was all over the broadsheets. Story says sold to new owners, but word on the street is that it's another successful slave rebellion. In just the past year—the South Nocen Shipyard, the caravan moving slaves to Ventus, the mines in the Hundred Pillars. Perhaps more, if they kept it quiet.
If you know who to ask, and you ask about the rebellions, you'll hear about the Viper. They say he arrives, helps the slaves, finds them new lives, then disappears. I like the sound of it.
Slave rebellions used to get put down easy. Something's changed. Is it just this mysterious Viper? Or is there something else going on here?
Neve's Case Notes: Maevaris Tilani
- Main article: Codex entry: Neve's Case Notes: Maevaris Tilani
Maevaris Tilani was kicked from the Magisterium over a year ago for treason. Allegedly. Her faction, the Lucerni, supported the movement to grant greater rights for non-mages and slaves. They went silent.
Silent, but maybe not gone. Tilani may be working behind the scenes with allies still in Minrathous.
Dorian Pavus, another Lucerni founder, still has his Magisterium seat. Could Tilani have taken the fall to keep Magister Pavus clean?
The Vesperians—another highborn family—have ties to House Tilani. Corimer Vesperian is a traditionalist, but his youngest son... his youngest succeeded Urian Nihalias to become Imperial Divine. Lofty role. But he spoke in support of the Lucerni. At least until their fall.
And there's evidence that funding for the various slave rebellions may have come through members of the Dwarven Ambassadoria. Tilani's always had allies in the Ambassadoria. Is it her gold that's going to the rebellions?
Neve's Case Notes: Tarquin
- Main article: Codex entry: Neve's Case Notes: Tarquin
Met the man shadowing me. Name's Tarquin. Got tired of his antics, hid and doubled back to approach him from behind. If he was surprised, he hid it well. Said he wanted to know if I could be trusted before he spoke to me. I pointed out that my trustworthiness aside, his methods gave me no reason to trust him. He conceded.
He wanted to know if I had a lead on the red lyrium potions coming through the docks. He'd seen evidence of a cover-up in templar reports and wanted to compare notes. Might be able to make real progress from this.
Rana's heard of him. A soldier from Ventus who quit the military and took a place with the templars in Minrathous. Keeps his head down, mostly deals with paperwork in the archives. Got the impression he isn't well-liked by his superiors.
Explains the side job.
Minrathous: Capital of the Imperium
- Main article: Codex entry: Minrathous: Capital of the Imperium
The Minrathous I visited as a child was a place of wonder, a city steeped in magic and grand tradition. I remember how it felt to stand in the courtyard of the Archon's Palace with the starry sky above and city lights below. And there I was, suspended in that galaxy, between silver and gold. Minrathous. The capital. I was so proud.
Years later, upon my return, I experienced the other side of Minrathous. Dock Town's unmistakable scent of liquor and low tide. Street meat eaten by canals, smoky from charcoal and steaming in the damp air. Stolen kisses in the ruddy lamplight of the Cobbled Swan. No stars that you could see through the dust and the rain. Instead there was poverty and desperation. Hands that reached for the coin I offered, the scrap of uneaten food—nothing to me, and everything to them.
I've lied to myself about it, made excuses for it, but I've known for a long time that Minrathous is not one city, but two.
—Excerpted letter from Magister Dorian Pavus to Varric Tethras
Lorelei, the Shadow Dragon Fence
- Main article: Codex entry: Lorelei, the Shadow Dragon Fence
I thought Lorelei might be from Ferelden from the way she called her assistant "pup," and how she seems to be just a little bit more interested in news about the South than most people live met up here.
During the Fifth Blight, Teyrn Loghain sold people from the Denerim alienage to Tevinter slavers to fund his war. Lorelei was one of those people. She doesn't want to talk about what happened, but it sounds like she joined the Shadows after they helped free her—in a rebellion they supported.
