Avis Alternata
An Antivan Crow AU Zine
About Avis Alternata
There is an eluvian in the rafters of the Cantori Diamond. It can carry an intrepid assassin nearly anywhere in the continent, whether in pursuit of a contract or simple pleasure. But little is understood about the ancient magical mirrors, and there are rumours whispered among the Crows that sometimes the artifact may bring you somewhere you did not expect—the same continent, but not the world you know.
Avis Alternata is a fan-created charity zine celebrating the Antivan Crows across a myriad of alternate universes: modern or medieval, canon-adjacent or canon-breaking, western or science fiction. We welcome human-created art and written fanworks featuring Crow characters in most kinds of AUs.This project is brought to you by Rara Avis Events. Our other projects include Rara Avis: An Antivan Crow Rare Pair Zine and the annual Crow Contracts Exchange.
On Crow Alternate Universes
For the purposes of this zine, we will be seeking art and writing within the following parameters:
At least one primary character must be a canonical Antivan Crow
In pairing-focused works, at least one member of the primary pairing must be a canonical Antivan Crow
To qualify as an Antivan Crow for the above requirements, the character must be an Antivan Crow at some point in canon
while a work in which Taash becomes an Antivan Crow would be more than welcome as an AU, another canon Crow character would need to appear as a primary character.
Example: A work in which Taash becomes a Crow would be welcome as an AU, but another canonical Crow must appear as a primary character.
Rook de Riva or another ORiginal Crow Character do satisfy the canonical Crow character requirements.
Spite does not independently qualify as a canonical Crow character
In AUs where the Crows exist (in their canonical form or otherwise), at least one primary Crow character must remain affiliated with the Crows. In pairing-focused works, this does not have to be the same character from the main pairing.
Example: An AU where Lucanis refuses Caterina's appointment to First Talon and goes on the run is acceptable as-is, but an AU where Illario is a Lord of Fortune and has never been a Crow must also feature another Crow character who is still a Crow, such as Lucanis or Rook de Riva.
AUs in which the Crows do not exist in any form (such as a coffee shop or university AU) are permissible provided they include canonical Crow characters as otherwise set out in these guidelines.
AUs may be set post-canon events, but there must be meaningful divergence in the prior canon events that impacts the post-canon work. Works that simply follow-on or add to canon events without changing anything do not qualify as AUs for this zine.
Canon-divergence AUs are permissible, but the divergence must be central to the plot or readily apparent in the artwork.
Setting change AUs are permissible, but crossover elements must be limited to setting and theme. NPCs and main character from non-Dragon Age media should not feature prominently.
Example: Viago and Teia as Pokemon trainers would be acceptable, but Ash should not be a major character in the work.
Harry Potter AUs will not be accepted.
FAQs
What is an Antivan Crow Alternate Universe?
For the purposes of this zine, AUs must meet the following requirements:
At least one of the primary character must be a canonical Antivan Crow. In pairing-focused works, at least one member of the primary pairing must be a canonical Antivan Crow.
To qualify as an Antivan Crow for the above requirements, the character must be an Antivan Crow at some point in canon.
Original Crow characters, including Rook de Riva, qualify as canonical Crow characters. Spite does not independently qualify as a Crow character.
In AUs where the Crows exist, at least one primary Crow character must remain affiliated with the Crows. AUs where the Crows do not exist must still primarily feature Crow characters.
Setting-change AUs are permissible, but non-Dragon Age characters should have minimal appearances.
In canon-divergent AUs, the divergence must be central to the plot or readily apparent in the artwork.
For more information about qualifying AUs, see the About page.
Can I include non-Crow main characters?
Yes! Your story or artwork can include non-Crow characters in main roles so long as your piece meets the Crow character/pairing requirements otherwise outlined.
What do you mean by "meaningful divergence" from canon?
To qualify for the zine, canon-divergent AUs must feature meaningful divergence from Dragon Age canon. This means that the facts altered from canon should be directly relevant to the plot and/or readily apparent in the artwork, which could include alterations to the setting, events, character roles, or relationships.Works that continue canon events, illustrate canon scenes, or introduce only small, surface-level changes will not qualify as AUs for this zine.If you are unsure whether or not your concept qualifies, reach out to us via email or the contact form before you submit your application.
How were the AU guidelines determined?
Alternate Universe has a broad definition, and while we love that variety, our goal with this zine is to celebrate Dragon Age and the Antivan Crows within an AU framework, not necessarily to celebrate AUs as a broader concept.The guidelines were created with an eye toward allowing creators to explore different AUs while still keeping the content focused on the Antivan Crows.
What if I'm not sure my AU idea is eligible?
Please make sure you've reviewed the full AU parameters, not just the ones here in the FAQ. If you're still uncertain whether your idea qualifies, send us an email or use the contact form on this website. We'll let you know if your idea is in line with our requirements.IMPORTANT: You must do this prior to submitting your application.
What happens if I apply for the zine with an AU idea that isn't eligible?
Applications with pitches that do not follow the guidelines will not be accepted, and you will not have the opportunity to resubmit with a new idea.Please ensure in advance that your pitch is eligible. If you aren't sure, reach out to us via email or the contact form prior to submitting your application. We're happy to answer any questions!
