Team Page
As I'm sure you are aware, Westeros isn't famous for its peacetime. This makes me think about how nice it must have been in Westeros, in the 80 years (yes, only 80 years as the Blackfyre Rebellion took place in 196AL) prior to Robert's rebellion, apart from the occasional wrong doings of a Targaryen Prince or King. So as the traditional pattern continues, Westeros seems to be in turmoil again and horse manure from Kings Landing all the way to Vaes Dothrak has definitely hit the proverbial harlot-wielded fan. So in this issue we discuss the events of Season 1, Episodes 6-10. Or as I like to call it, the removal of the lid on the jar marked "S**T STORM". As Ned is no longer busy looking after his mate Robert, let alone doing anything we have given him a job here at S&S in our new feature - Dead
Ned's Thread! We also have an interview with artist Anita Puskรกs and a NEW advert thrown in from MUTE (our last featured Artist) - see if you can spot it [Hint: it's the really good one]. Obviously our mascot Stan of Fleabottom is also keeping himself busy as well. And as always, Winter is Coming. James Thurman House Mormont "Here We Stand" Editor + Designer + Illustrator Responsible for; News, Interview, Stories of Westeros & Essos, What We Hodore and all-round contributor. www.snaresandsymbols.tumblr.com
The Small (Editorial) Council
2
Cara Richards
Tom Hassall
House Redwyne "Ripe for Victory" Deputy Editor + Chief of Grammar Responsible for; Horoscopes, Hot or Not and all-round contributor.
House Connington "A Griffon! A Griffon!" Quizmaster + Spoiler Blocker Responsible for; Stories of Westeros & Essos, Lightbringers Quiz and all-round contributor.
Josh Collier
Julian Benson
House Tarly "First in Battle" Chief of Gore + Illustrator Responsible for; Westergross! and all-round contributor.
House Manderly "Under the Sea" Post Morgulis Communicator Responsible for; Dead Ned's Thread and all-round contributor.
Kieran Cawley
Raheem Farooq
House Brax "The End is Neigh" Poll Keeper Responsible for; Hot or Not and all-round contributor.
House Baelish "Knowledge is Power" Truth Sayer Responsible for; Olenna the Oracle and all-round contributor.
Swords & Sigils Issue 2
Contents The Daily Whispers
4-5
Hot! or Not?
7-8
Westergross!
10-11
Stories of Westeros and Essos
12-15
Who's on the Throne?
16-17
Lightbringers Quiz
18-19
Olenna the Oracle
20
House of Horoscopes
22
Dead Ned's Thread
24
What We Hodore!
26-27
Post-Season One
3
The
Daily Whispers THE LATEST REPORTS FROM VARYS’ LITTLE BIRDS
IMP FLIES THE COOP
DRAGON BOY WEARS CROWN
In an unexpected turn of events Tyrion Lannister has been released from the captivity of the Eyrie. After tricking his way out of his skycell, he demanded a trial by combat, asking that his brother Ser Jaime Lannister be summoned as his champion. This was obviously refused by the stubborn Lady Arryn but luckily for the lion, a man named Bronn (who had accompanied the party from the inn where Tyrion was first arrested) stepped up as his champion. After killing Ser Vardis Egen (Lady Arryn's Champion) he and Tyrion made for Lord Tywin Lannister's camp, once having to bargain their way out of any trouble with the hill tribes of the Vale.
After numerous threats to his sister and her unborn baby, Viserys Targaryen is now dead. Drunk with anger and probably a few Dothraki spirits, Viserys was said to have barged into the Khal's tent in Vaes Dothrak with sword in hand and threatened his sister in front of the Khal and his bloodriders (knowing they do not carry weapons in their sacred city). The Khal whilst being interpreted by Daenerys, told him he would be king and he would give him a golden crown. His bloodriders proceeded to hold him down while Drogo poured molten gold over his head. Reports say that Daenerys did not weep for her brother's passing.
Tyrion and Bronn bargaining with Tribesmen of the Vale
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HAND TARGETS MOUNTAIN Whilst the King was away on his hunt the hand (Lord Stark) declared Ser Gregor Clegane an enemy of the crown after reports from Riverland farmers, telling of the destruction him and his men have wrought on their lands on the orders of Tywin Lannister. The hand ordered them to come to the capital to answer for their crimes or be named enemies of the crown. The attacks started after the news of Tyrion Lannister's captivity by the actions of Catelyn Stark (previously of house Tully of Riverrun).