Lorelei wears a little wood carving of Denerim's vhenadahl (Tree of the People). It's the one thing she kept from there. The slavers took everything else.
—From Harding's notes on the Shadow Dragons
The Elven Gods in Tevinter
- Main article: Codex entry: The Elven Gods in Tevinter
Found on a fallen Venatori:
Why should we feel shame for following an elven god? Yes, our Old Gods were elven, and I say to you, so what? We have always known the elves possessed magical aptitude, surpassing even some of our altus. Their deficiencies lie not in their natural ability, but in their failure to recognize it and bring it to its fullest potential.
Think on it. After the loss of their leaders, the elven empire fell. All of their magic could not forestall their ruin. And Tevinter took what was left and worked miracles. Now, upon his return, Elgar'nan seeks out the Venatori. Not the Dalish or any other elves.
Raw power is worthless if not used artfully. Our lord Elgar'nan understands this, and he honors the Venatori by choosing us. Remember that.
This is insulting, right? I should be insulted?—Bellara
You should be.—Neve
Minrathous Mirror: Word Around the City
- Main article: Codex entry: Minrathous Mirror: Word Around the City
Work on the Imperial Proving Grounds will continue another month before culminating in a grand unveiling.
Meanwhile, a number of missing persons cases centered in Dock Town have been resolved.
—Excerpt from the Minrathous Mirror
Added in Bellara's scrawling handwriting:
That's it? One sentence in a list of miscellaneous news? An infamous Venatori blood mage who could puppet people! Stopped by Dock Town's Neve Gallus! I could write this better.
Added in Neve's cramped handwriting:
That's the Mirror. Someone with coin helped Aelia escape the first time—they're trying not to cross anyone. Surprised they mentioned it at all. That means people are talking anyway. You want something closer, try the Morning Scroll. I get to be "Dock Town's dutiful detective daughter" in that one.
Neve's Case Notes: New Leads on Aelia
- Main article: Codex entry: Neve's Case Notes: New Leads on Aelia
Vena Vitalis—the burned ritual. Blood magic so powerful that the old magisters destroyed it. Every rumored copy is a complete fake. Centuries pass, and no one comes close to touching it.
So Aelia gets instructions from her risen god. Couldn't see that coming, and isn't it a perfect fit? Lusacan's chosen. What's his play here?
Missing people are for blood? Something else? Alive? At least until the ritual...
Warn Elek. Rituals take supplies. If she'd kept the Threads... at least that went our way.
Where is she?
All this from remnants. I'm sure of what I heard, but Rook can back it.
Really should buy Rook that supper.
Some trouble's a good thing. We really should get that supper some time.
Rook. If Aelia knows what my heart wants, she'll take it... she loves to twist a knife. This can't be like— Just keep her eyes on me.
Neve's Case Notes: Aelia
- Main article: Codex entry: Neve's Case Notes: Aelia
Aelia's back. Still a zealot. Somehow worse.
Where has she been? Never left? Too many places to slip through.
Likes the catacombs, but her old haunt's clean. Too many tunnels. Somewhere else? Need more of a lead.
Look for rumors. Ask Lucanis—heard anything from before?
Old notes at apartment.
Warn Rana.
Hiding behind puppets. New trick. Blood magic stronger. "Risen god" showed her the way. Someone made friends with an escaped god. The bet's on Elgar'nan. But there's more to this. What's the big picture? How does she "fix" Minrathous?
Dock Town's her target. At least to "start." The Threads will tie up her cultists for now, but Aelia herself... don't think she chose the place because of me, but watching the knife twist... she'll enjoy that too much...
Damn it.
Dock Town Intel: The Place Itself
- Main article: Codex entry: Dock Town Intel: The Place Itself
People say the same things about this place—it's on the docks (no kidding), and full of dark alleys. A place to disappear. Tourists say it's full of magic—and we've got our share—but compared to most of the city, there's fewer mages here.
