Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we have released a calendar every year since the 2021/2022 cycle and, barring any major changes to mod availability/capacity, we will continue to do so.

The theme and charity choices are based primarily on responses to our annual interest check! DAA is a labor of love for the community, and we want it to reflect the interests of our fellow fans.

That being said, we do look to support charities that operate globally, rather than localized organizations. As our current finance/shipping mod is based in Sweden, we also have to consider the logistics of making the donation when selecting a charity.

For the theme, we additionally consider creative options for our contributors. Some themes might work very well for art, but be less conducive to writing, or vice versa.

No. Use of generative AI in any form is strictly prohibited in the project.

There is no set list of characters that appear in each installment of DAA! As a general rule, we strive for balanced representation of all franchise entries, classes, genders, and races.

This is particularly true in the calendar, where the mods spend a bulk of time ensuring that no one game or character theme dominates. Since a feature in the calendar is prominent, characters that appear in the calendar are unlikely to show up in merchandise items, and vice versa.

Contributors indicate on their applications which franchise entries and/or characters they are interested in creating for. Characters featuring in the calendars are decided prior to acceptance based on these preferences. The zine & merchandise characters are chosen collaboratively with contributors after acceptance, to ensure balanced representation.

Historically, DAA has only allowed generic player characters to be represented in the project, and prohibited any depiction of romance/shipping.

Based on the results of our 2027 interest check, that is changing. Here are the new policies as of DAA 2027:

• Player Characters and OCs

  • Calendar pieces will feature Generic PCs only
  • Zine pieces may feature Default OCs
  • The project as a whole will still focus primarily on canon characters

• Romance and Shipping

  • Calendar pieces will be primarily gen and overall will not feature romance/shipping
  • Zine and merchandise pieces may include vague allusions to romance or shipping, but will be intermixed with gen works
  • Ships may be either canonical NPC ships or PC x Canon ships featuring generic PCs only

Generic PCs: Hooded/unseen/ambiguous class in artwork. Not described and referred to by title only in fic (Warden, Hawke, Inquisitor, Rook)

Default OCs: Fics may use default names/backgrounds (i.e. Ellana Lavellan, Garrett Hawke, Neria Surana). Art may use default Hawke appearances; the class/race/gender of the protagonist may be depicted, but face/head will be covered by a helmet or hood.

We will likely take this on a case-by-case basis, with an eye toward not having romance/shipping dominate the project. Some examples include having Antoine and Evka in a romantic pose/setting, or Merrill depicted in her romance-specific armor.

Yes! Our application links are posted publicly and anyone is welcome (nay — encouraged) to apply.

Nope! We welcome contributors of all experience levels. The main consideration when we review applications is the portfolio of work that you submit.

This includes merchandise artists — it is not necessary for you to have created a specific type of merchandise before. We will provide design templates for your specific art program, and can offer design support/advice as needed.

Applications are primarily judged on the portfolio of work you submit. Additionally, we do a brief review of your social media feed(s) to ensure alignment with our Code of Conduct.

Artist portfolios are scored on overall composition, color choices, strong backgrounds, and technique.
Writer portfolios are scored on grammar, technique, and characterization.
Beta reader portfolios are scored on understanding of written English and Dragon Age canon.
Graphic designer portfolios are scored on composition, layout, and design choices.

See the Portfolio Reviews section of our website for a full rundown.

No and no! We have no preference for style in your portfolios. We encourage you to show us your individual style as an artist, and we will find an assignment that plays to your strengths.

We do ask for the program that you use to create art (physical media is acceptable) on the application, but this is solely informational.

Likewise, we have no preference between British or American English for writers — only consistency.

Yes! You are allowed to apply for any and all roles you are interested in. If accepted for multiple roles, we will coordinate with you to ensure you can meet all deadlines.

No. The application and judging process is the same for all applicants. We do not reserve slots for returning contributors.

We do give preference to Dragon Age fans when choosing between two contributors with similar scoring.

No. DAA is a not-for-profit charity project and all creative works are volunteer-based. All sale proceeds are donated to the chosen charity.

Contributors receive a free PDF copy of the calendar and zine(s). In past years, we have also allowed contributors to purchase one physical copy of each item at production cost, but this is not guaranteed.

For artists and writers, joining the server is optional. Beta readers and graphic designers must join due to the need for quick, collaborative feedback.

Yes! Everyone who submits an application receives an email with their results. If you apply for multiple roles, you may receive multiple emails.

Physical copies are only guaranteed during that year’s pre-order period. We order only what is needed plus a small buffer for damaged items.
Digital copies of past calendars and zines are available during the digital pre-order window of the current year.

The exact items are still being decided and depend on contributor capacity. At minimum, we expect stickers, tarot cards, art prints, and a bonus zine.

We cannot offer a la carte merch due to packaging and shipping constraints.

Packages ship from Sweden to most countries worldwide. We cannot ship to: Iran, Israel, Qatar, United Arab Republic, Russia, Belarus.

Tracked shipping is available for a small add-on cost.

Target shipping is mid–late December. Delays may occur due to production or shipping issues.

Non-US orders ship directly from Sweden.
US orders are bulk-shipped to our US shipping mod for domestic redistribution.

Community copies are free digital PDFs funded by donations. Every 15€ donated equals one community copy.

After the digital pre-order window closes, copies are released in batches of five at staggered times until they run out.

We are working on a new distribution method for community copies this year.