4
THE KING IS DEAD Robert Baratheon I - King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm and first of his name, has died. Having returned to the capital after a hunt gone terribly wrong, the king was left mortally wounded after an attack from a boar. It is stated he was more inebriated than usual and his spear missed its target. On his deathbed he named Eddard Stark as Lord Regent and Protector of the Realm until his first son comes of age. There are rumours circulating that his squire, the Queen's cousin Lancel Lannister, gave Robert a very strong wine under her orders, three times as potent as normal - but here at The Daily Whispers we don't believe in such rumours... honest.
THE HAND IS DEAD After a sudden turn of events Lord Eddard Stark has been named traitor and executed. After the death of King Robert, The Hand made for the throne under the last wishes of his friend, the king to rule as Lord Regent until his heir came of age. Unbeknownst to him the queen named herself regent and seated Joffrey on the Iron Throne before he could do anything about it. He protested the prince's right to the throne, claiming he was illegitimate. He and his men tried to sieze the throne
Swords & Sigils Issue 2
believing the city watch were on his side, Janos Slynt Lord Commander of the City Watch, (who was already in the pocket of the queen) betrayed him. His men were slaughtered and he was imprisoned in the dungeons. This of course has sparked a rebellion causing his son Robb to call his banner men, enter war and come to aid of the Riverlands, hoping to make for the capital. Lord Eddard stewed in the dungeons until he agreed to call himself traitor for the safety of his daughter Sansa. However instead of being shipped off to the wall and taking the black as he believed to be the case, the new king Joffrey ordered Ser Ilyn Payne to bring the Kings Justice down on his neck. Arya Stark is believed to have left the capital or be dead.
after receiving the news of his father's demise.
Robb Stark addressing his troops after his victory
CROWS FLY NORTH
YOUNG WOLF TRICKS OLD LION Robb Stark is proving himself quite the battle commander. After leading a host of 18,000 troops from the north he made for the riverlands to relieve the forces loyal to his grandfather (Hoster Tully) who have been under attack for some time from Lannister men. After capturing a Lannister scout, Robb Stark had him report back to Tywin Lannister, telling him that 20,000 northmen are coming for him. After negotiations with Lord Walder Frey (Robb has reluctantly agreed to marry one of Lord Frey's daughters), the Stark host crossed the Trident at the Twins, gained more men from the Freys and split into two forces. One of 2,000 men moved south to confront Tywin but the main host made for Jaime Lannisters forces at Riverrun. Tywin's force emerged triumphant due to superiority of numbers but quickly realised the young wolf had tricked them. After luring Jaime's men into Whispering Wood northwest of Riverrun they defeated the Kingslayer's men and took him hostage. This victory has not only sealed the young Lord's reputation as a strong leader but it has also destroyed the Lannister's numerical advantage. His men are also now proclaiming him King in the North agreeing they don't owe this new king their allegiance. However his recent successes will still taste bitter for the Young Wolf
Post-Season One
DRAGONS?! Very strange and alarming rumours are coming from Khal Drogo's camp. This is following reports of the Khal being taken seriously ill after a minor wound due to a disagreement with one of his men over the stubbornness of his Khaleesi - Daenerys Targaryen. After the Khaleesi demanded his cut be taken care of, a slave woman (that she had saved previously from a Dothraki raid) offered to help. The injury festered and he fell from his horse. Obviously his Dothraki horde lost interest apart from those loyal to the Khal and Khaleesi. Especially after the slave woman conducted dark blood magic on the orders of the Khaleesi to bring him back from near death, during which the Khaleesi was pushed to the ground by one of the Khal's blood riders, quickly being protected by Jorah Mormont in full armour - she then miscarried. After seeing that the dark magic had not worked other than to make him a vegetable, Daenerys took vengeance on the slave woman burning her on Drogo's death pyre along with herself and three stone dragon eggs, supposedly returning from the fire unscathed clutching her new pets. We can not verify this information.
Screenshots ŠHBO
Our man Stan caught the moment of Ned Stark's sentencing.
Lord Commander of the Nights Watch - Jeor Mormont has taken a 300 strong expedition force beyond the wall, after reports of missing rangers, abandoned wildling villages, huge fires in the night, and Mance Rayder gathering his Wildling people. The final incident that led to his decision is reported to have been of an attack on Castle Black by two undead rangers, recently found just north of the wall. The late Lord Stark's bastard Jon Snow and his direwolf discovered them after swearing the oath in front of a weirwood. One apparently awoke during the night and tried to attack the Lord Commander who was saved by Jon after burning the body. Mormont wishes to answer some suspicions on this trip and quell any march Mance Rayder is planning.