What kinds of contributions will be accepted?
The zine will feature both fanfiction and fanart submissions. Exact specifications will be announced following the interest check.
How will the pitch/submission process work?
Following the interest check, we will release an application form for the zine. Writers and artists will submit pitches for the piece(s) they would like to create as part of their application.More details and guidelines will be shared after completion of the interest check!
My friend and I have a shared AU, can we apply together?
You both are welcome to apply, but your applications will be reviewed independently. We can not guarantee that both of you will be accepted, even if you apply with matching pitches.If your AU involves an OC that belongs to another person, please confirm with that creator that they are okay with your use of their OC, even if they are not applying to or accepted for the zine.Please confirm this prior to submitting your application with this pitch. If they are not okay with your using their OC under these conditions, please submit a different pitch.
How much time will creators have to work on their pieces?
The creation period is currently estimated at approximately four months, with the exact dates to be finalized after completion of the interest check.You can see a tentative schedule here - please note that the timeline may be subject to change, but will be available in its final form prior to contributor applications.
Have a question that is not covered here? Send us an ask on Tumblr, send us an email, or use the contact form.
Contributor Info
General Requirements
Contributors must be 18+ years old.
Explicit material that includes characters under 18 is strictly prohibited.
Explicit non-con material will not be accepted. Works that explore themes of survival, recovery and/or revenge are welcome.
AI-generated content in any form is prohibited.
No whitewashing.
No changing the sexual orientation of canonically queer characters.
No changing canonically trans characters to be cis.
Works should be created originally for this project, not reused/reposted.
Works must be created by the individual who was accepted to the project, and no part of the work may be commissioned or otherwise paid for.
Writer Requirements
Create a complete fic between 1,000–5,000 words.
Your story must be able to be read as a standalone piece. Works may involve OCs, or be set in pre-existing worldstates/AUs, but readers should not need to read your 50k longfic to follow the plot.
Artist Requirements
Create at least one full page, colored artwork. Art may be standalone or inspired by a zine writer's story.
Backgrounds are required, but may be minimal or a simple pattern. The background cannot be transparent or a single, solid color.
Exact specifications will be determined and shared prior to contributor applications.
Schedule
This schedule is preliminary. Dates and deadlines will be finalized after the interest check and shared prior to contributor applications.
May 1–15: Interest Check
June: Contributor Applications Open
July: Applications Close | Results Sent
End of July: Concepts Finalized
End of August: Check-In #1 (outlines/sketches complete)
End of September: Check-In #2 (50% draft/lineart complete)
End of October: Check-In #3 (full draft/flat color complete)
End of November: Final Works Due
December–January: Zine Layout and Review
February: Publication
Mods
Exalted-Dawn (Ed)
I was cheese-lured into the Dragon Age fandom some seven years ago and haven’t been able to escape since. I absolutely adore exploring the game’s lore and world-building, and even more so when it’s through the lens of the many unique and inventive original characters this fandom has to offer. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Crows, but with the release of Veilguard, I’ve been truly feasting on a rich tapestry of headcanons, character exploration, and fan content that has been lovingly crafted by the fandom’s creators. You’ve fed me well. I’m excited for the opportunity to feed you well in kind! More Crow content is always a CAWS for celebration.Favorite AUs: Canon Divergent, Arranged Marriage, Mermaid/Pirate, Soulmate
inquisimer (mer)
I face-planted into Dragon Age fandom back in 2021 when my best friend gave me a PowerPoint presentation on Solavellan Hell. I'm an avid lover of Crows, Wardens, and OCs— mine, my friends', and yours! When I'm not rotating my [redacted] number of WIPs, I'm usually planning some kind of fandom event - they're my favorite way to meet new people, and keep the spirit and enthusiasm of Dragon Age fandom alive. I'm excited to be part of bringing this zine to life and can't wait to see what everyone will create!Favorite AUs: Canon Divergence, OC Crossover AUs, Highly specific AUs the author has fun writing
Mossful (Moss)
I fell in love with the world of Dragon Age ever since Origins, and that love not only never stopped, but only grew with each game that came out. The Crows have always been fascinating to me, and the moment I got to meet several of them during the latest game, I knew that was a one-way trip for me.
The Crows were what motivated me to actively interact with the fandom, a little over a year ago, writing and painting and running some events. It has been a joy to meet so many lovely and talented people!Favorite AUs: Any multiple OC crossover AU, Band AU, Knights AU
Wishforhome (Alix)
I’ve been playing Dragon Age games since Origins came out, but only ever dipped my toes into fandom until Veilguard. Now I’m done with lurking, and I’m so passionate about this fandom. We are so fortunate to have so many amazingly talented writers and artists making beautiful things in this space. With this latest game, I’ve become utterly obsessed with the Crows and all the wonderful stories to be found in this world of politics, intrigue and murder-for-hire. I adore AUs, particularly my expansive hockey universe in which Viago is the goaltender for the Antiva City Crows, and I’m so excited to see what everyone else brings to this zine.Favourite AUs: Hockey AU, Band AU, Knight AU, Companion!Viago AU