You want more? Best places to eavesdrop? Where to find secrets? Gossip? You want something found? That's why you came to me.
How about the best view? There's a morning mist and when the daylight hits, if you know the right angle, it glows like silver. I can tell you the cat with the frog-croak mew likes scraps, and where to buy the best bread. You want a laugh? I've got leads on a good show. A sad song? Well, it's your heart to break.
—Neve
Detective Turned Shadow
- Main article: Codex entry: Detective Turned Shadow
An old, unsigned letter haphazardly "filed" with handwriting samples. Annotated by Neve.
Neve Gallus, (Slight slant in the penmanship. Narrow loops.)
I know you know who I am. (l know you're a few people, and another I didn't know about? Check.)
I suspect you know who I work with. (Smooth connectors, good ink, but can't fully hide the flourish—expensive schooling)
A time and place will follow. You'll know them when you see them. If you're interested, we could use someone like you. (Is this where I bring the light? Interesting.)
Looking after Dock Town
- Main article: Codex entry: Looking after Dock Town
Advertisement from the Dockside Discourse, annotated by Neve.
NEVE GALLUS & RANA SAVAS, INVESTIGATORS (Top billing for seniority or alphabetical advantage?)
Day or Night. Nothing Too SMALL or Too HOPELESS. (Hits the point. People are talking about Aelia getting stopped, too....)
Ask after Rana at the Tallow. (Kicked from her old place. Tallow not bad. Get her a potted plant? Ask Lace.)
Nik,
I talked to Lucky Mal, and you're even. Charm shipment's all yours. And remember: you hear anything good, bring it to me. I'll make sure it reaches the boss—with credit. You weren't in great with the last one. Here's your chance to turn it around. Nothing happens in Dock Town that she doesn't hear about.
—Elek
Dreams of Lusacan
- Main article: Codex entry: Dreams of Lusacan
"'I will show you,' he whispered, and I saw wings unfurl. Thedas stretched below me and all lie within Night's great shadow..."
So wrote Orlia, one of the great somniari, a Dreamer who could hear the Old Gods in the Fade. Her writings have survived ages, yet speak to us now. We witness the work of centuries, and the wisdom and patience of Lusacan. All will lie within the shadow of his benevolence. And, at last, the God of Night will bid us rest...
—Excerpt from a Venatori pamphlet.
Added by the Viper below:
Their latest propaganda. The quote is authentic—do they have a contact in the archives we haven't found?—but they conclude it early. Orlia goes on to call the dream a nightmare and prays it won't repeat.
Fate of the Archon
- Main article: Codex entry: Fate of the Archon
We've all heard the voice from above. This so-called Old God Lusacan (who, as my faithful readers know, is the same as the elven god Elgar'nan) has taken over as Archon with grand proclamations for Tevinter's future. Specific details are kept vague.
There's been no official word on the former Archon, but it's this writer's suspicion that the Venatori speak the truth in this one instance: the Archon is dead. There is only Lusacan.
This may be the last story I'm able to bring you for a while, dear readers. Remember, do not trust everything they speak of overhead. Especially now. Keep your eyes open, don't fall for lies, and stay safe.
—From The Weekly Truth
(Added below by Tarquin.)
We still haven't found the Weekly Truth's writer.
Minrathous Recovery Plans
- Main article: Codex entry: Minrathous Recovery Plans
(Note attached to intelligence reports gathered by the surviving Shadow Dragons.)
Let's pretend Elgar'nan gets kicked out of the city. We still have Venatori, demons, and blight to push back before it's safe for people to come out. See the growing stack of reports.
(Added by Tarquin later.)
Myrna says she and Vorgoth will work with Dorian, Mae, and some of our other mages to target demons. The Veil Jumpers and Crows will help you move supplies and check on the other safe houses. Their only request is they get to take out as many Venatori as possible on the way. I might join you on that one. The Wardens—shockingly—already have ideas for the blight. Isabela said she'd help them when Antoine mentioned fire.