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Hot! or Not ? The people of Westeros show us their thoughts on the state of things.
Best Death
A. Ser Vardis Egen of The Vale
0%
He fought with honour, but Bronn didn't.
B. Viserys Targaryen
100%
Looks like the dragon takes the GOLD medal.
C. Mirri Maz Duur (the witch)
0%
Only death pays for life.
Who would win in a fair fight? A. Jaime
30%
Killing a mad old king is easy, killing hardened warriors isn't.
B. Ned
70%
If it weren't for that spear... (or horse - yes book fans).
Love to hate
A. Cersei Lannister
70%
Well... she did give birth to the devil.
B. Littlefinger
10%
Clearly betrayal doesn't mean much to some people.
C. Janos Slynt
20%
Best Ned death reaction Tweet A. @DeadNedStark "Seriously, that inbred brat had me killed? Guess who is having his shits haunted, you little shit."
20%
#hauntingjoff
B. @kierstenkrum "They used Ned's own sword ICE to cut off his head?! Man, that's cold. Also, Joffrey, you jackhole. #GameOfThrones"
20%
#coldasice
C. @ShutUpGerman "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOO #GameOfThrones"
20%
#nooooospoilers
D. @aishatyler "#gameofthrones, its all in the books so I can't get too mad. Apparently it will get MORE intense. Agh! Time for martinis! #ginofthrones"
40%
#weallloveginofthrones
When he killed that baby... dark stuff man.
Post-Season One
7
Shag, Marry, Behead The Protectors Catelyn
30% 60%
So it's facial hair that's getting you lot all hot under the collar this issue. No, we're not talking about Catelyn's top lip, 40% of our readers want to get it on with that grizzly bear Jorah Mormont! Seriously? You lot know Cersei was in the same poll right?
10%
SHAG MARRY BEHEAD
Well we're not here to judge but even though Ser Jorah may be hoovering it up, he's still firmly in the 'friend zone' with the one maiden he actually does want... Burn!
It's Catelyn however and those childbearing hips of hers that are screaming marriage material at the masses. A whopping 60% of you would like to take her up the aisle! Guess she has got a touch of the cougar about her - even after bearing 5 kids!
Cersei
Jorah
40% 30%
30%
SHAG MARRY BEHEAD No surprises whose head you lot would like to see on a block. Let's be honest, being married to this one would be a bloody nightmare!
Screenshots ŠHBO
30% 10%
60%
SHAG MARRY BEHEAD
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She may be the totty of King's Landing but it would seem the mob would like nothing more than to see Sweet Cersei's head fly! Catelyn and Jorah breathe a sigh of relief. For now... Swords & Sigils Issue 2
Westergross! Mr Ramsay Snow keeps us in the know... well, with the gory side of things anyway.
Here we are again with another gore-filled installment. It just doesn't get much better than some of the nasty stuff in this lot. We start off with our ever loved and fairly violent Bronn sticking his sword down Ser Vardis Egens neck, who then proceeds to fall through the moon door at the Eyrie. Tyrion looks pleased by this, I bet he secretly loves a bit of gore. Khal Drogo really doesn't like people messing with his lady. So much so that he decides to boil her brother's brains by pouring molten gold over his head.
Screenshots ŠHBO
The eloquent words "A Crown for a King." signal the end for Viserys Targaryen. In a sudden betrayal, the city guard of Kings Landing attack the Stark guardsmen protecting Eddard Stark. This particular Stark guard doesn't even have time to draw his sword before being stuck through the gut with a spear. (see next page)
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Swords & Sigils Issue 2
Next up we see Khal Drogo in action again. This time against one of his own men, who has questioned his leadership and again insulted his Daenerys.
Finally we come to the recently beheaded Eddard Stark. Well at least we have Joffrey showing off the head of her father to Sansa. Joffrey would be right at home in the Bolton household! Post-Season One
Screenshots ŠHBO
This stand off ends when Drogo rips the man's tongue out through his neck! NICE! Or not...
11
W
e join Samwell Tarly pouring through his books while Maester Aemon is curled up in his chair.
[Maester Aemon coughs, attracting the gaze of his young apprentice]
Sam:
Can I get you some water?
[Maester Aemon glanced around in his normally dazed way]
Aemon: Yes.
