When it comes to some of the most notorious organizations in the Dragon Age series, the Crows of Antiva top the list as the faction that incites the most visceral reaction from fans.  With Dragon Age the Veilguard set to expound on their lore, and their enigmatic sway on the machinations of many, the guild of expert assassins brings an element of mystery and danger to the previously unexplored lands of Antiva. Offering up, an opportunity for fans to see just what it is about the guild that makes them so formidable and granting players an avenue of nuance never before seen in the game series’ history.

Economic Power

Known for its highly sought-after, coveted wine trade, Antiva is a country nestled against the banks of the lush waters of Rialto Bay, just south of Rivain on the eastern coast of southern Thedas. Aggressive and bold trade agreements, cemented by the country’s top trading houses, by renowned merchant princes, have established the principality as one of the most economically prosperous among the great nations. The capital city, Antiva City, is cited as the wealthiest among them all -even out-ranking other major cities, like the splendorous city that is Val Royeaux in Orlais -making it a powerhouse of economic influence that surpasses most in nearly every capacity and the perfect home for the Antivan Crows.

Political Power

Subsequently, such economic power lends Antiva an unyielding and masterful control over the geopolitical influence throughout Thedas. Not one to involve themselves in the machinations of other countries, at least officially, the nation of Antiva holds fast to its political power and wields it with authority like a cudgel whenever needed. Originally founded by an alliance of pirates, the country holds fast to its roots of using leverage over others to get the desired results. And they have no qualms about what villainous methods may be (and often are) employed to see its vested interests solidified -deploying the Crows, and their myriads of assassins to see the job done, no matter the cost.

Thanks to the Felicisima Armada, and the politically motivated marriages orchestrated by Queen Asha Campana, Antiva does not need an official standing army. Out of fear, even the Qunari, well known to be prone to invasion and brutality, are disinclined to make any push towards full occupation. As the Crows’ prowess and penchant for political assassinations, form a bulwark against any such actions and stand as a genuine threat often made a guarantee -should anyone dare to cross its borders.

Rulers

The power structure of the Crows of Antiva is heralded by its eight great houses ruled by Talons: Arainai, Balazar, Cantori, Dellamorte, De Riva, Kortez, Nero, and Valisti. Once adopted, each member, from the leaders down to the most rank-and-file, takes the name of their house as its surname and is considered a revered member to which the rules always apply. Strictly disciplined, trained, and raised, every potential assassin taken in by the families must adhere to the guild’s pragmatic and realistic standards -leaving no room for dissidents or troublemakers- and follow every command to the letter. A Crow never abandons a contract, and failure will never be tolerated.

Currently, Lady Caterina Dellamorte, First Talon of the Crows, oversees the organization, but other prominent members of the Antivan Crows include the Fifth Talon, Viago De Riva, and the Seventh Talon, Andarateia (Teia) Cantori. Originally introduced in the Dragon Age: Deception comic, and further expanded on in the anthology series, Tevinter Nights, the short story, The Wake, and the most recent comic Dragon Age: The Missing, Viago and Teia’s journeys in Thedas set up a string of narratives that will culminate within Dragon Age the Veilguard’s upcoming storyline -further cementing the importance of the Crows and, if the player so chooses, further expanding on their own Rook’s heritage.

Rook’s Backstory

If the player chooses the Antivan Crows, for their faction in Dragon Age the Veilguard, their Rook will come with a pre-determined backstory. In it, it is revealed that Rook is a member of House De Riva. While in the Qunari-occupied city of Treviso, Rook came across a patrol of Antaam soldiers herding captives and chose to intervene. By doing so, Rook managed to free them but, in their haste, had inadvertently compromised the efficacy of a larger Crow operation the Houses had planned. Discipline was swift, and consequently, Rook was sidelined from any missions until further notice- allowing a perfect opportunity for the player to join the Veilguard without reservations.

Details

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is the property of Bioware, a subsidiary of Electronic Arts, headquartered in California. It will be released via Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on October 31, 2024.  The game is rated M for mature for adult themes, adult language, and violence. More details, about the game’s upcoming release, can be found on BioWare’s official blog and YouTube channel.

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