Neve's Case Notes: Elgar'nan
- Main article: Codex entry: Neve's Case Notes: Elgar'nan
What do we know?
The Dalish tell the tale of how Elgar'nan overthrew the sun. Bellara says details differ depending on the clan. Told one way, Elgar'nan sought vengeance against the sun for burning the earth. In Bel's clan, Elgar'nan struck down the sun to bring the first night. Either way, defeating the sun gave him control over day and night.
There's always a little truth buried in the legends, but never enough.
The real story? Or what we've put together—Elgar'nan was the greatest elven general. He led them to victory in their wars, then declared himself god and king. That's the control angle. But it wasn't enough. So he bound a dragon to himself and used the blight to take even more power.
He was a tyrant who subjugated his followers, mind and body, demanding love and perfect obedience.
And now he's back. Great.
Imperium Secret: A Fortunate Heir
- Main article: Codex entry: Imperium Secret: A Fortunate Heir
Cyran Mircea is back in Minrathous. The recent inheritor of the Mircea fortune made quite an impression at the Rosales Gathering while publicly pledging to support one of Magister Dorian Pavus's recent endeavors.
—Excerpt from an old copy of the Imperium Secret
A note attached from Neve:
Nice bit of luck considering he was Tahla's third grandchild. And Grandma—along with Grandkids One and Two—were all Venatori who died in ways we'll call... showy. Another stroke of luck: the will that wrote out non-cultist Cyran couldn't be found, leaving only the one with him still on it.
My guess at the time was the Demon of Vyrantium. Tahla and Grandkid Two—similar demise. Grandkid One... showing off a bit?
Following in Lucanis's handwriting:
Grandkid One was Illario.
Odes to Seven Antivans, Page 3
- Main article: Codex entry: Odes to Seven Antivans, Page 3
A page torn from Odes to Seven Antivans.
Sweet vineyards of a youth now gone,
And yet within the rising dawn,
The corvid flash was there again,
The metal sharp, the talons plain,
Red ribbons to the Nocen drain.
Was there regret or agony?
It's clouded in my memory.
He stands forever on a wall,
Untethered by a contract's call,
His hands relaxed, his posture tall.
There's nothing that can fill the silence.
The world bereft without his kindness.
Written in Neve's handwriting.
Only trace of this book in the Lighthouse and it's this page. Matches the one shoved under my door. Wisps? Fade drawing on a memory—or the Lighthouse itself? Sensing a dream? Something more?
Add it to the list.
Neve's Case Notes: Missing Zenna
- Main article: Codex entry: Neve's Case Notes: Missing Zenna
A pair of letters found among Neve's case notes. The first is written on a scrap, with the letters bent to fit:
Dear Nev Gallos
I hav a job for you. meet me by the starring statue. Ill be there everyday this week
From Liv
The second letter is written on a larger piece of paper and has a number of illustrations.
Dear Nev Gallos
I wanted you to know I did wat you said and gave Zenna extra ear skratches. She wagged her tail allot! She sys thanks for finding her
From Liv
Below are drawings of a girl, a dog, the moon, a rain cloud, three boats, a spiral that might represent magic, and a very tall person who might be Neve.
Thread Generosity
- Main article: Codex entry: Thread Generosity
Green flame. Knock four. Orange flame. Knock twice.—Words scrawled on a Wicked Grace card and attached to a letter.
Nice cards, aren't they? Imported from Antiva. Got around an Antaam blockade just to greet us. Look at the expression on her face—now there's a lady who'll bring you some luck in the game.
Anyone can run a private table. It's these touches that make our friends feel appreciated. It says the Threads care. We'll be discreet. So when you drop an invitation to the wrong person, when you bring a fucking Venatori to our table...
I'm a generous man who can forgive an honest mistake. I'm even giving this lucky card back to you. Just spend that luck wisely, my friend. You've got one day to leave the city.