Aegon and his sisters planned their conquest from Dragonstone.
and his two sister-wives Rhaenys and Visenya [Samwell rises from the many books he had been landed with fewer than 1,600 men on the east pouring through to pour his charge a cup] coast of Westeros. The Targaryens had held the Aemon: I know you worry for Jon, young Tarly. island-fortress of Dragonstone as the westernmost outpost of the Valyrian Freehold for a century [Sam lifts the heavy pewter jug, carefully measuring before the Doom destroyed Valyria. Aegon sent ravens to the rulers in the 7 Kingdoms. He its contents into a cup] informed them that “There will be only one king” Sam: I just... the things he must be feeling with and that those who bent the knee would keep their his family split so, his brother means to reclaim the lands and titles. But those that did not he would North, can such a thing be done? destroy. [Maester Aemon smiles as he accepts the cup from Sam]
He received an offer of marriage and alliance from Queen Regent Sharra Arryn of the Kingdom of Mountain and The Vale, if Aegon named her Aemon: I am aware of the perils this may the son his heir. Mariya Martell, Princess of Dorne cause for his family. But Jon must find his own path. All you can do is help him stay on the right replied she would be his ally against the Storm one. Anyway, a study of the North will show King but would not yield. Aegon rejected both you that the North did stand alone once, ruled by these offers and none of the other rulers would submit. themselves. Before launching his invasion, Aegon Sam: But Maester who could have brought down Aemon: allegedly visited some Westerosi cities and castles
Illustrations by William Simpson ©HBO
an entire kingdom?!
in secret, noting the strength of each king and Aemon: The same man who united six in his each lord, and the loyalty they commanded, and lifetime, Aegon the Conqueror - the black and gold ordered the construction of the Painted Table at Dragonstone, a table cut into an accurate map book upon the lectern will have more... of Westeros. He apparently considered all of Sam: A history of Aegon the Conqueror and his Westeros as one land, despite the fact that the Conquest of Westeros...After the Andals invaded continent was long split into seven kingdoms, and Westeros and spread their culture throughout was determined to unify it under his rule. the land, kingdoms were disputed by six kings. Argilac Durrendon declared himself Storm King Co nque st of t he Riverla nds of the Stormlands, Mern IX Gardener was King of the Reach, Loren I Lannister was King of the a nd I ro n Isla nds Rock, Ronnel Arryn was King of the Mountain Sam: He sounds scary... he first struck northwest and the Vale, Torrhen Stark was King in the against the King of the Iron Islands, Harren the North and Harren Hoare claimed kingship of the Black. King Harren ruled both the Iron Islands Iron Islands and the Riverlands. Princess Mariya and the Riverlands from his newly completed Martell ruled Dorne. monstrous fortress of Harrenhal, the greatest His conquest began in 2BL (about 6000 years Westeros has ever known, which was considered after the Andal invasion) when Aegon Targaryen impregnable against siege or storm.
Post-Season One
13
Aemon: Ah yes, the overconfident King Harren
refused to surrender, Aegon flew his dragon Balerion over Harrenhal’s defenses and burned Harren and his sons alive within its walls. The remaining ironborn fled back to the Iron Islands, Aegon hounded them all the way back with the aid of the Riverlords, where he demanded their fealty. The ironborn elected Lord Vickon Greyjoy of Pyke to lead them, and Greyjoy and Tully were among the first to swear their fealty to Aegon. For Tully’s service, Aegon made them overlords of the Riverlands, making all other lords along the Trident swear fealty to them.
Aegon flew Balerion over Harrenhall's walls and burnt it to the ground.
Illustrations by William Simpson ©HBO
Co nque st of t he Sto r mla nds
Balerion, Vhagar and Meraxes combined their fires against the mighty host.
assembled their armies to face the Targaryens. Their army, dubbed ‘The Host of the Two Kings’, numbered 55,000 while the Targaryens had only 10,000 men, many of uncertain loyalty and reliability. The battle was going badly for the Targaryen army but Aegon and his sisters chose to deploy all three dragons at once; the only time this happened during the war. With Rhaenys on Meraxes, Visenya on Vhagar and Aegon on the monstrous Balerion, their combined fires scoured the battlefield, slaughtering more than four thousand men (including King Mern and his heirs) and giving the battle its name: The Field of Fire. After he was captured, King Loren bent the knee and was allowed to remain Lord of Casterly Rock and became the first Warden of the West. With Mern dead, Aegon accepted the surrender of Harlen Tyrell, Mern’s steward, and appointed him overlord of the Reach. This infuriated House Florent, who had a superior blood-claim to the Gardener line, but Aegon dismissed this.
In the east, Orys Baratheon, Aegon’s alleged bastard half-brother and closest friend, led an army against Storm’s End with the aid of Rhaenys on Meraxes. King Argilac the Arrogant soon lived up to his name. Rather than take shelter behind the walls of his fortress, he took to the field, confident of victory. A pitched battle was fought and Orys Baratheon slew Argilac in single combat. After the battle, Argella Durrendon, Sam: My mother used to go on about that all the daughter of Argilac, declared herself the the time Storm Queen and continued to hold Storm’s End. Aemon: Keep reading and you’ll see how the However, the garrison at Storm’s End surrendered north was conquered the castle after taking Argella and bringing her to Orys naked and in chains. Orys then clothed her. Aegon gave to Orys; Argilac’s sigil, castle, lands Co nque st of t he No r t h and daughter as rewards for his victory. Sam: A host of northmen under the leadership of the King In The North, Torrhen Stark, marched Co nque st of t he We sterla nds south towards the Riverlands and Aegon halted his southern advance, mustered his troops and a nd t he Re a ch dragons to meet him on the banks of the Red Fork After their separate engagements, the Targaryens of the Trident, east of Riverrun. Torrhen intended and their dragons met at the Stoney Sept in to engage Aegon in battle, but viewing Aegon’s response to the gathering of a great host in the vast host and his dragons made Torrhen realise his west. Alarmed at the sweeping success of the folly and instead he bent the knee in submission. invaders, King Loren Lannister of the Rock and Aegon named him Warden of the North and Lord King Mern of the Reach made an alliance and of Winterfell. Many years later, an inn was built
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Swords & Sigils Issue 2
on the site of this event, known as the Inn of the Kneeling Man.
Rhaenys rode Meraxes into Dorne to little avail. Torrhen Stark would not submit his men to dragon fire so he bent the knee.
Co nque st of t he Vale Aemon: The head of House
Arryn, King of the Mountains and the Vale was a young boy, Ronnel Arryn. His mother, Sharra Arryn, ruled as regent. She sent a massive army to the Bloody Gate and then returned to the Eyrie for safety. Visenya Targaryen simply rode Vhagar, up into the courtyard of the Eyrie. The regent then rushed outside to see the young king seated on the dragon begging for a ride. The regent acknowledged King Aegon’s supremacy, and the young king got his ride.
untaken. A thousand pinpricks did what a single pitched battle could not, and Aegon chose to withdraw and leave Dorne an independent nation. Now in control of six of the Seven Kingdoms, Aegon I Targaryen, and now known as Aegon the Conqueror, announced the founding of a new castle, the Red Keep, and a new capital city, King’s Landing, on the site where he landed on the shores of Westeros, Aegon had melted the swords of those who had opposed him into a throne, the Iron Throne, as a reminder of their submission to the Targaryens.
Dorne remained unconquered and was acknowledged as a sovereign state under the rule of the Martells of Sunspear and Aegon devoted Sam: Haha he must have been really brave...or the remainder of his life to the consolidation of his stupid. realm.
B at tle wit h D o r ne
Illustrations by William Simpson ©HBO
Sam: Oh there’s some more about Dorne here... Rhaenys led an invasion of Dorne in an attempt to secure the southernmost lands as well. The army was taken through the Red Mountains, but the Dornish, having learned of the mistakes made at the Field of Fire and Harrenhal, refused to give open battle or hide in their castles, instead striking supply lines and engaging in guerilla warfare and melting away before the dragons could be brought to bear.
Aemon:
It took almost another 200 years before Dorne joined as the 7th Kingdom of Westeros, when Baelor the Blessed made peace with Dorne instead, marrying off his cousin to Myriah Martell. When this prince ruled as Daeron II, he made another marriage pact, offering his younger sister Daenerys to the ruling Prince of Dorne Maron Martell, finally joining Dorne to the rest of the Seven Kingdoms through a peaceful alliance. Before officially joining the realm, the Dornishmen fought alongside Daeron II’s forces (being led by his half-Martell son Baelor Breakspear), helping to suppress the Blackfyre Rebellion. Even though they are no longer independent and now owe allegiance to the Iron Throne, the ruling Martells still use the title prince, unlike their lordly counterparts in the rest of the Seven Kingdoms.
Rhaenys captured holdfasts to no avail, as their people had already fled, leaving only the elderly and infirm. Frustrated, Rhaenys flew directly to Sunspear to demand Princess Mariya’s surrender. Mariya instead informed her that, “This is Dorne. You are not wanted here, return at your peril.” Rhaenys replied that she would return with Sam: The Blackfyre Rebellion? What was that? “Fire and blood,” but Mariya simply replied, “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken.” The Targaryen Aemon: We’ll read about it another time, go army withdrew from Dorne, leaving the country tend to the ravens.