—Elek
Neve's Notes on the Pawn Shop
- Main article: Codex entry: Neve's Notes on the Pawn Shop
Say "Glandivalis Square" and all of Dock Town knows where you mean. The official name's in city records somewhere, but no one remembers it. Our own names stick around here.
Glandivalis is the name of Shartan's sword. Given to him by Andraste herself, and used in his fight to free the enslaved elves of Tevinter. I learned that from a footnote in a history book. That's where all the real history is.
Then there's the Anvallenim, the tunnels that run under the square. Turns out it's the elven word for "womb." Some Shadows believe it comes from the rumor that this was where Shartan's uprising was conceived.
Ashur loves his hidden meanings. Reason he insisted on this location? Should ask. He'll blush and deny it—that'll be the proof.
Never Any News
- Main article: Codex entry: Never Any News
There's never any news
When the tide rolls in
When that ship appears
Without you
There's never any tears
When the tide rolls out
And all I do
Is doubt you
Are you happy somewhere? Did you die on me?
Is there a world where any of it matters?
There's never any news
When the tide rolls in
And this city spins 'round
Again
—Song written for Lamplighter and Cobbled Swan performances, lyrics by Cida Ciconia
Transcript: Magisterium Session #16 (Excerpt)
Magister Ademar: Blanket abolition of slavery would leave Tevinter's economy in shambles. Perhaps a compromise, or a gradual adjustment—
Magister Pavus: What? Enslavement on even days, and self-determination on the odd?
Magister Ademar: Or maybe holidays...?
Magister Pavus: Kaffas. That wasn't a suggestion, you cretin.
Archon Radonis: Language, Magister.
Magister Bataris: What Magister Ademar means to say is that our laws have ever followed shifts in public opinion and perhaps abolition is too drastic. Too sudden. Perhaps in time—
Magister Pavus: The public is in support of abolition, or do you only take into account the opinions of your damned cohorts?
Magister Bataris: The average citizen cannot be expected to comprehend the complexities of policy.
Magister Pavus: We are talking about people! People who are born, who live and die as property of others, or the empire!
Magister Bataris: The way it's always been.
(Magister Pavus leaves his seat, and approaches Magister Bataris. There is a small commotion.)
Archon Radonis: Magister Pavus.
(Magister Pavus regards Magister Bataris for several seconds, then leaves the chambers. Session continues.)
Neve's Case Notes: Good Word
- Main article: Codex entry: Neve's Case Notes: Good Word
Gallus,
I hired you to find a book. A single book. Hardly a tall order. If you rely on word of mouth to secure employment—and given your address, you must do so dearly—then you need that word to be good. I'm sorry to say that won't come from me.
Hecticus Teren.
An unsent response from Neve:
You hired me to find a book, and I did. You now know exactly where it is. The catch is, I figured out quick that this specific copy—and the notes it contains—isn't yours. And you didn't hire a thief.
Now, if you want a copy of the book in general, I can get you a name. As for my good name and your opinion—I'll live.
The Violet Haze
- Main article: Codex entry: The Violet Haze
A knock sounded behind him—loud, quick, and urgent. Basil paused to steady his heart before he crossed the room and opened the door.
Was that brief pause all it took? No one stood on the doorstep. No shadowy figure retreated through the foggy streets. If an enchantment had been used to hide the visitor's steps, it was a good one. Basil sensed nothing. As far as he could tell, he was alone.
Save for an envelope sealed with thick, violet wax. A chill gripped Basil then, deeper than the Dock Town mist. He snatched up the letter and pulled back inside. There was no settling his heart now. He knew before he ripped open the envelope what he'd find within—three small amethysts, polished and perfect.
"It can't be..."
It wasn't until after he held the gems in his hand, that he noticed the stain on the envelope's corner...