Post-Season One
15
It gives us great pleasure to present our featured artist this issue - Anita Puskรกs! Anita is a 21-year-old multitalented artist/designer with an incredible Art Nouveau inspired style all of her own. Hailing from what some US citizens may call Middle Earth but to everyone else is Hungary (apparently a student from the USA thought the area of Hungary, on a blind map of Europe was Middle Earth) in the city of Szeged, she studied graphic design at secondary school but disliked the tasks and instead started to draw her own stuff as a hobby. She is also interested in writing and wishes to write her own novel in the near future. She started to watch Game of Thrones on a friend's recommendation (smart friend) and after becoming so immersed in the series decided to read the books too. We are very excited to be able to feature some of her wonderful GoT fan art opposite. We love that she doesn't just base her characters on the series alone. We also asked her a few questions! You can see more of Anita's work at http://mustamirri.deviantart.com
Who's your favourite character from the show?
I've adored Arya from the start, but I must say Jaime is really close to being my number one too. He has one of the best character developments throughout the story. I also like Brienne so much, but I could mention almost all of the characters, because they're so well written, that it makes it easy to like something about all of them.
What band or artist would you like to hear in the series?
I just want more of The National, because they did a very good job with the Rains of Castamere. I would also love to hear the Mumford and Sons playing one of the famous songs in Westeros, because I think some of their music would really fit into the world of Game of Thrones.
What Actor or Actress do you think should be added to the cast?
Before season 3, I wanted to see Maggie Smith as the Queen of Thorns, but Diana Rigg did a really great job with the role too. Helena Bonham Carter is one of my favourite actresses, so it would be extremely great to see her in the show, but I can feel that will just remain a dream.
16
Which character would you say you relate to the most?
I'd have to say, that character is Podrick Payne, he has almost the exact same personality as me. But there is a little Sansa (naivety and bewilderment of life) and Arya (tomboyness) in me too.
If you had your own House what would its Sigil look like?
I might not be so creative with this, but maybe a gun would be on it, because my surname means "gunman" in English. Or it would just be a spider, because some people find them adorable, and others find them creepy, and it's a great mixture.
Shag/Marry/Behead?
Jaime / Gendry / Ramsay (but I'm afraid he would probably come back to life and torture me to death).
Who do you think should have the power?
Someone who is both strong in mind and strong physically. That one would be Tyrion... with dragons.
Describe the show in five words or less. Blood, nudity and dead characters.
Swords & Sigils Issue 2
1 1. Faith of the Seven 2. Wolf Blood 3. Mother of Dragons 4. Tyrell Siblings © Anita Puskás
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3
Post-Season One
4
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Our resident Quizmaster and badass extraordinaire Stannis Baratheon asks the questions and you must answer.
And remember... the Lord of Light will know if you cheat.
QUESTION 1: Who is this character?
QUESTION 6: Which Lannister did Robb Stark capture? QUESTION 7: What is the name of the sword Lord Commander Mormont gave Jon?
QUESTION 2: Daenerys eats the heart of which animal in a Dothraki ritual?
Screenshots ŠHBO
QUESTION 3: Which animal mortally wounded Robert Baratheon?
QUESTION 8: Arya watches the execution of her father from behind a statue of whom? QUESTION 9: Where is Janos Slynt named the lord of?
QUESTION 4: What did Jon throw at the Wight to kill it?
LIGHTBRINGERS QUESTION: What is the name of the Maegi healer that Daenerys saved?
QUESTION 5: Who did Eddard Stark send to capture Gregor Clegane?
SEE HOW WELL YOU DID BELOW.
0
1-2
3-5
You are not worthy of the lightbringer. Sentenced to burning at the stake.
Removing a few fingers will serve as a permanent reminder of your failures.
6-7
8-9
A lengthy spell in the dungeons of Dragonstone may provide incentive to study harder.
You are starting to follow the path toward the light.
Worthy enough to be a trusted knight in my army.
Post-Season One
10
The fires foretold me of your coming...