Who sent the mysterious letter and what more does it contain? How have three small amethysts shaken our hero? And where is Ilvan? We'll have the latest chapter of The Violet Haze next week!
—From The Nightly Scroll
(Below, in Bellara's handwriting.)
We've gotten so many clues! You can tell who it's from, right?
(In Neve's handwriting.)
You are assuming writers play fair.
Neve's Case Notes: The Fade Sky
- Main article: Codex entry: Neve's Case Notes: The Fade Sky
More to this place then it's letting on. Solas's influence? Something more?
Sometimes I hear the tide as I'm waking up. Disappears when I remember where I am. Could be me. Can't say I don't feel a little swept away. In half a dozen ways and counting.
Found 'Fred sitting on a little outcrop. He pointed at the Fade sky. Nothing new there I could see, but I'll keep an eye on it. I told 'Fred we can see half of Thedas in a day with the eluvians, but we're all small next to that. Almost nothing.
'Fred hissed in response and left. Not sure how long I sat there, but suddenly he was back, handing me tea. Sat back down and we kept an eye on the sky.
Through the Catacombs
- Main article: Codex entry: Through the Catacombs
Western passages are deteriorating fast. Sea wall's crumbling and tides are coming in. A rough winter storm or two and we might lose the route entirely... and with it, our safest way to get people out of Minrathous.
There might be another way through the catacombs though. Remember when I took a tumble down the Spillways into the catacombs' depths? Took me a few days to get back to the upper levels. Had to make my way through graves the builders never cleared out. But there are openings to the Deep Roads down there. And I could find them again.
Take a look at the map I've sketched.
Marisa
Scribbled beside the map is a response written by Viper:
You are out of your mind, and you have my support. I will provide the resources you need.
The Soporati
- Main article: Codex entry: The Soporati
Dorian:
Our next course of action should be to seek out influential Soporati allies who've been denied political power. The merchant families. The longest serving non-mage praetors and magistrates. And the military. Especially the military. Mages make up a fraction of our citizens. Tevinter grinds to a halt without the Soporati. If we can encourage them to stand together and fight, they could change everything.
I will handle the merchants and the magistrates. I suggest you call upon Legatus Charon Mercar when you next visit Ventus. I hear Mercar has privately expressed support for reform, but more importantly, he has the favor of the current Imperator.
Where the Imperator goes, Tevinter's military follows.
Good luck,
Mae
Urthemiel's Shield
- Main article: Codex entry: Urthemiel's Shield
Barely legible writing on crumbling parchment:
It is now winter.
Lusacan's disciples continue their feud with the priests of Urthemiel over the plans. Now, instead of a shield for the city created to the god of beauty's specifications, the priests of Night demand that the skybound fortress be transformed to deliver overwhelming force. "Why defend against Those Across the Sea, when we may destroy them instead?" And Beauty's devotees, gentle souls oft chosen for their wit and creativity, quailed before Lusacan's might and gave ground.
Thus we builders find ourselves scouring the depths of the ancient catacombs in search of lost elven magic, to satisfy the demands of Night.
Gods have mercy, will this enterprise never end?
The Candlehop Maker
- Main article: Codex entry: The Candlehop Maker
Letter delivered via candlehop:
Friends from the Lighthouse! Friends to us! Shall we help your friends too?
Candlehops are on your side. Except the one who got away. Don't trust that one.
Additional notes from Neve:
Precise script. Unusually uniform. Matches just one sample.
Last time I chased the candlehops' origins, it led to a burnt-out building and a scrap of paper. Didn't say anything useful, but the violet ink—that matches these notes, too.
Follow the ink? Best contacts in forgery turned up nothing.
Best source in conspiracy can't get me a vague description of their maker. Tall, short, three cats in a cloak? Nothing.
Can't say they aren't sticking to their bid for friendship—minus the one they don't trust. The information they've brought the Shadow Dragons is saving lives already.
Will keep an eye on them.
Tevinter's Shame
- Main article: Codex entry: Tevinter's Shame
Like many of you, I defended slavery. It was just how things were, and a part of a natural order. Some—those with magic, those who ruled—would always be given care of others. To mistreat the enslaved was a mocking of this sacred duty, grounds for the harshest punishments. Cruel slave-owners were the problem, not the institution of slavery.
I was, quite simply, wrong. There is no defending the practice of owning of another person. I am ashamed I ever did, and will be eternally grateful to those who helped me re-examine my beliefs.
I hear you ask: When we tear down the structures that inform our culture, what is left? I challenge you—those of you who profess leadership, who would set yourselves above others—to see past what you've been taught and to forge a path of your own. And if you need foundational principles, then I charge you to choose from these: respect, compassion, understanding, love.
—Magister Dorian Pavus, from a speech given to the Magisterium
On Tevinter Templars
- Main article: Codex entry: On Tevinter Templars
When one mentions the Templar Order, you no doubt picture the armored members of the southern Chantry. These templars are trained to combat uncontrolled magic, blood magic, and abominations with the goal of protecting people—including mages themselves—from the most violent manifestations of magical power. However, they also embody the southern Chantry's control over mages and enforce many of its strict rules and regulations over magic in general.
In addition to combat training, these templars ingest lyrium. This mineral, usually used by mages for enchantments and rituals, grants templars the ability to resist and dispel magic. The fact that it is also addictive—chaining them to the Chantry and resulting in paranoia, obsession, and ultimately dementia—is often swept under the rug. (Yes, we've heard all about that dirty little secret.)
As you may have surmised by my use of "southern" Chantry, this is not the case in the Tevinter Imperium.
In Tevinter, we know that magic can only serve if it is allowed to flourish. We do not suppress talent, we nurture it.
That is not to say that we ignore the dangers of magic and what it might allow those with violent intent if not combated. As in the South, our templars are trained to prevent the excesses of blood magic and to subdue demons as well as those inflicted by possession.
But our templars do not take lyrium; they do not enforce unnecessary regulations. They are not given power over mages, but follow the lead of our most esteemed Magisterium. They serve the Chantry and the people of the Imperium.
I must admit, I rather prefer our way of doing things.
—From a letter written by Lythisea Pallus, living in a border town in the Tevinter Imperium, to a cousin in Orlais, 9:15 Dragon
The Cobbled Swan
- Main article: Codex entry: The Cobbled Swan
Cobbled Swan Menu
Assembly Ale
Mulsum
Vyrantium Brandy
Ask at the bar for what else is in stock.
Fish of the Day, with pear slaw
Soup of the Month (Ask at the bar.)
Savory pie with spinach
Honey cake with figs
(Scribbled on the back by Harding.)
Ma,
I thought you might like to see what they eat in an everyday Tevinter pub. The bartender said I could keep this since none of the regulars need it anyway.
I think you'd like the honey cake. I'll see if Neve can find a recipe and bring it next time I'm home. Maybe Bellara or Lucanis could help pick ingredients that you could find in Ferelden.
Love,
Lace.
Taash Talks: Those Guys with the Sickles
- Main article: Codex entry: Taash Talks: Those Guys with the Sickles
Been trying to figure out what the Venatori with the sickles are doing. They're fighting weird—swinging them almost like axes. But a sickle's blade doesn't face outward like an axe blade does. A sickle's blade faces down perpendicular to the handle. You'd swing it to chop down more (or hook onto something if you were trying to catch hold and then climb). Or an expert would snap their wrist back right as they connected so that the blade twists along the point of impact. That's how you cut through stuff cleanly with a single slice.
These guys are clearly trained. So why fight that way?
Update: Talked with Neve. It's because they aren't trying to get quick kills. They're trying to make bleeding wounds. The weapons are enchanted. They use blood magic to do their fancy vanishing-and-jumping-around tricks.
Assholes.