19
Our resident Agony Grandmother tries to dissolve the angst felt by the people of Westeros. Dear Aunt I am struggling to come to terms with my situation - on the one hand my family are going through a tough time and I want to be there for them, but I have sworn a sacred vow to my new job. Help me decide how to choose what's more important - family or my sacred vow? O: If such a vow was sacred then this promise is between yourself and the Gods. One could question your decision in the first place to make such a vow but now that it is made, you should adhere to it. That being said, the Mother represents mercy and if you genuinely believe that being there for your family is more important than your duty then the Gods shall understand. After all, just because the vow is sacred does not mean the Gods decided the duty itself. Dear Aunt, I'm really struggling to get on with my father at the moment. I have travelled many miles to be with him, brought with me fierce warriors to be his allies and shown courage on the battlefield yet he still addresses me with great disdain. Now he has given me a task and I feel I can't impress him even if I try. How can I remove this hatred between us? O: You have certainly tried very hard to do your father proud. The easiest way to remove the hatred between you both is to first, remove the hatred within yourself. As for your father, his hatred for you is for him to bear. If you are worth being proud of, then it is his foolishness to disapprove. I would advise you take this task, try your hardest to succeed but not for him to judge, but for yourself. Because you don't need your father's approval, you can be your own judge. Dear Aunt, I shit you not, I am a god damn wizard with a sword, even kings would fall on my blade. It just seems that no matter how hard I try I fail to please my father. I honestly thought good looks and playing with swords were the two main objectives in life. How can I become the man I'm supposed to be?
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O: Excellent swordsmanship is a desirable trait although I would advise a greater praise for your abilities than to be able to slay a man who sits on his throne with servants at his every call. As for becoming what you ought to be, that is for you to decide. However it would seem pleasing your father seems to be your goal. Although it is for you decide your goal, I can say that setting one that's dependant on another's emotions can be a fruitless ordeal where all your effort and sacrifice can prove pointless at the ignorance of another. So please ask yourself, if you were to die, what would be your biggest regret? If it's failing to gain your father's acceptance then that answers what you want most. But then ask yourself, what should you want most? Dear Aunt. I've recently been injured. My clan and I think I should take the pain and man up but my wife however wants me to be healed by this creepy black magic woman. How do I keep my wife happy and keep the respect of my clan? O: I'm not sure which clan you represent but I certainly cannot see how refusing to fight death is to "man up". You should man up by fighting death for your clan, your wife and, most importantly, yourself. Not only is that the braver choice, but as a leader and a husband, there are responsibilities you have to uphold. Only then can you keep your wife happy and, provided they can see sense, maintain your clansmen's respect. Although, as for black magic, you know what they say. Once you go black.... Dear Aunt, I recently signed up for duty on the wall. After looking out over the frozen lands beyond the wall I suddenly realise how much I miss looking at girls, I mean, honestly, I'm a full on pervert. Here I am stuck with a bunch of hunky bearded blokes, and I mean compared to these guys I am a complete coward. I need advice on how to take my mind off other things, how do I focus on the fight, how do I live up to the words of my Oath?
O: Firstly, to willingly choose the wall I'm not sure whether to commend your sacrifice to a supposedly great cause or simply deem you a fool. As for taking your mind off of your lustful desires, with your eyes open that should take only time. It won't be long until you see a fellow crow die on duty, for serving the night's watch is not a risk free task. Eventually you will fight to avenge your brothers. However, if you're incapable of such compassion, I'm sure when the time of a fight comes, your fear will keep your focus on the fight and not on life's finer fruits. As for keeping up your Oath, that will require great resolve but you obviously believed in the cause to have willingly signed up to the Night's Watch. So remember this whenever doubt surfaces. Dear aunt. I have received news that I have been granted leave to return home after a long time in exile. Yet here I stand. I am deeply troubled by the news of my freedom because the mission I was sent here to fulfil has now changed and I now wish to stand behind a great leader. If I stay here perhaps I will be thought of as a councillor, a friend and maybe, maybe, one day, something more. However, can I really turn down a pardon, and the chance to cross the narrow sea and return to my homeland just to be someone's confidant? O: You obviously care for where and who you are currently with. Many men and women leave their home in search of happiness. Despite leaving in unwilling circumstances, you already are on your own path, one that you are happy with. In our realm, many would sacrifice a lot to hold such happiness. Besides, choosing to continue your current path does not mean turning down your pardon or homeland. See this as a positive, that you are now pardoned by your homeland and free to travel back whenever you like. Feel free to send your agonies by raven to queen_of_thorns@highgarden.wr
Swords & Sigils Issue 2
HOUSE OF HOROSCOPES The Warlocks of Qarth make their predictions...
Father
Mother
Maiden
You will be relied upon to defend your master's honour while others attempt to deny your own. Under your protection lives will be saved.
It is up to you to ensure secrets are kept. Your protection instincts will come into play. A love you once felt for another long ago will die.
You face being betrayed by someone you believe to be your beloved. Remain loyal by not trusting others who would also betray you.
Warrior
Crone
Smith
It will fall to you to bring justice and vengeance. Your bravery and strength will aid you in your quest. Forging and maintaining allegiances will make or break you.
Your dreams will become stronger, more vivid and more real. You will lose an important figure in your life but you are on the verge of mastering a crucial skill.
You will find your talents at swordplay evenly matched by aggressors. There will be several threats against those you care about. Your enemies may trick you but don't give up.
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Stranger
The OLd Gods
Do not trust dark powers for they will bring death to those you love. Faith in you may wither but you will reveal yourself to be a powerful leader.
You will soon appreciate the value of knowledge and friendship. You will become aware of a great threat to life, as you know it.
Swords & Sigils Issue 2
So, that insincere, illegitimate, inbred excuse for a king actually did it, beheaded me, Ned Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. The little shit. My say in all this isn't over. Not by a long way. My family survive me and every one of them is out for Lannister blood. It won't be long till we've got them out of King's Landing and have the rightful heir on the throne: that Gendry lad. Good strong boy, that. Royal blood coursing through his veins. Long as he stays clear of those leeches in politics he'll be fine. And if not him, Stannis will hopefully get his act together and avenge Robert and me.
I had to watch my family react to the news of my death. It's not easy for a ghost to watch his son ruin a good sword against a tree like that. Still, at least Robb's got my bannermen to support him. With men like Greatjon Umber and Roose Bolton at his side he'll be King of the North in no time. Still, sword antics or no, it was better than Jon. First thing he did when he learned of my death was run from his post at the Night's Watch, luckily to be brought back to his senses by the fat one. If only he took after his brother, Robb; Jon would run from his own wedding. While we're on the subject of useless sons, both of my youngest, Bran and Rickon, prove to have the sight and yet neither of them saw what was in store for me. What use is the sight if you're only going to see things after the fact?
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And, Sansa, she's been a disappointment. First she fainted at the execution. I mean, honestly, it was a little bit of blood - it was worse for me. Then, there she is with a ripe opportunity to give Joffrey a shove off a ledge and she bottles it, talked down by The Hound. I don't trust that man, wouldn't want him hanging around either of my girls. At least Arya's got a pair. Did you see her threaten that kid with Needle? Made me proud. It's almost a shame Yoren's taking her out the city, she could do some damage if she stuck around. Still, at least I can rest in peace when she's back safe at Winterfell. Catelyn didn't let me down. Smacked that sister-laying bastard right in the face. I'd give my right hand to fight him again, without his Lannister lackeys this time.
Swords & Sigils Issue 2
WHAT WE
HODORE!
This section is a lot like Hodor, its simple - here you'll see what GoT related stuff we're currently loving!
Richard Madden being brilliantly childish.
This tear-jerkingly good comparison to The Lion King.
The legend who made this brilliant meme. The wonderful GoT inspired Simpsons intro.
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Swords & Sigils Issue 2
This Adventure Time/GoT crossover by Gilles Bone.
This brilliant Hodor Cosplay.
This image of Daenerys by Artgerm.
This design available at www.onceuponatee.net
Post-Season One
Please send us any images or links to things you think we might like for our next issue to: swordsandsigils@gmail.com or get in touch on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/swordsandsigils
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THANKS AGAIN. There is a large number of things and people, that without which, this fanzine would never have been possible to make. To you we say thanks. George R. R. Martin (well of course)
HBO, David Benioff & D.B Weiss
(for making such an immersive televisual experience)
James' Mum
(for coming up with the name of the zine)
A Wiki of Ice and Fire & Game of Thrones Wiki (a tremendous source of info)
Our facebook followers and friends
(for giving us encouragement and ideas)
And you, the person reading this. For being the reason we have made this. Editors Note: I would personally like to say a huge thank you to the editorial team who continue to put aside their free time to make this awesome zine. This is a legal disclaimer in case someone decides they hate what we've made: Swords & Sigils is a non-profit entity. All character names and personalities are the intellectual property of George R. R. Martin. All photographs and screenshots (unless otherwise credited) are the property of HBO's Game of Thrones. The opinions expressed by the Swords & Sigils Editorial Team are theirs alone (fictitious or not), and do not reflect the opinions of George R. R. Martin or HBO. Swords & Sigils is not responsible for any distasteful and unsavoury translation or interpretation of its content. All illustrations and artistic works featured in this publication are owned by their credited authors, are subject to copyright and may only be reproduced with the permission of the creator. Swords & Sigils is written and created by fans for fans.
Post-Season One
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ISSUE 3 IS COMING...
SWORDS & SIGILS